When the books first started, they were not a big thing yet.

Evanovich had a forum or blog, or whatever, and at one time
everyone discussed who they wanted for the various characters.

The Rock was the overwhelming favorite for Ranger. And since Ranger doesn't say much and just IS.... that is another + for the Rock IMO.

But you know speculating on characters....I just finished the latest In Death book from J.D.Robb (Nora Roberts other name)..
called New York to Dallas (our library has them all). So it reminded me of Eve Dallas....who could play HER in a movie? Then I started watching Castle on TV onDemand, and the actress Stana Katic would just be PERFECT. The minute I watched my first show of that series....BINGO... there was Eve.! LOL The character Kate Beckett on that show, is not quite as tough as Eve, but I think Stana could easily pull that off, as she is quite expressive on the TV show!