It looks like Zachary Levi is already trying to get the strength of Hercules for his starring role in Shazam! Though Shazam, aka Captain Marvel, has always had a huge following in the comic book world, modern audiences aren't as familiar with the hero. As such, the announcement of a Shazam solo movie alongside the likes of The Flash and Justice League caught fans by surprise a few years back.

Since then, fan speculation has run wild about who could help bring the character to life, with actors like John Cena and Alan Ritchson being heavily thrown out. Taking everyone by surprise, however, it was announced yesterday that Zachary Levi will star in Shazam! Best known for his role as a superpowered geek in Chuck and playing the foppish Fandral in Thor: The Dark World, the often comedic actor at once feels like a strange choice. Then again, we know Shazam! will have a lighter tone - keeping it in line with the source material. As for the superhero physique, it looks as if Levi has that covered.

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Eric Blackmon tweeted out that last night that he and his friend Levi just put in a grueling session at the gym. Every actor has their own regimen when it comes time to prepare for a superhero role, and we've certainly seen some starling transformations in the past. Hopefully, Levi will be able to fill the tights of Earth's Mightiest Mortal.

Superhero casting news is always divisive, and Shazam! director David F. Sandberg is already bracing himself for backlash. Still, Levi has had a surprisingly warm reception. The biggest concern amongst fans seems to be his build, something that can easily be fixed with diet and exercise. Shooting isn't scheduled to begin until February, giving Levi plenty of time to bulk up. And as actors like Henry Cavill and Hugh Jackman have proven, actors can easily continue to add mass for each iteration of a hero.

While Shazam's cartoonish proportions would certainly have been more achievable from an established action star, Levi's casting makes it clear what Sandberg, Warner Bros, and DC are more concerned about. Muscle can be worked on, but the right match in terms of tone and character is something not just any actor can do. Considering Shazam! is a magical wish-fulfillment story about a 10-year-old boy who can transform into a Superman-like figure, it makes sense to bring aboard someone like Levi. In fact, horror veteran Sandberg serving as director is a far more questionable hire. Luckily, we won't have to wait much longer to begin seeing the fruits of the collaboration between Levi and Sandberg on Shazam!

NEXT: What Zachary Levi Could Look Like as Shazam

Source: Eric Blackmon