Joaquin Phoenix may be the primary villain in the highly anticipated Batman vs. Superman film.

Sources close to the production on Batman vs. Superman told Variety that Phoenix is the top actor desired to play the villain in the blockbuster movie. It is also very early in the production process, and Variety is reporting that the actor may not take the role considering how much he has strayed from blockbusters lately.

The primary villain of Batman vs. Superman is still unknown at this time, though the resounding rumor is that it will be Lex Luthor, nemesis to Superman. Several actors have been rumored to be playing Lex Luthor, including Bryan Cranston, Terry O'Quinn, and, most recently, Denzel Washington.

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Other names that have gained more traction in the casting process are Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones) and Callan Mulvey (Zero Dark Thirty). However, neither actor is said to be playing the main villain, as Warner Bros. wants to feature an actor with a higher profile in the role.

Batman vs. Superman is shaping up to be a star-studded affair. Henry Cavill will be reprising his role as Superman, as will Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White and Diane Lane as Martha Kent. Ben Affleck will be starring as Batman, while Fast & Furious actress Gal Gadot has been cast as Wonder Woman.

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Batman vs. Superman, a.k.a. Man of Steel 2, is set for release in theaters on July 17, 2015.

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