Needs to be able to put some humanity into the silent tough guy role.

Gears of War screenshot

Speaking to MTV Movies, Gears of War screenwriter Chris Morgan has revealed casting is yet to begin for the lead role of Marcus Fenix.

“Normally when I write, I think about the actor I’m writing for, but this one’s been difficult,” said Morgan. “It is a vital casting choice. It’s counter-intuitive really, because it seems like you want to get a big character - a big tough guy who can play it stoic the whole time - but in my experience, dealing with macho sorts of movies and dealing with Dom [Vin Diesel's character in Fast & Furious] and that kind of stuff, it’s harder to play the tough guy than an emotional character who’s all over the place.”

While no actor is in place, Morgan does have an idea of who could handle the role.

“The Rock [Dwayne Johnson] is awesome,” said Morgan. “There’s a genuine actor. Not only can he play the tough guy, but he can also play the nuanced, sensitive funny sad moments as well. But finding that guy is incredibly difficult.”

It's not all about having a hulking physique though, as Morgan explains.

“I don’t think they’re looking so much for size, but a guy you believe can throw a punch, and a guy you believe is stoic, locked in his own head, and [can] show emotion without telegraphing it,” said Morgan.