Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling is reportedly a hot contender to take on the role of Batman in the Man of Steel sequel.

Actors Josh Brolin and True Blood star Joe Manganiello are also rumoured to be in the running for the role of the caped crusader Bruce Wayne in Zach Snyder's new project, Batman vs Superman, the Hollywood Reporter said.

"Wayne/Batman will be in the late 30s or around the 40 mark. He will be established and rugged. This new movie will not seek to recount an origin story or the rise of the Dark Knight," a source said.

Gosling is the youngest in the mix, followed by British actor Matthew Goode, 35, who made a name for himself in chilling thriller Stoker. Brolin, 46, is currently thought to be the front runner to play the role because of his history with Warner Bros studios.

"Brolin is the front runner at this stage, but a studio source dismissed the chatter, saying that the casting process hasn't even begun," the source added. Manganiello, 36, is also said to be in the running after missing out on the role of Clark Kent in Man of Steel to Henry Cavill.

Meanwhile, The Hobbit actor Richard Armitage and 'Pacific Rim' star Max Martini have equally been named as contenders.

Frank Miller is currently advising director Snyder and others on a story, and the script has yet to be finalised.

Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder will serve as producers while Christopher Nolan, who directed the most recent Batman trilogy, and Emma Thomas are set to executive produce.

The movie is set to begin production in 2014 with a 2015 release date. — Reported by HT