When he’s not antagonizing The Avengers, Tom Hiddleston might become a dark avenger himself in the remake of The Crow. Reports have Hiddleston in early talks to star as Eric Draven, a resurrected murder victim who rises from the grave a year after his death in order to exact revenge on the thugs who killed him and his fiance. The 1994 cult classic directed by Alex Proyas starred Brandon Lee in the title role and was based on a James O’Barr comic series. Director F. Javier Gutierrez (Before the Fall) is helming from a script by Cliff Dorfman (Warrior) and expects to start production this fall. Hit the jump for more.

Word from The Wrap has Hiddleston in early talks to lead The Crow. James McAvoy (X-Men: First Class) was previously rumored to be in talks to star, but recently debunked the rumor. McAvoy could have been a good fit, but Hiddleston is a bona fide chameleon who can portray both the light and dark sides of Draven/The Crow, something the remake’s producers were keen to explore. The write-up says that Hiddleston even sent them a make-up test for the folk hero that he did on his own in London. He’ll reportedly undergo a professional make-up test in the next few days to see if he passes muster as the costumed crusader.

After Lee passed away due to an accidental shooting injury he sustained during filming of The Crow, other actors have tried to take on the role over the years with varying success. Vincent Perez, Eric Mabius and even Edward Furlong tried to take on the mantle of The Crow, but the sequels paled in comparison to the original. Here’s hoping that Hiddleston the Marvel baddie will find his way into a proper remake and further endear himself to his fanbase. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!