Actor Mark Strong is in negotiations to portray the role of an antagonist in DC's superhero movie "Shazam!".

The "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" actor might play the role of Doctor Sivana, the longtime arch-nemesis of Shazam!, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Actor Zachary Levi was earlier cast as the lead in the film, which follows a boy named Billy Batson who can transform into an adult superhero by uttering the magic word "Shazam!".

The film will be directed by David F Sandberg.

"Shazam!" is an acronym of the ancient world gods and historical figures Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury, from which the big Batson derives his heroic attributes when in adult form.

Strong also had an earlier stint with the DC Comics and had appeared in "The Green Lantern" as Sinestro.