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Key Points

Gary Oldman reveals he was once Hollywood's go-to villain before breaking free from typecasting. The actor compares his playful villain roles in Lost in Space and The Fifth Element. His casting as Commissioner Gordon in Batman marked a major career shift. Oldman will next appear in Slow Horses Season 5.

Key Points: Gary Oldman Reflects on Being Hollywood's Go-To Villain

  • Oldman recalls being typecast as Hollywood's top villain
  • Compares Dr. Zachary Smith to Fifth Element's Zorg
  • Credits Batman's Commissioner Gordon for breaking his villain streak
  • Upcoming role in Slow Horses Season 5
3 min read

I became kind of like poster boy for the rent-a-villain: Gary Oldman on facing typecast in film industry

Gary Oldman opens up about his typecast era as Hollywood's favorite villain and breaking free from the mold in new interview.

"I became kind of like the poster boy for the 'rent-a-villain.' It was fun for a while, but eventually, I just put a stop to it. – Gary Oldman"

Washington DC, June 18

Actor Gary Oldman opened up about facing typecasting in the entertainment industry in the past, saying that he once was the go-to guy for the casting directors who needed a bad guy, reported Variety.

While discussing his performance as Dr. Zachary Smith in 'Lost in Space' during a recent interview with Variety, the actor said that there was a point in his career when he was the primary choice of the makers for villain roles in movies.

"I got sort of typecast for a while. I became kind of like the poster boy for the 'rent-a-villain.' Sort of, 'Oh, we need a villain and we'll get Gary.' I don't know how that happened, but it happened. And it was fun for a while, but eventually, I just put a stop to it. It got a little old. But they are fun to play," said Gary Oldman as quoted by Variety.

Oldman went on to compare the character of Dr. Zachary Smith to another one of his iconic villain roles, Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg from 'The Fifth Element', which was directed by Luc Besson and was released in 1997.

"This particularly, like 'The Fifth Element,' much like 'Lost in Space,' they're comic villains. ['Lost in Space'] was fun, great cast. I thought the story, it was a lot to put in. It was a lot of movie in two hours. But [Dr. Zachary Smith] was fun to play because it's a villain with a tongue in the cheek or a little twinkle in the eye," said Oldman as quoted by Variety.

According to Variety, one of Oldman's first major switches from villain to hero was when he joined Christopher Nolan's 'Batman' trilogy as Commissioner Gordon.

David S Goyer, who wrote 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight' for Nolan, recently recalled on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast that he was "very surprised" to hear Oldman had landed the role, given his villain status, reported Variety.

"Now that I'm a more experienced filmmaker, I realised that it's really exciting to cast against type. It's exciting for filmmakers, and it's also exciting for the actors," said Goyer as quoted by Variety.

Gary Oldman will be next seen in the fifth season of 'Slow Horses' series. The actor has been playing the lead role in this web series since season one. The fifth season is set to premiere this year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on Gary Oldman's typecasting revelation:
R
Rahul K.
Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon was brilliant casting! Shows how talented actors can break stereotypes. Reminds me of how Amrish Puri ji was typecast as villains but delivered iconic performances like in DDLJ. Talent always shines through! ✨
P
Priya M.
His Zorg character in Fifth Element is still one of my favorite movie villains! Sometimes typecasting happens because actors are just too good in certain roles. But glad he got to show his range later. Hollywood should give more opportunities to break molds.
A
Arjun S.
This is why I respect Oldman so much. In Bollywood too, we see actors getting stuck in 'angry young man' or 'comedy sidekick' roles. Takes real courage to say no and demand better roles. More power to artists who push boundaries!
N
Neha T.
Honestly, I never realized he played both villains and heroes! That's the mark of a great actor - making each role feel unique. His transformation in Darkest Hour was mind-blowing. Hope Indian cinema also gives actors such diverse opportunities.
V
Vikram J.
While I appreciate his honesty, I feel Hollywood still struggles with typecasting non-white actors. Oldman could break out, but how many Indian/Brown actors get stuck in 'terrorist' or 'tech guy' roles? The industry needs deeper changes in casting mentality.
S
Shalini R.
His Sirius Black in Harry Potter showed such warmth! 😊 Interesting how actors can play such contrasting characters. Makes me think of Nana Patekar who could switch between intense villain and sensitive roles effortlessly. True masters of craft!

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