Taylor Lautner is “stretching” into a new role.

The Twilight star has been cast in the title role of Stretch Armstrong — Hasbro Toys’ rubbery ’70s action figure — in a new box office adventure from Universal Pictures. The role is one in series of titles attached to teen heartthrob, who was recently dubbed the highest-paid teen actor in Hollywood.

“In the past two years, Taylor has emerged as a real star at the global box office. He brings the perfect balance of energy and athleticism to the role of an unlikely super hero with a fantastic super power,” Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley said in a statement Saturday. “We couldn’t be more pleased that he has agreed to be our Stretch.”

The 3D superhero film will be released in theaters in March 2012.