20 Film Stars Ready to Shine in Major TV Roles
Big-screen actors often captivate us with their larger-than-life performances, but some have yet to explore the depth and range a major TV role can offer. Television has evolved into a powerhouse medium, giving actors a chance to showcase their talents in long-form storytelling that dives deep into character arcs and complex narratives.
For these living film stars, who’ve built careers on blockbuster hits or indie gems but haven’t landed a lead or major supporting role in a TV series, the small screen could be the perfect stage to flex their acting chops. From action heroes to dramatic heavyweights, here are 20 actors we’d love to see take on a major TV role to bring their unique energy to a new format.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise has dominated cinema with high-octane roles in films like ‘Top Gun’ (1986), ‘Mission: Impossible’ (1996), and ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014). His relentless charisma and knack for intense, driven characters make him a prime candidate for a gritty TV thriller.
Imagine Cruise leading a series as a rogue spy navigating a web of conspiracies, where his signature intensity could unfold over multiple episodes. A TV role would let him explore a character’s psyche in ways his action-packed film career rarely allows.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson’s magnetic presence shines in movies like ‘Lost in Translation’ (2003), ‘Marriage Story’ (2019), and her Black Widow role in the Marvel universe. Yet, she’s never anchored a TV series, sticking mostly to voice cameos or brief appearances.
A complex drama series, perhaps centered on a flawed but brilliant artist, would suit her ability to balance vulnerability and strength. Her nuanced performances could make a TV character unforgettable over a season’s arc.
Christian Bale
Christian Bale’s transformative roles in ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008), ‘American Psycho’ (2000), and ‘The Fighter’ (2010) showcase his chameleon-like ability. He’s avoided major TV roles since his early days, focusing entirely on film.
A dark, psychological series about a troubled detective or a historical figure would let Bale dive deep into a layered character. His intensity and physical commitment would make any TV project a must-watch.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie’s commanding screen presence in ‘Tomb Raider’ (2001), ‘Maleficent’ (2014), and ‘Girl, Interrupted’ (1999) has made her a film icon. She’s dabbled in TV production but never taken a major series role.
Picture Jolie as the head of a dysfunctional family in a sprawling drama or a fierce leader in a dystopian saga. Her emotional depth and star power would elevate any TV narrative.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt’s charm and versatility shine in ‘Fight Club’ (1999), ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019), and ‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009). While he’s produced TV projects, he’s never starred in a series himself.
A charismatic conman or a weary war veteran in a limited series would be perfect for Pitt’s blend of grit and charisma. His ability to carry quiet moments and explosive scenes would make a TV role electrifying.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman’s career spans ‘Black Swan’ (2010), ‘V for Vendetta’ (2005), and ‘Jackie’ (2016), showing her range from intense to understated. She’s done minor TV cameos but never a major role.
A cerebral sci-fi series or a political thriller could highlight Portman’s ability to portray complex, introspective characters. Her precision and emotional range would make her a standout in a long-form story.
Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe’s unforgettable performances in ‘Platoon’ (1986), ‘Spider-Man’ (2002), and ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019) prove his knack for intense, offbeat roles. He’s stayed firmly in film, avoiding TV series.
A quirky crime drama or a supernatural series would let Dafoe’s eccentric energy shine. His ability to steal scenes could make him the heart of a bold, unconventional TV show.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage’s wild energy drives films like ‘Face/Off’ (1997), ‘National Treasure’ (2004), and ‘Pig’ (2021). He’s never taken on a major TV role, sticking to movies and made-for-TV films.
A gonzo action-comedy series or a surreal drama would fit Cage’s unpredictable style. His larger-than-life persona could anchor a show that leans into his unique brand of chaos.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart’s raw, authentic performances in ‘Twilight’ (2008), ‘Spencer’ (2021), and ‘Personal Shopper’ (2016) show her depth. She’s done minor TV appearances but no major series roles.
A moody, character-driven mystery series would let Stewart showcase her introspective intensity. Her ability to convey quiet turmoil would make her a compelling TV lead.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon’s everyman appeal shines in ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997), ‘The Bourne Identity’ (2002), and ‘The Martian’ (2015). His TV work has been limited to cameos or guest spots.
A grounded drama about a struggling scientist or a family man facing moral dilemmas would suit Damon’s relatable charm. His knack for quiet intensity would translate beautifully to a series.
Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix’s raw power in ‘Joker’ (2019), ‘Gladiator’ (2000), and ‘Her’ (2013) showcases his ability to inhabit complex characters. His TV roles stopped in the 1980s, leaving series untapped.
A dark, introspective series about a tormented artist or a historical figure would let Phoenix’s intensity shine. His unpredictable energy could make a TV role iconic.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio’s commanding performances in ‘Titanic’ (1997), ‘The Revenant’ (2015), and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013) define his film legacy. His TV work ended early, with no major series roles.
A high-stakes financial drama or a historical epic would suit DiCaprio’s larger-than-life presence. His ability to carry intense narratives would make a TV series unmissable.
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling’s cool charisma drives ‘Drive’ (2011), ‘La La Land’ (2016), and ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017). His TV roles were minor and early, leaving series unexplored.
A stylish neo-noir series or a romantic drama would highlight Gosling’s understated intensity. His subtle emotional depth could make a TV character unforgettable over a season.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp’s eclectic roles in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ (2003), ‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990), and ‘Sweeney Todd’ (2007) show his range. His TV work is limited to early guest spots.
A quirky, gothic series or a character-driven mystery would suit Depp’s offbeat charm. His ability to embody eccentric characters could make a TV role a fan favorite.
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal’s intense performances in ‘Nightcrawler’ (2014), ‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005), and ‘Prisoners’ (2013) highlight his versatility. He’s avoided major TV roles so far.
A psychological thriller or a family drama would let Gyllenhaal explore a character’s emotional depth. His ability to balance intensity and vulnerability would shine in a series.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr.’s charisma fuels ‘Iron Man’ (2008), ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2009), and ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023). His TV work is mostly guest roles or voice cameos, not major series parts.
A fast-paced legal drama or a superhero series would fit Downey’s quick wit and charm. His larger-than-life energy could anchor a show with global appeal.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson’s commanding presence in ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994), ‘Django Unchained’ (2012), and the Marvel Cinematic Universe defines his film career. His TV roles have been minor or voice-based.
A gritty crime series or a historical drama would let Jackson’s intensity shine. His ability to dominate scenes could make him the heart of a compelling TV show.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington’s powerful performances in ‘Training Day’ (2001), ‘Malcolm X’ (1992), and ‘Fences’ (2016) cement his status as a film legend. His TV roles ended early, with no major series work.
A political thriller or a family saga would suit Washington’s gravitas. His ability to convey moral complexity would make a TV role unforgettable.
Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth’s commanding presence in ‘Thor’ (2011), ‘The Avengers’ (2012), and ‘Extraction’ (2020) showcases his action-hero chops. His TV work is limited to early, minor roles.
An action-packed adventure series or a comedic role could highlight Hemsworth’s range. His charisma and physicality would make him a standout TV lead.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman’s versatility shines in ‘The Wolverine’ (2013), ‘Les Misérables’ (2012), and ‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017). His TV roles were early and minor, leaving series potential untapped.
A musical drama or a historical epic would let Jackman’s charm and emotional depth shine. His stage-honed presence could make a TV series a cultural hit.
Which of these film stars would you love to see tackle a major TV role, or is there another actor we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
