Nicolas Cage to Play Private Investigator Thomas Magnum?

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It's been quite long time since we last heard of the long-gestating "Magnum P.I.", and now comes up the latest tidbit regarding the casting for the project from various sources.

Words have emerged from Star Magazine, The Daily Express, and MonstersAndCritics.com that Nicolas Cage is being tipped to play the title role in this big screen adaptation of the 1980s TV series. The part was originated by Tom Selleck who portrayed the character until the end of the show in 1988.

"Nicolas likes the mix of comedy and crime-solving in the script," The Daily Express reported while pointing out that the flick fell apart 18 months ago when Ricky Gervais rejected the notion of playing Higgins to George Clooney's Magnum.

It is further said that should Cage land the part, casting will then continue to be carried up for the role of Higgins, Magnum's British sidekick. Past talks previously had Matthew McConaughey got billed as the private investigator and William H. Macy as Higgins with Steve Zahn and Tyrese Gibson to play Rick Wright and T.C. Calvin, respectively.