It's been a long time coming, but it seems like New Line is about to mount a big-screen adaptation of DC Comics' Shazam character ... and they seem to be starting off in a decidedly comedic direction: The helmer will be Peter Segal, whose films I will list if you click the "more" button...

From The Hollywood Reporter: "Peter Segal has come aboard to direct "Shazam!" -- an adaptation of a DC Comics' comic book series featuring Captain Marvel -- for New Line Cinema. Segal also will produce along with Michael Ewing via their Callahan Filmworks banner. The comic series focused on young Billy Batson, who becomes the superhero known as Captain Marvel when he utters the magic word "Shazam!" The name is an acronym for six gods and heroes of the ancient world as well as their attributes: the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Aries, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury. Writers on the long-gestating project include William Goldman and Bryan Goluboff."

As promised, here is Peter Segal's filmography: Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994), Tommy Boy (1995), My Fellow Americans (1996), Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps (2000), Anger Management (2003), 50 First Dates (2004), and The Longest Yard (2005). (I can see it now: Adam Sandler as Shazam!)