After languishing in development hell for over a decade, it finally seems DC Films' Shazam! movie is set to say the magic word and make the jump into production. It was recently revealed that the film is the next on DC Films' radar to shoot, and that director David F. Sandberg will officially helm the motion picture. Now, Sandberg has spoken out about what drew him to the project in light of his appearance at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

Speaking to IGN, Sandberg addressed whether or not his trend of doing films with young protagonists led him to take Shazam!, saying, "Yeah, just because it’s like the ultimate wish fulfillment, you know? Every kid wants to be Superman, and here’s a kid who gets the chance to be Superman, and you know, finds out that could also be a challenge.”

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Sandberg is the latest horror director to take the reins of a superhero film, after Scott Derrickson (Sinister) did so for Doctor Strange, and James Wan (the Conjuring) is set to do for Aquaman.

Dwayne Johnson, who long eyed the title role before opting to instead play his foe Black Adam, reportedly won’t be involved in Shazam! Warner Bros. announced plans for a Black Adam solo film early this year. Although Armie Hammer has been mentioned as a contender for the starring role, most recently by Johnson, there has been no casting news. That could change this weekend, of course, with Comic-Con International revving up in San Diego.

Shazam! is expected to begin principal photography early next year.