Joaquin Phoenix is reportedly close to taking the main villain role in Man of Steel 2, a.k.a. Batman vs. Superman.

Phoenix is allegedly "very close" to taking the villain role part in Man of Steel 2, according to a new report by ComicBookMovie. The report cites a source close to production who has also revealed that the main villain will be Lex Luthor, so the publication expects an official announcement to be made soon.

Phoenix was originally rumored to be joining the cast of Man of Steel 2 after a December report by Variety claimed that he was the frontrunner to play a villain part. This would be the actor's first role in a blockbuster since 2000's Gladiator.

The source via ComicBookMovie is also claiming that Superman's (Henry Cavill) appearance will be changing slightly from his Man of Steel look. For one, his hair will be shorter and similar to his haircut in the comic Kingdom Come. He will also be sporting his signature "S" on his suit.

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Assuming he takes the part, Phoenix would be joining an all star cast that includes Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White and Diane Lane as Martha Kent.

Production on Man of Steel 2 is slated to begin in the spring despite the film's release date being pushed back nine months from its original 2015 release.

Man of Steel 2 is scheduled for release in theaters on May 6, 2016.

Tags: Man of Steel 2 Batman vs. Superman Lex Luthor Joaquin Phoenix