The Lock Artist as Movie: Casting for a strong, silent type

The film rights to the Edgar Award for Best Novel-winning "The Lock Artist" have just been acquired by Shane Salerno. Saleno got together with Oliver Stone and Don Winslow to adapt Winslow’s novel Savages,and according to Nikki Finke will do the same with The Lock Artist.
They haven't hired a director yet  (my son, RUSSELL CARTER,  is available :) ) but Salerno will co-write and get a producer credit and word has it they are on the hunt.

Here's the description of the book I found at BN.com, which I have to say, sounds movie-worthy although a mute lead will be quite a challenge! :

Michael is no ordinary young man. Mute since a childhood tragedy, at age eighteen he discovers that he possesses a skill he would never have expected. Whether it's a locked door without a key, a padlock with no combination, or even an eight-hundred pound safe…he can open them all.

It's a talent that will make Michael a hot commodity with the wrong people, and whether he likes it or not, push him closer to a life of crime. Until one day, when he finally sees his chance to escape, and decides to risk everything to return home to the only person he ever loved, and to unlock the secret that has kept him silent for so long.

Winner of the 2011 Edgar Award for Best Novel

Winner of the 2011 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award

HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK?

Who should play Michael?

AND should it be /can it be made into a film at all?