British actor Robert Pattinson is set to swing into action to replace Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 4, according to a U.K. report.

The Twilight hunk is reportedly the top choice with Columbia executives to star in the film, after Maguire pulled out last week over a reported script issue.

Daily Variety claimed movie bosses are planning to make a prequel about Spider-Man's alter-ego, Peter Parker, as a teenager instead - and Pattinson is the hot favorite to land the role, reports Britain's Daily Mirror.

A source tells the publication, "The buzz in Hollywood is all about R-Patz as the hot, young thing being lined up to fill Tobey Maguire's shoes. It would be a hard act to follow as fans were traumatized at the news Tobey was going. His mild-mannered portrayal as Peter Parker and the transformation to Spider-Man kept millions of fans in the cinemas for the box-office smash. He also had great chemistry with Kirsten Dunst, who plays love interest Mary Jane."

But Pattinson faces tough competition for the coveted role - High School Musical star Zac Efron also has his eye on playing the web-slinger.

He says, "I don't know what the chances are to be honest. I assume they're pretty slim. It's a long-shot but if it came down to it, it'd be a dream come true. What young actor wouldn't?"

Image © PR Photos

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)