Little known actor lands lead in "Tron" sequel

Garrett Hedlund poses for pictures during the ''Four Brothers'' movie premiere in New York August 9, 2005.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Disney has picked a relative unknown to play the lead role in "Tron," its $150 million sequel to the 1982 cult classic by the same name.

Garrett Hedlund, who has until now acted in larger ensemble pieces such as "Friday Night Lights" and "Eragon," will play a man pulled into the world of a computer. He retraces the steps of a character from the original movie named Kevin Flynn.

Disney cast a wide net to find the right actor. Such potential leads as Ryan Gosling and Chris Pine met on the project, while Michael Stahl-David ("Cloverfield') was among those who screen-tested.

Hedlund has been considered one of those actors on the cusp within the industry. The 24-year-old Minnesota native made his debut in 2004's "Troy," and also appeared in such films as "Four Brothers" and "Georgia Rule."

"Tron," which was previously known as "Tron 2" and "Tr2n," is expected to start shooting in the spring with Joseph Kosinski at the helm.

Jeff Bridges will reprise the role of Flynn, who was a computer programer but ended up as the CEO of a software corporation. Olivia Wilde and Beau Garrett have also been cast in the project,

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter