Is Kellan Lutz The Next Action Hero?

Not to be outdone by director Brett Ratner’s latest efforts with MGM and Paramount, the Heat Vision column of The Hollywood Reporter recently shared updates regarding filmmaker and co-Renny Harlin’s own movement to direct a 3D feature film based on the greek mythological hero, Hercules. The film will star actor Kellan Lutz, who executive producer Boaz Davidson quotes Harlin saying of Lutz as his primary choice. “Kellan has the look and charisma that Harlin envisioned for the character,” Davidson says. “Renny had him in mind from the start, and we are really excited to have him on board.”

Lutz, the 28 year old actor and model hailing all the way from North Carolina previously starred in The Twilight Saga as the character, Emmett Cullen, in addition to appearing in such TV and film installments as CSI: NY, Prom Night, Arena, and the Tarsem Singh film, Immortals, starring Henry Cavill (Man Of Steel). When discussing his choice to play the titular role, Renny Harlin tells THR, “It takes more than a good physique to portray the most legendary, mythological personality in history — and Kellan has exactly that, personality,”. Also executive producing the film are Avi Lerner, Trevor Short, and John Thompson. The film is slated to begin production in Bulgaria this May.

Lutz is certainally no stranger to action movies, as he is also starring in a few other films, including the intriguing upcoming indie action film, Tatua, based on a comic book by Paul Jenkins and Rob Prior about a covert assassin with a rare blood type that allows his skin to adapt to a powerful ink, giving him the ability to pull weapons off of his skin. The actor is also set to star in the film, Tarzan, directed by Reinhard Klooss and slated for release in Germany this October. Film goers can also catch the rising action star in this year’s May 10, 2013 release of the Indonesian international action thriller from IM Global and Margate House, Java Heat, directed by Conor Allyn, and also starring Mickey Rourke, Ario Bayu, Rio Dewanto and Antiqah Hasiholan.

I’m not a huge “Twihard”, but I do see some huge potential for actors like Kellan Lutz stepping out into the field and making himself known. Blockbuster action hero and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone made some startling  revelations last year about the fate of the action genre as it stands. He does make a point, but with people like Lutz, I am not too worried. JAVA HEAT already has a trailer, so fans can get a glimpse at what to expect when the film comes out. You check it out below or click HERE if the embed fails load.

Photo Credits: Robbie Fimmano, IMDb