Nicolas Cage, most recently of “Knowing” and “G-Force” is in talks to play the gangster villain in “The Green Hornet.”

Variety reports that Cameron Diaz, of “My Sister’s Keeper” and “What Happens in Vegas,” is also in early negotiations to star in the film.  She’s being considered as a reporter and prominent love interest in the modernization of the classic property that already boasts commitments from Seth Rogen and director, Michel Gondry.

Rogen and Evan Goldberg penned the script that Neal Moritz will produce through his Original Films banner.

The film is slated for release next summer.

Cage just wrapped on “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and Werner Herzog’s remake, “The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.”

Diaz will next star opposite Tom Cruise in a James Mangold-directed action comedy that was previously titled “Wichita.”