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First Tarzan, Now Kellan Lutz Is Hercules, Too

If you had asked us just a few short months ago which member of "The Twilight Saga" cast would be most likely to spend an entire movie with his shirt off, we would have answered Taylor Lautner in a heartbeat. It's pretty much what his career's been based on.

But according to The Hollywood Reporter, Kellan Lutz has defied the odds, as the erstwhile Emmett Cullen has just signed on to play the lead role in Renny Harlin's upcoming fantasy epic "Hercules."

Lutz is no stranger to baring his finely honed torso; besides his role as Poseidon in 2011's "Immortals," he's also currently filming a modernized version of "Tarzan," which presumably won't be so modern it includes a shirt.

But with a reported budget of $70 million and a boatload of CGI 3-D excitement in the works, "Herclues" looks to be a great opportunity to prove that he's more than just a pretty chest.

"It takes more than a good physique to portray the most legendary, mythological personality in history — and Kellan has exactly that, personality," Harlin said. "He's not afraid to explore the strengths and vulnerabilities of the character, and he impressed me with his passion and heart."

"Kellan has the look and charisma that Harlin envisioned for the character," executive producer Boaz Davidson added. "Renny had him in mind from the start and we are really excited to have him on board."

There are still some challenges for Lutz and his production of "Hercules," namely the fact that established superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is already working on his own Hercules movie. It's possible both films could co-exist, though, as Lutz's version will be more of a love story, focusing on the half-god's romance with a mortal princess.

And hey, if the box office turns out to be too crowded for both films, maybe Lutz and Johnson could just wrestle for it.

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