A comic book superhero who's been around as long as Batman and Superman is finally get his time to shine thanks to the release of Shazam!

While DC comics are famous for the intense superhero films such as the Batman trilogy, the new flick sees them trying out something new. Here's what we know about the film...

3 Zachary Levi will be taking on the leading role of Shazam!, the new film from the DC Extended Universe Credit: Alamy

What's Shazam! about?

The superhero flick tells the story of Billy Batson, a 14-year-old teenager who is granted magical powers by a mysterious wizard.

Billy is suddenly able to turn into an adult superhero every time he shouts "SHAZAM!".

Unfortunately, he still has the mental capacity of a young boy even when he turns into muscular superhero.

From what has been shown in the trailers, the movie ditches the usual DC trend of moody and dark hero films and instead goes full force in following Marvel comics formula of comedic heroes.

This will be the first full-length feature film centred around Shazam!

3 The superhero flick tells the story of Billy Batson, a 14-year-old teenager who is turned into a superhero by a mysterious wizard. Credit: Alamy

Who is in the Shazam! cast?

Zachary Levi will be taking on the leading role of Shazam!

Fans will recognise the actor from shows like Chuck and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, as well as being the voice behind Tangled's Flynn Rider.

Here are the other stars that will join Zachary and their roles.

Asher Angel as Billy Batson

Djimon Hounsou as The Wizard who gives Shazam! his powers

Mark Strong as villain Dr. Thaddeus Sivana

Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman, Billy's friend and confidante

Natalia Safran as Mrs. Sivana

Grace Fulton as Mary Bromfield

Marta Milans as Rosa Vasquez

Caroline Palmer as Billy's Mom

Ian Chen as Eugene Choi

Carson McCormac as Brett Bryer

Andi Osho as Ms. Glover

Cooper Andrews as Victor Vasquez

3 Shazam! will hit theatres across the UK on April 5, 2019. Credit: Alamy

When is the Shazam! release date in the UK?

Shazam! will hit theatres across the UK on April 5, 2019.

The upcoming D.C superhero movie will be distributed by Warner Bros and is the seventh installment in the DC Extended Universe.

It's release comes weeks after Marvel's Captain Marvel, which is ironic seeing as Shazam! original name was Captain Marvel.