Mark Strong in Talks to Play DC Villain Opposite Zachary Levi’s ‘Shazam!’

Mark Strong is being given a second chance at playing a DC Comics villain in a superhero movie. The actor, who previously played Sinestro in the Green Lantern movie we wish we could all forget, is reportedly in talks to join the cast of Shazam!, the upcoming DC project from Annabelle: Creation director David Sandberg.

The Wrap reports on the latest Shazam! casting, which would see Strong take on the role of Sivana — the comics’ prolific villain and arch nemesis to the titular hero. Sivana is a talented scientist desperate to save his family from a mysterious trauma. When he aids in opening Black Adam’s recently discovered tomb, Sivana is struck by blinding light, which gives him magical abilities. Determined to save his family at any cost, Sivana decides to ditch science and rely on his dark new powers.

Zachary Levi is set to play the eponymous hero, Shazam, in the film, which is set to begin production early next year. Sandberg, who made his feature debut with the horror film Lights Out, is directing the project, which will arrive in theaters in 2019. Shazam! will be followed by a separate Black Adam movie, featuring Dwayne Johnson as the title character and DC Comics villain.