Melbourne, Mar 9 : Aussie actor Sam Worthington is tipped to replace Christian Bale as Batman in the third instalment of the caped crusader's franchise.

The 32-year-old star is likely to make his mark in the US with the May release of James Cameron''s Terminator Salvation, and again in December with release of Avatar.

Cameron calls Worthington a breakout star of both films, reports News. com. au.

Rumours are abuzz that the rising Australian star could score the part of Batman in the third instalment of the successful prequel franchise.

He might replace current Batman star Bale, who also happens to be his Terminator co-star, and whose profile was damaged after his infamous "me, me, me" meltdown on the Terminator set, which recently hit the Internet. (ANI)