Jena Malone is set for a ''mystery role'' in 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice'.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, several sources have confirmed the 'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' actress will appear in the superhero movie and while it is not known which role she will play in the motion picture, it has been rumoured she could be a female version of Batman's sidekick Robin.

The speculation comes following a report on Central Michigan NBC affiliate WILX-10 which mentioned Jena's name while describing a scene involving Ben Affleck's Batman battling with Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor.

As a result, the rumour mill has suggested a female Robin could be introduced into the movie as character Carrie Kelley, a schoolgirl in 'The Dark Knight Returns' who is saved by Batman.

Such speculation comes after Affleck revealed 'Batman v. Superman' director Zack Snyder was ''heavily influenced'' by the 1980s Frank Miller miniseries.

Speaking about the 'Dark Knight Returns' comic books, he explained: ''I will say that I think Zack was heavily influenced by that.

''I think everyone's heavily influenced by that ... that's the seminal work. So, I don't think that there's any of these which have been made that haven't drawn from that book because it's so good.

''So, you know, I think if you're smart you steal from the best.''

Henry Cavill is to star as Superman in the upcoming movie, while Gal Gadot will play Wonder Woman and Amy Adams will appear as Lois Lane.

The hotly-anticipated film is set for a March 2016 release.