A well-written script does not guarantee the success of a movie. There are precedents when remakes of previously successful films have failed because of the actors who did not get used to the image enough. However, it was also the other way around – an excellent game made you look at the plot in a new way. We’re going to talk about cases when directors have selected the ideal performers for the main roles, without which the films would look different or even turn out to be second-rate.
Logan (Hugh Jackman)
X-Men, Wolverine
Anyone who has even glimpsed the above films will immediately introduce Hugh Jackman at the mention of Wolverine. It is noteworthy that they wanted to take Dougray Scott for this role, but he preferred to play in the film Mission: Impossible. Actually, in 1999, critics were skeptical about the adaptation of comics. Even before the release of the first picture, she was predicted, if not a failure, then mediocrity. It is not surprising that some decided to go the well-known way, because blockbuster heroes are always in trend. I had to look for new applicants. At the casting, they were asked to play a short monologue. Listening to Jackman lasted about 20 seconds. It immediately became clear that hardly anyone would play better. Seeing the intonation and facial expressions suitable for the episode, the director understood: Wolverine is Hugh. In his performance, the superhero turned out to be not only harsh, but also sincere.
Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp)
All parts of the painting “Pirates of the Caribbean”
Recently I tried to imagine what Pirates of the Caribbean would look like without Johnny Depp. It turned out the following: the main character is a brave adventurer striving to achieve the goal by any means. He may be joking, but his lines are not so funny. Lots of adventures, but nothing more. Let’s say a pirate is jumping on a rope from mast to mast with a serious face. It turned out – well done. Although this is not a drama and you don’t expect anything else. In general, the film is at one time. However, Depp made the picture a real comedy that you want to revisit. Jack Sparrow’s gait and gestures are unique in his performance. Even without words, he cannot be repeated. The expression on the face of an extraordinary corsair in different situations speaks for itself. A few seconds close-up, and brutal boarding battles turn from bloody fights into fun, and not particularly meaningful remarks into humorous miniatures.
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.)
Iron Man, Marvel Cinematic Universe
What should be a billionaire who realizes that he is doing the wrong thing? Realizing that the weapon he created is evil, and began to fight the bad guys, remaining in the shadows? The creators of the film “Iron Man” thought about this. They offered the role to Robert Downey Jr. It was a risk, because before the actor had drug problems and a series of failures associated with it. But having tied up, Robert showed himself from the best sides, and “Iron Man” became the role of his life. Downey Jr. perfectly managed to play the reckless “major”, secretly turning into a fighter against evil. In a way, it became a reflection of his own life. Spree, remorse, self-deprecating, irreverent humor and reincarnation. This is the essence of the character. And only those who have learned the same on themselves, were able to display all the nuances on the screen and bring the Marvel Cinematic Universe to a new level.
Kevin Mackalister (Macaulay Calkin)
The first two parts of the film “Home Alone”
As an adult actor, Macaulay Culkin was not particularly famous, but as a child, he played the image of the resourceful boy Kevin McCallister flawlessly. The first two parts of Home Alone were incredibly successful. In many ways, this is the merit of the young performer of the main role. This is evidenced by the films that continued the series. Basically, the same writers and directors worked on them, but other children were no longer able to repeat the success of their predecessor. It seems that the basis is the same, but it looks different. Culkin mesmerized the audience with his performance. He was able to convey all the emotions of a small but brave boy who found himself in a difficult situation. Fear, determination, fleeting joy from victories and sadness. All this was read on the face. Without this, the first pictures would have turned out as faded as the subsequent ones. However, everything is learned by comparison. It’s just that no one has been able to play such a role better.
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe)
Universe of “Harry Potter”
I think the adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels would not have been so successful if it had been played by another actor. A film can never fully retell a book. What the author describes in words often has to be shown without explanation, solely due to the talent of the performers. Daniel Radcliffe succeeded. He completely got used to the role and was able to convey everything unsaid as best as possible. I felt on myself all the experiences of a guy who lost his parents and unexpectedly learned about the existence of magic. An unfamiliar environment, admiration for miracles, new friends and rivals – this is only the tip of the emotional iceberg drifting in the hero’s soul. One has only to look closely at how the orphan looks at children to whom parents send gifts for Christmas, how devoted to friends he is, and much becomes clear without words.
Agent J (Will Smith)
The first three parts of the film “Men in Black”
The film “Men in Black” is based on comics. Science fiction, incredible adventures, beautiful shots, and that’s it. Perhaps this is how the picture would have looked without Will Smith. In many ways, the actor created the image of his hero, based on his own vision. I will not humiliate the writers and directors, but without the charismatic agent Jay, we would have gotten a thriller rather than a comedy. An inexperienced beginner and an unsurprising mentor. In principle, a hackneyed situation, but not in this case. In the performance of Smith, Jay became the bright opposite of his colleague. This contrast sets the cheerful tone in the first part. Further more – even having become skilled in the fight against alien threats, Will’s character remains the same merry fellow who does his job properly, but with a twist. At the same time, the artist succeeded in dramatic moments unmatched.
Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie)
Suicide Squad (both parts), Birds of Prey
To match the image, Margot Robbie had to try pretty hard. She took body ballet lessons, improved stretching, boxed, and kept her figure strictly. Her film stunts are impressive, but that’s not the point. The actress, who previously starred in “Tarzan” and “The Wolf of Wall Street”, appeared in a new role. Candid costume, strange make-up and ruthlessness – these are the main features of the supervillain Harley Quinn. Robbie breathed soul into the comic book heroine. The result is an incredible combination of composure, bloodthirstiness and coquetry. Having smashed the heads of opponents with a bat or by shooting them with pistols, Quinn immediately turns into a silly girl with an “angelic” voice, who, with a sweet smile, easily gives out brutal remarks. It is unlikely that anyone other than Margot herself can better convey such a unique contrast.
Frodo (Elijah Wood)
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
“The Lord of the Rings” brought Elijah Voodoo worldwide fame. It was no coincidence that he was invited to play the central character. Even before filming in the famous trilogy, the actor was famous for his talent to convey emotions with a soul, even in episodic and secondary roles. This is what helped him make Frodo the way he appears to many in the books. The skill of the actor made it possible to see not only a frightened hobbit, in whose hands a powerful artifact was found, but also all the versatility of his inner world. The struggle between duty and temptation, the growing exhaustion and the emergence of mistrust in the closest friends, fear and determination – all this can be “read” by the character, even if you watch a movie with the sound turned off. It seems that Elijah has set the bar for this role that no one can overcome.
Stanley Ipkiss (Jim Carrey)
“Mask” and its second part
Stanley Ipkiss is a bank clerk who found a mask that gives superpowers and began to fight evil. There was practically nothing to add to the description of this comic book character until he was played by Jim Carrey. It is difficult to imagine what would have happened from a film based on short stories, if not for the famous comedian. His unique playing style gave Stanley a personality. Nobody will be able to repeat this transformation of a small employee-loser into an omnipotent hero. If there are such attempts, then a completely different “Mask” will turn out, and it is unlikely that a comedy will come out of this – at least, as funny as the original. Kerry’s facial expressions are his main strong point. Therefore, Ipkiss and his transformation with a green face will be associated with this actor and no one else.
Neo (Kianu Reeves)
The Matrix Trilogy
I can imagine how it would feel to learn that the familiar world is just an illusion, and most people are actually living batteries for intelligent machines. However, I cannot imagine how I myself would look from the outside, knowing the dark reality and mastering the skills that are possible only in the Matrix. Actually, now it’s not worth trying, since all this has already been shown by Keanu Reeves in the role of Neo. He played the transformation of a self-confident hacker into a confused and little understanding guy irresistibly. The maturity of the chosen one and its transformation into the hope of all mankind is also vividly shown. Not every actor can act out such metamorphoses so accurately. I think the writers, when creating the famous character, imagined him in general terms. The finished look is a credit to Keanu. Perhaps, without him, Neo would have been just a pathetic parody of what Reeves made him.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
