The Jungle King's Next Star: 5 Shocking Actors Rumored For Sony's 'Total Reinvention' Tarzan Casting

The question of who will be the next King of the Jungle has become one of Hollywood's most persistent and intriguing casting mysteries, especially in the wake of Sony Pictures acquiring the film rights for a major reboot. As of today, December 11, 2025, the most crucial piece of information is that while the new *Tarzan* film is confirmed to be a "total reinvention" of the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs character, no official cast, director, or writer has been publicly announced. This vacuum of official news has fueled an intense amount of fan speculation and concept art, pushing A-list names like Chris Hemsworth and Henry Cavill to the forefront of the conversation. The new project is designed to break away from the traditional, often-criticized portrayals of the character, John Clayton II, also known as Lord Greystoke. Sony is reportedly aiming for a completely fresh take that modernizes the century-old literary figure, which suggests the casting choice will be both unexpected and highly scrutinized by fans of the original novels and the 2016 film *The Legend of Tarzan*.

The Unofficial Roster: A Deep Dive Into the Top Tarzan Casting Rumors

The lack of concrete information from Sony has created a vibrant, if unreliable, landscape of fan-casting and industry whispers. The speculation centers on actors who possess the necessary blend of physical presence, dramatic capability, and star power to anchor a major franchise reboot.

1. Chris Hemsworth: The God of Thunder as Lord Greystoke

Chris Hemsworth is arguably the most frequently mentioned name in recent *Tarzan* casting discussions. * The Argument: Hemsworth's established history as a global action star, primarily from his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, makes him a bankable lead for a tentpole franchise. His physique, which perfectly aligns with the traditional image of the jungle hero, is a major factor in the fan-casting. * The Speculation: Rumors often link him to a 2026 release date, sometimes alongside actresses like Charlize Theron as Jane Porter. * Topical Entity Connection: His potential involvement would echo the casting of Alexander Skarsgård, another tall, muscular actor who previously took on the role in 2016’s *The Legend of Tarzan*.

2. Henry Cavill: The Man of Steel's Jungle Ambition

Another perennial favorite for any major, physically demanding role is Henry Cavill, who has a passionate fan base supporting his potential casting. * The Argument: Cavill is known for his dedication to physical transformation for roles like Superman and Geralt of Rivia in *The Witcher*. His star power and ability to play a noble, yet conflicted, hero fit the archetype of the orphaned John Clayton. * The Speculation: Fan-made concept trailers frequently pair Cavill with actresses like Sydney Sweeney or Scarlett Johansson as Jane, fueling the idea of a high-profile, star-studded reboot. * Intention Focus: The pairing of Cavill with a major female lead suggests a narrative that gives Jane Porter a more prominent and equally powerful role, aligning with the "total reinvention" mandate.

3. Tom Holland: The Unexpected, Younger Contender

An older, yet highly significant, rumor involved *Spider-Man* star Tom Holland. * The Argument: While less physically imposing than Hemsworth or Cavill, Holland's casting would align perfectly with a "reinvention" that focuses on a younger, more agile, and perhaps more vulnerable Tarzan, potentially exploring his origin story or early years in the jungle. * The Context: The initial report linking Holland to the role is now several years old, making it less likely to be current, but it highlights the studio's potential interest in a youthful, fresh-faced take on the character. * Topical Entity Connection: A Holland casting would echo the Disney animated film's focus on a coming-of-age story, appealing to a younger demographic.

4. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: The Massive Action Star

Dwayne Johnson's name has also surfaced in the realm of concept trailers and fan-casting, though it presents a significant departure from the character's traditional look. * The Argument: Johnson guarantees a massive box office opening, regardless of the property. His involvement would signal a shift toward a pure, high-octane action-adventure film, moving away from the period drama elements of previous adaptations. * The Speculation: Concept art often positions him for a 2025 release, sometimes alongside Megan Fox. * The Reinvention Angle: If Sony is truly committed to a "total reinvention," casting an actor who completely subverts the traditional image of Lord Greystoke could be a bold, headline-grabbing move.

5. Aaron Taylor-Johnson: The Dark Horse Candidate

Often mentioned in fan forums, Aaron Taylor-Johnson represents a strong, yet less-publicized, possibility for the role. * The Argument: Taylor-Johnson has shown versatility, capable of playing intense, physical roles (*Kraven the Hunter*, *Bullet Train*) while also possessing a brooding dramatic presence. He offers a middle ground between the youthful Holland and the established action stars. * Topical Entity Connection: His casting would follow the trend of selecting actors known for their intense commitment to physicality, a prerequisite for portraying the jungle-dwelling hero created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Why Sony’s “Total Reinvention” is the Key to Tarzan’s Future

The primary reason for the intense speculation and the lack of official news is the studio’s commitment to a "total reinvention" of the franchise. The last major attempt, *The Legend of Tarzan* (2016), starring Alexander Skarsgård and Margot Robbie, was a critical and commercial disappointment, despite its high-profile cast. This failure demonstrated that a simple, traditional retelling of Tarzan's story—the orphaned British nobleman, John Clayton III, raised by apes in the African jungle—is no longer enough to capture a modern, global audience. Sony's mandate to reinvent the character means they are likely exploring several radical departures from the source material. * Focus on Modern Themes: The new film will likely address modern sensibilities regarding colonialism, the portrayal of Africa, and the "white savior" trope often associated with the classic stories. This requires a nuanced script and a lead actor capable of handling complex themes, not just vine-swinging. * Genre Shift: The reinvention could push the narrative into a different genre, such as a psychological thriller about a man caught between two worlds, or a high-concept sci-fi adventure, rather than a straightforward historical epic. * Casting for Nuance: The casting process will be about finding an actor who can embody the wildness of Tarzan while also portraying the internal conflict of Lord Greystoke. This is why actors known for depth, not just muscle, are being rumored.

The Legacy of Tarzan: A History of Iconic Casting

To understand the weight of the current casting decision, one must look at the character's long cinematic history. Tarzan has been portrayed by dozens of actors over the decades, creating a powerful legacy of cinematic masculinity. * Johnny Weissmuller: The most iconic Tarzan, an Olympic swimmer whose portrayal in the 1930s and 40s defined the character's yell and simple, monosyllabic speech for generations. * Ron Ely: Starred in the popular 1960s television series, offering a more articulate and thoughtful version of the character. * Alexander Skarsgård: The most recent big-screen Tarzan, who brought a brooding intensity to the role in the 2016 film, attempting to connect the jungle hero with his aristocratic past. The next actor chosen by Sony Pictures will not just be playing a role; they will be tasked with redefining a cultural icon for the 21st century. Until an official announcement is made, the jungle drums will continue to beat with the names of Hollywood's biggest stars, but the truth remains: the King of the Jungle's throne is currently vacant.