Michael Keaton is reportedly in talks to join the cast of Disney's live-action film 'Dumbo' as a villain.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton

The 65-year-old American actor, producer-director, who received an Oscar nomination for his role in 2014's 'Birdman', is said to be involved in negotiations to join Eva Green and Danny DeVito alongside Colin Farrell.

Keaton is expected to take up the role of the man who acquires the circus from DeVito's character and who goes on to exploit the elephant and his mother, Variety reports.

Should Keaton sign the deal, it will see him reunite with director Tim Burton for the first time since they worked together on 1992's 'Batman Returns' and there's also talk of a 'Beetlejuice' sequel.

'Dumbo' is one of the classic Disney films which tells the story of a ostracised baby circus elephant who strives to prove his worth after he is mocked for having big ears.

For the live-action adaptation, Ehren Kruger has written the script and Kruger is also producing alongside 'Tron: Legacy's' Justin Springer.

This project joins Disney's ever growing franchise of live-action reboots which has seen 'Maleficent', 'Cinderella', 'The Jungle Book' and most recently, the box office smash 'Beauty and the Beast'. Among the other remakes being lined up include 'The Lion King', 'Mulan' and 'The Little Mermaid'.

Keaton, who is used to playing the hero - having portrayed the Caped Crusader in 1989 film 'Batman' - is expected to step into the dark side to play the villainous character in 'Dumbo' and has already got a baddie role lined up, playing Spider-Man's arch nemesis Vulture in upcoming movie 'Spider-Man: Homecoming."

Among the film credits Keaton has already stacked up include 'The Founder' and 'Spotlight'.

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