(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Diane Lane is to play Supermans mother in the upcoming superhero movie.

The 46-year-old actress has joined the reboot of the superhero movie, taking on the role of Martha Kent the woman behind Clark Kent/Superman himself.

Superman is sent to Earth in a rocket as a boy and he is discovered by farmer Jonathan and his wife Martha in the town of Smallville. The couple decide to raise the infant as their own son, calling him Clark.

Director Zack Snyder is excited to have cast the Oscar-nominated actress in the pivotal role. He explained her part is key in the movie, and Diane is the perfect person to take on the role as she can convey the wisdom and wonder.

"This was a very important piece of casting for me because Martha Kent is the woman whose values helped shape the man we know as Superman. We are thrilled to have Diane in the role because she can convey the wisdom and the wonder of a woman whose son has powers beyond her imagination," he told ET.

Dianes involvement in the movie comes after reports that Kevin Costner has also been linked to a key role. It is not yet known which character the 56-year-old star will play, but it has been suggested it could be Jonathan Kent, the adoptive human father of Superman.

British actor Henry Cavill was recently unveiled as the latest actor to portray Clark Kent/Superman.

Christopher Nolan is producing the movie, while David S. Goyer is writing the screenplay for Warner Bros. The new Superman movie which has tentatively been given the title Man of Steel - has been scheduled to be released in December 2012. Production on the project could begin in June. (C) Cover Media