June 10, 2004
"Lord of the Rings" star Viggo Mortensen is currently in talks to take the lead role in the David Cronenberg-directed film "A History of Violence," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The movie, an adaptation of the John Wagner and Vince Locke graphic novel, tells the story of an average family that is thrust into the spotlight after the father commits a seemingly vigilante-style self-defense murder at his diner.

Mortensen most recently appeared in "Hidalgo" with Omar Sharif.

Later this year, he will play the Spanish soldier-turned-mercenary Captain Alatriste in the historical epic "Alatriste."