Jay Baruchel lined up for ‘RoboCop’ reboot?

Although he often flies under the radar, actor Jay Baruchel is one of the most interesting Canadian talents working today. The Montreal-born actor and screenwriter, who got his start on the Canadian TV show "Popular Mechanics for Kids," is keeping busy these days, finding success on both sides of the border.

Probably best known to U.S. audiences for his small yet memorable roles in "Tropic Thunder" and "Knocked Up," Baruchel has also racked up some impressive credits in his home and native land over the past few years, including "The Trotsky," "Goon" (which he co-wrote), and David Cronenberg's "Cosmopolis." It seems that for every bit part he plays in Hollywood a leading role in a Canadian film isn't far behind.

See also: Learn more about Jay Baruchel

With a number of Canuck projects under his belt, it seems that Tinsel Town is calling Baruchel's name once again. According to Deadline, Baruchel is circling a lead role in MGM's reboot of "RoboCop." The dystopian sci-fi flick from director José Padilha ("Elite Squad") already has an absolutely stellar cast that includes Joel Kinnaman ("The Killing"), Gary Oldman ("The Dark Knight Rises"), Hugh Laurie ("House"), Abbie Cornish ("Sucker Punch"), and Samuel L. Jackson (everything). "Watchmen's" Jackie Earle Haley is also reportedly joining Padilha's remake of Paul Verhoeven's 1989 science fiction classic.

No word on who Baruchel will be playing just yet, but given the actor's habit of playing slightly geeky characters, it's a safe bet that he'll be some sort of dorky tech expert. Unfortunately, playing against type is not exactly in the cards for this one.

Baruchel doesn't exactly play against type in his next project, either. The actor is currently in Louisiana filming "End of the World," a movie based the faux-movie trailer "Jay and Seth vs. The Apocalypse," which he made with friend Seth Rogen. Baruchel, Rogen, and other actors like James Franco, Emma Watson, and Will Ferrell all play fictional versions of themselves in the apocalyptic comedy.

See also: Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel go up against 'The Apocalypse'

"End of the World" and "RoboCop" are both scheduled for release next summer. While there are no trailers for either movie, the viral video campaign for "RoboCop" is already in full swing.

Check out this fake commercial for the fictional OmniCorp, the mega-conglomerate that figures heavily into the plot of the film, below.