Still images from Shazam!, a movie adapted from one of DC Comics' most popular superheroes of the 1940s, which depicts a 14-year-old who inherits a wizard's power to transform himself into a god-like adult, played by Zachary Levi.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Levi says to bring to life a DC superhero is like a dream come true.

"I know when I was a little kid (that) I wanted to be a superhero. Even as an adult, I still want to be a superhero," says Levi, who came to China for the first time last month.

"Shazam is different from any other DC character that I've ever known," says Levi, adding that the role needs a convincing performance to make the audience see a child in a muscular, adult body.

So, for four months last year, Levi led a disciplined life, going to the gym six days each week and adhering to a diet majorly consisting of chicken and broccoli.