Christian Bale is set to play another superhero. The actor - who has played Batman in both "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" - is said to be the number one choice to play Dr. Strange in movie studio Marvel's latest comic book adaptation.

A source said: "Christian is hot property right now, courtesy of Batman. Doctor Strange is a very different kind of hero to Batman and it's felt Christian is the sort of actor who can make the part work on screen."

"It is understood a deal could be struck in the coming weeks."

The Welsh-born star "tops the list" of movie bosses to portray Dr. Strange, a former surgeon who becomes a powerful sorcerer after a car accident leaves him unable to perform operations.

Bale also plays hero John Connor in the upcoming "Terminator Salvation" and has signed on for two more sequels in the science-fiction franchise.

He has also expressed an interest in reprising his role as Batman if a third film is confirmed.