Zachary Levi to play NFL legend Kurt Warner in biopic

Zachary Levi is to play NFL legend Kurt Warner in a new biopic.

The 'Shazam!' actor is "thrilled" to have landed the role of the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback - who played in the top tier of American football from 1994 to 2008 - and the film, titled 'American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story', will be based on his memoir 'All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season', and interviews with the star.

Levi said: "Kurt's story is one of relentless faith - in his own abilities but even more so in a higher power.

"When I read Kurt's story, I identified with the quiet strength he found to persevere - that's something I think anybody can recognize in their own lives.

"This is the kind of underdog story that sports movies are all about, and the fact that it's true makes it even more special. I'm thrilled to be part of bringing his story to audiences."

Production on the Lionsgate movie is expected to start later this year, and the motion picture will be directed by brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin.

Jon said in a statement: "Zachary was our first and only choice.

"He brings a combination of humble charm and charisma as well as an intense physicality to the role. For our last several films, we have brought inspiring real-life stories to the big screen and there is something magnificent and magical to Kurt's rise as a champion."

Andrew added: "This is about an everyman who never let his dream die.

"Zachary was born to play this role - and when you add in his uncanny resemblance to Kurt Warner, we're thrilled to be working with him."

Warner led the St. Louis Rams to their first-ever Super Bowl title in 1999 in his first season as a starting quarterback, and during the match he produced a then-Super Bowl record 414 passing yards and threw a 73-yard touchdown. He was later awarded the Super Bowl MVP prize.