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What makes a certain role iconic? For us, it’s when an actor’s portrayal of a character becomes so well-known and recognizable that the actor and the character are linked forever, setting a standard that is often impossible to overcome. Just think of Meryl Streep as the fierce Miranda Priestly or Arnold Schwarzenegger as Terminator. For the public audience, they’ll always be remembered for these legendary roles, and any possible remake would struggle to find a worthy successor that wouldn’t be met with skepticism. (But let’s be real, who would be so crazy to mess with perfection?)

It’s not just the actor’s skills that elevate a movie’s story, though. The chemistry with their co-stars and their ability to make a character believable and relatable can really make or break a movie and turn an average film into a cinematic masterpiece. It’s no wonder these perfectly cast actors ended up with award nominations and wins, as they’ve been able to bring a level of authenticity to the role that is hard to match. Spot-on casting can be a tricky business for directors and producers, but when they get it right, it can lead to some of the most memorable performances in film history.

With that in mind, let’s look at the movies with the best casting, as shared in this online thread. From Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump to Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, these great actors embodied their characters so perfectly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. This list of legendary casting choices is sure to take both film buffs and casual moviegoers on a journey through some of the most unforgettable performances on the big screen!

#2

Hannibal - Anthony Hopkins

Hannibal - Anthony Hopkins

"Definitely Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal."

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Deborah Harris2
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Robert De Niro was offered the part of Hannibal first, I can imagine the whole 'you talking to me Clarice' conversation instead :D

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#3

The Dark Knight - Heath Ledger

The Dark Knight - Heath Ledger

imariaprime replied: "I remember the outcry when he was cast; it was unimaginable that such a pretty boy could be the Joker.
 
That was the role that taught me to shut my mouth and give people a chance; he obliterated all opposition. I still can't actually see any of Heath Ledger in that role; I only see the Joker."

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Milford Biggenson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who remembers the absolute hate when Michael Keaton was cast as Batman? That was some real, across the globe, pre-internet hate for someone who turned to be one of the best Dark Knight's.

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#4

House - Hugh Laurie

House - Hugh Laurie

"Hugh Laurie as Dr. House. I know it's not a movie, but that casting is so good. I knew him from 'Blackadder' before and was amazed at how perfect he was as House."

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Vix Spiderthrust
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All he did before House was play upper-class twits. Then suddenly he was in House, and it turned out he's amazing.

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#5

Harry Potter - Robbie Coltrane

Harry Potter - Robbie Coltrane

"Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid."
 
manic_laugh wrote: "JK Rowling really wanted Coltrane for Hagrid. She has said in interviews that when the books were being adapted, he had to be the first person they approached for the role."

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#6

Iron Man - Robert Downey Jr

Iron Man - Robert Downey Jr

Darkmaster666666 replied: "Stan lee himself said that RDJ is exactly how he imagined Iron-man to be. Very touching IMO."

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Milford Biggenson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a comic collector kid back in the 70s/80s most people have no idea how third tier their favourite heroes were back in the day. If a time traveller came back and told me there were incredibly popular movies based on Iron Man, Thor, The Avenger's, AntMan, GotG, Black Widow, Black Panther in the future, I'd laugh & laugh! It was just Spider-Man & X-Men back then, but don't get me wrong, I loved those comics & characters, but they weren't very popular. Iron Man the movie, that remains one of the best superhero movies of all time. Kevin Feige should call Jon Favreau on a daily basis & thank him.

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#7

Misery - Kathy Bates

Misery - Kathy Bates

romeowmontague replied: "Stephen King was quite impressed with Kathy Bates' performance in this film, so much so that he later wrote two more roles for her. The title role in his novel "Dolores Claiborne" was written with Bates in mind. King also wrote the script for The Stand (1994). His original novel featured a (male) character named Ray Flowers; upon hearing that Bates wanted to be involved in the miniseries, King re-wrote the part as a woman (Rae Flowers) just so Bates could play the part."

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#8

Deadpool - Ryan Reynolds

Deadpool - Ryan Reynolds

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Paulo Freitas
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude.... I don't think there is another actor that could play this part, not as well as Ryan Reynolds, i mean dude oozes a certain type of charisma that makes him perfect for these types of roles, kind of " the kind hearted a*****e " his cameo in " Hobs and Shaw " perfect, his role in " the Assassin's bodyguard ", same for " red notice " dude is hilarious, plus i love his trade mark line lolol, " they're pressious aren't they "

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#9

The Lord Of The Rings - Ian Mckellen

The Lord Of The Rings - Ian Mckellen

stormcrow2112 replied: "I remember early rumors of Sean Connery in the role. I’d be curious to look at that alternate reality if that would have been true or came to fruition."

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Deborah Rubin
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been a fan of the book since 4th grade. I believed Ian McKellen's Gandalf.

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#10

Die Hard, Harry Potter, Galaxy Quest - Alan Rickman

Die Hard, Harry Potter, Galaxy Quest - Alan Rickman

"Alan Rickman as Hans Gurber in 'Die Hard.'"
 
PeevesPoltergist wrote: "Alan Rickman - Severus Snape."
 
Gogo726 wrote: "Alan Rickman in 'Galaxy Quest.' Though I could have posted just Alan Rickman and the post would have still answered the question."

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#11

Hugh Jackman - Wolverine

Hugh Jackman - Wolverine

Quasar_Cross replied: "In terms of appearance, Wolverine has always been super short, super hairy, not very attractive, and bulkier. Stout. In that sense Jackman didnt resemble the comicbook character. His attitude/personality? 1000% Wolverine. That's a mark a fantastic actor."

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Paulo Freitas
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's gonna be back and this time in a rated R movie, better yet he's not coming alone lol, he's bringing Ryan Reynolds with him.

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#14

The Fifth Element - Chris Tucker

The Fifth Element - Chris Tucker

"Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod from 'The Fifth Element.' I heard they wanted Prince, but Chris was perfect. No one was ready for that."

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#15

The Lord Of The Rings - Viggo Mortensen

The Lord Of The Rings - Viggo Mortensen

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Deborah Rubin
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Soo perfect! Also check him out in Hidalgo, The Road, The Green Book and more I can't recall off the top of my head. But Aragorn...he's the character I've been carrying around in my head for decades. (Hidalgo wasn't based on a real race, there never was one.)

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#17

The Princess Bride - Andre Roussimoffas

The Princess Bride - Andre Roussimoffas

"Anyone other than Andre the Giant as Fezzik would be inconceivable. If only he could have played the Mountain That Rides."

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Sans Serif
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even with Andre the Giant AS Fezzik, the character was almost inconceivable!

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#18

Back To The Future - Christopher Lloyd And Marty Mcffy

Back To The Future - Christopher Lloyd And Marty Mcffy

"Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and of course Christopher Lloyd as Dr. Emmett Brown."

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DP 2(DP)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THE LEGENDS. Also responsible for the creation of Rick and Morty. So let’s gooo

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#19

Clue - Tim Curry

Clue - Tim Curry

"Tim Curry in 'Clue', 'Rocky Horror', 'Muppet Treasure Island', 'Ferngully', etc..."

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Jessica Specht
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tim Curry is the BESt in ALL his movies, including Legend. And I didn't like that movie, especially Tom Cruise.

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#20

Aliens - Sigourney Weaver

Aliens - Sigourney Weaver

A commenter replied: "Greatest action hero if all time."

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Heather Resatz
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ellen Ripley was the first female action hero I'd ever seen on the big screen. She is so bad a*s!!!

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#23

Jurassic Park - Jeff Goldblum

Jurassic Park - Jeff Goldblum

"Jeff Goldblum as Malcolm in 'Jurassic Park.' On second thought all of the actors in "'Jurassic Park.'"

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Paulo Freitas
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jeff Goldblum fits everything he touches lol, since a horror movie like " the fly " an action movie like " Jurássic Park " or even a comedy like " Thor Ragnarock " ( which by the way lol, its my favorit Jeff Goldblum role, dude was really having fun in that movie )

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#24

The Shawshank Redemption - Morgan Freeman

The Shawshank Redemption - Morgan Freeman

"The whole cast of 'The Shawshank Redemption.' Special mention to Morgan Freeman. Made Morgan's voice iconic."

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#25

The Wizard Of Oz - Judy Garland

The Wizard Of Oz - Judy Garland

AsYooouWish replied: "Fun fact: originally they wanted Shirley Temple as Dorothy"

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Deborah Rubin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Temple might have been a good little actress, but as Dorothy? Nope. Would not have become the classic it is. I still cry at the scene where Toto escapes. Especially since I got my own little dog. Not being snarky here, I really do have a little dog.

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#28

Breaking Bad - Bryan Cranston

Breaking Bad - Bryan Cranston

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Deborah Harris2
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never imagined I would ever see him as anyone other than Hal, but wow I was hooked from the first 10 minutes into watching Breaking Bad, excellent acting I can't see anyone else ever playing his part as Walter and the 'one who knocks'

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#29

Fight Club - Brad Pitt And Edward Norton

Fight Club - Brad Pitt And Edward Norton

"I'd have to say Edward Norton as Narrator and Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden in 'Fight Club.' But that entire cast was solid. They embodied the characters flawlessly from the book."

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Milford Biggenson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I refused, REFUSED, to watch this as I had not heard of the book, and thought the VHS/DVD box art looked dumb. In an act of divine intervention I rented The Matrix and they gave me Fight Club by accident. Within 30 seconds of the film, I knew I was going to love it. How often do you recognize a classic while you're watching it for the first time?

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#30

Constantine - Tilda Swinton

Constantine - Tilda Swinton

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. The film is utter bollocks, but Swinton is glorious in it. "Look how well you're doing!"

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#31

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective - Jim Carrey

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective - Jim Carrey

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Vic
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who else? I thought the role was written with Jim Carrey in mind.

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#33

Gladiator - Russell Crowe

Gladiator - Russell Crowe

"Russell Crowe as Maximus in 'Gladiator.' The speech once he takes off the mask is goosebump-inducing epic. Quiet strength."

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#35

No Country For Old Men - Javier Bardem

No Country For Old Men - Javier Bardem

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Apatheist Account2
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the barman said "See that man over there? He was the baddie in Skyfall." "Javier Bardem?" "No, he's allowed in." I can only apologise.

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#37

Walk The Line - Joaquin Phoenix

Walk The Line - Joaquin Phoenix

"Joaquin Phoenix in 'Walk the Line.' A super Johnny Cash."

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Paulo Freitas
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Joaquim Phoenix is an amazing actor, dude had an amazing punchable face in Gladiador ( as he should ), hás the creepiest Jocker laught, not even Mark Hamill is that creepy, and i absolutely loved the movie he falls in love by Siri/Cortana/Alexa ( Scarlett Johanson ) voice acting ( funny story during the movie there is a sex scene, and wen i say sex scene, i mean Scarlett Johanson moaning and and talking dirty lol, now poor guy had to stop mid scene to get " some air ", because Scarlett went above and beyond in that scene )

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#38

Django Unchained - Jamie Foxx And Christoph Waltz

Django Unchained - Jamie Foxx And Christoph Waltz

"I really liked Jamie Fox as Django. Christoph Waltz was also really good."

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#42

Threat Level Midnight: The Movie - Steve Carell

Threat Level Midnight: The Movie - Steve Carell

"Michael Scarn - played by Michael Scott. The best protagonist in the whole film industry."

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#43

American Psycho - Christian Bale

American Psycho - Christian Bale

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funkybluegirl
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love Christian Bale. I would say, the Mechanic, was more of a role that couldn't have been played by anyone else

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#45

Breaking Bad - Aaron Paul

Breaking Bad - Aaron Paul

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TheNightOwl
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was going to be killed off after Season 1, but after filming the second episode, the writers knew he had to stay.

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#46

Full Metal Jacket - R. Lee Ermey

Full Metal Jacket - R. Lee Ermey

"Gny Sgt. Hartman is the truest character in the film."

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Lisa H
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It helps that he was an actual Marine. Nothing but respect for this terrifying man!

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#48

Gone Girl - Rosamund Pike

Gone Girl - Rosamund Pike

"Rosamund Pike as Amy Dunne in 'Gone Girl.' She perfectly embodied the Amy of the book and somehow added even more depth to the character. She was truly excellent and deserved the oscar."

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Paulo Freitas
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahhhhhhh Rosamund Pike ( insert that Homer Simpson drooling meme here )

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#49

Superman - Henry Cavill

Superman - Henry Cavill

"I know they botched the overall franchise but I thought Henry Cavill was the perfect Superman."

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Jessica Specht
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Christopher Reeves will ALWAYS be the best Superman. Nobody else can compare, prosthetics and makeup regardless.

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#50

Leonardo DiCaprio - The Wolf Of Wall Street

Leonardo DiCaprio - The Wolf Of Wall Street

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Lisa H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the scene where he's high as a kite and drives back from the club. He thought he did okay, but then saw the destruction on his car and others. 🤣

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#52

Constantine - Peter Stormare

Constantine - Peter Stormare

"Let's not forget Peter Stormare as Satan."

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Vix Spiderthrust
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He also had a great cameo in Minority Report as the snot-riddled eye surgeon.

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#53

School Of Rock - Jack Black

School Of Rock - Jack Black

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Paulo Freitas
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im sorry, best part that Jack Black ever did was the part of " Bethany " in Jumanji welcome to the jungle, dude went from a fat middle aged guy, to a cheerleader teen girl, and he was FRIKKING AMAZING.

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#54

The Office - Rainn Wilson

The Office - Rainn Wilson

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Sans Serif
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Portrayed an insanely ionic Dwight - could see it accomplished by none other...

#55

Bill Hader - It Chapter 2

Bill Hader - It Chapter 2

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#56

Whiplash - J.K Simmons

Whiplash - J.K Simmons

"J.K Simmons as Fletcher in 'Whiplash.' The dude was intense in that film, couldn't imagine anyone else in that role now."

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Sam Juan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

J.K. Simmons makes a great J. Jonah Jameson in any and all the Spider-verses as well.

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#57

Training Day - Denzel Washington

Training Day - Denzel Washington

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Paulo Freitas
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude.... Tell me a movie where Denzel Washington wasn't a perfect Cast, i'l wait lol. I think if they ever remade " the wizzard of Oz " and casted Denzel to the part of Dorothy, it would be wierd, but he would also be an amazing Dorothy lol.

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#60

The Pest - John Leguizamo

The Pest - John Leguizamo

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