Tom Hiddleston has emerged as the leading contender to star in the most recently announced comic book adaptation, the James O'Barr series The Crow, which was first brought to the screen in 1994. Word from The Wrap is that Hiddleston is already the frontrunner for the project, that will see him take on the role that Brandon Lee died trying to capture some two decades ago.

Tom Hiddleston
Is Tom Hiddleston the man to bring back The Crow?

Hiddleston's would-be character, Eric Draven, will be quite the side step from his antagonistic Thor character, Loki, but it does retain many of the darker qualities that made his Loki portrayal such an enduring one. Draven is a resurrected murder victim who rises from the grave a year after his death to exact revenge on those who killed him and his fiance. The studio behind the new depiction are reportedly waiting to see if he passes a similarity test with Draven, with a professional make-up test scheduled in the next few days to ensure he has the right looks for the part.

Stephen Norrington has reportedly signed on to write and direct the film, although given that his last film was 2003's crap-fest of a movie The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the current wave of outrage on movie message boards is more than understandable (he did direct Blade though!). F. Javier Gutierrez (Before the Fall) is also said to be in contention to direct the film too, and given his more recent work behind the camera he may emerge as the man for the job. The script is being penned by Cliff Dorfman (Warrior) and is expected to start production before the end of the year.

Tom Hiddleston
Hiddleston's villainous roles have earnt him plaudits in the past.

1994's The Crow was hampered with filming difficulties during shooting, the most significant one being when the film's star Brandon Lee, the son of Bruce Lee, was shot accidentally, and fatally, during filming. Since the film's release it has amassed a huge cult following and has also considered for a remake on more than one occasion, although it looks as though now might be the time The Crow finally flies again. Whether or not that is a good thing will have to be seen, but stay positive people!