An exciting new musical is coming to cinemas, with an all-singing, all-dancing cast depicting the Roald Dahl classic, Matilda. The original film aired in 1996, followed up by stage versions. Incidentally, the director Matthew Warchus has directed both the Broadway musical and the new release.
Emma Thompson is among the cast, taking on the villainous role of Miss Trunchbull. But it's not just the role of the villain that she is able to embody in her work. For one example, audiences have seen her transform into the titular heroine in Nanny McPhee. Thompson's catalog spans a variety of characters and Redditors have highlighted other actors who are also known for both villainous and heroic roles.
Meryl Streep
There's no denying Meryl Streep's extensive career is brilliantly impressive. Reddit user ToyVaren pointed out "...probably her greatest role was the bad guy in The Devil Wears Prada."
As Miranda Priestly, her passive aggressiveness combined with searing looks of belittlement truly highlighted Streep's competency in playing a cold villain. But in the joyous musical Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, her heartwarming work was a true asset to the movie, with a lovable character that epitomized Streep's aptitude for playing both heroic and villainous roles.
Gary Oldman
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Settling on a British actor, Reddit user dilldoeorg said "Gary Oldman. Dude constantly bounce [sic] between good guy and bad guy roles with ease."
The range of Gary Oldman's best movies incorporates a variety of different characters, from heroic to villainous and even non-fiction parts such as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. His portrayal of heroism can be seen in The Dark Knight trilogy as the straight-talking Commissioner Gordon, who strove for justice. Contrastingly, as Norman Stansfield in Léon: The Professional, Oldman displayed his ability to convey his characters' crooked tendencies and unlikable personality.
Anthony Hopkins
Selecting another British household name, Redditor iamnotableto explained "Anthony Hopkins seems to be able to play anything. From Hannibal Lecter to a good father."
The Silence Of The Lambs is a terrifying, psychological horror that Hopkins became the center of. Acting out the part of Hannibal, Hopkins frightened audiences from the first viewing and even continues to do so for new viewers today. Yet, the artist is able to turn his hand to much more delicate and kinder roles, like Don Diego de la Vega in The Mask Of Zorro. As a wise and gentle but strong man, viewers could easily warm to him and enjoy his presence in the movie.
Robin Williams
Robin Williams was known for his incredibly sharp humor that played out in both his stand-up comedy and comedic acting parts. But it wasn't just humor the late actor was able to evoke. Williams was able to touch on emotions that could put him as either the hero or the villain in his movies.
With plenty of films that proved Williams' versatility as an actor, Reddit user jhnhines mentioned one specific movie by stating "Robin Williams super creeped me out in One Hour Photo." Williams wasn't restricted to one particular type of acting. In the aforementioned movie, his portrayal of Sy's unsettling behavior was just as impressive as his recognized more heroic roles, such as Sean in Good Will Hunting, making him known for both villainous and heroic characters.
Ralph Fiennes
Reddit user McBeemSteely said "Ralph Fiennes has an extremely wide range. He can play any kind of role - villian, hero, romantic, comedy."
From rom-com classics like Maid In Manhattan where Fiennes had the opportunity to play the good guy, to the crime-comedy In Bruges where he played out-and-out villain Harry, there's seemingly no genre he can't master. Not to mention his standout, evil performance as Voldemort in the Harry Potter movie series.
Bryan Cranston
With a clear argument as to why, Reddit user Playisomemusik chose Bryan Cranston, because "...he went from Malcolm In The Middle to Walter White."
The two are perfect examples of how Cranston is known for both villainous roles and heroic. Even just as Walter White in Breaking Bad, Cranston proved his aptitude for delivering different kinds of roles, as Walter starts out as a regular good guy. But slowly, his descent into dealing with drugs changed him and audiences saw his harsher personality come to light. When compared to his role in Malcolm in The Middle, it's clear why fans recognize his work as both a villain and hero.
Glenn Close
In a simple statement, Reddit user BDMayhem picked "Glenn Close," and there are plenty of movies to choose from to explain why she is easily acknowledged for both villainous and heroic roles.
In the live-action 101 Dalmatians, she played the well-known role of Cruella de Vil, giving children (and even adults) a fright along the way. But in The Wife, she gave a performance that people were able to connect with, having softer traits. Whilst it may not be seen as typically heroic, it's a strong contrast to the likes of de Vil.
Angela Lansbury
The late Angela Lansbury had a lot of great movies and shows to her name, so it's no surprise Redditor Gayfetus picked her, saying "She was much celebrated...as the evil mastermind in The Manchurian Candidate. Decades later she'd star...in the long-running Murder, She Wrote."
The two characters were at opposite ends of the spectrum, but Lansbury played both with skill and believability. In the original Beauty And The Beast, she played the wholesome and motherly role of Mrs. Potts, which once again showed the range of characteristics she could play, even in animation.
Jim Carrey
Redditor MezterKeef went with "Jim Carrey," and though comedic is perhaps the first kind of role that would come to mind with him, it doesn't take long to remember where he has played the villain.
In Batman Forever, one of Jim Carrey's most iconic roles was depicting the Riddler, which was frantic and unnerving but most importantly, memorable. Just as in The Truman Show and even How The Grinch Stole Christmas, he always makes the roles his own, whether villainous or heroic.
Michael Keaton
Reddit user n8they said "Michael Keaton," who isn't just known for playing either heroic or villainous but a strong mixture of both types of roles.
The mention of the actor's name doesn't make viewers think of one particular category. Playing Batman, he was of course heroic, with the intention of doing right by his community. But in Spider-Man: Homecoming, he was the intimidating villain Vulture, out to cause chaos. Keaton has the ability to transform his demeanor for whichever role he takes on, making him perfect for both the hero and villain.