Diane Lane lands Superman role

Diane Lane is set to play Martha Kent in 'Superman: Man of Steel'.

Studio Warner Bros. have confirmed the 46-year-old actress will play the adoptive mother of the caped crusader - played by British actor Henry Cavill - because she can convey the "wisdom and wonder" required for the role.

Director Zack Snyder said: "This was a very important piece of casting for me because Martha Kent is the woman whose values helped shape the man we know as Superman.

"We are thrilled to have Diane in the role because she can convey the wisdom and the wonder of a woman whose son has powers beyond her imagination."

Kevin Costner is currently expected to play Superman's adoptive father Jonathan Kent, but his casting has not been confirmed.

Zack recently admitted the movie would see Superman as a "physical" character, but refused to confirm any further plot details.

He said: "I can't really talk about that without being kind of specific. But I can say I think Superman needs to be physical."