The Joy of Unknown Actors

The Joy of Unknown Actors

Why do unknown actors make the best heroes?

Editorial Opinion
By avengermeister - Jul 04, 2010 05:07 PM EST
Filed Under: Action

First, thank you, everyone who enjoyed my first article. Now onward:

In the 1970s, Richard Donner made history by casting unknown actor Christopher Reeve as The Man of Steel. His fascinating performance made a mark on the cinema of comic book adaptations. Now every director searches for that unknown actor they think will be the next Reeve.



It's not just Reeve. As lacking as it was, "Superman Returns" featured an amazing performance by Brandon Routh who had little more than an episode of "Will and Grace" under his belt.

Ask anyone what they liked about the Spider-Man trilogy, the answer is sure to be Tobey Maguire. I am unable to read any webhead books without hearing that familiar voice in my head.


It's not only the upside of unknowns, it's the downside of big names.

George Clooney, who happens to be a remarkable actor, was a defining factor in the demise of the Tim Burton started Batman series. Watching him destroy the role of Bruce Wayne, was like watching Eddie Murphy as Captain America. It just doesn't work.



Ben Affleck is not Matt Murdock. I don't feel I have to say anything else.

Studios that rely on star power are often convinced a film will succeed. They feel no need to worry about a performance if they know George Clooney is going to fill a theater with fans of Batman and "ER."

Meanwhile, an actor who has very little exposure such as Reeve or Maguire will focus on his acting because of the pressure from fans and the once in a lifetime opportunity he is being given.

That's why I have faith in Andrew Garfield and Chris Hemsworth.
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Jayisawesome
Jayisawesome - 7/4/2010, 6:08 PM
Not always true look at Robert Downey jr and Christian bale but good article!!!
ROMACK
ROMACK - 7/4/2010, 6:25 PM
I agree(for the most part). I have said it before, big name actors tend to inject too much of "themself" into the character. While a young lesser known actor will simply try to "become" the charater. That is what Reeves did for Superman. Your more iconic superheroes need this.

On the other side, Downey was awesome as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Patrick Stewart was perfect as Prof. X.
Some comic book characters require the skills of a seasoned actor. Such as Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth.

Hugh Jackman was pretty unknown untill he "became" Wolverine.(even if he is a foot too tall). However when Ben Affleck was in Daredevil.... It was Ben Affleck in a Daredevil costume. Some actors are right for a role others......not so much.
grog
grog - 7/4/2010, 8:28 PM
There is another reason for using unknown vs. big name actors, that you forgot to mention. The size of their paycheck.
jusme6
jusme6 - 7/4/2010, 9:01 PM
@Meister: Good article! I like your optimism. Although I didn't like Maguire. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN SPIDER-MAN!!!
claybo4131
claybo4131 - 7/5/2010, 10:04 AM
an unknown played The Lone Ranger, and look how that turned out.

Jackman was a great Wolverine, Hemsworth I think will be a cool Thor, I dont have faith in this Garfield kid as Spiderman
JediJoker515
JediJoker515 - 7/5/2010, 10:11 AM
I get what you're saying, but I have to disagree with some things. IMO Routh didn't put up an amazing performance. Sure the movie had bigger problems but Routh wasn't that great, again, IMO. Also, the destruction of Bruce Wayne/Batman was not the fault of Clooney. Did he suck? Yes, but really, even an outstanding actor couldn't save that movie. You are correct with the upside of unknowns vs the downside of bigger names, but there's a flip side. A bigger name can be a great actor and immerse themselves in the role and pull of a spectacular performance, while an unknown can stink up the joint because they don't have the experience to carry a movie. All that said, still a pretty good article, though I disagree with some of it, you still make good points. Good job.
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