Joaquin Phoenix, who last starred in the fauxumentary I'm Still Here, is said to be the top candidate for the role of Abraham Lincoln's vampire-killing mentor in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

We reported last week that Benjamin Walker will portray Abraham Lincoln in this adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith's novel. The story follows the 16th President of the United States, who, after learning that his mother really died after a vampire attack, hunts down vampires late at night. Joaquin Phoenix could play Lincoln's mentor, Henry, who trains the President in how to hunt down the vampires. It is also said that Henry is immortal.

The role has reportedly been offered to Joaquin Phoenix, although it isn't clear if he will accept it at this time. Timur Bekmambetov will direct from a script that Seth Grahame-Smith adapted from his own novel.

It isn't clear when production will start on Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, although a June 22, 2012 release date has already been set by 20th Century Fox.