Johnny Depp has been offered the lead role in 'Snow White and the Huntsman'.

The actor - who is currently filming 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' - is said to be the favourite to take on the part of the huntsman after 'Inception' star Tom Hardy turned it down, due to conflicting shooting schedules with new Batman movie 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

The film tells the story of the huntsman who teaches Snow White how to fight her evil stepmother after he defies her orders to kill Snow White in the woods.

It is thought Universal - who will be producing the film - want to start filming in January and Depp is available around that time.

As well as Depp, Charlize Theron has also been linked to the film and is being lined up to play the part of evil Queen Ravenna.

'Snow White and the Huntsman' is expected to be released on December 21, 2012.