Dream Casting Nic Cage's Tiger King Series

There was simply too many similarities in the facial features between the ex WWE star turned front line actor Dave Bautista, and the man formerly known as the man with missing 'meth' teeth, John Finlay, to be ignored in our mock casting. Bautista has run up a stack of acting credits since turning his focus to acting, be it a 007 henchman or a muscular interstellar assassin who takes things a little too literally. His husky voice and similar physique would make Bautista ideal as Finlay, Joe Exotic's laid back lover who learns to stand up for himself as events unfold.

While Bautista stands at 51 years of age versus Finlay's 36 years of age, Bautista's ability to keep in shape would help compensate for the age gap. A touch of digital de-ageing would also help to get Bautista looking more befitting a younger man, with the ability to digitally remove a few teeth another important factor in the post-production.

Should a younger actor be required, a secondary option for the loveable dork Finlay could be Eric Christian Olsen of NCIS: Los Angeles fame. He has a similar scruffy look and demeanour to Bautista while still having youth on his side, and may be more affordable if the budget for the film goes the way of Joe Exotic's Tiger park.