Comic book films have taken off in recent years, and with the increased amount of revenue from each film comes the increased pressure of casting. If done correctly an actor can elevate the status of a superhero to new heights, and this list is ten of those achievements that sometimes produce groundbreaking results.
#10 Hugh Jackman (Wolverine)
There's no denying that the character Wolverine has always been one of the most awesome superheroes in the 'X-Men' franchise. The problem is that with an awesome character comes a big task of finding the right guy to play such an iconic role. There are not many men who can successfully pull off the role of an indestructible mutant, but still come across as powerful despite not saying a lot; and Hugh Jackman fits into this role perfectly. By no means is Jackman the world's greatest actor, but he knows how to take a knock and dish out a lot of pain. His chiseled and slightly brutal look compliment Wolverine's character, and the result is a man who looks like a freak, yet becomes a handsome figure that is in some ways desirable. You still wouldn't want to meet the guy on a dark night, but you can't help but think Wolverine would be a great mate down the pub.
It has to be said that not many people agreed with me when Jackman was originally cast for the role in the 2000 film, so it's nice to see that his recent performances have convinced the majority of people that this surprise candidate was the right man for the job. He's more than just some generic thug, and actually rather awesome when the pace gets too fast for the more conventional actors. It's because of this that Jackman has become a hit with comic book fans and has reprised the role of Wolverine on seven different occasions since 2000. Over that time he's given Wolverine that lovable antihero role that he's always needed, making him into more than just a comic book icon.
#9 Ron Perlman (Hellboy)
On this list are a lot of chiseled men that look great with tight fitting clothing on. Hellboy is not one of these characters, and that allows Hollywood to try the role of a superhero with a more mature actor. That's good news for Ron Pearlman, who in real life looks a bit like the missing link between humans and apes, and so thankfully gets hidden under a ton of makeup that make a fictional demon very realistic to watch. However the role of Hellboy is a lot more complex than a few hours of makeup; it's a role that needs a character to shine through all that artificial bollocks and give the reader an impersonation of a respectable human being. Perlman may have an unusual physique, but his acting skills and screen presence allow him to perfectly compliment the character that Hellboy should be. Perlman owns the role, giving his character a much needed personality whilst still looking like he belongs in each scene where everything blows up.
#8 Chris Hemsworth (Thor)
I don't exactly approve of Marvel using the namesake of a Norse god for a comic book character as I feel it shits on a deep cultural heritage that would never translate itself into a superhero. I was even less pleased with the casting choice of Chris Hemsworth as Thor due to the fact that he's a dreadful actor that has only caught my attention when playing the role of James Hunt in 'Rush'. However despite speaking in an Australian accent and plodding around the set like he has no idea where he is, Hemsworth eventually worked at playing a Norse god, and by that I don't mean he looks a bit Norwegian. On the surface Hemsworth was a poor choice, but in retrospect this man surprised us all, and there is no doubt in my mind that it was the right decision to hire this guy despite him not being a classically trained actor. Watching him in 'The Avengers' films it's clear that Hemsworth has the looks and personality to make an immortal god of war actually quite cool. I know things that are vintage are supposed to be trendy now, but I think we should still give credit to Hemsworth for making it work with a man who's thousands of years old.
#7 Chloe Grace Moretz (Hit Girl)
I don't understand how, but for some reason an eleven year old girl managed to become the action hero in a film that she wasn't legally allowed to watch. Moretz looked like a veteran actor when she played the mature Hit Girl role in the 2010 film 'Kick Ass'. Not only did Moretz give a well rounded performance, but she even managed to stand out from a cast of actors that really should be acting circles around this rookie. I don't know whether it was the unique personality or the fact that this eleven year old girl said 'cunt' a lot, but Moretz ends up laying a more convincing superhero role than some of the buff men on this list. I'm just amazed at how this young girl molded into a difficult role, taking a fast paced action hero as if it was just another role. It really is an indication of the talent this actress possesses in unfortunately a role that many comic book fans like to overlook.
#6 Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man)
If there was ever a better way to revive a career of a man who had suffered legal troubles in recent times then I would like to know about it. I don't know what genius decided that Robert Downey Jr. would make a brilliant eccentric billionaire, but whoever they are deserves a standing ovation. You sir are the reason that comic book heroes are now big business in films, and recent phenomenons such as 'The Avengers' all stemmed from this decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. Nobody pays attention to Downey's other various roles as he simply is Iron Man. He fits the role perfectly, and has arguably become a bigger attraction than that iconic suit, which is something never managed in the comic books.
I suppose the reason that Downey Jr. fits the Iron Man role so well is because the character he portrays ends up mirroring his personal life, and so fitting into the role was an easy thing to do. The results are a relateable performance that is entirely believable, even at times making the viewer think that Downey Jr. has at some point in his life tried to make a real life Iron Man costume. Maybe the eccentric attitude of the character came to Downey Jr. when he was high on drugs, but you get the sense that the role of Tony Stark has always been in his locker, and watching him is like looking at a small kid in a sweet shop. Robert Downey Jr. is now one of the biggest earners in Hollywood, and for that he can thank this now iconic role. Not only did this decision revive the carer of one actor, but also that of an entire franchise.
#5 Wesley Snipes (Blade)
'Blade' is one of the most badass films in history, and the only way you can find a man to play the protagonist is by finding a man that is also one badass motherfucker. For Wesley Snipes becoming an ass kicking vampire slayer isn't to difficult when you have a black belt in karate and a huge screen presence. Snipes' stoic performance is exactly what was needed to take the comic book franchise into the mature audiences that 'Blade' targets. Killing vampires in the most gory ways possible has never been so fun to watch, and thanks to Snipes became a cult smash that encouraged 'Marvel' to start focusing on other comic book inspired projects. Of course we all know how that turned out, and so we can call Snipes the grandfather of the comic book protagonist. Unfortunately for Snipes he ended up in prison until 2013 due to not paying his income tax, but even so this cutting edge, silky smooth black guy will always be remembered for that unique and thoroughly enjoyable performance in 'Blade'.
#4 Michael Keaton (Batman)
Everyone likes to bang on about how good Christian Bale was in the recent 'Batman' trilogy, but in terms of actual performances as 'The Caped Crusader' the best has to go to Michael Keaton. Keaton gave Batman that gritty realism that a conflicted character needs, and he also knows how to deliver lines without mumbling or shouting his way through entire scenes. Although Bale is a good actor, he is under no circumstances ever going to fit into a role that originated in a comic book. Keaton does. Keaton can contrast effortlessly between being a believable hero and a casual citizen, without resorting to the pointless bravado that we shouldn't be seeing in a dark character. The Batman I remember from the comic books is the one played by Keaton and not by Bale.
Putting Bale comparisons aside, Keaton's role is incredibly believable. You can actually see that this conflicted character has seen both his parents killed, resorting in him fighting crime with a passion. In my opinion Keaton is one of the few actors that could have given Batman that dark edge back, and that he did; even before the likes of George Clooney got their filthy hands on the role of Batman. Despite his skill, Keaton was actually a very unpopular choice for Batman considering that he specialises in comedy films. Thankfully for viewers Keaton's transformation worked a treat, and the results are some great films before being eventually replaced by the inferior Val Kilmer. When comparing the quality of Batman films that include Kilmer and Keaton it becomes instantly apparent what actor was more fitting to play a dark and mature Batman.
#3 Patrick Stewart (Professor X)
This is how you give a serious Shakesperean actor the role he finally deserves in the sci-fi universe. I'm pretty confident the majority of people will still only remember Stewart from 'Star Trek', and not only is that unfortunate but it's also ignoring a much more suitable and well played role. When you look at the wider picture you can only ever see one man playing Professor Charles Francis Xavier as not only do they look identical, but they also have similar personalities as well. Thankfully for Stewart, Professor X is the best character he's played by a mile, and because Stewart is also a mighty fine actor he didn't exactly have to try hard to successfully pull off playing the leader of the 'X-Men'. Stewart has that iconic presence and rich English accent that allow him to dominate scenes by making any piece of dialogue much grander than it ever needs to be. Professor X needed an actor that can compromise between charming and authoritative, and Stewart was just the man they needed for the role.
#2 Adam West (Batman)
Superheroes nowadays have to have a dark and violent storyline in order to carry their rather one dimensional cast. On the other side of the spectrum is Adam West's portrayal of Batman, in which the man managed to nail that camp superhero role that came with the film being produced in the 1970's. Some will say it's downright cringeworthy; and it is, although mainly the role requires a charismatic and entertaining talent to have any chance of working. Some will say that a lighthearted superhero film will never have that chance of working, but for me superheroes always work best when they're quirky. West looks like he actually originates from a comic strip, with good old fashioned fun always being at the centre of saving the universe. It's a hard role to pull off, and certainly one that actors such as George Clooney have failed at before. However when these entertaining performances are nailed they have lasting impacts, and although not all are positive, they do in my opinion create performances that are closest to their fictional counterparts.
#1 Christopher Reeve (Superman)
When you think about superheroes there is always that one that stands out from the rest. This can certainly be said for the movie industry where Superman has dominated since his arrival in the 1970's. Christopher Reeve's performance in particular has become so iconic that it not only made the character he portrayed famous worldwide, but also inspired a whole genre as well. There have been many attempts since, but nobody can save the world in some pants like Reeve did. It really was a genre defining performance that gave audiences no doubt that nobody other than Reeve should ever take this famous role. In a way this role made the legendary career of Reeve, and ever since people have viewed the guy as a suave and muscular hero that put a lot of charm into an unpopular genre. Reeve put together a perfect balance of charisma and sophistication to excel at this role, and whilst we'll forget about the third and fourth films, we will always remember the original, unforgettable performance as one for the ages.
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