Guy Pearce: “Daredevil” (2003)
In the titular role, Pearce has the acting skills and physique to be a great blind lawyer by day and Hell’s Kitchen’s red knight by night. If you question his acting skills, see “Memento.” That also begs the question: wouldn’t Nolan create/direct an amazing Daredevil?
Affleck’s DD was too muscle bound, cold, and just looked silly. That is all before he put on that terrible maroon costume. Let’s hope Marvel and Disney learned from this past mistake.
Pictured in “Two Brothers,” he looks even more like Matt Murdock that same year.
David Duchovny as Bruce Banner: “Hulk” (2003)
The former Fox Mulder(seen here in 2001's "Evolution") has the look of a Bruce Banner, the build, the smirk, and certainly could pounce with anger. In the hands of Ang Lee, not only was the movie too based in a comic book look, but Eric Bana’s over acting with an angry face that looks like his diet lacks fiber made this movie nearly unwatchable. The most likable character and best actor goes to the CGI Hulk. How sad is that? Fortunately, Hollywood redeemed itself with Edward Norton in the follow-up. Mark Ruffalo has big shoes to fill.
Robin Williams: “Batman Forever” (1995)
Again, the filmmaker is to blame. Jim Carrey’s Riddler was just a rerun of his performance in Mask. It wasn’t sinister or conniving. The Riddler has to show he’s as nearly as intelligent as Batman while bearing a sadistic side. Williams in Schumacher’s hands wouldn’t have done better. One would have hoped that Williams’ darker acting skills would have remolded the slop that was “Batman Forever.” See “One Hour Photo.”
His “Flubber” picture smacks of the Riddler. He’d have been a better Two-Face, as well.
Anne Archer as Lois Lane: “Superman” (1978)
To this day, Christopher Reeve is still the Man of Steel. Of course, people remember Margot Kidder as Lois. Did she own the part? Was she the ultimate Lois Lane? Not necessarily. She was a bit too obnoxious, slightly above average in looks, and overall pretty cold. Reeve was so good, we believed he saw something (without using x-ray vision) that the audience could not. Archer bears a greater beauty, better acting skills, and more charisma. Aggressive and self-assured is fine. If one watches Kidder as Lois, one must wonder why “Big Blue” was so fond and desirous. Anne Archer is able to portray all of Lois’ qualities while possessing a greater beauty, warmth, and charm. To see her emoting and motherly, watch “Fatal Attraction” or “Patriot Games.” If you want to see the hardened side, see “Felon”—by the way, one of Val Kilmer’s best performances! She would have made a
super Lois Lane.
She’s pictured in “Hero at Large” (1979).
Kevin Sorbo as Clark/Superman: “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (1993)
Why they picked Dean Cain over Sorbo is a mystery? Jonathon Kent should never be taller than Clark. Perry White looked down on Superman, as well. Sorbo has that Adonis look that any Superman should possess. He can look tough and has a gentleman’s smile. Add in Superman’s prerequisite height of 6’3” or more, he’s the perfect fit. Cat Grant’s attraction would have seemed inevitable rather than slutty. Unfortunately, he went on to be an Adam West-ish Hercules. However, he renewed his acting credit with “Andromeda.” You can’t blame a guy for wanting a paycheck. (And no, nobody saw “Kull.”)
Look at him with relatively short hair and glasses during an episode of “The Commish” (1992).
Natalie Portman as Rogue: “X-Men” (2000)
This is a no-brainer as the cinematic Rogue. When they translated Rogue to screen as a nascent mutant unable to control her abilities, they required a teen girl who could really exemplify how awful your teen years are and how amazing awful they must be when you have a power that runs amuck in use. Anna Paquin did a fine job. This isn’t to besmirch her: Natalia Portman is a tier or two above her. Thankfully, she has taken a Marvel role in “Thor.” To see Ms. Portman in earnest, look at her first big and amazing role in “The Professional.”
She’s pictured in “Anywhere but Here” (1999).
Patrick Stewart as Mr. Freeze: “Batman & Robin” (1997)
Yes, this is one of the worst CBM’s. Yes, there is nothing positive to take from this movie…other than Warners/DC finally realized they needed to start from scratch. An optimist would like to think that the former Capt. Picard would not only bring the look, but bring the legitimacy to the role. Of course, you would have to get past the awful script, poor directing, and ridiculous ideas that comprised this movie. Face it, everything Stewart utters is gold. Aside from his CBM’s and Star Trek films, he is terrific in “A Christmas Carol” and truly sinister as Dr. Jonas in “Conspiracy Theory” (pictured).
Gary Sinise as Wolverine: “X-Men” (2000)
As pictured in “Snakeyes” (1998), he does crazed, sinister, and scary. He’s still five inches taller than Wolverine in print, yet he would adequately fit the part. Put a good twenty pounds of muscle on his frame, and his trademark sneer, and you’d have a great Logan/Wolverine. Sinise’s depth as an actor is a good bit further than Jackman’s. This is not to begrudge Jackman, but watch any of Sinise’s movies (especially “Ransom”) and you will see he can do it all.
Author’s note: Mel Gibson was offered the role in the mid 1990’s. Forget his modern day crazy, watch the first two “Lethal Weapon” movies and you will see a berserker rage that is untouchable on film!
Angela Bassett as Storm: “X-Men” (2000)
Apparently in 1997 (around the time of “How Stella Got Her Groove Back), Ms. Bassett was approached to play the African demigoddess. Now, Halle Berry has the acting chops to do a lot of things, but Angela Bassett is quite a bit more exotic and looks more the part. Storm should stand out for more than her opaque white hair flowing over beautiful African skin. She is to be statuesque. Perhaps with Ms. Bassett on board, the costume may have been similarly revealing as the character’s original.
Author’s note: Iman is truly the ideal Storm: statuesque, beautiful, exotic, and African! David Bowie (her husband) is a lucky, lucky man.
imdb.com was used to confirm much of the information above. The opinions are solely those of the author.