According to The Hollywood Reporter, the long gestating movie based on DC's Shazam! comics (see 'ICv2 News - New Line Options Shazam!') took a leap forward with the announcement of John August as the screenwriter.

With features such as Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Big Fish to his credit, August has much experience working with Tim Burton, but this will be his first go with Shazam!-helmer Peter Segal (2008's Get Smart, The Longest Yard)

Previously William Goldman of Princess Bride fame and Cheaper by the Dozen scribes Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow had worked on adapting the property featuring the teenager who gains superpowers when he utters the phrase 'Shazam!'