Dwayne Johnson to play Black Adam in Shazam

Los Angeles  - Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is to play Black Adam in Shazam.

The actor suggested last month that he will play a starring role in the eagerly-awaited film, but refused to confirm which of the characters he would play.

However, he's ended the speculation by writing on Twitter:

"Kneel at his feet or get crushed by his boot." My honor to become.. #BlackAdam #TheAntiHero #DCComics pic.twitter.com/Qk55eNf3R7

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 3, 2014

The character of Black Adam - who was created by cartoonists Otto Binder and CC Beck in 1945 - is an archaeologist who is transformed into a powerful ancient Egyptian.

The role will see Johnson play the part of Shazam's greatest adversary.

Johnson, 42, revealed in a Twitter Q&A session earlier this year that he met with Warner Bros. to discuss starring in a movie based on a DC Comics property.

He tweeted at the time: "We just had a big meeting w/ Warner Bros CEO re: @DCComics 2014 we will partner up and create the cool bad assery. #RockTalk (sic)"

Shazam is set to be released in 2016.

The star also recently appeared in the action movie 'Hercules', in which he portrayed the titular leader.