Christoph Waltz is being lined up to play a villain in 'Tarzan'.

The 'Django Unchained' star is Warner Bros.' top choice to play the antagonist in its new adaptation of the classic jungle tale, which will see Alexander Skarsgard take on the role of the tree-swinging hero.

While plot details are not yet known, it's thought Waltz's character will be a military official who clashes with the King of the Jungle.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' director David Yates is on board to direct, but the film is still awaiting a greenlight from the movie studio and producers will need to line up the rest of the cast before it goes ahead.

Flame-haired beauty Jessica Chastain was originally expected to play Tarzan's love interest Jane, but dropped out.

'Amazing Spider-Man' star Emma Stone and Australian newcomer Margot Robbie are reportedly on Warner Bros.' shortlist for the role.

Samuel L. Jackson was previously rumoured for a role in the movie, playing an ex-mercenary who becomes an ally to Tarzan.

'Tarzan' will be produced by Jerry Weintraub and Alan Riche, with Mike Richardson and Yates executive producing.