Reynolds tipped for 'Lantern' lead

Ryan Reynolds is tipped to take the lead role in 'Green Lantern'.

'The Proposal' star is in the final stage of meetings for the much sought-after lead in the upcoming Warner Brothers movie based on the 1940s comic book hero, beating off competition from a host of stars including Bradley Cooper, Jared Leto and Justin Timberlake.

Director Martin Campbell and producers Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti have spent several months finalising casting after they each favoured different actors for the part.

If negotiations go well, Reynolds - who recently starred in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' and is to appear in the spin-off 'Deadpool' - will be the only actor to have played superheroes for both Marvel and DC Comic brands.

The 'Green Lantern' comic follows a pilot called Hal Jordan who is given a power ring and battery by a dying alien. By receiving the gifts, the otherwise ordinary man is instantly transformed into Green Lantern - a man who is "utterly honest and born without fear".

At present, 'Green Lantern' is scheduled for release on June 17, 2011.