5 Actors Born To Play Video Game Characters

Doesn't it feel like some actors are just perfect for certain roles? In the case of this article, i'll be exploring my favourite actor choices for some of the most popular video game characters of the last decade. Did any of your choices make the list?

5 Actors Born To Play Video Game CharactersMovies inspired by video games… Where to begin? Let’s be honest, not many have been great, Assassin’s Creed notably a disappointing mess. However over recent years, there seems to be improvement when it comes to the quality of media that are inspired by video games. Ready Player One was a fairly decent movie and recently, The Witcher’s impressive Netflix series adaptation seems to be surprising critics. Not that we need games to be on the silver screen, or any streaming platform for that matter. But there’s something special about seeing our favourite characters portrayed in a different way. A rather enjoyable side to video games and considering adaptations is casting actors as characters for our favourite franchises.

Some actors are just born to play certain roles, and it’s difficult to see anyone else as that character. In this short list, I’ll be picking out my favourite actor choices for popular video game characters. I’ll be looking at actors that nail the look and style, and of course have a suitable resume for each video game character. Let’s get to it!

Terry Crews – Jax

Earlier this month, Mortal Kombat fans were pleasantly surprised with the announcing of Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge. While the movie will be an animated take on the Mortal Kombat universe, news regarding casting revealed Ike Amadi as the voice of Jax. Amadi was previously the voice of Cyrax and Shao Kahn from MK11, so we know we’ll be hearing Jax in a voice familiar with the franchise. But what we really want, is to SEE Terry Crews as Jax.

This choice is a no brainer, Crews is perfect for the role. In fact, he was seen flirting with the idea soon after Ed Boon teased the possibility a year ago. Crediting the incredible work of @BossLogic, Crews let’s everybody know it’s something he would love to do. No official news of a Mortal Kombat live action movie in the works, but if it happens, we know my man Crews is down for it.

Charlie Hunnam – Edward Kenway

Known for his roles on Green Street and Sons of Anarchy, Charlie Hunnam would be a great casting choice for Edward Kenway of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. Hunnam’s British background obviously helps, but his natural look fits so well with Edward Kenway that it’s difficult to see anyone else for the role.

Hunnam as captain of the Jackdaw?

Black Flag is one of my favourite games of all time, and I would definitely want to see some sort of TV adaptation on a streaming platform. Interestingly enough, Atlas Entertainment announced Skull & Bones (Ubisoft’s soon to release Pirate themed game), to be adapted into a TV series. Could we get a Kenway reference or even better, a cameo appearance?

How cool would it be to see Charlie Hunnam as Kenway?

Triple H – Kratos

A fair amount of suitable candidates for this awesome video game character, including Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa. But for me, Paul Levesque aka Triple H nails the look and feel for this character. Yes, the shaved head/beard look he has right now has definitely helps, but his tone of voice and natural pissed-off attitude fits well with Kratos’s general presentation. If you can’t see where I’m coming from, check out artist BossLogic’s awesome work above.

Granted, Levesque hasn’t starred in a film or TV role in a long time, and the ones he has starred in haven’t necessarily been received well. But this could be an incredible opportunity for Levesque. It could certainly bring out acting talent we haven’t seen from him in a movie yet. And man, I love The Rock as much as the next guy, but I feel like we’ve seen him in so many movies. Too many actually. So can we just go with someone else this time?

Nathan Fillion – Nathan Drake

This is a bit of a cheat choice considering he’s already played him in a live action short film, but I really can’t see anyone else as Nathan Drake apart from Nathan Fillion. Fillion’s natural charisma and charm fits perfectly with Drake, and the online production certainly convinced many Uncharted fans.

The video currently sits at 6.6 million views with many praising Fillion’s efforts in bringing Drake successfully onto a screen other than a gaming one. There currently is an Uncharted movie in the works with Tom Holland cast as a young Drake. But in all honesty, I’d prefer to see an Uncharted TV series focusing on Drake and Sully’s various adventures. In a dream scenario, it would be incredible to see Fillion pair up with Tom Hanks as a potential Sully. Definitely a long shot and will probably never happen, but a guy can dream, right?

Hugh Jackman – Joel

Jackman as Joel?

It’s difficult to not see some sort of Last of Us inspiration when you watch Logan. The story, aesthetics, right down to the movie poster. The whole experience certainly gives Last of Us vibes, and I couldn’t help but not see Hugh Jackman as Joel.

Sure, one could say Ellen Page is more suitable for Ellie than Jackman is for Joel, but I might have to disagree. Not to say she’s a bad actor at all. But I’m not so sure Ellen Page could give us the 13 year-old naive girl that Ellie is (given that Ellen Page is 32). But what I am sure of is that Jackman can give us the “sick of life” and “not much to live for” Joel we see in the beginning of the game. Jackman certainly fits the role, and with rumours of Maisie Williams being cast as Ellie, I could certainly see the pair working out just fine. Could you see Jackman and Williams as Joel and Ellie?

Do you agree with any of the picks in this list? Any actor you think that would fit a video game character? Don’t be shy to drop a comment below.

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