Twentieth Century Fox is narrowing the list of possible actors for the lead role in its adaption of Seth Grahame-Smith's "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," according to Deadline.

Set for a June 22, 2012 release, the 3D film is budgeted at $69 million and will be helmed by "Night Watch" director Timur Bekmambetov, with Tim Burton and Jim Lemley producing.

Fox started considering casting options in November, eying actors for the role of Lincoln, including Josh Lucas, Adrien Brody, Benjamin Walker, James D'Arcy and Oliver Jackson-Cohen.

Grahame-Smith's supernatural tale, which he is penning for the screen, centers on Lincoln's secret, lifelong vendetta against vampires following the death of his mother at their hands.

Impressed by Brahame-Smith's novel, Bekmambetov and Burton optioned the book early last year with their own money.

Fox enthusiastically pursued the project, giving a detailed pitch for the film's production, marketing and release. Part of the pitch showed the studio's passion for the project; the filmmakers were greeted at Fox with a variety of props, including a huge banner, bloody footprints and parking signs warning: “Parking for vampire hunters only, park at your own risk."

Bekmambetov, a Russian director, was introduced to audiences worldwide with his 2004 vampire film "Night Watch," which Fox also distributed.