Heroes and villains in movies often tend to be multi-layered characters. Great heroes are powerful yet vulnerable, which prevents them from slipping into predictability. Similarly, memorable villains are full of malice but have a relatable backstory that explains their actions. Since both roles are complex, actors portray either of them. But there are rare instances where actors have pulled off the unbelievable by playing the hero and the villain in the same film.
Mike Myers in Austin Powers (1997)
The Austin Powers films are known to be parodies of the James Bond movies. In these films, actor Mike Myers plays the titular hero, Austin Powers, as well as the central antagonist, Dr. Evil. Portraying these roles in the same film required something special, considering how different both characters are in appearance and personality. To transform into the British spy Austin Powers, Myers wore wigs, large spectacles, and an artificial set of bad teeth. On the other hand, he shaved his head bald to portray Dr. Evil. Of course, this meant Myers had to shoot all his Austin scenes first and then his Dr. Evil’s scenes.
Myers’ portrayal of Austin Powers and Dr. Evil was well-received in the inaugural edition of the movie. In the first sequel, he also went on to play a buff Scottish assassin, Fat Bastard, in addition to his earlier characters. The second sequel saw him add another character to his portfolio, the Goldfinger-parodying villain Goldmember, meaning he played four roles at once!
Mia Goth in X (2022)
Ti West’s X trilogy is one of the most underrated horror film series of recent years. The first installment of the series, X, sees actor Mia Goth pull off the challenging task of playing the young aspiring actor Maxine Minx and a sadistic old woman named Pearl. Their paths cross when Minx and her crew use Pearl’s farmhouse to make their movie. Pearl’s attempts to do away with the visiting film crew give X its bone-chilling moments.
The theme of aging is a key part of the film. Minx is an actress in the prime of her youth with an air of smugness, energy, and a genuine love for cinema. On the other hand, Pearl, a failed actress in her younger days, has bitterness brewing within her for decades, which dictates many of her actions.
Hugh Jackman in Logan (2017)
Fans of Hugh Jackman rarely see him take on negative roles, but Logan was a delightful exception. The actor portrayed the beaten-down and weary protagonist Wolverine and also X-24, a clone of him made by the evil biotech corporation Alkali-Transigen. X-24 retains all of Logan’s power from his youth in addition to ruthlessness and sheer relentlessness, making him stronger than anyone Logan had ever faced.
Critics and audiences applauded Jackson’s portrayal of the Terminator-like X-24. After the two Deadpool films, Logan was another rare entry in the X-Men film series with an R-rating for viewing audiences.
Jesse Eisenberg in The Double (2013)
Usually, Jesse Eisenberg plays awkward and twitchy protagonistic roles perfectly. He has done so in many films, including The Social Network (2010) and Now You See Me (2013). The Double sees the actor departing significantly from his comfort zone. In this comedy thriller, Eisenberg plays the everyman Simon James and his shrewd and arrogant doppelganger James Simon.
While Eisenberg did well playing the kind and unassuming Simon, his performance as his rival, James, was particularly praised by critics and audiences alike. In the villain role, Eisenberg brings a certain charm and shrewdness that, combined with the film’s funny tone, makes the character a truly memorable one in the actor’s filmography.
Leonardo DiCaprio in The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
Many films have proven just how versatile Leonardo DiCaprio is as an actor. The period drama The Man in the Iron Mask tells the tale of the heroic Philippe, a prince banished at birth and made to live in a quaint countryside to prevent him from discovering his true identity as the twin brother of King Louis XIV.
DiCaprio played both Philippe and King Louis in the movie and gave a brilliant performance. His ruthlessness as the villainous ruler of France, Louis, is highlighted in two major scenes. First, in which he orchestrates the demise of the fiancé of a woman he courts, and second, in which he imprisons Philippe and makes him wear an iron mask to hide his identity.
Lupita Nyong’o in Us (2019)
One of the scariest films of the last decade, Us tells the story of a family attacked by mysterious people who look exactly like them. In the movie, Lupita Nyong’o plays Adelaide, a vacationing mother, and Red, her terrifying doppelgänger with a chilling whispery voice who attacks her family. Her performance was exceptional in the movie, winning her several accolades.
Jeff Bridges in Tron: Legacy (2010)
In Tron: Legacy, Jeff Bridges plays both the franchise protagonist, Kevin Flynn, and the deranged antagonist, Clu, who is a digital replica of his younger self. Although the CGI of the film was criticized for its apparent green screen, Bridges was lauded across the board for his chilling dialogue delivery and facial expressions.
Some other actors who played hero and villain seamlessly in the same film are Nicolas Cage and John Travolta in Face/Off (1997), Kristen Wiig in Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021), Tim Allen in The Santa Claus 2 (2002), Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove (1964), and Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange (2016). These actors alternated between the multiple characters without missing a beat.