(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Kevin Costner has been linked to a key role in the new Superman movie.

The 56-year-old star has reportedly attracted the attention of movie bosses working on a reboot of the superhero franchise. It is not yet known which character Costner will play, but it has been suggested it could be Jonathan Kent, the adoptive human father of Superman.

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.

Deadline Hollywood has reported there is heightened interest in Costner for a key role in the upcoming film, which will be directed by Zack Snyder.

British actor Henry Cavill was recently unveiled as the latest actor to portray Superman a.k.a. the Man of Steel - and his alter ego Clark Kent.

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