It is rumoured that Philip Seymour Hoffman has been approached to appear in the next Batman movie as The Penguin.

According to website Batman-on-film.com, a former teacher of the Capote actor may have confirmed that he is in the running for the role.

A source told the site: "I live in the Rochester, NY area, which is where Philip Seymour Hoffman grew up. The media has been covering his Golden Globe nomination for Capote, and in a recent interview with his old high school drama teacher (who remains close to him) on a local news programme, she confirmed that Hoffman has been in talks to take on The Penguin in the upcoming Batman sequel and is very interested in the role."

The site recently reported that Bob Hoskins was also rumoured to be up for the role of the villain who Danny DeVito played in Tim Burton's 1992 movie Batman Returns.