Could Joaquin Phoenix be the next big villain in "Batman vs. Superman?" According to reports, Warner Bros. is interested in hiring the Academy Award nominee for its next major film.

"Sources tell Variety that the studio wants the Oscar-nominated actor for a role in the upcoming untitled Batman-Superman pic. However, it's very early in the process and even if Warners offers Phoenix a role, it's not clear he would accept as the actor has steered clear of big-budget pics in the past few years, leaning towards movies with a more prestige feel," Variety reported.

Phoenix was nominated for Best Actor last year at the Academy Awards for his turn in Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master." He would obviously be an attractive choice for the Zack Snyder-directed film as he would join a star cast that includes Ben Affleck, Amy Adams, Henry Cavill and Lawrence Fishburne among others. Phoenix is known for his wild performances, as exhibited in "The Master" and the recent New York Film Festival selection "The Immigrant."

However, the actor has often steered clear of big-budget extravaganzas like "Batman vs. Superman" and may not feel comfortable with the pressure that comes from such a production. Phoenix has been controversial throughout his career. He faked his retirement for a documentary film and also stated last year that he disliked awards season.

If Phoenix does accept the villain role in the new film, it is widely believed that he would take on the role of the famous Superman antagonist Lex Luthor. The last actor to take on the iconic role was Kevin Spacey in "Superman Returns."