Ewan McGregor is reprising his role as Obi-Wan in his new Disney+ series, and it might be hard to remember when McGregor’s casting made fans nervous. No matter how good or well-liked an actor is, there’s an added layer of pressure to their performance when they play a younger version of an already iconic character.
Whether you’re criticized for plagiarism or receive bad reviews for straying too far from a beloved original, it can be difficult to truly embody an already beloved character and make it your own. While it may sound impossible, dozens of actors have successfully made already iconic characters their own and refined them for new audiences to enjoy.
Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates
Freddie Highmore fills the void of one of the most iconic villains in film history, not only successfully expanding the role of Norman Bates in the prequel series Bates Motel But it also makes him more sympathetic than the audience expected.
The show centered on the relationship between Norman and his beloved mother Norma, played by the equally wonderful Vera Farmiga, who filled out the character’s backstory until season five, which Hitch A remake of a Kirk classic. Throughout its run, the show received critical acclaim and high praise from fans, further cementing Highmore’s successful image.
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
Bilbo Baggins is an iconic character, but it’s hard to argue that Ian Holm’s version had much of a role to play in Peter Jackson’s era Lord of the Rings Trilogy.This gave Martin Freeman leeway to play the character in the Jackson trilogy Hobbit, But the pressure to embody one of literature’s most famous characters remains.
Although Jackson’s prequel trilogy didn’t come close to being as Lord of the Rings, which is not Freeman’s fault. Freeman’s character is lovable, curious, and likeable, and he really added more depth to Bilbo upon rewatching the film. Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Michael Fassbender as Magneto
Sir Ian McKellen’s portrayal of Eric Lensherr/Magneto is one of the most famous in all of comic book movies, and as the character’s first big screen appearance, it was cemented as McKay’s One of Lun’s iconic characters.Current transfer X-Men: First Class After the release was announced, fans worried that casting the wrong actors could have a disastrous impact on the film’s chances of success.
Michael Fassbender plays the young Eric Lensherr, and his performance as the young Magneto brings out all the hints of hardship in McKellen’s version. Perhaps most crucially, he absolutely sells the conflicting ideologies between himself and Charles Xavier while maintaining the friendship between the two men.
Zachary Quinto as Spock
Zachary Quinto took over the Vulcan role from Leonard Nimoy, and his portrayal of Spock helped make the 2009 film Star Trek It was an immediate hit with die-hard Star Wars fans, critics, and casual fans alike. Quinto captures the coldness characteristic of Nimoy’s interpretation, conveying Spock’s calmness without feeling like he’s simply ripping off Nimoy.
Audiences were even more impressed when Quinto’s version came face-to-face with Nimoy’s Spock in the movie, and it was even more impressive as he went up against the iconic version of the fan-favorite character.Quinto reprises his role in the sequel Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek 3: Beyond the Starscontinues to build his legacy as Spock.
Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian
in the next few years Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back After its release, Lando Calrissian’s legend grew with the character, and actor Billy Dee Williams became the epitome of cool.when solo When it was announced that Han would meet a young Lando, fans knew the casting would have to be perfect to live up to Billy Dee’s timeless coolness over the years.
Enter Atlanta Creator and multitalented Donald Glover brought to life the iconic character in pastel costumes, and he quickly became not only solo movie, but was approved by fans and Billy Dee himself. Glover’s Lando reflects everything that makes the character so cool – he’s charming, scheming, daring, all rolled into one.
Robert De Niro as Vito Corleone
While Robert De Niro is now a recognized and talented actor, he was far from a household name when he was cast as a younger version of Vito Corleone (a role previously played by Marlon Brando) name. The Godfather Part 2 There was considerable pressure to live up to the standards set by the original, and De Niro, fresh off “De Niro,” was chosen. mean streets But long before his iconic performance taxi driver, deer hunterand angry bullis far from a sure thing.
Not only did De Niro’s performance win widespread acclaim, he was nominated for and won his first Academy Award, and the film is considered one of the greatest films of all time, surpassing even the original in the eyes of many fans. None of this would be possible if De Niro couldn’t so perfectly convey the characteristics that made Brando’s performance so iconic while also giving himself room for his own interpretation.
River Phoenix as Indiana Jones
The audience knows Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade It’s going to be great from the moment the movie starts. In an extended prologue, River Phoenix plays the teenage version of Harrison Ford’s adventurous archaeologist, and director Steven Spielberg creates an unforgettable scene aboard a circus train.
With nods to Jones’ iconic whip, fear of snakes and even a look at how he acquired his famous fedora, the opening scene showcases River Phoenix’s charisma. In less than 15 minutes, he tells viewers everything they need to know about Indiana Jones as a teenager, displaying the determination and stubbornness that still endears Dr. Jones to audiences today.
James McAvoy as Charles Xavier
Patrick Steward has brought elegant dignity and wisdom to Professor Charles Xavier since he first appeared on screens in the 2000s X-Men.Subverting audience expectations of young Xavier X-Men: First ClassJames McAvoy plays Charles Xavier, a lecherous scoundrel who cares more about who he returns home to than becoming the founder of the X-Men.
Knowing he’ll grow into Patrick Stewart’s Professor X makes it all the more fun to watch McAvoy let loose throughout the film. Add to that Michael Fassbender’s over-the-top performance as Xavier’s long-time friend and foe Magneto, and it’s clear audiences are watching something special.
Josh Brolin as Agent K
back men in black 2 Overwhelming the audience, obviously men in black 3 Something bold had to be done to help capture the magic of the original. Enter Josh Brolin. Most of his film work to date has focused on serious, dramatic performances; men in black 3 clicked Old Men The star plays young Agent K, previously played by Tommy Lee Jones.
In this case, a performance that mimics the original is exactly what makes the character so successful, with Brolin consistently delivering laughs throughout the film from his mannerisms and Jones-like gruff line readings. Although he continued to appear in mostly serious films thereafter, he knew his comedic abilities, but it was only a matter of time before he delivered another memorable comedic performance.
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
George Lucas’ Star Wars prequel trilogy is likely to spark some heated debates among fans, ranging from the script, the filmmakers’ choices, the use of CGI, and even just whether they’re good movies. One thing fans never debated, though, was the decision to cast Ewan McGregor as young Obi-Wan Kenobi. In the prequel trilogy, McGregor’s performance delved deeper into the character than Sir Alec Guinness did.
From young Padawan to Jedi Master, viewers have watched Obi-Wan grow, learn, and make unfortunate mistakes along the way.In many ways, McGregor’s performance adds even more to the Guinness original Obi-Wan Kenobi when revisiting the original Star Wars and its sequel. With Obi-Wan Kenobi set to be released on Disney+ on May 27, viewers are eager to see McGregor return as Obi-Wan and learn more about the Jedi Master and What happened to him during this period. revenge of the sith and new Hope.