(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Javier Bardem has reportedly been offered the lead role in The Dark Tower movie franchise.

The series of films will be adapted from American author Stephen Kings collection of books of the same name. There has been intense speculation over who will win the lead role of Roland Deschain, a man descended from a long line of gunslingers, peacekeepers and diplomats whose quest is to visit the tower in the title.

It was recently reported Christian Bale was ahead of Javier and Viggo Mortensen in the race, but Javier is now thought to have triumphed.

Three movies are in the pipeline, as well as a TV series, and producer Brian Grazer has seemingly confirmed the casting. We want Javier, he told New York Post at a recent Hollywood party.

Javier missed out on the best actor Oscar at yesterdays ceremony in Los Angeles. He was nominated for his role in Biutiful, but the prize eventually went to Colin Firth thanks to his portrayal of Britains King George VI in The Kings Speech.

Javier attended the event, held at Hollywoods Kodak Theater, alongside his wife Penlope Cruz. The pair welcomed their first child, a son called Leo, on January 22, and it was the first time they have been seen at an official event together since.

Penlope is already back in shape, choosing a red sparkly L'Wren Scott dress with plunging neckline and thin straps, while Javier opted for a black three-piece suit. (C) Cover Media