Universal Hearts Joel Edgerton; Wanted for Both Snow White & the Huntsman and Bourne Legacy

There might be some haggling going on between Tony Gilroy and Universal over The Bourne Legacy. But one thing is clear: everyone likes Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom) and he seems posed for one of their big 2012 releases.

Vulture says the Australian actor is writer/director Gilroy's pick for Matt Damon's replacement in the new Bourne movie. The problem is while Universal likes him, they're antsy about getting an actor unknown to the masses for a role of this caliber where everyone is going to pay their eight-bucks and then go, "Hey! Where's Matt Damon?"

Understandably, they want someone already recognized by John & Jane-Doe Moviegoer and hence are eyeing the likes of Shia LaBeouf (as first reported by What's Playing) and James McAvoy (That's a new one) instead.

What appears more in line for Edgerton is Snow White & the Huntsman - which he could very well end up getting. That would go against the studio's original intentions for getting a big-name actor to star alongside Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron. But they've been playing musical chairs with Viggo Mortensen and Hugh Jackman and neither party it turns out wanted to play. Maybe they just plain have to take the risk - can't think of too many A-list actors with an open schedule this fall to fill that role.

Shouldn't the action-oriented revisionist take be enough to sell without worrying if the public knows who's that fighting next to Stewart? Pure guess on my part, but if Edgerton gets either role, it's Huntsman.