Eric Bana’s Best Roles

Eric Bana began his career on a very different path from the one that would make him an international star. He first became a household name in his native Australia as a comedian and sketch performer on the popular series ‘Full Frontal’, where he was celebrated for his uncanny celebrity impressions. His stunning dramatic turn as the infamous criminal Mark “Chopper” Read in the film ‘Chopper’ revealed a startlingly intense and versatile actor, marking one of the most significant career pivots in modern film.

That transformative role served as his calling card to Hollywood, where he quickly established himself as a compelling and reliable leading man. Bana is a true chameleon, capable of disappearing into any character he plays, from a noble Trojan prince to a vengeful Romulan villain or a haunted Israeli agent. He is known for his dedication and ability to convey deep emotional complexity, whether he is starring in a blockbuster action film, an animated classic, or a character-driven drama.

‘Finding Nemo’ (2003)

In the beloved animated classic ‘Finding Nemo’, Eric Bana provides the voice for Anchor, one of the sharks that Marlin and Dory encounter. Anchor is a hammerhead shark and a member of the Fish-Friendly Sharks support group, a trio of predators attempting to change their ways by reciting the pledge “Fish are friends, not food.”

Although a supporting role, Bana’s character is part of one of the film’s most memorable and humorous sequences. He plays Anchor with a friendly and slightly dim-witted personality that contrasts amusingly with his fearsome appearance. His voice work contributes to the rich tapestry of characters that made the movie a critically acclaimed and universally cherished film.

‘Star Trek’ (2009)

Bana played the main antagonist, Nero, in the blockbuster reboot ‘Star Trek’. Nero is a Romulan mining ship captain from the future who travels back in time, seeking revenge against Spock and the Federation for failing to save his home planet. His actions create an alternate timeline, which serves as the foundation for the new series of films.

To play the role, Bana underwent hours of makeup and prosthetic application. He delivered a menacing and physically imposing performance, providing a formidable threat for the young crew of the USS Enterprise to overcome. As the film’s central villain, his character is the catalyst for the entire story, and his quest for vengeance drives the main plot.

‘Black Hawk Down’ (2001)

In the intense war film ‘Black Hawk Down’, directed by Ridley Scott, Bana portrays Sergeant First Class Norm “Hoot” Gibson. The film recounts the true story of a U.S. military raid in Mogadishu, Somalia, that went horribly wrong. Hoot is a seasoned and pragmatic Delta Force operator who is part of the mission.

The role was Bana’s first in a major American production, introducing him to international audiences. He plays Hoot with a calm and professional demeanor that stands out amidst the chaos of battle. His character delivers a memorable final line in the film that encapsulates the soldiers’ complex views on their role in warfare.

‘Munich’ (2005)

Bana stars as Avner Kaufman in the historical drama ‘Munich’, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film follows the story of a team of secret Israeli agents tasked with hunting down and assassinating the eleven Black September members believed to be responsible for the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics.

The role required a nuanced and emotionally complex performance, as Avner grapples with the moral and personal toll of his mission. Bana portrays the character’s journey from a patriotic family man to a paranoid and haunted agent who questions the very nature of his work. The film was critically acclaimed and received five Academy Award nominations.

‘Lone Survivor’ (2013)

In the gripping war film ‘Lone Survivor’, Bana plays Lieutenant Commander Erik Kristensen, the mission commander back on the base. The movie tells the true story of a four-man Navy SEAL team on a covert mission to track down a Taliban leader in Afghanistan. Kristensen is the officer in charge, directing the team from the command center.

Though his character is not on the front lines, Bana provides the authoritative and concerned voice that guides the SEALs and orchestrates the rescue attempts. He effectively portrays the weight of command and the difficult decisions military leaders must make under extreme pressure. The film was praised for its realistic depiction of combat and the heroism of the soldiers involved.

‘Troy’ (2004)

Bana portrayed the Trojan prince Hector in the historical epic ‘Troy’. As the greatest warrior of Troy and heir to the throne, Hector is a noble family man who is forced into a war he did not want. He leads the Trojan army against the invading Greek forces, which are led by the legendary warrior Achilles.

The role of Hector required both impressive physicality for the elaborate fight sequences and the dramatic weight to serve as the film’s moral center. Bana’s portrayal of the honorable prince was widely praised and often cited as a standout performance in the star-studded ensemble cast. His climactic duel with Achilles is considered one of the most memorable movie fight scenes of the decade.

‘Dirty John’ (2018–2019)

In the first season of the true-crime anthology series ‘Dirty John’, Bana plays the titular character, John Meehan. He portrays a charismatic and seemingly perfect doctor who sweeps a successful interior designer, played by Connie Britton, off her feet. However, his charming facade hides a dark and dangerous history of manipulation and crime.

Bana’s performance was praised for its chilling ability to switch between charming and terrifying. He perfectly captured the manipulative nature of a con man, making it believable why so many people fell for his lies. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and showcased his talent for playing complex and unsettling characters in a television format.

‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ (2009)

Bana stars as Henry DeTamble in the film adaptation of the best-selling novel ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’. His character is a librarian who has a rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily travel through time. This condition complicates his life and his romantic relationship with an artist named Clare, played by Rachel McAdams.

The role required Bana to portray the same character at various ages and emotional states, often out of sequence. He had to convey the confusion, love, and tragedy of a man whose life is lived out of order. His chemistry with Rachel McAdams was central to the film’s attempt to capture the novel’s epic and unconventional love story.

‘Chopper’ (2000)

In the role that made him a star, Bana plays Mark “Chopper” Read, one of Australia’s most infamous and eccentric criminals. The biographical film is based on Read’s own autobiographical books and follows his violent life both in and out of prison. The story is told with a dark and often surreal sense of humor.

To prepare for the role, Bana gained a significant amount of weight and spent time with the real Mark Read to study his mannerisms. His transformation was so complete that many who knew him from his comedy work did not recognize him. The performance was a tour de force, earning him universal acclaim and numerous awards in Australia.

‘The Dry’ (2020)

Bana plays Federal Agent Aaron Falk in the Australian mystery thriller ‘The Dry’. Falk returns to his drought-stricken hometown after a twenty-year absence to attend the funeral of a childhood friend. He reluctantly agrees to stay and investigate the tragic event, which forces him to confront a dark secret from his own past.

The film was a massive critical and commercial success in Australia, praised for its atmospheric tension and compelling mystery. Bana delivered a quiet and introspective performance as a man haunted by his past and searching for the truth. The role was seen as a triumphant return to Australian cinema for the actor.

‘Hanna’ (2011)

In the action-thriller ‘Hanna’, Bana plays Erik Heller, an ex-CIA operative who has been living in seclusion in the forests of Finland. He has spent years training his teenage daughter, Hanna, to be a perfect assassin so she can one day complete a mission he began long ago. When Hanna is ready, he sends her out into the world.

Bana portrays Erik as a loving father but also a demanding and relentless teacher. He is driven by a desire for revenge against a ruthless CIA agent, played by Cate Blanchett. The role required significant physical training for the film’s intense action sequences, and he provided the emotional anchor for the story of a girl raised to be a weapon.

‘The Finest Hours’ (2016)

Bana has a key supporting role as Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff in the historical disaster film ‘The Finest Hours’. The movie tells the true story of a daring 1952 Coast Guard rescue mission off the coast of Cape Cod during a brutal storm. Cluff is the newly appointed and by-the-book commander of the Chatham Coast Guard station.

Cluff is not a local and is unfamiliar with the treacherous conditions, which causes his men to doubt his judgment when he orders a seemingly impossible rescue. Bana portrays the character’s quiet resolve and inner conflict as he sends a small boat crew into a life-threatening situation. He effectively plays the role of a leader who must make a tough call and live with the consequences.

‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ (2008)

In the historical drama ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’, Bana plays King Henry VIII of England. The film focuses on the rivalry between the two Boleyn sisters, Anne and Mary, as they compete for the king’s affection and influence in the Tudor court. Henry’s desire for a male heir drives much of the film’s intrigue and tragedy.

Bana portrays the powerful monarch as both a charismatic and commanding figure and a petulant and selfish ruler. His performance captures the king’s volatile nature as he shifts his affections from one sister to the other, leading to disastrous consequences for the entire family. The role allowed him to act opposite Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson in a lavish period piece.

‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’ (2017)

Bana plays Uther Pendragon, the father of the future King Arthur, in this fantasy epic directed by Guy Ritchie. The film opens with Uther’s reign, showing him as a noble king who is betrayed and murdered by his treacherous brother, Vortigern. His death sets the stage for his young son Arthur’s journey from exile to his destiny.

Though his screen time is limited to the film’s prologue and several flashbacks, Bana’s role is crucial to the entire story. He establishes the legacy that Arthur must live up to and serves as the emotional motivation for his son’s quest for vengeance. He brought a sense of royal gravitas and battlefield prowess to the legendary character.

‘Deliver Us from Evil’ (2014)

In the supernatural horror film ‘Deliver Us from Evil’, Bana stars as Ralph Sarchie, a real-life NYPD sergeant. The story follows Sarchie as he begins to investigate a series of disturbing and inexplicable crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest to combat the frightening paranormal forces that are terrorizing their city.

The role of Sarchie required Bana to portray a tough, cynical police officer who is forced to confront his own beliefs when faced with evidence of demonic possession. The film is based on a non-fiction book written by the actual Ralph Sarchie, detailing his experiences. Bana’s grounded performance helps anchor the movie’s supernatural elements in a sense of reality.

Tell us which Eric Bana role is your all-time favorite in the comments.