Christopher Meloni, longtime star of NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, in in final negotiations for a "major role" in Man of Steel, Deadline reports.

While the part hasn't been disclosed, sources tell Heat Vision the Emmy-nominated actor will shoot scenes with Henry Cavill, who plays Superman/Clark Kent in director Zack Snyder's franchise reboot.

Word of Meloni's involvement comes only a day after news broke that Julia Ormond has been tapped to play Superman's Kryptonian mother Lara in the Warner Bros. film. Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Michael Shannon round out the confirmed cast, with Russell Crowe and Antje Traue also believed to be on board.

Meloni starred in Law & Order: SVU for 12 seasons, but announced last month that he won't be returning to the drama. He recently provided the voice of Hal Jordan in the animated Green Lantern: First Flight.

Man of Steel is written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer and Nolan. Charles Rovan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder also are producing. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are executive producers. Filming is expected to begin next month.

Update: Vulture has word from Meloni that he'll be playing a general in Man of Steel, and will "shoot his part over the course of five months in locations including Chicago, Vancouver, and Edwards Air Force Base."