As with any type of adaptation, casting the right actors to play each respective role is crucial. Sometimes, a casting choice is completely wrong for the character in every way, while other times the actor in question actually improves upon the source material with their interpretation of the character, which is what this list will cover. From Marvel to DC to even lesser known publishers like Image and Darkhorse Comics, hundreds of actors have placed characters based on comic book characters. For my 25 Top list, any actor that played a character based on a comic book character in live-action is eligible for the list. As much as I wanted to include the best Batman and Joker, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, or even Nolan North as Deadpool from the video games, my list will only include live-action performances. However, live-action television actors are eligible as well. My criteria is based on multiple factors including, accuracy to the comics, new aspects the actor brought to the character, can I see anyone else in the role, and personal preference. Also, the list will only include actors that played characters that originated in the comics, which means sorry Clark Gregg, you are not eligible, but you will be included on another upcoming list. In addition to all that, the Top 5 on the list will be discussed in a podcast, as well as the 5 worst casting choices. In the words of the Joker, "And here we go!"
Honorable Mention: Anthony Mackie as Falcon
Anthony Mackie's performance as Sam Wilson/Falcon was one of the many incredible aspects of The Winter Soldier, and while he will certainly make the list if he continues to impress in future films, he just misses the 25th spot.
At Number 25: Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts
While Paltrow receives quite a bit of hate for her off screen life, which I was not aware of until recently, her chemistry with leading man, Robert Downey Jr., plays a large part in what elevated the first Iron Man film to classic status. Her ability and range to go from frantic and afraid, to helpful assistant is perfect for the character of Pepper. In fact, Paltrow's version of the character is quite a bit better than her comic book counterpart.
At Number 24: *Captain America 2 Spoilers*
Sebastian Stan as The Winter Soldier/Bucky
*Again, if you have not seen Captain America: The Winter Soldier do not read further* Now that everyone reading this hopefully has seen The Winter Soldier, Sebastian Stan managed to do a lot with little dialogue as The Winter Soldier in a role that equals the menace of the T-1000 from Terminator 2, while at the same time having the emotional connection with Bucky and Steve. In the First Avenger, Sebastian Stan sold me on the older version of Bucky compared to the comics where he was Cap's young sidekick, and in The Winter Soldier, he brought a presence of an unstoppable machine of death. Hopefully Stan will continue to grow as an actor as the Winter Soldier's role is expanded.
At Number 23: Stephen Amell as Green Arrow
Despite my skepticism about CW's Arrow series, Stephen Amell continues to be a steady fixture of quality, even when the series' writing falters. While Amell's version of Oliver Queen has more in common with the brooding Bruce Wayne than Ollie's more lighthearted comic book counterpart, Amell certainly sells the physicality of the role.
At Number 22: Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes
Even though I have not read a lot of the Walking Dead comics, I had to include everyone's favorite zombie killing sheriff Rick Grimes. Some readers might be wondering why the fan favorite (and my personal favorite) Daryl Dixon, played by the epically cool Norman Reedus, is not on the list, but Dixon actually originated in the television series, not the movie, thus he cannot be included on the list. On the other hand, Andrew Lincoln's performance as Rick is almost always very strong and compelling, even if the Walking Dead's writing is not the most consistent.
At Number 21: Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach
Despite Zack Sndyer's heartless and dull, yet visually stunning, directing in the adaptation of, what is quite possibly the best, graphic novel of all-time, Watchmen, Jackie Earle Haley's performance as Rorschach was the highlight. In the novel, Rorschach has a very specific and odd way of speaking with his choice of dialogue, and Haley's gruff voice perfectly fit the character's dark and gritty nature. He even managed to master the iconic "Hurm" sound and the infamous line, "I'm not locked in here with you... you're locked in here with me!" could not have been more perfect.
Please check back tomorrow for the next part of the list, and comment with what you think of my list thus far.
