Michael Pena is reportedly in talks to join the cast of Marvel's next film adaptation, 'Ant-Man'.

The 38 year-old, who most recently appeared in 'American Hustle', has been offered an unknown role and wants to join the production when it begins to shoot this spring, The Wrap reports.

Circulating rumours imply that Pena could take a villainous role, with insiders revealing the studio to be looking for a 'tough latino' who can take a physically challenging role, according to THR.

Marvel have allegedly denied the 'End Of Watch' actor will be joining the cast.

The Edgar Wright-directed comic adaptation is already in full swing of its casting calls.

The speculation of Pena comes a day after Marvel announced Michael Douglas has joined the movie as scientist 'Dr. Hank Pym', it will be the actor's first venture in the superhero world.

"With Hank Pym's rich history in the Marvel Universe, we knew we needed an actor capable of bringing the weight and stature to the role that the character deserves," Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said in a statement.

"We felt incredibly relieved when Michael Douglas agreed to step into the part with the charm and fortitude he brings to every character he inhabits, and couldn't be more excited to see what he will do to bring Hank Pym to life."

Last December (2013), Marvel studios also announced their lead man will be comedian Paul Rudd, the 'Anchorman 2' actor will also be portraying a superhero for the first time as he will play 'Scott Lang' aka 'Ant-Man'.

The comic book of the miniature hero was first created by Stan lee in 1962, it depicts a scientist who develops a formula, when discovering subatomic particles, enabling him to shrink rapidly to insect size.

Lang enters the story years later and acts as Pym's successor as he uses the scientist's methods to occupy the superhero.

'Ant-Man' is slated for a release date of July 31st 2015.

Paul Rudd
Paul Rudd will star as 'Ant-Man' in the upcoming comic adaptation