These Diverse James Marsden Movies Prove He Has More Than a Handsome Mug
James Marsden loves his job, appearing on the big and small screen for over 30 years. If his handsome face looks familiar, it's because he's had a role in nearly 60 motion pictures and over two dozen television appearances in shows like Dead to Me and Westworld.
He currently has two highly anticipated films set to for release later this year: Unfrosted, directed by comedian Jerry Seinfeld and starring Marsden as fitness guru Jack LaLanne, and the live-action animated sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Marsden's impressive filmography includes dramas and independent films, but he made his name starring in comedies. His acting range and roles prove that he's more than just a good-looking guy; he's a talented, versatile actor.
1. The Butler (2013)
This 2013 historical drama by Lee Daniels tells the story of an African American butler who has served multiple presidents in the White House for more than 30 years. Marsden plays the sympathetic and doomed President John F. Kennedy. Instead of playing a lionized version of the late president, he shows a flawed but compassionate man who aspires to do the right thing.
His portrayal of the president serves in a supporting but significant way, particularly when describing to his butler Cecil Gaines his epiphany about the evils of racial segregation. It's a powerful moment that underscores Marsden's excellence in dramatic roles.
2. Superman Returns (2006)
During Superman's years-long absence, the world moved on without him, including Lois Lane, who's engaged with a young son. Marsden plays Richard White, Lane's fiancé, who bears more than a passing resemblance to the Man of Steel with his chiseled jaw, matinee idol looks, and good-guy personality.
His ability to step into superhero mode when the real Superman becomes injured and incapacitated reminds viewers of Cyclops, his character in the X-Men film series. It demonstrates that Marsden excels at playing the hero in other movies.
3. Robot & Frank (2012)
A sci-fi comedy-drama that won an award at the Sundance Music Festival, the actor plays Hunter Weld, a husband and father trying to balance managing his family life and assisting Frank, his elderly father. An exasperated Hunter worries about his dad living alone and buys a robot to keep him company.
Frank, an ex-thief, and the robot restart his illegal occupation. Marsden's spot-on performance as a son who loves his aging parent but isn't quite sure how to successfully manage his multiple responsibilities is a role adults in the sandwich generation can relate to.
4. The Notebook (2004)
The hit movie is based on Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name. It features Marsden playing the earnest war hero Captain Lon Hammond, Jr., who's engaged to Allie. Her feelings for her ex, Noah, jeopardize their engagement. Instead of showing anger towards Allie for her infidelity, he demonstrates grace and forgiveness.
Most of the positive reviews about the film focus on Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, but Marsden made viewers fall in love with the dashing Lon with an understated but powerful performance.
5. Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted became a huge hit in the fall and winter of 2007. The movie's popularity, partly due to James Marsden's role as Prince Edward, brings fairy tales to life. He played an over-the-top caricature of the handsome fairytale hero: brave, with a pure heart, but not very smart.
Prince Edward's pursuit of Giselle, who starts out as his true love, makes him one of the film's more endearing characters. Audiences couldn't help but rejoice for him once he fell in love with Nancy, and they lived happily ever after.
6. X-Men (2000)
Scott Summers, an instructor at the Xavier Institute, looks like an ordinary human in sunglasses, but he's a mutant called Cyclops. In addition to his fighting prowess, his primary ability is emitting a red beam of energy from his eyes. In this first X-Men movie, Cyclops comes across as self-assured and a little cocky, but that only adds to his mystique.
This role shows Marsden has the chops to convincingly play an action hero, especially one who doesn't always play nice.
7. Hop (2011)
James Marsden wasn't going to win an Academy Award for his performance in Hop, but that doesn't mean the movie wasn't an entertaining romp. Playing opposite the animated E.B. (for Easter Bunny), the sweet-natured but harried Fred O'Hare reminds viewers of the magic many of us felt upon seeing our Easter baskets growing up.
Marsden could have easily played Fred as a straight-edged guy; instead, he leans into the part, complete with physical comedy that generates plenty of laughs.
8. Interstate 60: Episodes of the Road (2002)
On the surface, Neal Oliver has a charmed life: he comes from a wealthy family, receives a letter of acceptance to law school, and has a beautiful girlfriend. Beneath the surface, Neal, uncertain about his future, knows he wants to become an artist. A mysterious stranger magically allows him to find his place in life.
Marsden's earnestness and sincerity make Neal someone the viewers can relate to, even though his experiences intentionally defy credulity.
9. Hairspray (2007)
Corny Collins hosts a teen dance program called The Corny Collins Show. Marsden plays Collins, a high-energy, progressive entertainer who enjoys hosting “the nicest kids in town.” He selects Tracy Turnblad to dance on his show despite her not fitting the typical image of his other dancers.
Collins also works to integrate his racially segregated show. His character's forward-thinking views solidify his onscreen persona as a man with a heart of gold.
10. The Box (2009)
In this psychological thriller, the actor shows his serious side, playing the tortured engineer Arthur Lewis. When Arthur and his wife Norma have the opportunity to receive a million dollars at the expense of a stranger's life, the choice they make has unintended consequences, impacting their lives in ways they couldn't imagine.
Marsden's role as Arthur is unexpectedly grim but highly effective, a departure from the more lighthearted roles he frequently takes on.
11. Knox Goes Away (2023)
In this movie, viewers see a more serious side of Marsden's acting. He plays Miles Knox, the son of contract killer John Knox. When Miles takes revenge against the man who assaulted his daughter, his father initially helps him cover up his crime. An unexpected twist lands Miles in jail, but another surprise his father orchestrates gets him released and acquitted.
The portrayal of a good man who does the wrong thing for the right reason makes for a fascinating character study. Once again, Marsden masterfully takes on a more complex character with great success.
12. 10th & Wolf (2006)
Tommy Santoro, an active-duty serviceman during Operation Desert Storm, finds himself disillusioned over the unsatisfying outcomes of the conflict. His violent response lands him in military prison, but he can get out of the brig and protect his loved ones if he agrees to a dangerous mission: He must infiltrate the mafia side of his family and bring down their drug operation.
Marsden realistically plays a man tormented on and off the battlefield but does what's necessary when his back is against the wall. It's a character-driven drama that's in Marsden's expert hands.
13. Death at a Funeral (2010)
The remake of the 2007 British movie is a dark comedy with an emphasis on dark themes and an even greater focus on comedy. Conflicts take over when a family gathers for the patriarch's funeral.
Marsden plays Oscar, the fiancé of a cousin inadvertently dragged into the drama, which allows his comedic talents to hine. Marsden's knack for slapstick and physical comedy stood out in a terrific ensemble cast.
14. Shock and Awe (2017)
After the 9/11 attacks, the country rallied behind President Bush's contention that Iraq posed a threat with weapons of mass destruction. Journalists from Knight Ridder, the former newspaper publisher, investigated the administration's reasoning for the impending Iraq invasion.
Marsden plays Warren Strobel, one of the award-winning Knight Ridder writers determined to uncover the truth, no matter where it leads. The movie didn't find commercial or critical success, but it tells an important story the public needs to hear.
15. Straw Dogs (2011)
The remake of Sam Peckinpah's 1971 film isn't for weak stomachs. Marsden's timid David Sumner departs from his usual role of a happy guy navigating a quirky life.
David and his wife, Amy, menaced and terrorized by her ex-boyfriend and his three friends, learn to fight back against their antagonists after Amy is brutally attacked. The violence shocks and borders on gratuitous, but it's still a well-made flick. Sumner's transformation from a pacifist to a defender of his home demonstrates Marsden's versatility as an actor.
16. Small Apartments (2012)
Not afraid to embrace independent films, Marsden plays a supporting part in this indie comedy about a bunch of eccentric and downright bizarre residents living in an apartment complex that's seen better days. He plays Bernard Franklin, a man with a vibrant personality who's idolized by his down on his luck brother, Franklin Franklin. Franklin doesn't realize Bernard's mentally ill and hospitalized.
Despite his institutionalization, Bernard makes sure his brother is able to improve his station in life in a surprising fashion. Marsden's performance as the vivacious Bernard shows a different, fun side of his acting abilities.
17. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)
The hit sequel to the 2004 motion picture stars the actor as Jack Lime, a full-of-himself anchorman and nemesis of Ron Burgundy and his news crew. The men compete against each other, eventually leading to Jack getting his comeuppance.
Marsden's comic timing fits in perfectly in this parody of television news anchors. The actor makes Jack completely smarmy, arrogant, and unlikeable, making him the perfect foil to Ron.
18. X2 (2003)
In the first X-Men (2000) sequel, the actor reprises his fan-favorite role as Scott Summers/Cyclops. Summers' relationship with Jean Grey has advanced from dating to engagement. Cyclops, his alter ego, again faces danger when he's kidnapped and brainwashed by archenemy Stryker. However, he suffers a tragedy after his rescue.
Cyclops' loss gives the actor a chance to show his character's more vulnerable side after his tremendous loss.
19. The D Train (2015)
Starring opposite Jack Black, Marsden plays Oliver Lawless, a successful television commercial actor asked by Black's character, Daniel “The D Train” Landsman, to attend their 20-year high school class reunion. Oliver was the most popular student in their graduating class, and the D Train believes alums will show up if word gets around of Oliver's attendance.
Marsden captures the essence of the coolest kid from high school who grew up to become the coolest adult everyone knows.
20. Welcome to Me (2014)
The movie title references a live television show put on by Alice Klieg, a lottery winner played by Kristen Wiig. James Marsden portrays Rich Ruskin, the manager and one of the television studio's owners. Because of the lucrative payday, Ruskin willingly follows Klieg's kooky ideas until her show's content lands the studio in hot water.
Marsden plays Rich as greedy and a bit selfish in humoring Alice's quirky vision, but he's still entertaining to watch.
21. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
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Scott Summers/Cyclops meets his untimely demise early in this movie, the longtime nadir of the popular series. After his fiancé, Jean Grey, sacrifices herself to save the X-Men in X2 (2003), she's presumed dead. In reality, Phoenix, her previously suppressed alter ego, takes over Jean's identity and kills Scott.
Marsden's sudden departure from the film shocked and saddened fans of the franchise. The loss of Cyclops echoes throughout the rest of the film, and he's sorely missed.
22. As Cool as I Am (2013)
Based on Pete Fromm's novel, this movie centers on the deep dysfunction of a seemingly perfect family. Marsden portrays Chuck Diamond, a busy professional whose work keeps him far away from his wife and daughter, seeing them only a few times a year.
He fails to realize how his extended business trips affect his family and how they've moved on without him. The actor brilliantly plays the oblivious, absentee father and husband.
23. Disenchanted (2022)
Reprising his previous role from Enchanted (2007), Prince Edward, now King Edward of Andalasia, married Nancy Tremaine from the real world, making her Queen Nancy. He plays a much smaller part in the sequel, but his character plays an important part when he and Queen Nancy leave their fairy tale home to help their struggling friends in the real world.
Marsden had less screen time than he did in the original film, but he made the most of his appearance by staying true to King Edward's good nature.
24. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Marsden makes a cameo here, since Scott Summers/Cyclops dies in the previous film, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). Wolverine time travels into the past to alter the future and save other mutants from death.
Once Wolverine accomplishes his mission, he returns to the present time, and in the changed present, both Scott and Jean Grey live. The actor's return to the role of Scott/Cyclops brought him full circle to the delight of fans of the franchise.
