A couple weeks ago, it was reported that Kevin Costner was being considered for a key role in Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot. Well now Warner Bros. has confirmed that the actor has closed a deal to play Jonathan Kent, Clark Kent’s adopted father. Henry Cavill is poised to play the Man of Steel, and Diane Lane recently joined the cast as Kent’s adopted mother, Martha. Regarding Costner's addition to the cast, Snyder had this to say:

“Jonathan Kent is the only father figure Clark has ever had, the man who was there to help Clark understand what he was meant to do in the world as Superman.  Kevin will be able to communicate the quiet strength of this rural American man who raised the greatest super hero of all time.”

It looks like casting is ramping up on the film, so expect more names announced in the coming weeks. Yesterday, Zack Snyder spoke a bit about the project, saying that this flick will assume “there’s been no other Superman movies.” The currently untitled Superman reboot, produced by Christopher Nolan, is set to start filming soon for a December 2012 release. Hit the jump for the full press release.

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Here's the full press release:

KEVIN COSTNER CAST AS JONATHAN KENT IN WARNER BROS. PICTURES’

AND LEGENDARY PICTURES’ UPCOMING SUPERMAN MOVIE

BURBANK, CA, March 17, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Kevin Costner will play Jonathan Kent, the father who raised Clark Kent as his own son, in the new Superman movie to be directed by Zack Snyder.

Snyder stated, “Jonathan Kent is the only father figure Clark has ever had, the man who was there to help Clark understand what he was meant to do in the world as Superman.  Kevin will be able to communicate the quiet strength of this rural American man who raised the greatest super hero of all time.”

Costner will star alongside Diane Lane, who plays his wife, Martha, and the film’s star, Henry Cavill, who will play the new Clark Kent/Superman.

Costner most recently starred in 2010’s “The Company Men,” and is currently in development on the comedy “The One.”  He has won two Academy Awards®, for producing and directing the epic “Dances with Wolves,” also garnering a nomination for Best Actor.  He has also starred in a wide range of memorable films, including “The Untouchables,” “No Way Out,” “Bull Durham,” “Field of Dreams,” “JFK,” “The Bodyguard,” “Wyatt Earp,” “Tin Cup” and “Swing Vote,” to name a few.

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film.  The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan.  Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

The new Superman movie will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.