I just read an interesting bit of news on Chud.com about how Tom Cruise was interested in the upcoming "Watchmen" movie. Devin Faraci at Chud.com recently spoke with "300" director Zack Snyder, who's slated to the direct the movie version of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' epic graphic novel. Snyder confirmed that Cruise had expressed interest in starring in the movie and that the two had talked about Cruise playing the role of Ozymandias, "Watchmen's" smarmy, un-likeable All-American pretty boy superhero (pictured left, center).

Snyder added that he didn't think it was going to happen. Still, the idea of Tom Cruise as Ozymandias has probably upset a few fans out there. I must admit that I'm one of those obsessive "Watchmen" fan. I consider it to be one of the greatest works of fiction, let alone comic books, of the last 50 years. I've tracked pretty much every rumor and news report about the movie, and even though I think "Watchmen" may be next to impossible to pull off as a great movie, I'm still going to see it.

Still, I think the possibility of Cruise as Ozymandias is an excellent idea, and I agree with Faraci, who wrote that it would be "great casting." After my initial shock wore off, I started thinking about it. Of all the characters that Tom Cruise could play in "Watchmen," which one would be the best fit? That's right: Ozymandias. Here's why:

5. Everyone hates Tom Cruise right, so he's perfect to play a rich, devious genius known as "the smartest man in the world."

4. Adrian Viedt, a.k.a. Ozymandias, is completely out of touch with reality and drunk on his own fame and power. Sound familiar?

3. Tom Cruise can actually act, and when he takes on darker, non-Cruise roles like in "Magnolia" and "Collateral," he can be pretty damn good.

2. Ozymandias is a supporting role, and Cruise proved he could pull off such a feat with "Magnolia."

1. Of all the big-name actors that could play Ozymandias, I can only think of one that would be better: Clive Owen. He just has the right look, and he's a great actor. I know others have been recommended by fans - everyone from Jude Law and Brad Pitt to Val Kilmer and Matt Damon - but to me, Cruise is just about as good as any choice.

Of course, he could have another incident on "Oprah," in which case all bets are off.