2012 was an exceptional year for Joseph Gordon-Levitt as he made it big in the likes of Premium Rush, Looper and the superhero blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises.

But after being linked with a starring role in the Marvel Studios flick, Guardians of the Galaxy, the 3rd Rock from the Sun and 50/50 actor has decided to pass on that project in favour of appearing in the long-awaited (and darker) comic-book film, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.

Deadline confirmed the news last night with Gordon-Levitt set to play the character of Johnny, a role previously offered to Johnny Depp (Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean).

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For follows on from its acclaimed predecessor from 2005, and is again based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the same name. Miller will co-direct along with original helmer Robert Rodriguez for the studio Dimension Films.

Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler, The Expendables), Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four, Machete) and Rosario Dawson (Alexander, Clerks II) are all reprising their roles from the original.

The film is supposed to be set for release in US cinemas on October 4th.