Orlando Bloom as Batman? The "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor could be the next caped crusader, playing alongside Henry Cavill in the "Man of Steel" sequel.

According to Britain's The Daily Express, the hunky actor, 36, is the latest rumored star vying for the coveted role. Tyler Hoechlin, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Armie Hammer, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and some more popular actors could also be up for playing the Dark Knight.

But Bloom appears to be the top choice and frontrunner for the role left vacant by Christian Bale, reported the newspaper.

"Orlando looks odds-on to get the part even before our latest casting call," confrimed a senior source at Warner Bros., the movie studio behind the sequel, to the publication. 

"He would be perfect to play off Henry," the source continued, "and I think US audiences with be happy with two Brits as the joint male leads."

Bloom is expected to sign as Batman in the Fall before casting begins for actors to play the rest of the Justice League characters, reported the newspaper. The studio will find stars to take on the iconic roles of Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter.

Los Angeles-based media analyst Mike Raia said that British actors are making quite a name for themselves, reported the Daily Express.

"British stars are going to be the toast of Hollywood if Orlando does step up to take over the Batman role," Raia said. "It will mean for the first time ever, Brits will be in the three prime roles of Batman, Superman and Spider-Man and I don't think you'll hear a single American fan complaining."

He continued that Cavill, Bloom and Andrew Garfield of "The Amazing Spider-Man" all have star quality and are major box office draws. Pitching two of those stars together could cement their futures in those roles for years to come, he added.

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