Ryan Reynolds has had a difficult time getting his “action leading man” career to take off.  He’s an undeniably talented guy, but he was only briefly seen as Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and Green Lantern failed to connect with audiences.  He’s long been attached to a Deadpool spinoff film, but that project has been in the development stages for some time now.  However, that all might change as Lionsgate/Summit is apparently keen on the actor taking the lead in their reboot of the Highlander franchise.  Hit the jump for more.

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later) is attached to direct the update, and Variety reports that Reynolds is the frontrunner to topline the project.  Both sides are apparently very interested in working together and they’re in talks, but Variety cautions that Reynolds is also weighing other offers so this isn’t a done deal just yet.  Fast Five’s Justin Lin was previously set to direct the reboot, but he left the project to focus on Fast and Furious 6.  He still remains onboard as an executive producer.

Plot details on the reboot are slim, but the original 1986 film starred Christopher Lambert as an immortal swordsman.  Reynolds has plenty of experience with a blade, as he showed off his skills in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  The actor has been carefully weighing his options after the success of this year’s Safe House, so he could very well end up choosing a film besides Highlander as his next project.

When Fresnadillo signed on, a Spring 2012 production start-date was planned.  That looks unlikely, but if Reynolds does sign on filming should get underway sometime this year.  The actor recently wrapped the supernatural action-comedy R.I.P.D. alongside Jeff Bridges.