Just out of curiosity, who do you think would have been a better choice? I heard they had someone else originally, but it didn't work out. I forget his name (he was in one of Anne Rice's movies)
I don't really follow movie actors that closely, but I think you need someone more along the lines of Mel Gibson. I don't mean a Mel Gibson look alike, but someone more cleancut, someone who looks a bit more like he's on the side of goodness and truth, someone who looks more comfortable playing the part of a noble hero.
As I mentioned up thread, I would have liked to see someone like James Purefoy (A Knight's Tale, Vanity Fair)do the role. James Caviziel (spelling? The Passion of the Christ) would have been a good choice as well (more clean cut and noble looking). I also happen to think Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera, Dear Frankie, Attila) would have been awesome, but then again, I'm going through a GB "phase", LOL! Heck, I'm not a huge Russell Crowe fan, but even he would have brought more physical heft and presence to the role.
Viggo just never managed to project the wisdom, strength, or nobility that was needed in the role; it just came off snarky, IMO.