Let’s face it: Bradley Cooper is nowhere near the type of actor who you’d expect to see circling the lead role in a remake of The Crow. Then again, these past few years have brought us so many unexpected castings that this news really isn’t all too surprising. Based on the moody comic by James O’Barr, The Crow features a dark, angsty, Gothic-looking lead character who wears face paint, comes equipped with supernatural powers and sets out to avenge the death of his girlfriend. Mark Wahlberg was originally set to star with Stephen Norrington directing, but when that fell through Relativity Media quickly brought on 28 Weeks Later director Juan Carlos Frednadillo, who, according to The Hollywood Reporter, is now in early talks with Bradley Cooper to star.

Bradley Cooper as The Crow?

Some of you may remember the 1993 live-action adaptation which starred Brandon Lee. The film will always be a part of creepy Hollywood history because Lee was accidentally shot to death on the set with a gun that was supposed to be loaded with blanks instead of real bullets. If Cooper signs on, this will be unlike any role he’s ever played, which could be good. For one it’ll show us the sort of acting chops this guy really has, and it’ll give us a chance to see him in a role that doesn’t have him playing some pretty boy playboy-type, as per usual.
 
And while fans may criticize the casting because it doesn’t make sense on paper, this is the sort of franchise you can take risks with. The Crow isn’t a huge, mega property, and while the series has its faithful, there’s plenty you can play around with when re-launching it – and bringing on an actor who doesn’t fit the mold will shine an immediate spotlight on the upcoming movie, not to mention pique curiosity with regards to the direction they’re taking.
 
What do you think? Can you see Bradley Cooper playing The Crow?