Kingsman actor, Mark Strong is currently in talks to star in New Line’s DC universe venture, Shazam as the supervillain Doctor Sivana, which could see him go up against the recently recruited Zachery Levi as the film protagonist.
Sivana is a self-described mad scientist with a penchant for developing unusual technologies, and who often plots to do away with Captain Marvel and his Marvel Family, but is often thwarted in his plans. His trademark phrases are “Curses! Foiled again!” and his mocking laughter “Heh! Heh! Heh!”
Shazam!, follows a boy named Billy Batson, who can transform into an adult superhero by uttering the magic word “Shazam!” The name is an acronym of the ancient world gods and historical figures Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury, from which Batson derives his heroic attributes when in adult form.
This wouldn’t be the first time Strong has taken up the comic book villain; back in 2011, he played the role of Sinestro in Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern.
Strong will next be seen in Fox Network espionage thriller Deep State where he takes on the role of Max Easton, a retired Secret Service operative and member of elite British/America team called The Section, coaxed back into the field to try to shut down an Iranian missile program in an eight-episode series.
David Sandberg will take the helm on a screenplay adapted by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke, Annabelle: Creation’s Peter Safran producing, reuniting once again with Sandberg.
Shazam will be the next to start filming from the Warner Bros DC Universe.
