Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds have emerged as favorites to play Marshall Matt Dillon in a movie remake of hit TV western Gunsmoke.

Both stars are in talks for the role made famous by James Arness on the small screen, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The character, who kept the law in Dodge City, became a radio staple before Arness gave Dillon a face on TV in the 1960s. He played the role for 20 years.