The Brit has long been the favourite to play director Julie Taymor's superhero, opposite his Across The Universe co-star Evan Rachel Wood, but he insists he won't be suiting up to belt out songs composed by U2's The Edge and Bono - but he'd still love to see the production.

He says, "I was never involved. I did a workshop to help out but I was never involved in the final production. It would be unfortunate if it doesn't work out."

Producers insist the show will go on, despite financial issues, but reports suggest Wood is looking for film work after being released from her Spider-Man contract.