Tom Hiddleston may be flying from super villain to superhero, as "The Avengers" star is in early discussions to play Eric Draven in Relativity Media's reimagining of "The Crow," individuals close to the project have told TheWrap.

Based on the James O'Barr comic book series that was previously adapted as a 1994 Miramax movie starring Brandon Lee, "The Crow" follows a man who returns from beyond the grave to avenge his death.

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Ed Pressman of Pressman Film and Kevin Misher of Misher Films are producing with Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh and Jeff Most. Dan Farah of Farah Films will executive produce with Relativity's Tucker Tooley.

Hiddleston recently had dinner with producers and sent them a makeup test that he did on his own in London. He will undergo a proper makeup test in the coming days, as the character's appearance is important to fans of the franchise, who should be delighted with the casting of a major member of the Marvel universe.

Acclaimed Spanish filmmaker F. Javier Gutierrez ("Before the Fall") is directing "The Crow" from a script by Cliff Dorfman ("Warrior"), though it's possible that other writers will be credited as well.

Production is tentatively scheduled to begin this fall, though the timetable could move slightly depending on several factors.

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O'Barr wrote "The Crow" to help him deal with the death of his girlfriend, and it's the story's emotional component that sets it apart from other comic book properties. Hiddleston appealed to producers who were enamored with his ability to project both a light and dark side. He has also displayed gifted physical talents as the villainous Loki in "The Avengers," as well as impressive dramatic chops in the acclaimed indie film "The Deep Blue Sea."

In addition to his turns in "Thor," "The Avengers" and upcoming Marvel sequel "Thor: The Dark World," Hiddleston has worked with top directors such as Steven Spielberg on "War Horse," Woody Allen on "Midnight in Paris" and Jim Jarmusch in "Only Lovers Left Alive." He is also attached to play photographer Robert Capa in an upcoming biopic.

Hiddleston is repped by WME, manager Jon Rubinstein, Hamilton Hodell and attorney Jodi Peikoff. Gutierrez, who is managed by Farah, signed with WME's Dan Aloni and Ari Emanuel earlier this week.

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