The Superman sequel could see the return of Krypton's most vile criminal, a villain played by Jude Law.
British newspaper Express claims Jude Law is in talks to play General Zod in the planned sequel to Superman Returns.
Terence Stamp, who now voices Jor-El in the Smallville series, was the first big screen Zod in Superman II (1980).
The paper quotes a Warner Bros. source as saying: "Zod is going to be the main bad guy in the second film. Some say they should use an unknown but the director Bryan Singer is looking at Jude. The similarities between him and Stamp are clear."
Law turned down an offer to play Superman two years ago, saying: "My greatest fear is that a role like that would define me. Do I want to be known from here on in as Superman?
"I’d feel the same way about being James Bond. They are iconic characters and there is also pressure in stepping into someone else’s tights."
Reportedly, Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey will return as Superman/Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, respectively.