ROBERT DOWNEY JR. as “IRON MAN”
Born: April 4, 1965 in New York City, NY
Height: 5’9
Personal Quote:
“I know very little about acting. I’m just an incredibly gifted faker.”
Non-Marvel Highlights:
Chaplin (‘Charlie Chaplin’, Nominated Best Actor, Academy Awards), Ally McBeal TV Series (‘Larry Paul’, Won Best Supporting Actor, Golden Globes), Sherlock Holmes (‘Sherlock Holmes’, Won Best Actor, Golden Globes)
SUMMARY:
Most fans are fully aware of Robert Downey Jr.’s history and his struggles. In many ways, those ‘imperfections’ in his personal character made RDJ the perfect candidate to capture the Tony Stark that was needed for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). A charismatic, yet often times polarizing hero, RDJ allows fans to see Stark’s inner conflict while still rooting for his Iron Man persona against the evil that seeks to harm the world. This time, however, he’s not going up against evil doers, but rather the beloved Captain America. He’s got a team that, on and off screen, could easily be considered superior to Team ‘Cap’, but can there truly be a winner when both sides appear to be on the side of ‘right’?
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT:
If you’ve got a few minutes, I invite you to check out this fun trip down memory lane where watchmojo.com re-visits the “Top 10 Robert Downey Jr. Performances”:
DON CHEADLE as “WAR MACHINE”
Born: November 29, 1964 in Kansas City, MO
Height: 5’9
Personal Quote:
“I want to be a part of great things.”
Non-Marvel Highlights:
The Rat Pack (‘Sammy Davis Jr.’, Won Best Supporting Actor, Golden Globes), Hotel Rwanda (‘Paul Rusesabagina’, Nominated Best Actor, Academy Awards), House of Lies TV Series (‘Marty Kaan’, Won Best Actor, Golden Globes)
SUMMARY:
Well known for his ‘scene stealing’ capabilities, Cheadle brings both stability and levity to the role of Colonel James Rhodes, aka ‘War Machine’. Unlike Tony Stark, who is larger than life, Cheadle’s Rhodes is the more relatable hero; a regular guy trying to do his job while also trying to help his friend do the right thing.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT:
If you’re familiar with Cheadle’s more prominent roles, check out his funnier side in his hilarious turn as ‘Captain Planet’:
SCARLETT JOHANSSON as “BLACK WIDOW”
Born: November 22, 1984 in New York City, NY
Height: 5’3
Personal Quote:
“I grew up in a household that was very politically conscious… it was just understood that it was important, that it was our responsibility.”
Non-Marvel Highlights:
Lost in Translation (‘Charlotte’, Nominated Best Actress, Golden Globes), A Love Song for Bobby Long (‘Pursy Will’, Nominated Best Actress, Golden Globes), Match Point (‘Nola Rice’, Nominated Best Supporting Actress, Golden Globes)
SUMMARY:
Scarlett Johansson deserves a lot of credit for bringing a multi-dimensional female hero to life in the MCU (which unfortunately, is still predominantly a ‘boys club’). Her portrayal as the Russian-spy-turned-Avenger, Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, broke through a ceiling that has paved the way for other MCU characters like Gamora, Scarlet Witch, the Wasp and Captain Marvel (who will be getting a chance to headline her own movie in 2018).
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT:
Check it out, Mr. Downey Jr. – you’re not the only one with a ‘Top 10 Performances Video”:
PAUL BETTANY as “VISION”
Born: May 27, 1971 in Harlesden, London, England
Height: 6’4
Personal Quote:
“My plan – well, it isn’t much of a plan, but it’s mine and I like it – is to try to do lots of different things.”
Non-Marvel Highlights:
A Beautiful Mind (‘Charles’, Nominated Best Supporting Actor, London Critics), Master and Commander (‘Dr. Stephen Maturin’, Won Best Actor, London Critics), The Da Vinci Code (‘Silas’)
SUMMARY:
Since the debut of the MCU in 2008 (Iron Man), Paul Bettany has been with us, first as Tony Stark’s A.I. companion, J.A.R.V.I.S., and now as the idealistic super hero, Vision. Looking back on Bettany’s career, one could draw the conclusion that it’s only been the talented actor’s choice of roles (i.e. Legion, Priest) that’s prevented him from breaking through in a bigger way. Now, as one of the newer Avengers, Bettany has the opportunity to make waves and propel himself into the mainstream.
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT:
Want to learn a little more about Bettany’s take on Vision? Watch this interview for “Civil War”:
CHADWICK BOSEMAN as “BLACK PANTHER”
Born: November 29, 1976 in Anderson, SC
Height: 6’0
Personal Quote:
“When you’re doing a character, you want to know the full landscape. You want to know them spiritually, mentally and physically.”
Non-Marvel Highlights:
Lincoln Heights TV Series (‘Nathaniel Ray’), 42 (‘Jackie Robinson’, Nominated Outstanding Male Breakthrough Performance, Black Reel Awards), Get On Up (‘James Brown’, Nominated Outstanding Actor, Golden Globes)
SUMMARY:
Chadwick Boseman has built a solid reputation for himself as a ‘go-to’ actor for biopics (42, Get On Up, and the upcoming Marshall). Now, he gets the chance to be the first African-American to get his own feature film in the MCU as T’Challa the King of Wakanda, aka “Black Panther” (solo film slated for 2018).
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT:
Check out Boseman on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” talking about his upcoming role:
TOM HOLLAND as “SPIDER-MAN”
Born: June 1, 1996 in Kingston upon Thames, England, UK
Height: 5’8
Personal Quote:
“Civil War will be a brilliant movie, a huge movie and I’ll have the support of the success of that movie so that I can go on to my own.”
Non-Marvel Highlights:
The Impossible (‘Lucas’), In the Heart of the Sea (‘Thomas Nickerson’)
SUMMARY:
I’m not going to sugar-coat it; I was a huge fan of Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man and while I’m super excited about Civil War, I’m not thrilled that we’ll be watching a ‘kid’ play the iconic web-slinger. I wish Tom Holland luck, but he’s got a lot to prove from my point of view…
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT:
Get to know Tom Holland a little better and check out this interview he gave regarding his debut as Spider-Man:
Reblogged this on Welcome to LeoCraven.com.