Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been signed to play the character of Mandrake in the film of the same name that updates the comic book hero and brings him to life.

Meyers has a look about him and a way that actually would suit the magical character really well.

Previously we heard that the lead might be Criss Angel, the actual illusionist, since Mandrake is a magician/illusionist, but that seems to have been a false rumour. Here's the plot from the first announcement of the film:

Jackson Mandrake has always lived life on the edge. Working as an underground magician, Mandrake’s act has grown far too dangerous. One fateful afternoon, a CIA agent approaches Mandrake and requests that the legendary magician help the CIA on a dangerous covert operation. Mandrake reluctantly agrees but soon finds himself caught up in an intricate web of deceit, fighting for his own survival from a brilliant criminal mastermind.

Chuck Russell is directing the Mandrake film, he previously directed such films as Eraser, The Mask and The Scorpion King, so there's some interesting past work to draw some conclusions from.

I think Jonathan Rhys Meyers would look great in the part, and the news from The Hollywood Reporter lends a certain weight to the production that might elevate it with other superhero films at the moment that are carrying stronger stars.