Ask anybody about Robert Downey Jr.’s best role and most will respond with Tony Stark. Though taking the part was a gamble at the time, the character has become so thoroughly his that we can’t imagine anybody else taking up the mantle. The same can be said for Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. Built over decades and much-loved franchises, the characters and actors become one.
The question is, with video game movies like the Sonic and Mario films releasing to mass acclaim, could this apply to video game characters as it does to superheroes? Complications within the media and differences between how these adaptions appear on the big screen can throw wrenches into the works. So, how are these genres different, and what hurdles stand in the way of those who take an adapted character crown for themselves?
The Animation Difference
The two biggest hits in taking video games to the big screen, Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario, have both had the eponymous characters animated. This means that, unlike with most superhero movies, there’s been no physical presence of a real talent on which to lean. Subtle movements and emotions from the voice actors can’t translate as with real people, which makes it more difficult to forge a bond between character and actor. While some real actors have been great in their parts, like Jim Carey as Robotnik, none have yet had the time to build their characters as the superhero cousins.
Part of the problem is also the fundamental differences between acting and voice acting, and how movies are cast. Being cast in movies can be as much about current popularity as anything else, but voice acting isn’t physical acting. Many movies, including the new Mario film, have been criticized for failing to understand the difference. Voice acting is a very different skill, but unfortunately, the best voice actors don’t have the biggest pull, so they’re ignored. For every Jack Black as Bowser, there are ten actors less suited to their part, which again creates problems with a connection.
Potential Over Time
A big part of what makes celebrities great as characters is a way to appreciate or at least understand the source material. This provides hope for the future, with every form of digital interactive entertainment being bigger than ever. Jack Black, the great Bowser, is a huge gamer. Ben Schwartz is great as Sonic because he knows gaming, he knows Sonic, and he understands the culture. More celebrities today have grown up as gamers than at any point in the past, which creates better points of comparison.
These connections don’t have to be completely direct either, as any amount of familiarity with digital entertainment can serve as a foundational bridge. For example, a popular modern pursuit in digital entertainment is found with UK mobile casino players. Games like slots are extremely welcoming, and combined with offers like free spins, can serve as a gentle introduction to how far these forms of entertainment have come. Titles like Big Bass Bonanza and Sugar Rush might not be video games directly, but they’re close enough to help enthusiasts understand the concepts. Compare this to the original Super Mario movie, where lead actor Bob Hoskins didn’t even originally know it was based on a video game.
This early on in the good video game films adaption timeline, we’re yet to see any actor-character relationships reach the heights of superhero media, but we’re getting closer. Challenges from the medium and the film industry do still hold the environment back, but better involvement means it’s just a matter of time. From hardcore gamers to those who at least understand the concepts, a new generation of standout stars is finally on the horizon.