Christopher Meloni confirms 'Man of Steel' casting

Former Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Christopher Meloni will not portray Lex Luthor in Zack Snyder's upcoming reboot Superman: The Man of Steel.

Following reports yesterday that Meloni had been cast in an unknown role, rumours began to circulate that Meloni would portray Clark Kent's arch-nemesis, due to his resemblance to the comic book villain.

However, while he has so far refused to elaborate on his role in the film, Meloni has confirmed that he has been cast as "a general".

"I can't tell you, or I'd have to kill you," Meloni told Vulture when pressed for further details.

Meloni did confirm that he begins shooting the film at the end of August for the next five months across Chicago, Vancouver and Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The actor is best known for starring on Law & Order: SVU as Detective Elliot Stabler for the past 12 seasons until his decision to leave earlier this year.

Snyder's comic book reboot already has an expansive cast, including the likes of Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Antje Traue, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane and Kevin Costner, while Russell Crowe and Julia Ormond are expected to portray Superman's Kryptonian parents.

Superman: The Man of Steel will begin filming later this year, ready for a release in December 2012.