Dwayne Johnson Will Be Black Adam In ‘Shazam’: But Who Will Play The Film’s Hero?

The Rock has chosen. Weeks after announcing that he would appear in the upcoming DC Comics film "Shazam" and teasing that he hadn't yet decided which character he'd play, Dwayne Johnson took to Twitter to reveal that he would be starring as the movie's villain, Black Adam.

One mystery remains, however. Who will play Shazam?

"'Kneel at his feet or get crushed by his boot.' My honor to become.. #BlackAdam #TheAntiHero #DC Comics," wrote Johnson, posting a picture of the film's antagonist holding Shazam in a headlock.

Johnson hinted earlier this summer that he had been drawn to the character of Black Adam in the past. The villain originated as an evil ancient Egyptian who became Shazam's greatest foe. However, over the years, writers of the comic series evolved Black Adam's story, transforming him into an anti-hero who pursued Shazam in order to clear his name.

With the hashtag clues linked to Johnson's twitter post, it seems the film version of the story will likely make Black Adam sympathetic, or at least allow audiences to identify with him.

Johnson, who had once been attached to star in another film rendering of the Shazam comics, which was never made, has the full support of New Line Cinema, the company producing the project.

"We Love Dwayne and have had nothing but success with him over the years," Toby Emmerich, President and COO of New Line recently stated. "When I look at Dwayne both off screen and on screen, he is such a larger than life character and it just made perfect sense to me that we put him in a DC comic movie. You look at these comic book characters and they have this certain swag and charisma that Dwayne carries with him where ever he is so that's why this always made sense."

As for the remaining pieces of production puzzle, Variety reports that Darren Lemke, who wrote "Shrek Forever After" and "Jack the Giant Slayer," will pen the script.

The director for the comic book-inspired film is not yet known. Nor is the actor to be cast in the title role. When the word Shazam (an acronym) is spoken, the hero adopts the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury.  

But with Johnson taking such a pivotal role in the film, who can stand up to the towering Black Adam? We'll just have to wait and see.