Brandon Lee in "The Crow" (Dimension)
Word in Hollywood is circulating that Mark Wahlberg is being offered the lead in the new version of “The Crow,” the adaptation of James O’Barr’s graphic novel first brought to the screen in 1994 and perhaps most famous for the tragic on-set death of its star, Brandon Lee. For some fans, though, Wahlberg — an Oscar nominee perhaps most famous for his tough-guy persona cultivated for movies such as “The Departed” — might not exactly be an obvious fit for the goth-friendly antihero. Before the ink dries on any contract, we thought we’d offer some other choices for leading men to appear in the signature makeup for director Stephen Norrington (“Blade“) and screenwriter Nick Cave.
Alexander Skarsgard in "True Blood" (HBO)
Alexander Skarsgard: It’s not such a stretch from Eric Northman, the brooding vampire sheriff on HBO’s hit series “True Blood,” to Eric Draven, one iteration of “The Crow’s” brokenhearted, vengeful spirit. Given the actor’s height — he’s well over 6 feet tall — he’d certainly have no trouble playing imposing, especially adorned in black-and-white face paint. Plus, Skarsgard was just named best horror actor at Spike TV’s 2010 Scream Awards. That’s got to count for something.
Ryan Gosling: Yes, he’s a bit of an indie darling, not the sort one immediately thinks of to front a graphic-novel adaptation. But there’s no question, based on his previous work, that he’d be able to bring gravitas to the part. He’s already demonstrated he can be very raw in films such as the critically acclaimed “Half Nelson,” but he’s now stretching his action-movie muscles too with a role as a stuntman in the upcoming movie “Drive.” Maybe he could bring both skill sets to a new version of “The Crow”?
Anthony Mackie: If the film’s producers are looking to take the remake in a new direction, casting an African American actor in the lead would be an exciting departure. Mackie demonstrated strength and vulnerability in best picture winner “The Hurt Locker“; we’d suspect he could easily do the same here.
Ian Somerhalder: Granted, this list is awfully short to include two television vamps, but Somerhalder’s Damon Salvatore has been both sadistic and heroic, which bolsters his credentials for “The Crow,” and well, there’s no question he’s got a sizable following among fans of the CW’s “The Vampire Diaries.” If he’s not available, there’s always Jared Leto or even Gerard Way; they’ve both got emo cred and look good in eyeliner…
Nick Cave: Although he’s scripting the new “Crow,” the venerated underground lounge lizard and post-punk king has appeared on screen before, and honestly, anyone who’s heard his “Murder Ballads” album would definitely not want to cross an angry Cave in a dark alley.
Nick Cave (Reuters)
Of course, we’re open to other suggestions, too. Who do you think should star?
– Gina McIntyre
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Our legion of super contributors is led by Hero Complex editor Gina McIntyre and 
Jared Leto is perfect star for "The Crow"…great actor and rocker.
If they want someone that looks similar to the original Crow (Brandon Lee), then I'd vote for Taylor Kitsch (Gambit of X-Men and Tim Riggins of Friday Night Lights).
I think a lot of people are going to disagree with me, but I honestly think that given the chance, Alexander Skarsgård may do a great job on this. Remember guys, makeup can completely change your perception of a character/ person.
Skarsgard could be impressive. Even though the first film had O'Barr's blessing, it would be interesting to see a more faithful adaptation of his original comic book storyline. One where the lead character didn't keep appearing both in and out of his mime makeup, and where he didn't become vulnerable because someone captured and hurt his crow. I like Joanie's suggestion of Taylor Kitsch, too.
Leave the movie alone! I love it the way it is…he died making that movie and i believe it should be with him and only him.
This might be the first comics-related male lead for which Nathan Fillion would seem to be inappropriate – though fiven the range he's shown on Castle and various Joss Whedon projects, I wouldn't put it past him to be brilliant if he was to get the part.
I'd like to see any of the following in the part: Alexander Skarsgard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeremy Renner [anyone who can shine in both TV's The Unusuals and films like The Hurt Locker and The town should be able to knock The Crow out of the park], Gregory Smith, Jeremy Davies [if it wouldn't conflict with his new role as nemesis to Raylan Givens on Justified], Walton Goggins [if Eric Draven were to be written as a world-weary rock & roll lifer, Goggins could be brilliant...] or even Joel Moore [Avatar, Bones]. Each would bring something unique to the role – and that's what Norrington would be looking for.
I do believe that Skarsgard would be amazing. I've seen his work and he can bring something different to the role and movie.
Although I like Skarsgard or Leto for the part I think they should just leave it alone. All the other “Crow” movies were flops!
Mark Walhberg will not be able to pull off dark anti-protagonist. No way.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ian Somerhalder, and Jared Leto are my top pics. Though the first two have better acting chops, imo. JGL more so than Ian.
And I like Alex, but I don't think he has the look for it.
His name is Alexander Skarsgård… xD
Wahlberg wouldnt be my first choice, but I feel that he would bring the movie credability. People are also forgetting that this movie is a different outlook on the story. Maybe wahlberg fits the new story
they should not remake "the crow", it is a very, very, good movie the way it is, and though it's star Brandon Lee sadly died during the filming, it was his coming out party as a mega star. If he would have survived it, I believe that we would be probably be saluting him as THE box office draw in Hollywood, much in the same vein as Will Smith of today, Tom Cruise of past decades, and Bruce, Arnold, et al. RIP Brandon Lee, you left too soon.
They need to leave it alone Brandon was & remains the only Crow it was his legacy & he died in it’s making he doesn’t deserve this whole joke of a remake leave something that is perfect the hell alone like any of the idiots listed here could do it any justice I am so disappointed in James obarr for allowing this travesty RIP Brandon Lee
I got a great idea, not waste time and money making a remake which will not only be offensive but stupid, Are they really running out of ideas?
what about Lee Pace?
I think ian samerhalder, if you watch the show vampire diaries, you would see tht he has that crow personality to him, he’s dark, emo, an he’d be a great fit for the crow makeup, an how he acts as dameon, he can pull it off
Sam witwer. From being human, smallville.