Is He More Than Iron Man: 10 Actors Who Switched Up Their Signature Roles

As a part of the cinematic world, some actors start to be identifiable with certain characters, reaching a level of recognition everywhere. Nevertheless, certain actors have transcended the boundaries of these famous roles, proving to their admirers that they are indeed better than the one-dimensional personas. Listed below are ten actors who switched up their roles and nailed it. 

1. Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Breaking Bad is a highly-rated series in which Bryan Cranston mesmerizes the spectators with his acting as a high school chemistry teacher, Walt White, who turned into a producer of methamphetamine. Cranston's transformation as a ruthless drug dealer showed his versatile acting skills. The user said that Bryan Cranston broke with the quotidian performances, for example, in Malcolm in the Middle.

2. Bob Odenkirk

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

As a prominent comedian, Bob Odenkirk surprised fans when he took on the role of Jimmy McGill, a lawyer with an inclination towards bending the rules, in the Better Call Saul series. Odenkirk proved his acting potential through his portrayal of McGill's transformation. One user commented that Bob Odenkirk's shift from sketch comedy to the tough setting was surprising but great.

3. Helena Bonham Carter

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Breaking away from her usual characters, Helena Bonham Carter provided an unforgettable interpretation of Marla Singer in Fight Club. Her depiction of Singer's life perspective enabled Carter to go beyond her aesthetic abilities. A fan mentioned that Helena Bonham Carter's Fight Club was quite different (yet not very much) from her usual romantic (or whimsical) roles, but she still did her best.

4. Robert Downey Jr.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

From Chapin to Iron Man, Robert Downey Junior revived his career through the Iron Man character he played in the Marvel flicks. Downey's charisma in the character of the billionaire genius playboy created a new genre of superheroes and raised Downey to the heights of Hollywood. Asserted by another user, Robert Downey Jr.'s performance as Tony Stark is the perfect mix of his charisma, humiliating moments, and the actor's conflicted soul.

5. Leslie Nielsen

Leslie Nielsen and wife Barbaree Earl at the Los Angeles Premiere of "Stan Helsing," Arclight Theater, Hollywood, CA. 10-20-09.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Leslie Nielsen, famous for his roles in serious dramas, became a comedy icon with his excellent performance as Dr. Rumack in Airplane! Nielsen's peculiar way transformed him into an absolute comedic legend and earned him his further film roles. A user lovingly reminisced that the transformation of Leslie Nielsen from drama to comedy completely surprised and brought us ecstasy and cheerfulness.

6. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Keanu Reeves outdid all expectations, for he got into the scene as Neo, the computer programmer and messiah, turned into redemption. His stoic look made him a personality to look out for in the role and shot him high in action power. A user said that after Gaining different dimensions and varieties to Keanu Reeves' acting, he now understands why he is an ultimate pop culture icon after watching the ‘Matrix.' 

7. Al Pacino

Al Pacino.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, made a breakthrough in “The Godfather.” Nevertheless, the other movies where he played the protagonist, like Dog Day Afternoon and Serpico, proved that he is a great actor with a wide range of roles. One user wrote that it wasn't just Al Pacino as Michael Corleone from The Godfather who defined him, but his whole versatile career did. 

8. Ewan McGregor

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

McGregor's portrayal of Renton in the film Trainspotting contributed to his image of the male lead. While drug-inspired life in Edinburgh shaped his character during Trainspotting, his subsequent portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Prequel depicted his broadness. As another fan commented, Renton to Obi-Wan Kenobi's transformation by Ewan McGregor illustrated his portrayal of various roles.

9. Sean Astin

Sean Astin and his wife at the American Film Institute Awards, 1/05/2002, Beverly Hills, CA.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

The role of Sam Gamgee, played by Sean Astin in The Lord of the Rings, films made him a beloved figure in front of the audience as he moved from fantasy to other roles, including Bob Newby in Stranger Things, his versatility as an actor was depicted. Another user wrote that getting Sean as the Samwise Gamgee character is unforgettable because his next roles show that he makes much more than just that role.

10. John Travolta

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Although John Travolta had a career downfall at one point, his role as Vincent Vega in the film Pulp Fiction showed his talent for playing complicated personas. The actor proved versatile which embarked on him various projects. Added by the last user that John Travolta nailed it with ‘Pulp Fiction', but his other roles proved he can do a tremendous job with other roles as well.

10 Celebrities That Are Distractingly Attractive

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In the realm of celebrities, certain individuals' attractiveness transcends the screen, captivating the hearts and minds of fans worldwide. These stars possess a magnetic presence, leaving a lasting impression with their striking looks and undeniable charm. Recently, people shared such celebrities on an online platform whose sheer attractiveness is nothing short of distracting. 

Ready to make your first budget?

Enter your email and get the free template


10 Surprising Movie Characters That Could Never Be Replaced With a New Actor

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Sometimes a show or movie is different with the actors playing the characters. Would we love their characters as much if they were played by someone else? See who people claim could never be replaced in their iconic roles with another.

10 Terrible Movies People Love, But Admit Are Horrible

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Movies are subjective, and what one person considers a cinematic masterpiece, another may view as a cringe-worthy disaster. However, some films have gained a reputation for being particularly terrible yet still manage to capture the hearts of audiences. These are the guilty pleasure movies that people love to hate but can't help but watch again and again.

10 Terrible Things That Automatically Ruin Good Movies

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock.

Lights, camera, action! Movies are the ultimate adventure, taking us on a journey to fantastical lands, introducing us to characters out of this world, and stirring emotions within us. However, not all movies are created equal, and certain things can instantly ruin a movie for some viewers. Recently, in a platform discussion, people shared several things that can automatically ruin movies.

How I make $11,000 per year renting out my spare rooms?

Get access to my FREE guide now.


[mashshare]

How I make $11,000 per year renting out my spare rooms?

Get access to my FREE guide now.