Josh Brolin - Josh Brolin cast in Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

Josh Brolin cast in Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

Josh Brolin will play the lead in 'Sin City: A Dame To Kill For'.

The Oscar-nominated actor has been cast as central character Dwight McCarthy in co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller's prequel to 2005 blockbuster 'Sin City', taking over from Clive Owen who played the hero in the original crime thriller.

The filmmakers said: ''Dwight is a constant character throughout the Sin City world and 'A Dame To Kill For' is a defining episode in his life. We're looking forward to Josh's take on Dwight.''

Dwight - one of the best-loved characters from Miller's original graphic novels - will be hunted down by the only woman he has ever loved, Ava Lord, before he ''watches his life go straight to hell'', according to Collider.com. The evil 'Dame' has yet to be cast.

'Gangster Squad' star Josh, 44, is also joined by 'Law & Order' actor Christopher Meloni, who will draw upon his TV experience to play a dodgy cop.

Josh last appeared in 'Men in Black 3' alongside Will Smith and is renowned for his Academy Award nominated 2008 performance in Gus Van Sant's 'Milk'.

It was recently reported that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is negotiating a ''core'' role as 'Johnny' in the film noir style feature, a part originally offered to Johnny Depp.

Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Jaime King, Dennis Haysbert and Jamie Chung also star.

'Sin City: A Dame To Kill For' is set for release in October 2013.