Universal has cast The Twilight Saga’s rising star Taylor Lautner in a major new 3D Hasbro adaptation.

Lautner will star in Stretch Armstrong, based on the action figure launched in the 1970s. Brian Grazer will produce alongside Hasbro president and CEO Brian Goldner and colleague Bennet Schneir. Steve Oedekerk is writing the screenplay.

The film has been scheduled for a 2012 release, while Universal’s Hasbro adaptation Battleship that Peter Berg is directing has been moved from July 2011 to May 25, 2012.

Scott Stuber is producing the naval adventure through his Universal-based Stuber Pictures, alongside Sarah Aubrey and Berg for Film 44. Goldner and Schneir are producing for Hasbro.

“In the past two years, Taylor has emerged as a real star at the global box office,” Universal 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.”