Edward Cullen and Bella Swan, played by Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, pull up to Forks High School in a scene that should have Edward sparkling, but he’s not.

Have you ever ever stumbled by an actor’s filmography solely to seek out your self rooting for them to tackle the quirky roles as an alternative of the everyday protagonist ones? Overlook typecasting; listed here are some male actors who shine brightest once they embrace their weirdness, or have but to be given the possibility!

First off, let’s make clear one factor: this isn’t to suggest that these actors shouldn’t, or can’t, be main males. Simply because I advocate for them to play unconventional characters doesn’t imply I’d deny them their lead roles or paychecks. That is merely not my type!

The roster of actors deserving lead roles is various, however at this time we’re specializing in those that ought to embrace their quirky sides. Take Nicholas Hoult, for instance. It is universally acknowledged that he thrives in eccentric roles, whether or not he is headlining the movie or not. His performances in Superman, Mad Max: Fury Street, and the sequence The Nice showcase his expertise for embodying unconventional characters. Right here’s a have a look at some extra actors who’re both on the verge of discovering their distinctive types or want a push in that course.

Dan Stevens

Dan Stevens in a stylish outfit about to sing
(Netflix)

Let’s begin with Dan Stevens, who, since his departure from Downton Abbey in 2012, has persistently delved into the realm of quirky characters. Whereas he continues to seem in important franchises just like the Godzilla sequence, he typically opts for extra colourful apparel and unconventional conduct. One standout function is a stay-at-home dad navigating nonbinary exploration within the HBO sequence Excessive Upkeep, showcasing his willingness to problem societal norms.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal in Nightcrawler
(Open Street Movies)

Gyllenhaal has already confirmed he can deal with ‘regular’ roles, however I consider it is time to give another person the possibility. His eccentric performances in movies like Okja, Velvet Buzzsaw, Spider-Man: Far From Dwelling, and Nightcrawler are iconic. He even introduced distinctive quirkiness to his function in Ambulance. Let’s embrace this urge to be unconventional!

John Cho

John Cho
(ABC)

It is a bit complicated. Whereas I championed the #StarringJohnCho motion practically a decade in the past and would like to see him in additional romantic leads, let’s additionally mirror on his eccentricity. His character in Selfie—a contemporary twist on the Professor Higgins archetype—showcases each a romantic aspect and an ungainly appeal.

Robert Pattinson

Two characters looking at a mirror
(Warner Bros.)

Robert Pattinson’s off-screen persona is simply as uncommon as his roles. His portrayal of Edward Cullen could appear broody, however hearken to his audio commentary on the Twilight motion pictures, and a very totally different aspect of him emerges. His shift into impartial movies was a daring profession transfer, highlighted by his daring function in The Lighthouse. Latest hits like Tenet, The Batman, and Mickey 17 affirm he revels in embracing his eclectic aspect.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller in The Last of Us
(HBO)

It’s time to liberate Pedro Pascal from the intense roles that weigh him down. There’s a lot extra to him than the pressured characters we sometimes see on display. He brings immense appeal to each purple carpet, award speech, and internet hosting gig. His comedic aptitude in Marvel Girl 1984 and The Insufferable Weight of Huge Expertise deserves a highlight. Let’s carry again that humor!

Chris Pine

Chris Pine with Danny DeVito and Annette Benning in Poolman
(Vertical)

If Poolman, his directorial debut, is any indication, Chris Pine is already on a path to embrace the quirky. His memorable, albeit temporary, function in Celeste and Jesse Perpetually exhibits he is aware of easy methods to stability severe and comedic. He’s more and more leaning in direction of initiatives that resonate personally with him, making the quirky and offbeat extra outstanding in his filmography, as seen in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves.

John Boyega

Viola Davis as General Nanisca and John Boyega as King Ghezo in The Woman King
(Sony)

John Boyega’s star energy is plain. His action-packed roles in Assault the Block and the Star Wars trilogy showcase his skills, complemented by his spectacular work within the Golden Globe-winning phase “Purple White and Blue” from Small Axe. But, he brings an fascinating twist to his character in The Girl King. Let’s push for extra roles that enable him to flex that distinctive appeal and quirkiness!

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves and Ali Wong in Always Be My Maybe
(Netflix)

Keanu Reeves has an extended historical past of portraying quirky characters, however I urge filmmakers to not field him in! He continues to increase his repertoire with sudden roles, from the voice of an inanimate constructing in Severance to a guardian angel in Good Fortune and his gorgeous Broadway debut in Ready for Godot. I might like to see him embrace much more weird roles!

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa in Wonka
(Warner Bros. Photos)

Hugh Grant has embraced his “freak-show period,” persistently enjoying sinister but oddly charming characters since Cloud Atlas. His roles in Paddington 2, The Gents, Dungeons & Dragons, Wonka, and Heretic showcase a newfound adventurous spirit that appears to carry him pleasure. It’s a reminder of the transformative energy of authenticity in performing!

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington as Macrinus in Gladiator II
(Paramount)

Denzel Washington’s charming efficiency in Gladiator II means that he may dive right into a “freak-show period” himself. His portrayal of Macbeth in Joel Coen’s adaptation of The Scottish Play was compellingly unconventional. Regardless of his clear imaginative and prescient for the rest of his profession, together with anticipated initiatives like a brand new Steve McQueen movie and the following Black Panther, we are able to hope for a touch of the peculiar in his upcoming roles!

(featured picture: Summit Leisure)

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Leah Marilla Thomas

Leah Marilla Thomas (she/her) is a contributor at The Mary Sue. She has been working in digital leisure journalism since 2013, primarily protecting tv, movie, and reside theatre. You would possibly acknowledge her voice from the Newcomers: Marvel podcast. Outdoors of journalism, she identifies as 50% Southerner, 50% New Englander, and is 100% fangirl over all the pieces from Lord of the Rings to stage lighting and comics about youngsters. She resides in New York Metropolis and might typically be discovered stress-free in a park, having beforehand examined toys for Hasbro—a real story!