The action genre was once reserved exclusively for those who are incredibly badass, chosen not for their acting ability, but for their ability to look like a badass with a machine gun. While some of the action stars of yesteryear (your Schwarzeneggers, Van Damses, Stallones, etc.) may lack in flair, they make up for it by looking like fantasy heroes gracing comic book covers and album covers. 1980s.
Recent decades have turned towards more down-to-earth action stars, even if they still portray real-life superheroes. Even before Marvel, comedy has found its place in the action genre, often adding laughter to the violence. Studio executives found that the best way to achieve this was to cast real comedians as action stars, creating characters with natural charisma yet believable enough to save the day.
Bruce Willis - Die Hard (1988)
One of the greatest Christmas movies of all time tenacious sees Bruce Willis cemented himself in the action movie hall of fame as cop John McLane. When international terrorists take over the high-rise building his wife is staying in, McClain is forced to single-handedly defeat the criminals, rescue the hostages, and save the day.
Although it’s hard to imagine now, Willis was once a non-action star and was considered unsuitable for the role of McClain. Willis was known as a star at the time part time job, a successful comedy series. Despite early hesitation, Willis is like a normal person. tenaciousthe biggest strength, as it makes McClane feel believable.
tenacious available for streaming on Starz.
Paul Rudd - Ant-Man (2015)
Even for MCU, Ant-Man sounded funny. When recently released convict Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) breaks into the home of scientist Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), he discovers a supersuit instead of treasure. Using the suit to shrink and grow in size, Lang becomes Ant-Man, a champion of justice and eventually an Avenger.
Previously known for his roles in leading and ignorantRudd has always offered a lot of great performances. His laid-back charisma is what makes him such a captivating leading man, as Lang consistently remains a grounded presence among the cast of prominent super-soldiers, tech billionaires, and literal gods.
Ant-Man available to stream on Disney+.
Bob Odenkirk - Nobody (2021)
Working with the “what if” concept John Wick was a suburban father, None follows former government assassin Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk). After a home invasion awakens his killer instinct, Hutch finds himself embroiled in a battle with the Russian mafia in an attempt to protect his family from his past.
Although Odenkirk is best known to contemporary audiences for his work in Breaking bad and Better call SaulHe first gained fame as a comedian. AT Nonehe forgoes his slick Saul Goodman persona to portray his battered father perfectly instead, making his transformation into a killing machine much more effective.
None available to stream on HBO Max.
Eddie Murphy - “48 Hours” (1982)
Near Deadly weapon, 48 hours. is one of the founders of the buddy-cop genre. When a convicted cop killer breaks out of custody and goes on the run, veteran officer Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) is forced to work with the killer’s imprisoned partner Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy) to track him down.
Bye Beverly Hills Cop Murphy’s Most Popular Action Movie, 48 hours. precedes it by two years and is also Murphy’s film debut. The comedian’s laid-back charm helps viewers quickly fall in love with Reggie despite his criminal past, and it’s also enough to defeat the rough Cates as the two sparring partners eventually grow closer.
48 hours. available for streaming on Paramount+.
Owen Wilson - Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
When US Air Force pilot Chris Burnett (Owen Wilson) is shot down over Bosnia, he soon discovers evidence that a genocide has been committed in the country. As the perpetrators try to hunt him down, Burnett attempts to flee to friendly territory as Admiral Reigart (Gene Hackman) offers support from the base.
Released in the same year as Zoolander, Behind enemy lines showcases Wilson’s range when he plays against type like a soldier on the run. While he was filming Jackie Chan in shanghai noon a year earlier, he had been a comic character in that film. Behind enemy lines sees him play the part directly, without a single “wow” in sight.
Chris Rock - Bad Company (2002)
When his twin brother, a CIA agent, is killed in action, street crook Jake Hayes (Chris Rock) is forced to take on his identity in a mission to prevent a terrorist attack. Partnered with veteran agent Oakes (Anthony Hopkins), Hayes goes through a CIA training program before being released onto the battlefield.
At the time, Rock was best known for his stand-up roles and supporting comedy roles. Bad Company starred in an action movie for the first time. While the movie itself is nothing special and pales in comparison to other buddy cop movies, it’s worth watching just to see the absurd pairing of Rock and Hopkins.
Chris Tucker - “Rush Hour” (1998)
One of the best options for the partner cop formula, Rush hour sees a martial arts superstar Jackie Chan paired with a comedian Chris Tucker. After a Chinese diplomat’s daughter is kidnapped in America, Hong Kong Inspector Li (Chan) is forced to work with LAPD Detective Carter (Tucker) to find a missing child.
Rush hour this was the first time Tucker received equal top marks in a film, as he had previously been known for his supporting roles in which he provided comic relief. The film works as well as it does thanks to the dynamic that develops between Carter and Lee, with their blossoming friendship forming the basis of the story.
Rush hour available for streaming on Netflix and HBO Max.
Ryan Reynolds - Blade: Trinity (2004)
The third film in the pre-MCU pre-MCU Marvel film series. Blade: Trinity sees Wesley Snipes returning as an acclaimed vampire hunter, this time paired with a new breed of killer that includes Hannibal King (Ryan Reynolds). When Dracula is resurrected, the lone Blade is forced to rely on his new comrades to hunt him down.
Although he is best known for his role as a superhero Dead Pool today, Reynolds was once known only as a comedic star. First fame for a sitcom Two guys, a girl and a pizzeriaReynolds’ big break came in the lead in Van Wilder. His charming lead role paved the way for his role in Blade: Trinitywhere he was forced to get in shape, which of course led to more action.
Blade: Trinity available for streaming on Hulu.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence - Bad Boys (1995)
One of the most popular action films of the 90s, Bad guys stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence like cops and best friends. When they find out that a major drug deal is about to close on their Miami beat, the partners take to the streets in a movie filled with gunfights and explosions in a way that only Michael Bay can do.
Both Smith and Lawrence were comedy stars at the time, known for their Prince of beverly hills and Martin respectively. Bad guys plays with their comedic characters and natural chemistry to create an enjoyable action thriller that paved the way for Smith to become the genre’s leading man.
Chris Pratt - Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
One of the best MCU movies guardians of the galaxy follows a ragtag group of mercenaries who travel through space together, taking on any job they can find, and helping to save the universe. They are led by Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), also known as Star-Lord, is a demi-human who finally finds a place among the team he belongs to.
Another actor who started his career in supporting roles in comedies, Pratt first rose to fame playing Andy Dwyer in Parks and recreation areas. One of the show’s breakout stars, Pratt quickly recruited and found leading man roles in the action genre, eventually spearheading a revival. Jurassic Park in jurassic world.
guardians of the galaxy available to stream on Disney+.
Source: Collider
