KEVIN COSTNER - COSTNER AND GIBSON GEAR UP FOR JR EWING BATTLE

KEVIN COSTNER, TOMMY LEE JONES and MEL GIBSON have now joined the list of names scrambling to play JR EWING in an upcoming movie version of classic TV show DALLAS.

While the producer insists no casting decisions will be finalised until the script is rewritten, JOHN TRAVOLTA has emerged as one of the favourites to play ruthless oil tycoon Ewing, originally portrayed by LARRY HAGMAN.

And sources say that Gibson is considering vying for the role, while Costner wants to see a rewrite first.

The movie, to be directed by ROBERT LUKETIC, also has JANE FONDA named as the likely candidate to take on the role of the late BARBARA BEL GEDDES' matriarch MISS ELLIE.

The favourite to play SUE ELLEN, originally portrayed by LINDA GRAY, is CATHERINE ZETA-JONES, but DEMI MOORE and JENNIFER LOPEZ are also wanting to nab the role, according to Daily Variety.

For the role of VICTORIA PRINCIPAL's PAMELA, DREW BARRYMORE and REESE WITHERSPOON have been eyed, while LUCY, portrayed on the show by CHARLENE TILTON, has ignited hopes for LINDSAY LOHAN, JESSICA SIMPSON and MANDY MOORE.