Plans are moving rapidly for Gareth Edward's reboot of the Godzilla franchise. Following word earlier this week that Frank Darabont will be rewriting the screenplay comes news, via Deadline, that star Aaron Johnson is being sought for a leading role.

Set for release on May 16, 2014, Godzilla is based on the classic monster from Toho Co., Ltd. One of the most widely recognized movie monsters worldwide, Godzilla has been featured in more than 25 films, multiple television programs, video games and book series. Legendary, which has been developing the film project, and its partner Warner Bros. is planning to return the character to its epic roots with a gritty, realistic actioner.

Johnson, who recently appeared in Savages and Anna Karenina, also played the title role in 2010's Kick-Ass and will soon reprise the part for the upcoming sequel.

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, except in Japan, where it will be distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. The tentpole film is expected to be presented in 3D.

(Photo Credit: WENN.com)