Matthew Goode is in talks to star in Park Chan-wook's Stoker , in a role that was originally earmarked for Colin Firth.
The British actor, best known for Watchmen , Brideshead Revisited and A Single Man , will play a mysterious uncle if he signs on.
Alice In Wonderland 's Mia Wasikowska is locked in to play a teenage girl grieving the death of her father. Nicole Kidman is also on board.
It's not entirely clear why Firth moved on, but it could well be down to the fact he's currently shooting Coen brothers-scripted remake Gambit .
According to a report by Variety, James Franco was also believed to be another front-runner for the role.
Goode has proved himself to be a considerable talent - he was superb in Cemetery Junction and A Single Man - but he has floundered in weaker material like Watchmen and Leap Year .
As Stoker is the US debut of Oldboy director Park Chan-wook, it's safe to hope that it might give Goode another chance to shine.
Stoker is expected to arrive in 2012.
