Is Warner Brothers trying to pull a Fox on us? The latter studio has hired Darren Aronofsky to direct a sequel to the poorly reviewed X-Men Origins: Wolverine and now we have our first casting rumors on a Clash of the Titans sequel. The recent blockbuster fared similar to Gavin Hood’s Wolverine; big hype followed by bigger disappointment.

Production Weekly is reporting that the studio is looking at the Oscar award-winning Javier Bardem and soon-to-be Oscar award-winning James Franco to lead the sequel, now titled Wrath of the Titans. Like any unsubstantiated rumor, take it will a grain of salt. Bardem is looking at the character of Ares, the god of war, while Franco would play Agenor, son of Poseidon.

Director of Darkness Falls, The Killing Room, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning and the upcoming Battle: Los Angeles, Jonathan Liebesman, will direct the Clash of the Titans sequel. Leads Sam Worthington and Gemma Arterton are “expected” to return. Greg Berlanti (The Green Lantern), Dan Mazeau (the in development The Flash and Jonny Quest) and David Leslie Johnson (The Girl With the Red Riding Hood) have all had their hand in the script.

James Franco can be seen in 127 Hours and two blockbusters next summer, Your Highness and Rise of the Apes. Bardem may be battling him for the Oscar with his role in Biutiful this year.

Wrath of the Titans is expected to shoot next year in 3D.

Can you actually see this duo joining this project?