Last month, director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen, Sucker Punch) was confirmed as the director of the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures reboot of Superman (a.k.a. Superman: Man of Steel) being overseen by producer/director Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises).

Now, Deadline reports that casting for the highly-anticipated movie is underway, and there is speculation that Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), Joe Manganiello (True Blood) and Armie Hammer (The Social Network) may all be up for the role of Clark Kent/Superman. Contrary to that speculation, there is word is that the studio, producer Christopher Nolan and director Zack Snyder would prefer to create a new star by casting a movie or TV actor who isn’t yet a household name.

They are reportedly seeking actors between the ages of 28 and 32, and plan to cast a “wide net” to find the right Superman. Production on the film is said to start next June.

Superman (a.k.a. Superman: Man of Steel) is slated to hit theaters in 2012.

[The Shakedown]

Who do you think should play the new Superman? How do you feel about the actors mentioned above? What about Brandon Routh reprising the role, or Tom Welling carrying his role from Smallville to the big-screen? Let us know what you think in the comments below!