(Cover) - EN Movies - Jaime Foxx has been cast in the lead role for Quentin Tarantino's upcoming movie Django Unchained, it has been reported.

The actor had been rumoured to be a strong contender for the part, but while no official statement has been made, sources close to production have confirmed he has been hired.

According to Variety, Will Smith turned down the lead in the potentially controversial movie, while Thor star Idris Elba was also said to be in the running to portray freed slave Django.

Other big names expected to be announced for the spaghetti western inspired picture are Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz and Samuel L Jackson.

Leonardo is said to portray sadistic slavemaster Calvin Candie, while Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds star Christoph will play Django's friend and mentor.

Samuel is believed to play Stephen, Candie's right-hand man.

Django Unchained is set in Southern America and tells the story of a freed slave who teams up with a German bounty hunter to free his wife from the hands of a cruel plantation owner. (C) Cover Media