Taylor Lautner in 'Stretch Armstrong' movie: studio

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Teenage heart-throb Taylor Lautner is to star as "Stretch Armstrong" in the latest Hollywood movie inspired by a best-selling action figure from toymakers Hasbro, a statement said Monday.

Taylor Lautner (© AFP/Getty Images/File - Andy Lyons)

Lautner, one of the stars of the "Twilight" vampire films, will play Armstrong, a popular 1970s toy featuring gel-filled limbs that stretch to improbable lengths, Universal Studios said in a statement.

"In the past two years, Taylor has emerged as a real star at the global box office," Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley said.

"He brings the perfect balance of energy and athleticism to the role of an unlikely super hero with a fantastic super power. We couldn’t be more pleased that he has agreed to be our Stretch."

The 3-D film comes after Hasbro successfully brought its Transformers and GI Joe products to the big screen. A 2012 release date has been scheduled for Armstrong, which will be produced by Oscar-winner Brian Grazer.

Universal and Hasbro are also partnering for a film based on another iconic toy, "Battleship."

The film will be made as a maritime action adventure and released in summer 2012, Universal said.