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| source// Marvel Studios |
If there is anything more controversial in online nerd-chatter these days than the casting process for comic book films? Well, yeah, but this isn't to say that casting is insignificant. On the contrary, casting (and this goes for any book-to-screen adaptation really) makes or breaks a film, especially in building up a ground-swell of support from those most familiar with the source material.
We currently hold the privilege of being in the midst of a gargantuan comic-book bonanza, with almost every film released from '08 onwards guaranteed to find some form of critical or commercial reverence. Whilst we have a whole host of industry talents to thank for this, it would be fair to say an awful lot of this success has hinged on the performers who have so meticulously brought to life fan-favourite characters from the pages of Marvel, DC and beyond.
Sure, there is the odd forgettable role every now and then, but for the most part performances have been indistinguishable from their comic book counterparts. On that note, it only makes sense to celebrate the most faithful of these performances – the roles that really leaped off the page in a way akin to no other.
21. Karl Urban As Judge Dredd - Dredd
2012's Dredd had a lot to rectify, more so than most reboots do. Sylvester Stallone's ill-advised '90s cliché of a film really did nothing for the Judge from the pages of 2000 A.D., committing a cardinal sin in revealing Dredd's face, which is pretty much the biggest no-no you could possibly do when it comes to the character.
The slow-mo infused underrated gem featuring Karl Urban faired far better as far as critics and fans were concerned, with the Kiwi actor turning in a stellar performance as the stern enforcer of Mega City. The entire film just feels like a huge love-letter to the comics of old, which makes its status as a box-office disappointment evermore frustrating.
The slow-mo infused underrated gem featuring Karl Urban faired far better as far as critics and fans were concerned, with the Kiwi actor turning in a stellar performance as the stern enforcer of Mega City. The entire film just feels like a huge love-letter to the comics of old, which makes its status as a box-office disappointment evermore frustrating.
20. Tom Hiddleston As Loki - Marvel Cinematic Universe
If anything could speak more for Tom Hiddleston's ability as an actor, it'd be that he actually managed to make The Dark World bearable.
Slightly.
Seriously though, there's a reason why Loki is only surpassed in terms of popularity by Tony Stark, and it's because like Robert Downey Jr., Hiddleston just understands the role. He's jaded, disillusioned, ostracised and power hungry, and he manages to do it all whilst perpetuating a slimy smugness that, for some reason or another, has become both captivating and alluring to audiences everywhere.
Slightly.
Seriously though, there's a reason why Loki is only surpassed in terms of popularity by Tony Stark, and it's because like Robert Downey Jr., Hiddleston just understands the role. He's jaded, disillusioned, ostracised and power hungry, and he manages to do it all whilst perpetuating a slimy smugness that, for some reason or another, has become both captivating and alluring to audiences everywhere.
19. Mark Strong As Sinestro - Green Lantern
I'm never usually one to pass up on an opportunity to tear 2011's Green Lantern to shreds, but if there was anything more derisory about the film, it would be its absolutely awful waste of talent.
The late Michael Clarke Duncan, Geoffrey Rush, and of course Mark Strong all excelled in the painfully brief moments of screen time they were given, and exemplifies just how bad the film was not just on its own, but for DC's wider efforts in creating a cinematic universe.
Still, that didn't stop Strong in particular from turning in a great performance as the treacherous lantern - it's just a shame we won't be seeing more of him.
The late Michael Clarke Duncan, Geoffrey Rush, and of course Mark Strong all excelled in the painfully brief moments of screen time they were given, and exemplifies just how bad the film was not just on its own, but for DC's wider efforts in creating a cinematic universe.
Still, that didn't stop Strong in particular from turning in a great performance as the treacherous lantern - it's just a shame we won't be seeing more of him.
18. Wesley Snipes As Blade
The comic book film that kick-started all comic book films, Blade and its sequel (no, we don't talk about the other one) were praised for its dark yet faithful take on the cult classic Marvel anti-hero, and with Snipes' performance, it's easy to see why.
Indeed, Blade's popularity and cult-status is largely indebted to the coolness with which Snipes played the character. Combine that with a creative tour de force for the sequel in Guilmero Del Toro - a director who appears to have a penchant for all things gothic and supernatural - and the rest was history.
Just please, give us a good Blade comic book series again. Heck, Netflix seems to be working well for Marvel, can we not get Blade back for that?
Indeed, Blade's popularity and cult-status is largely indebted to the coolness with which Snipes played the character. Combine that with a creative tour de force for the sequel in Guilmero Del Toro - a director who appears to have a penchant for all things gothic and supernatural - and the rest was history.
Just please, give us a good Blade comic book series again. Heck, Netflix seems to be working well for Marvel, can we not get Blade back for that?
17. Michael Gough As Alfred Pennyworth - Batman
To this day, no other actor has managed to combine the sincerity, intelligence, or whit of Alfred Pennyworth better than the late Michael Gough. Whilst that statement is bound to irritate those more familiar with Michael Cain's and Sean Pertwee's very commendable takes on the character, none manage to attain the heights set by the butler of Burton's Batman.
Gough's Alfred may lack the bad-assery of the former MI6 agent's early days, but what he lacks in intimidation he more than makes up for in class and warmth. He acts as a reassuring presence every time he's on screen, and also as a strong moral compass for Bruce to make note of in times of distress.
To top it all off, Gough had the task of reintroducing the character to an entirely new generation - one he accomplished indubitably.
Gough's Alfred may lack the bad-assery of the former MI6 agent's early days, but what he lacks in intimidation he more than makes up for in class and warmth. He acts as a reassuring presence every time he's on screen, and also as a strong moral compass for Bruce to make note of in times of distress.
To top it all off, Gough had the task of reintroducing the character to an entirely new generation - one he accomplished indubitably.
16. Sebastian Stan As Bucky Barnes - Marvel Cinematic Universe
Though originally a happy-go-lucky sidekick more often mocked than revered, James 'Bucky' Barnes developed over the years into a character admired by audiences for his complex and tragic backstory. Said story is now working its way through the current Captain America trilogy, and it goes without saying that Sebastian Stan has nailed the role of Bucky.
We've seen Cap's friend during his wartime years and through the present day as a brainwashed agent of Hydra, but as an ally no less relatable than the star-spangled Avenger himself. It's a difficult role to nail as the character's best literature only erupted recently, but I for one am more than ready for Stan to pick up the shield when his time comes.
We've seen Cap's friend during his wartime years and through the present day as a brainwashed agent of Hydra, but as an ally no less relatable than the star-spangled Avenger himself. It's a difficult role to nail as the character's best literature only erupted recently, but I for one am more than ready for Stan to pick up the shield when his time comes.
15. Alfred Molina As Doctor Octopus - Spider-Man 2
Say what you will about Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films, but you can't deny they had a knack for good casting.
Sure, the performances we got may have been borderline hammy and cartoonish at times, but for the most part we were treated to some truly emotive works, all accentuated beautifully by Danny Elfman's wonderful composition.
Alfred Molina's take on Doctor Otto Octavius presented audiences with the quintessential sympathetic antagonist - a flawed man stripped of his humanity by ambition and manipulation - rather than a straight-up contemptible doer of evil. Molina deviated from Otto's obnoxious egotism to create said sympathy, but the consequence was a magnificent performance fondly remembered by all who'd seen it.
Sure, the performances we got may have been borderline hammy and cartoonish at times, but for the most part we were treated to some truly emotive works, all accentuated beautifully by Danny Elfman's wonderful composition.
Alfred Molina's take on Doctor Otto Octavius presented audiences with the quintessential sympathetic antagonist - a flawed man stripped of his humanity by ambition and manipulation - rather than a straight-up contemptible doer of evil. Molina deviated from Otto's obnoxious egotism to create said sympathy, but the consequence was a magnificent performance fondly remembered by all who'd seen it.
14. Mark Ruffalo As Bruce Banner - Marvel Cinematic Universe
Mark Ruffalo is just a wonderful human being. On top of 'feeling the Bern' and campaigning on numerous environmental issues, the actor has taken on the role of Bruce Banner with ease, easily outclassing all former actors who've taken a stab at the character in the past.
He gets some of the best scenes in both Avengers films, so it sucks so much that we're yet to see Ruffalo get an entire solo film to flex his jolly green acting muscles.
He gets some of the best scenes in both Avengers films, so it sucks so much that we're yet to see Ruffalo get an entire solo film to flex his jolly green acting muscles.
13. Scarlett Johansson As Black Widow - Marvel Cinematic Universe
Scarlett Johansen's Black Widow may lack a Russian accent, but what she lacks in tone she more than makes up for in personality.
The Romanoff from the MCU is just as strong, pragmatic and resourceful as her comic book counterpart, and that really shone in the franchise's best entry yet - Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Indeed, it's not at all difficult to understand the fan outcry regarding the character's criminal snubbing with Marvel's merchandising, especially when Johansson is so good in the role.
The Romanoff from the MCU is just as strong, pragmatic and resourceful as her comic book counterpart, and that really shone in the franchise's best entry yet - Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Indeed, it's not at all difficult to understand the fan outcry regarding the character's criminal snubbing with Marvel's merchandising, especially when Johansson is so good in the role.
12. Chloë Grace Moretz As Hit Girl - Kick Ass
Kick Ass was a bit of an unprecedented hit when it first released in 2010, adapting Mark Millar's famed hyper-violent graphic novel in great detail and with minor alterations to the source material. All of the cast were top-notch, particularly Nicholas Cage who played 'Big Daddy', but it was Grace Moretz's début as Hit Girl that everyone remembers most fondly.
The foul-mouthed vigilante was equally endearing as she was badass - two essential aspects that the actor nailed superbly. With Hit-Girl getting a comic book spin-off of her own, it'd be fantastic to see another film adaptation centred around the character - just as long as Moretz comes back though.
The foul-mouthed vigilante was equally endearing as she was badass - two essential aspects that the actor nailed superbly. With Hit-Girl getting a comic book spin-off of her own, it'd be fantastic to see another film adaptation centred around the character - just as long as Moretz comes back though.
11. Ron Perlman As Hellboy
Ron Perlman is to Hellboy what Kevin Conroy is to Batman, and if you're aware of the level of fan admiration there is for that particular voice-actor, then chances are you understand the significance of such a statement.
Although the Sons of Anarchy alumni may remain the only person to have taken on Mike Mignola's famed B.P.R.D agent in a live-action or animated setting, his performance is indisputably iconic, and indeed, unlikely to be toppled by any potential successor.
He has the sarcasm, the voice, the look - pretty much everything synonymous with Hellboy down to a T. What more could you want?
Although the Sons of Anarchy alumni may remain the only person to have taken on Mike Mignola's famed B.P.R.D agent in a live-action or animated setting, his performance is indisputably iconic, and indeed, unlikely to be toppled by any potential successor.
He has the sarcasm, the voice, the look - pretty much everything synonymous with Hellboy down to a T. What more could you want?
10. Chris Evans As Captain America - Marvel Cinematic Univers
If there's anything I have to admit right now, it's that I was initially sceptical of Chris Evans' casting as Steve Rogers.
Back in 2010 this hesitation wouldn't have been totally unfounded, however. Evans had not only one bad comic book movie to his name, but two, and whilst he wasn't exactly the sole causal agent for them failing, his performance as Johnny Storm wasn't anything to write home about. He had the charisma, but that role - much like the Fantastic Four films themselves - amounted to little more than a clichéd archetype from the early 2000s. Certainly unbefitting of a talent such as Evans.
Captain America on the other hand epitomises all of the actor's greatest talents, bringing life to the most nuanced character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. That's no small feet considering the amazing range of talent on display in Marvel right now, but it just goes to illustrate just how well Evans gets the star-spangled man with a plan.
Back in 2010 this hesitation wouldn't have been totally unfounded, however. Evans had not only one bad comic book movie to his name, but two, and whilst he wasn't exactly the sole causal agent for them failing, his performance as Johnny Storm wasn't anything to write home about. He had the charisma, but that role - much like the Fantastic Four films themselves - amounted to little more than a clichéd archetype from the early 2000s. Certainly unbefitting of a talent such as Evans.
Captain America on the other hand epitomises all of the actor's greatest talents, bringing life to the most nuanced character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. That's no small feet considering the amazing range of talent on display in Marvel right now, but it just goes to illustrate just how well Evans gets the star-spangled man with a plan.
9. Gary Oldman As James Gordon - The Dark Knight Trilogy
Out of all the things Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy got right, its supporting cast may just be its best. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and of course, Gary Oldman all brought their A-Game to the roles of Alfred Pennyworth, Lucius Fox and James Gordon respectively. If I was to rank any as being the standout however, it'd be Oldman without a doubt.
Over the course of three films we got to see a fantastic character-arc for not just Batman, but for Jim as well. Oldman nails both the look and the essence of the character too, which only makes his oft-reported disdain for that part among others even more lamentable.
Over the course of three films we got to see a fantastic character-arc for not just Batman, but for Jim as well. Oldman nails both the look and the essence of the character too, which only makes his oft-reported disdain for that part among others even more lamentable.
8. Christopher Reeve As Superman
Genre-defining, iconic, and faithful to its core, Richard Donner's original Superman films have managed to attain a seat amongst the upper echelons of pop-culture's most favourably remembered classics - a debt largely owed to the late Christopher Reeve and his portrayal of Clark Kent.
Mild-mannered as the Daily Planet reporter, yet charming and confident as the Man of Steel, Reeve managed to conjure up a loveable image of the world's most famous superhero over the course of four (mixed) films. They may all have varied in quality, but the late actor's performance was always faithful to the comics.
Mild-mannered as the Daily Planet reporter, yet charming and confident as the Man of Steel, Reeve managed to conjure up a loveable image of the world's most famous superhero over the course of four (mixed) films. They may all have varied in quality, but the late actor's performance was always faithful to the comics.
7. Ian McKellen/Michael Fassbender As Magneto - X-Men Franchise
Yes, yes, I know this is cheating. But honestly, is there any way of separating the two?
Erik Lensher has always been an icon of moral ambiguity in the Marvel mythos, representing the moral and political antithesis of what his main rival, Charles Xavier, and his X-Men espouse. Magneto has experienced a level of persecution incomparable in its brutality, and the emotional weight and grief that comes with such a tragic life is clearly a difficult element to convey. He also believes that mutants are 'homo-superior', with his lived experiences vindicating the dogmatic creed himself and the Brotherhood of Mutants proclaim.
On top of such a rich personality, the self-proclaimed 'master of magnetism' possesses a unique and amicable relationship with Professor X, and who better to embody such a friendship than real life BFFs, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart? Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy too did justice to the roles, and the resurgence of the franchise has only been amplified by the acting talents displayed.
Both are clearly fantastic in the role, but Magneto's strength of character takes the cake as far as complexity is concerned.
Erik Lensher has always been an icon of moral ambiguity in the Marvel mythos, representing the moral and political antithesis of what his main rival, Charles Xavier, and his X-Men espouse. Magneto has experienced a level of persecution incomparable in its brutality, and the emotional weight and grief that comes with such a tragic life is clearly a difficult element to convey. He also believes that mutants are 'homo-superior', with his lived experiences vindicating the dogmatic creed himself and the Brotherhood of Mutants proclaim.
On top of such a rich personality, the self-proclaimed 'master of magnetism' possesses a unique and amicable relationship with Professor X, and who better to embody such a friendship than real life BFFs, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart? Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy too did justice to the roles, and the resurgence of the franchise has only been amplified by the acting talents displayed.
Both are clearly fantastic in the role, but Magneto's strength of character takes the cake as far as complexity is concerned.
6. Samuel L. Jackson As Nick Fury - Marvel Cinematic Universe
Believe it or not, the Nick Fury from Marvel's Ultimate universe was in fact based on Samuel L. Jackson, so what a remarkable turn of events it is to be in 2016 with the actor firmly in the driving seat of the role.
It's an absolutely perfect fit though, with Jackson's character acting as the binding agent that brings the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe together. Audiences everywhere collectively lost their minds when Fury walked into Tony Stark's Malibu home in 2008, and not just because of its universal ramifications either.
No, Jackson pretty much is the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and eight years on from his début as the character (yes, eight!) audiences are still enamoured with Nick Fury. He's that good.
It's an absolutely perfect fit though, with Jackson's character acting as the binding agent that brings the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe together. Audiences everywhere collectively lost their minds when Fury walked into Tony Stark's Malibu home in 2008, and not just because of its universal ramifications either.
No, Jackson pretty much is the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and eight years on from his début as the character (yes, eight!) audiences are still enamoured with Nick Fury. He's that good.
5. J. K. Simmons As J. Jonah Jameson - Spider-Man
J. K. Simmons is the real life embodiment of J Jonah Jameson - there's literally no other way of describing his performance.
For such a sideshow character to steal the spotlight of one of the world's most famous and relatable characters speaks volumes for Simmons' charisma as the editor of the Daily Bugle, with the actor perfectly illuminating JJ's sycophantic and sensationalist persona through sheer perfection of comedic timing.
Anyone who attempts to succeed Simmons in the role is going to have to do a heck of a lot to win people over, because J. K. is indisputably the owner of that role. Here's hoping he'll be back for the next inevitable Spidey spin-off!
For such a sideshow character to steal the spotlight of one of the world's most famous and relatable characters speaks volumes for Simmons' charisma as the editor of the Daily Bugle, with the actor perfectly illuminating JJ's sycophantic and sensationalist persona through sheer perfection of comedic timing.
Anyone who attempts to succeed Simmons in the role is going to have to do a heck of a lot to win people over, because J. K. is indisputably the owner of that role. Here's hoping he'll be back for the next inevitable Spidey spin-off!
4. Hugh Jackman As Wolverine - X-Men Franchise
With the role propelling Jackman to international stardom and critical acclaim everywhere, you'd probably be surprised to hear that, back in 2000, people weren't too happy with his casting as the metal-bound Canadian icon.
No, fans were far more concerned with the Aussie actor's height than they were his acting chops, which is probably the most pedantic criticism to level at an actor before they've even shot their first scenes. Either way, Jackman's initial detractors were most certainly proven wrong when the first X-Men film dropped, and as the actor is set to depart the role with the final Wolverine solo film, I think it's fair to say that the 16 years he's played the character were ones well spent.
No, fans were far more concerned with the Aussie actor's height than they were his acting chops, which is probably the most pedantic criticism to level at an actor before they've even shot their first scenes. Either way, Jackman's initial detractors were most certainly proven wrong when the first X-Men film dropped, and as the actor is set to depart the role with the final Wolverine solo film, I think it's fair to say that the 16 years he's played the character were ones well spent.
3. Ryan Reynolds As Deadpool
No Marvel character has been as monumentally mistreated in cinema as poor Wade Wilson has, even if he's now currently riding on a wave of popularity untraversed since he entered the pages of The New Mutants in 1991.
If you can cast your mind back to 2009, you'll probably hold traumatic memories of how Fox made Deadpool - the merc' with a mouth - speechless. They literally sewed his mouth shut.
Ryan Reynolds did however show how much fun Wade could be in the brief five minutes of screen time he was entitled to, and thankfully it all paid off in the long run, as this year's film featuring the eponymous antihero demonstrates so beautifully.
Reynolds simply owns the quirks, the violence, and the fourth-wall break-y nature of the character immaculately, and as audiences (and Fox) have learnt to fall in love with him all over again, expect to see a plethora of sequels in the future.
If you can cast your mind back to 2009, you'll probably hold traumatic memories of how Fox made Deadpool - the merc' with a mouth - speechless. They literally sewed his mouth shut.
Ryan Reynolds did however show how much fun Wade could be in the brief five minutes of screen time he was entitled to, and thankfully it all paid off in the long run, as this year's film featuring the eponymous antihero demonstrates so beautifully.
Reynolds simply owns the quirks, the violence, and the fourth-wall break-y nature of the character immaculately, and as audiences (and Fox) have learnt to fall in love with him all over again, expect to see a plethora of sequels in the future.
2. Jackie Earle Haley As Rorschach - Watchmen
This whole film was a panel-to-panel love letter to Watchmen and the world it created, and no actor nailed their part better than Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach.
One of the most morally and psychologically complex characters in the comic book medium, Rorschach's vigilante escapades could have easily been misread or misinterpreted by a deluge of actors rushing to cash-in on the comic book movie renaissance, but the page to screen transition went ahead exquisitely when Haley got the role.
Whilst empathetic in most instances, Walter Kovacs is by no means an easy personality to approach. The many nuances, mannerisms and experiences the character retains in the film are largely indebted to Haley and his faithful recreation of the trilby-clad vigilante. Working with such a morally questionable protagonist isn't a task easily accomplished, but in this case, it more than paid off.
One of the most morally and psychologically complex characters in the comic book medium, Rorschach's vigilante escapades could have easily been misread or misinterpreted by a deluge of actors rushing to cash-in on the comic book movie renaissance, but the page to screen transition went ahead exquisitely when Haley got the role.
Whilst empathetic in most instances, Walter Kovacs is by no means an easy personality to approach. The many nuances, mannerisms and experiences the character retains in the film are largely indebted to Haley and his faithful recreation of the trilby-clad vigilante. Working with such a morally questionable protagonist isn't a task easily accomplished, but in this case, it more than paid off.
1. Robert Downey Jr. As Iron Man - Marvel Cinematic Universe
There's a reason why Tony Stark is Marvel's most popular character right now, and no, it isn't because of the suit.
Robert Downey Jr. was the perfect choice to play Tony Stark because of a multitude of factors (his talents as a thespian of course being one of them), but if anything has contributed to Downey's accomplishments as the arms-dealer turned superhero, it would be his real life experiences.
The story of Iron Man is one of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Of redemption, renewal, and rebirth. Having courted a career fraught with controversy despite the amazing talent left in its wake, many thought that Marvel were taking a gamble by giving the part to RDJ. If anything however, these experiences merely emboldened the superb articulation of the character on screen, and with six films under his belt as the most popular Avenger out there, calling this casting a 'risk' almost seems ludicrous in retrospect.
I'm still on Team Cap though.
Robert Downey Jr. was the perfect choice to play Tony Stark because of a multitude of factors (his talents as a thespian of course being one of them), but if anything has contributed to Downey's accomplishments as the arms-dealer turned superhero, it would be his real life experiences.
The story of Iron Man is one of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Of redemption, renewal, and rebirth. Having courted a career fraught with controversy despite the amazing talent left in its wake, many thought that Marvel were taking a gamble by giving the part to RDJ. If anything however, these experiences merely emboldened the superb articulation of the character on screen, and with six films under his belt as the most popular Avenger out there, calling this casting a 'risk' almost seems ludicrous in retrospect.
I'm still on Team Cap though.
Are there any actors you felt nailed their comic-book roles? Let us know in the comments below!
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