Sam Worthington had been a reported contender to play the lead role of "Duke" in Paramount's G.I. Joe movie. But that seems unlikely to be the case.

Bur rumors now state that Worthington's schedule shooting James Cameron's sci-fi epic Avatar ultimately couldn't accommodate G.I. Joe. Therefore, who is in the running to play Duke?

According to Latino Review, Chris Evans (Fantastic Four, Sunshine), Matthew Fox (Lost, Vantage Point), and Channing Tatum (Step Up, Supercross) are the three frontrunners for the role.

We'll keep readers apprised as we learn more.