"Sherlock Holmes" director Guy Ritchie is putting down the pipe and picking up the cigar for "Lobo," the upcoming adaptation of the popular DC Comics antihero produced by Warner Bros. Hot on the heels of directing "Iron Man" actor Robert Downey Jr., Ritchie seems to have developed the urge to dive into the comic book movie bin himself—but first, he'll need a leading man.
Casting Lobo is tricky, especially given the WB's description of the character as "a seven-foot tall, blue-skinned, indestructible and heavily muscled antihero." Even if enhanced effects are necessary in creating Lobo's onscreen persona, the character needs a tested actor underneath the make-up... and these five men could very well do the trick.
1. Vinnie Jones: Having already worked with Ritchie on "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," actor Vinnie Jones already has a level of familiarity with the "Lobo" director that could pay off on screen. More importantly, Jones is hardcore. Forget his turn as Juggernaut in the "X-Men" films—his role as Bullet Tooth Tony in "Snatch" is evidence enough that Jones can pull off all the grit and mayhem needed to bring the gun-toting antihero to life.
2. Christopher Meloni: If you're judging him solely on his heroic turn as Hal Jordan in "Green Lantern: First Flight," Christopher Meloni definitely seems like a bizarre choice for Lobo. But his portrayals of menacing inmate Chris Keller on "Oz" and hotheaded police detective Elliot Stabler on "Law & Order: SVU" demonstrate that Meloni can evoke Lobo's own fire and brimstone personality. Plus, his makeup-heavy performance in "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle" showed that Meloni can handle Lobo's necessary onscreen add-ons.
3. Mickey Rourke: Perhaps nobody embodies both the physical prowess and acting ability required to truly sell Lobo better than Mickey Rourke. Rourke is already a comic book familiar thanks to his roles in "Iron Man 2" and "Sin City," and with his star on the rise after "The Wrestler," the actor absolutely deserves a franchise to call his own. What better franchise for Rourke than "Lobo"? He'd make a brilliant match with director Ritchie and he'd play up Lobo's comedic and intimidating beats equally well.
4. Kurt Russell: If we're already assuming that visual effects are going to make up the bulk of Lobo's physique, why not go with the obvious choice — none other than Snake Plissken himself, Kurt Russell. The "Escape From New York" star has already retired his eyepatch-wielding persona, but what's stopping him from creating a new, equally awesome character? Russell is an absolute match for Lobo in terms of personality—and with the right visual enhancements, he could be the perfect pick for the role.
5. Jason Statham: Like Jones, "Crank" star Jason Statham is a Guy Ritchie veteran, so the familiarity aspect is there. But more than any of the aforementioned actors, Statham has made a career out of extraordinarily choreographed action sequences, bringing to "Lobo" a combat sensibility that the others on this list lack. He's also made no secret about his desire to become a comic book hero—namely Daredevil—so Statham's passion for the genre could make him a solid choice for "Lobo."
Who do you think should play Lobo? Give us your best suggestions in the comments! Also, feel free to suggest other characters—or actors—that you'd like to see featured in future editions of SECRET IDENTITY!