Picture Supply: Getty / Robert Smith
Since he first appeared on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” in 1993, James Marsden has slowly grow to be a Hollywood mainstay. He rose to fame with roles in motion pictures together with “X-Males” and “The Pocket book,” and his star reached new heights when he confirmed off his singing abilities in “Enchanted” and “Hairspray.” Extra not too long ago, Marsden starred because the kindhearted android Teddy Flood in “Westworld,” and he additionally performs himself in “Jury Responsibility,” albeit a extra narcissistic model.
Over time, Marsden has often discovered himself enjoying the primary romantic rival to male leads. From roles as Prince Edward in “Enchanted” and Lon Hammond Jr. in “The Pocket book” to having to compete with Superman himself in “Superman Returns,” Marsden positively appears to have a knack for taking part in that specific form of half — however that is to not say he would not have vary. Along with his musical skills, dashing beauty, and talent to play each smarmy and charming characters to equal impact, the 49-year-old actor has participated in all kinds of tasks through the years, from comedies and fantasies to historic dramas and extra.
Forward, take a look at Marsden’s finest motion pictures and TV reveals through the years.
“Jury Responsibility” (2023)
Within the documentary-style comedy “Jury Responsibility,” Marsden performs a extra egotistical model of himself. He seems within the collection alongside 10 different actors — and one unsuspecting civilian named Ronald Gladden, who believes he is really collaborating in a documentary about an actual trial.
“Disenchanted” (2022)
Picture Supply: Everett Assortment
In “Disenchanted,” Marsden reprises his “Enchanted” function because the starry-eyed Prince Edward. This time, he is making an attempt to make issues work with Idina Menzel’s Nancy.
“The Stand” (2021)
Marsden performs a Texan named Stuart on this drama, which relies on Stephen King’s novel of the identical title. When he turns into the primary individual to have an immunity to a superflu that has crisscrossed the globe, he rapidly finds himself on the run from the federal government.
“Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020)
Picture Supply: Everett Assortment
Marsden performs the titular blue hedgehog’s pal Sheriff Tom Wachowski in “Sonic the Hedgehog.” He reprised the function within the 2022 sequel.
“Lifeless to Me” (2019-2022)
Within the collection “Lifeless to Me,” Marsden initially performs Linda Cardellini’s character Judy’s obnoxious boyfriend, Steve. He additionally takes on the function of Steve’s extra empathetic equivalent twin brother, Ben.
“Westworld” (2016-2022)
Marsden stars because the gallant android Teddy Flood within the sci-fi drama “Westworld.” First billed as an archetypically heroic love curiosity destined for Evan Rachel Wooden’s character, Dolores, Teddy winds up discovering himself on the mercy of powers far past his management because the present progresses.
“The Better of Me” (2014)
Picture Supply: Everett Assortment
Marsden stars alongside Michelle Monaghan on this romance flick. The pair play former high-school sweethearts who come collectively after a very long time aside, solely to search out the explanations that originally drove them away from one another are nonetheless very a lot current many years later.
“The Loft” (2014)
Marsden seems as a primary suspect on this murder-mystery film, which follows 5 married males who lease a loft to share with their mistresses collectively. When a girl’s physique is discovered within the loft, although, all of them discover themselves beneath intense scrutiny.
“The Butler” (2013)
Marsden takes on the function of John F. Kennedy in Lee Daniels’s “The Butler.” The movie tells the true story of Eugene Allen, a butler within the White Home from 1952 to 1986.
“30 Rock” (2012-2013)
In “30 Rock,” Marsden performs Crisstopher Rick Chros, Liz Lemon’s (Tina Fey) love curiosity. Launched in season six, he is usually seen enjoying romantic songs on his guitar.
“Hop” (2011)
Picture Supply: Everett Assortment
Marsden seems reverse Russell Model and Kaley Cuoco on this Easter-themed comedy. He performs Frederick “Fred” O’Hare, who meets Model’s character — E.B., the Easter Bunny’s son — and bonds with him over not eager to do what their dad and mom anticipate them to.
“Robotic & Frank” (2012)
Marsden performs Hunter, the son of ex-convict Frank who buys his ageing father a robotic companion. Issues escalate, although, when Frank begins utilizing the robotic to commit crimes.
“27 Attire” (2008)
In “27 Attire,” Marsden stars alongside Katherine Heigl‘s Jane as cynical reporter Kevin. When he winds up writing an article about Jane’s limitless bridesmaid commitments, their nascent romantic relationship grows much more difficult.
“Enchanted” (2007)
Marsden performs Prince Edward alongside Amy Adams within the live-action Disney film musical “Enchanted.” When Adams’s character, Giselle, is banished from their fairy-tale realm to real-world New York, Marsden’s character leaps into motion to rescue her.
“Hairspray” (2007)
Picture Supply: Everett Assortment
Marsden performs yet one more heartthrob in “Hairspray.” Because the dashing Corny Collins, host of the teenager dance present “The Corny Collins Present,” he winds up being surprisingly progressive along with extraordinarily charismatic from begin to end.
“Superman Returns” (2006)
In “Superman Returns,” Marsden performs yet one more rival love curiosity — and this time, he has to face off in opposition to none aside from Superman. He stars as Day by day Planet reporter Richard White, who’s engaged to Lois Lane.
“The Pocket book” (2004)
Marsden performs Lon Hammond Jr., Allie’s (Rachel McAdams) betrothed on this basic romance. As a result of he stands in the best way of Allie’s romance with Noah (Ryan Gosling), although, his function garnered him some dislike from followers. “When the film grew to become such a phenomenon, folks would come as much as me on the road and be like, ‘Why had been you making an attempt to get of their method?! They had been purported to be collectively,'” Marsden mentioned throughout a 2020 “Good Morning America” interview.
“X-Males” (2006)
Picture Supply: Everett Assortment
Marsden performs the mutant Cyclops within the first three movies within the X-Males franchise. As of 2023, the actor remains to be all the way down to return to the franchise if the chance arises. “You actually do love these characters, the forged, the crew, everyone,” he instructed Display Rant. “. . . So I might all the time be open to that, revisiting that world.”
“Saved by the Bell: The New Class” (1993)
Certainly one of Marsden’s first roles was a stint on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.” He performs Chad Westerfield, a excessive schooler with homecoming-king ambitions, within the seventh episode of the spinoff’s first season.