Asa Butterfield the new Spider-Man? Ender's Game star branded frontrunner as he begins testing for the role

Ender's Game star Asa Butterfield is reportedly in early talks with Marvel to become the new Spider-Man as he is rumoured to be the frontrunner for the role.

As reported by Deadline, the 18-year-old Brit is one of a small group of actors vying for the part and will be testing for it this week.

Whilst some publications have been suggesting that the Hugo actor is only an official contract away from sealing the deal, Hollywood Reporter writer Borys Kit urges that there have been no offers made and that Butterfield is merely a likely Spider-Man rather than a definite one.

He took to Twitter to say: "What I know: Asa Butterfield was due to test for SPIDER-MAN this week. But so were a few others. Is Asa Peter Parker?"

Kit followed with another tweet stating "Are they done testing? What I know: There certainly is no offer. Yet. What I also know: There are certainly many rooting for Asa."

Despite the fact that Butterfield will be playing Spidey remains unconfirmed, fans of the character have taken to Twitter to reveal what they think about the potential choice. As some Marvel fans were hoping that the generic origin story route would be boycotted third time round, many were wishing for a slightly older Parker to be cast. As Butterfield is so young, there are mixed views across the board when it comes to him reboot the superhero.

It has been heavily rumoured that the red-and-blue web-slinger will feature in the next Marvel Cinematic Universe instalment, next year's Captain America: Civil War. Sony (who have previously owned the rights to the character) have agreed with the production company that they can use him in the ensemble film in a warm-up to their untitled Spider-Man reboot set for release in July 2017.

As filming starts for Civil War in the US, it is highly likely that the new Peter Parker will be officially announced by Marvel and Sony within the next couple of weeks.