Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty) is in talks to play the role of John Connor in the upcoming Terminator reboot, Deadline reported Wednesday, Dec. 11.

The actor is up against Tom Hardy (Lawless), who was said back in November to be a frontrunner for the same role.

In the action film, John is Sarah's son and later leads the rebellion against the Skynet artificial intelligence system that is endangering the human race. The report also seemed to suggest that Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) was the strongest contender -- Brie Larson is also in the running -- for the role of Sarah Connor in the film.

Arnold Schwarzenneger is also confirmed to star in the film, but not as its lead character. In the past installments of the franchise Schwarzenneger played the role of the steely, relentless cyborg. This time around it seems like he will be coming back to earth and playing an exceptionally strong mortal. His character will be tasked with protecting Sarah and her family.

The film's writers, Patrick Lussier (Drive) and Laeta Kalogridis (Avatar), disclosed their idea for Schwarzenegger's character earlier in the year.

Some reports are still suggesting that Schwarzenneger will be reprising his role as a cyborg in the upcoming film.

Clarke previously starred in The Great Gatsby and White House Down. He is also part of the ensemble cast -- which includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, and John Hawkes -- for Baltasar Kormakur's Everest. Clarke is also set to star in the sequel of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Child 44. 

Terminator 5 is scheduled for release on July 1, 2015.

Watch this trailer of Terminator Salvation:

 

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