Summary
- With his charming charisma, James Marsden continues to captivate audiences on the big and small screen.
- Marsden is equally adept at drama, comedy, action and romance, seamlessly moving between genres.
- After three decades in the business, the incredibly talented James Marsden has carved out his place among Hollywood’s elite.
James Marsden has over 30 years of experience starring in Hollywood’s best movies. With his boyish good looks and charming charisma, Marsden continues to captivate audiences on the big and small screen. After getting his start on sitcoms in the 1990s, the Oklahoma native set his sights on becoming a versatile film actor. He soon landed roles in major studio films like Disturbing Behavior, multiple X-Men movies, and the musical Hairspray, where he displayed his singing talent. Marsden is equally adept at drama, comedy, action and romance, seamlessly moving between genres.
His standout performances have earned him multiple SAG award nominations since 2008. Recently, audiences saw him showcase his comedic chops in the new Amazon series Jury Duty. After three decades in the business, the incredibly talented Marsden has carved out his place among Hollywood’s A-list. His name attached to a project guarantees audiences they’re in for an entertaining story brought to life by one of the industry’s most gifted stars.
10 Sonic The Hedgehog (2020)
James Marsden portrays Tom Wachowski
Sonic the Hedgehog
PG
- Release Date
- February 12, 2020
- Director
- Jeff Fowler
- Cast
- Jim Carrey , James Marsden , Neal McDonough , Tika Sumpter , Ben Schwartz , Adam Pally
Sonic the Hedgehog sees Marsden take on the role of small-town sheriff Tom Wachowski, who becomes an unlikely ally to the speedy video game icon. After teaming up, the duo embarks on an action-packed quest to prevent the villainous Dr. Robotnik from harnessing Sonic’s supersonic powers. Marsden brings heart and humor to the film as a surrogate father figure for Sonic. Their endearing odd couple dynamic earned acclaim from critics, as did the movie’s visual effects and Marsden’s chemistry with co-stars. With charm and wit, Marsden helps ground this family-friendly adaptation and makes it one of his most entertaining roles.
9 Superman Returns (2006)
James Marsden portrays Richard White
Superman Returns
PG-13
- Release Date
- June 28, 2006
- Director
- Bryn Singer
- Cast
- Brandon Routh , Kevin Spacey , Kate Bosworth , James Marsden , Parker Posey , Frank Langella , Sam Huntington , Eva Marie Saint
Though James Marsden only had a supporting role in 2006’s Superman Returns, he makes an impression as Richard White, the fiancé to Lois Lane, played by Kate Bosworth. Armed with charm and subtle humor, Marsden fleshes out Richard beyond the script. He elucidates the complex emotional dynamics between Lois, Superman and an increasingly uneasy Richard. Among the iconic performances by Kevin Spacey’s Superman villain Lex Luthor, Marsden still captures attention even on the fringes. While limited in screen time, he optimizes his moments to bring Richard to life. His deft and charismatic supporting role serves the grander narrative while allowing Marsden’s talent for emotional connection to shine through.
8 Heights (2005)
James Marsden portrays Jonathan
Marsden brings nuance and sympathy to the “other man” role that is usually rooted against.
As an actor often typecast as the “safe” romantic option, James Marsden exceeded expectations in 2005’s indie film Heights. He plays Jonathan, a lawyer who crosses paths with Isabel on the eve of her wedding. Their chance encounter sparks an emotional journey questioning the meaning of love and fulfillment. Marsden brings nuance and sympathy to the “other man” role that is usually rooted against. With emotional intimacy and an intuitive grasp of his character’s complexities, he makes Jonathan a winning character with layers and dimensions. Allowing his natural sensitivity and talent for human connection to inform the performance, Marsden makes great use of his moments on screen.
7 The Notebook (2004)
James Marsden portrays Lon Hammond
The Notebook
PG-13
- Release Date
- June 25, 2004
- Director
- Nick Cassavetes
- Cast
- Ryan Gosling , Rachel McAdams , James Garner , Gena Rowlands , James Marsden , Kevin Connolly , Sam Shepard , Joan Allen
In the classic 2004 romantic drama The Notebook, James Marsden brings his signature charm to the role of Lon Hammond, the devoted fiancé to Allie, played by Rachel McAdams. Though the central love story belongs to Allie and Ryan Gosling’s Noah, Marsden lifts Lon beyond a one-dimensional rival. His nuanced performance reveals genuine affection in Lon’s proposal to Allie, despite her admission of a lingering past love. When she ultimately leaves him heartbroken at the altar, Marsden expresses a profound sadness and pain. His emotional depth in the role is essential to heightening the drama. Subtle but powerful, Marsden wins sympathy, while highlighting the deep conflict within Allie.
Related
Allie and Noah's ending in The Notebook left a few questions unanswered, and the streaming version's alternate ending only adds to the confusion.
6 Robot And Frank (2012)
James Marsden portrays Hunter
In the clever 2012 sci-fi drama Robot & Frank, James Marsden reteams with Frank Langella after their time together in The Box, this time playing his son Hunter, who gifts a caretaking robot to his father. Once a renowned burglar, Frank finds a new purpose, training the amenable android as his criminal accomplice. With understated humor, Marsden conveys exasperation, yet devotion to his ailing father, unlocking their complicated relationship. Marsden elevates the father-son dynamics while allowing Langella’s wit to shine. Their entertaining rapport enlivens this tale of technology and morality. By anchoring the film’s levity, Marsden delivers a stellar performance as the emotionally torn son in one of his most thoughtful films.
5 Hairspray (2007)
James Marsden portrays Corny Collins
Considered one the best musicals of the 21st century, Hairspray brought together an A-list ensemble cast including John Travolta, Zac Efron and Queen Latifah, but among the standouts is James Marsden as charismatic TV dance host Corny Collins. Set in 1960s Baltimore, the film centers on Tracy Turnblad, an enthusiastic teen who earns a spot dancing on Corny’s popular local music program and becomes an icon for desegregation. Marsden captures Corny’s upbeat charm and principled opposition to the show’s racist policies with infectiously fun energy and optimistic zeal. Marsden’s committed performance helped support the film’s historical commentary within its playful, campy tone, making this a standout in Marden’s filmography.
4 27 Dresses (2008)
James Marsden portrays Kevin
Leading man-caliber magnetism and comedic chops make this one of Marsden’s most winning movie roles, outshining a thin script.
The often overlooked romcom 27 Dresses sees James Marsden shine opposite Katherine Heigl. As cynical wedding journalist Kevin, tasked with profiling Heigl’s Jane, Marsden brings wit, charm and irresistible chemistry. His impromptu dance with Jane to “Bennie and the Jets” becomes an endearing, hilarious highlight, with Marsden fully committed to the moment. Despite a formulaic plot, Marsden elevates the material with his grounded screen presence. This 2000s rom-com couple’s chemistry steals the film, proving Marsden can energize even the most clichéd of plots. Leading man-caliber magnetism and comedic chops make this one of Marsden’s most winning movie roles, outshining a thin script. He makes the predictable wildly enjoyable.
3 Enchanted (2007)
James Marsden portrays Prince Edwards
Enchanted
PG
- Release Date
- November 21, 2007
- Director
- Kevin Lima
- Cast
- Patrick Dempsey , Amy Adams , Timothy Spall , Susan Sarandon , Idina Menzel , James Marsden
The classic “fish out of water” tale Enchanted, stars Amy Adams as Giselle, a bright-eyed princess banished from animated Andalasia to modern day Manhattan by the evil Queen Narissa right before her wedding. Goofy, yet dashing Prince Edward bravely follows her in the hopes of rescuing his confused bride from the harsh real world and bringing her safely home. Marsden hilariously weaponizes the stereotypical gallant Disney prince, walking the tightrope between satire and sincerity with major skill. While easily a vain, hollow role in less skilled hands, Marsden brings surprising spirit, finding humanity and redemption in Edward’s fumbling, but determined white knight.
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With Disenchanted now out, fans can relive the magic of the original 2007 film and some of its most memorable--and most hilarious--quotes.
2 X-Men (2000)
James Marsden plays Cyclops
X-Men
PG-13
- Release Date
- July 14, 2000
- Director
- Bryan Singer
- Cast
- Hugh Jackman , Patrick Stewart , Ian McKellen , Anna Paquin , Halle Berry , Famke Janssen , James Marsden , Ray Park , Rebecca Romijn
Of his many beloved roles, James Marsden’s role as mutant hero Cyclops in four blockbuster X-Men films cements his place in pop culture history. The 2000’s X-Men cast starring Halle Berry, Anna Paquin and Hugh Jackman, Marsden faced a huge challenge in conveying the character without the crucial tool of visible eyes. Marsden, however, was able to ground the often stoic Cyclops with conviction. Despite limited emotional expression, he nails the essence of steadfast righteousness and restraint that is integral to the character. Among the franchise’s best blockbusters, Marsden plays a crucial role in carving an iconic character.
1 The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)
James Marsden plays Prince Ishitsukuri
Though brief, James Marsden’s voice performance as Prince Ishitsukuri in the critically acclaimed anime The Tale of The Princess Kaguya represents some of his most artful, nuanced acting. As an arrogant nobleman captivated by the ethereal title princess, Marsden captures the prince’s profound longing underneath superficial entitlement. His line delivery in the English adaptation enhances the film’s dreamy watercolor aesthetic and emotional potency. Considered one of the legendary Studio Ghibli’s finest artistic achievements, Princess Kaguya demonstrates JamesMarsden’s versatility crossing into acclaimed foreign animation. Though a small role, his heartrending presence matches the visual poetry shot-for-shot, cementing why the magical film remains his best work to date.