There are a lot of actors who have really nailed their characters on the majestic silver screen. As a geek, you have this pathetic, delusional yet awesome metaphorical demon attached to your soul, constantly telling you to get upset when a superhero movie is being made of a character you absolutely love and they end up casting Kevin Costner or someone who's equally hated by me. These things happen in Hollyweird very often. And then there are times when they just get it right when it comes to casting. Here are a few examples.
5) Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent (Man of Steel)
After the atrocity that is Brandon Routh, anyone would be better, amiright? Cavill definitely looks the part of golden boy Clark Kent/Superman and that's 75% of the battle. But on top of his cubular jaw and ebony spit curl, Henry Cavill convinced you that not only was he a good man, but he was a tortured man. Feeling cursed with his special abilities, Clark Kent is literally alone in the universe. Except of course for his Hologram Dad.
Fun Fact: It's a two parter. 1) I'm very excited for 'Batman V. Superman: Dawn of the Age of the Rise of Justice'. 2) For the record, I would have been okay with Burt Reynolds getting the role over Christopher Reeves. But only if Charles Durning was Perry White or Lex Luthor.
4) Chris Evans as The Human Torch/Johnny Storm (Fantastic Four)
I'm sure a lot of people would choose Evan's portrayal of Captain America over Johnny Storm, but I wouldn't. Chris Evans is a really funny guy. Sure he can play drama better than a few, but comedy is where he belongs. I feel this exact same way about Keanu Reeves. Chris Evans tackled the playboy, showboating frat boy turned public spectacle, wholeheartedly. It's not saying much, but he may be the only reason to actually watch The Fantastic Four.
Fun Fact: I hope Michael B. Jordan as The Human torch is number 4 or lower on next year's "Top 5 Superhero Castings".
3) Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man/Peter Parker
I have to say, I'm not super invested in the character of Spider-Man. Don't get me wrong, I like him but I don't know his full back story. I'm definitely nowhere close to Matthew Shockey status, but who is? The one thing I do know, Spider-Man is funny. He often jokes around while in serious peril. Sure Venom may be about to devour courageous Peter, but that wouldn't stop him from making a deep throat innuendo. Plus his name is Peter, so it's pretty easy to come up with witty banter. Garfield nails it. Not only is he funny and charming but he can turn on the drama no problem. Tobey Maguire is ugly and weird and not funny. He's an awkward brooding type but not the sexy type of brooding that Edward Cullen does. It's not like Kirsten Dunst was any easier on the eyes but I'll save her for "Worst Superhero Castings (Superhero Girlfriend Edition).
2) Kelsey Grammer as Beast/Hank McCoy (X-Men: The Last Stand)
Oh man, I can't even begin to tell you how excited I got back in 2005 when I found out Kelsey fucking Grammer was going to play Beast from X-Men. It's seriously perfect. It's the dream casting you dream about your entire life, because you know Clint Eastwood will never play Wolverine back in the "Every Which Way But Loose" days. But the Gods were looking out for us geeky nerds that day and granted us a perfect casting. But with pleasure comes pain, because X-Men: The Last Stand was so bad it made Daredevil look like The Dark Knight. They made Juggernaut some cockney in a leather man-bra, Angel is in it for literally 10 full seconds and Cyclops AND Professor X are both killed long before the final battle, or last stand if you will. Again, this is a film only worth watching for one single actor.
Fun Fact: How great would it have been if X3 was great? It'd feel pretty great, right?
1) Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man/Tony Stark (Iron Man)
I feel I shouldn't even say anything on this one. I'll let the videos below explain my point for me.
Fun Fact: The only complaint I have is them not making Tony Stark an alcoholic. It's like making Green Lantern wear blue.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Ron Perlman as Hellboy (Mostly because he looks exactly like Hellboy)
Thomas Haden Church as Sandman (That striped green shirt really does it)
