Kevin Costner finalizes deal to play Jonathan Kent in Zack Snyder's SUPERMAN

Kevin Costner has finalized a deal to play Jonathan Kent, the adopted father of Clark Kent according to Deadline. The news comes today after we told you that Zack Snyder has planned his Superman as a stand alone film. Costner is set to star opposite Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel and Diane Lane, who is playing Martha Kent, his adopted mother.

Chris Nolan, Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, and Deborah Snyder are serving as producers on the film. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers. 

It was reported earlier that Viggo Mortensen was the top contender to play the villain, but that is looking less likely because he's close to signing a deal to star in Snow White and the Huntsman. So if not Mortensen, then who will play the villain in the film?

The new Superman is targeted for release in December 2012. What are your thoughts of this casting news?