5 Actors You’ll Never Catch Playing Villains (And Why)
The "good guy" image can take decades to build, but it can be destroyed in a heartbeat, and these actors won't let it happen.
While some "good guy" actors have attempted villainous roles, the results of such experiments, ranging from acclaim to criticism, have proven that sometimes it is better to stick to one exact path in your career.
And these 5 actors have done just that, as you have never seen them take on the role of a villain (and you probably never will.)
5. Adam Sandler
Renowned for his comedic genius, Adam Sandler has built a career on making audiences laugh, and the actor's signature style of humor and relatable demeanor made it easy for audiences to connect with him.
While Sandler is able to delve into complex characters, he rarely portrays outright villains, and even in movies like Uncut Gems, where his actions are self-serving, the audience is still drawn to his underdog persona.
With a few exceptions, such as The Mummy Returns and Doom, Johnson has embraced the heroic role and built franchises around his persona. Dwayne Johnson's charismatic presence and heroic roles have earned him a massive fan base, and we are sure he will never want to change that.
3. Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks' ability to portray relatable, ordinary characters has earned him a place in the hearts of audiences all over the world. The actor's kind nature and versatility have been central to his appeal, and while he may navigate morally complex characters, he rarely ventures into the realm of outright villainy.
Although Hanks briefly portrayed evil characters in Cloud Atlas, they were outshined by those of his six main characters in the film.
2. Keira Knightley
From swashbuckling pirates to Joe Wright's explicit dramas, Keira Knightley's knack for immersing herself in emotionally charged characters has shown off her remarkable acting skills. The actress' repertoire tends to focus on roles that require the audience to empathize, which makes her more inclined to portray heroines.
1. Jackie Chan
Although Jackie Chan began his career playing villains in Hong Kong action films, his fame skyrocketed with 1995's Rumble in the Bronx, solidifying him as an action-comedy star. Unlike some comedy actors who ventured into villainous roles, Chan stuck to his winning formula as a martial arts legend, which continues to pay off to this day.