Welsh hunk Ioan Gruffudd looks set to emerge as one of Tinseltown's new leading men, after landing the title role in a big-budget action adventure.
The Hornblower star, who is currently on screen in the historical epic King Arthur, has signed up to play Mr Fantastic in a movie version of The Fantastic Four. The comic book adventure tells the story of a group of friends who develop superhuman powers after being exposed to cosmic radiation.
Twentieth Century Fox is hoping the film will repeat the success of previous Marvel Comics adaptations, which include X-Men and Spider-Man. "The property is hugely important and has been one of the most important in the library of movie titles for development here for years," said studio president Hutch Parker. "It's honestly the last great gem within the comic book world; it has consistently been one of people's favourites."
Ioan will be playing a genius scientist who can stretch his body, while Chris Evans, who starred in The Perfect Score opposite Scarlett Johansson, takes on the role of The Human Torch. Michael Chiklis from hit TV series The Shield will meanwhile step into the shoes of The Thing.
"Finding the absolute right fit has felt like a talent search," said Parker. "And the three we have assembled each in their own way embodies the essence of what makes those characters special and beloved." It remains to be seen who will portray the Invisible Girl, but Dark Angel's Jessica Alba is thought to be the frontrunner.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
