Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have announced that Oscar-nominated actress Diane Lane will play the role of Martha Kent in the new ‘Superman’ film directed by Zack Snyder.

Snyder said, “This was a very important piece of casting for me because Martha Kent is the woman whose values helped shape the man we know as Superman. We are thrilled to have Diane in the role because she can convey the wisdom and the wonder of a woman whose son has powers beyond her imagination.”

Lane will join actor Henry Cavill, who was recently announced as the new Clark Kent/Superman, in the new film. Recently rumors have circulated that Kevin Costner is up for the part of Jonathan Kent, while Viggo Mortensen has piqued Snyder’s interest to play villain General Zod.

Lane earned an Academy Award® nomination for her performance in the 2002 drama ‘Unfaithful’. She most recently starred in the family hit ‘Secretariat’. Lane’s film credits include ‘Jumper’, ‘Nights in ‘Rodanthe’, ‘Hollywoodland’, ‘Judge Dredd’, ‘Must Love Dogs,’ ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, ‘Perfect Storm’, ‘My Dog Skip’, ‘Chaplin’, and ‘The Cotton Club’.

Snyder’s latest film, ‘Sucker Punch’, will hit theaters March 25, 2011.