Screenshot from "Ant-Man" test reel.

UPDATE 10/15/2013 9:43 AM PT: Joseph Gordon-Levitt has denied Variety's report that he and Paul Rudd are front-runners to star in Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man" film, according to a report from IndieWire.

The site quotes a "Don Jon" promotional interview with Gordon-Levitt from French outlet AlloCine, translated to, "There are always rumors. I talk a lot about my future projects, so if you haven't heard me talk about it, it means it's nothing but a rumor." Additionally, the actor is quoted as calling reports he's passed auditions as "nothing but lies."

Whether this has any significance in regards to Rudd's potential involvement remains to be seen.

Original story: Marvel Studios may be close to casting their "Ant-Man," according to a report from Variety Monday naming Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Paul Rudd as front-runners for the title role in the upcoming film.

Variety cites unnamed sources saying the two actors are the "main contenders" to star in the movie, though there's "still a remote possibility" that someone else could find their way into contention. The article also says both actors will meet with Marvel and director/co-writer Edgar Wright once more before the role is officially cast.

Gordon-Levitt played the major supporting role of John Blake in 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises", and is also set to appear in 2014's "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For". If cast, "Ant-Man" would be the comic book-based movie debut for Rudd, best known for his work in comedies including "Knocked Up" and "I Love You, Man." There's a 12-year age difference between the actors -- Gordon-Levitt, 32; Rudd, 44.

Last month, Marvel moved up the "Ant-Man" release date a few months to July 13, 2015. The film has been in development with Wright since 2006.