The casting search has begun over at Universal for an actor to lead The Bourne Legacy, which has Tony Gilroy (Duplicity, Michael Clayton, writer of previous Bourne films) in the director’s chair. The movie won’t involve Matt Damon or Jason Bourne, and will instead focus on a new character in the same universe.

So who is in contention for the lead role? Just about everyone.

Variety and Deadline give the following list of names:

Joel Edgerton, Josh Hartnett, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, Paul Dano, Michael Pitt, Oscar Isaac, Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Luke Evans, Alex Pettyfer, Taylor Kitsch, Benjamin Walker and Kellan Lutz.

According to Variety Gilroy has an idea of what kind of actor he wants, but Universal has also brought its picks to the table (most likely the more known actors). So far no front-runner has emerged and lesser-known actors still have a shot as Gilroy wants to screen-test all candidates.

Last year Gilroy cleared up what The Bourne Legacy is actually about and insisted it won’t prevent Matt Damon from returning in the future.

“It’s a completely original screenplay.” Secondly, “This is not a reboot or a recast or a prequel. No one’s replacing Matt Damon. There will be a whole new hero, a whole new chapter…this is a stand-alone project.

“The easiest way to think of it is an expansion or a reveal,” Gilroy says. “Jason Bourne will not be in this film, but he’s very much alive. What happened in the first three films is the trigger for what happens. I’m building a legend and an environment and a wider conspiracy…the world we’re making enhances and advances and invites Jason Bourne’s return [down the road].

Universal is targeting an August 2012 release for The Bourne Legacy with filming expected to begin later this year.

Who’s your pick?

Read similar posts to Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, Garrett Hedlund among candidates for The Bourne Legacy at Filmonic

Marvel were aiming to have their Captain America cast by the beginning of March but they have yet to make a final decision, and it appears they are throwing more actors into the mix. According to HitFix Ryan Phillippe (Crash, Flags of Our Fathers) is the latest actor to be considered to play Steve Rogers.

Phillippe joins Mike Vogel, Garret Hedlund, Chris Evans, Scott Porter, and John Krasinski who have been screen-testing for the role over recent weeks. The fact that Marvel keep trying out other actors means that they obviously haven’t found what they are looking for yet, but we should be getting an announcement before the end of the month.

Out of the actors list above, who would you like to see land the role?

Read similar posts to Ryan Phillippe also in contention for Captain America at Filmonic