Hugh Jackman, Keanu Reeves, and Gene Wilder have never starred in war movies, but their diverse careers have showcased their versatility as performers across various genres. Leonardo DiCaprio and Joe Pesci could have been compelling additions to war films, with DiCaprio potentially embodying a renowned war hero and Pesci adding his trademark chaos to a chaotic battlefield.
Eddie Murphy and Gene Wilder, respectively, would have offered intriguing choices for war movies, with Murphy's comedic presence and Wilder's dramatic flair adding depth to a dramatic war narrative. Additionally, Ryan Gosling and Dustin Hoffman, whose versatility is evident in different genres, could have delivered impactful portrayals of war leaders.
Many of the greatest actors ever have appeared in war films, yet, these highly accomplished stars have surprisingly never participated in a high-stakes war drama.
Many of the best war movies of all time have enormous ensemble casts filled with renowned actors, but finding actors who haven't even had minor roles in war films is a considerable challenge. With half of the men in Hollywood appearing in war films in 1998, including Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line, it was a common path for young actors to gain recognition through supporting roles in these high-profile war films before they achieved mainstream fame.
With his extensive career, Hugh Jackman has starred in a wide range of films, but he has never played a soldier in a major war movie. His fitness preparations for the "Deadpool" sequels suggest that he may be capable of taking on a challenging role in such a film.
Another of the 21st century's most prolific action stars, Keanu Reeves, could've demonstrated the weapon skills to be in a war movie anytime. Still, the 59-year-old star has remained primarily in his action franchises, The Matrix and John Wick. Early in his career, Reeves' charming, youthful demeanor could've made him perfect for an adventurous soldier in a war satire, akin to Gene Wilder's role in "The Wild Bunch."
While primarily known for his comedic roles in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Young Frankenstein, Gene Wilder was still an Academy Award-nominated actor. Given his filmography, it would have been fascinating to see Wilder as a compassionate authority figure in a World War II film, similar to Tom Hanks' role in Saving Private Ryan. Additionally, a war satire written and directed by Mel Brooks starring Wilder could have been a hilarious movie.
While some of Joe Pesci's movies, such as Blood Diamond or Darkest Hour, are war-tangential, Leonardo DiCaprio is the closest the actor has come to playing a soldier. DiCaprio has appeared in espionage thrillers, crime epics like The Departed, and various period dramas like Titanic and The Aviator, yet he's never been in the trenches. Like Keanu Reeves, Leonardo DiCaprio would've been easy to imagine as a young soldier in a '90s war movie, but there's still time for him. DiCaprio could feasibly play a wartime leader, similar to Gary Oldman's performance in Darkest Hour.
Eddie Murphy could be hilarious in a Tropic Thunder-like war comedy. His comedic presence and charisma would have perfectly suited the role, bringing laughter and relief to audiences in a war film.
Eddie Murphy would have been an intriguing addition to a war movie, showcasing his comedic prowess alongside his dramatic talent. His charismatic voice and humor could have perfectly complemented the intense and chaotic nature of a war film, reminiscent of movies like Tropic Thunder. While Murphy's career has predominantly focused on comedies, his versatility and charisma suggest that he could have brought a unique and unexpected element to a war movie.
Given how many period dramas Ryan Gosling has starred in, it's shocking he never appeared in a war film. The Pirates of the Caribbean actor is perfectly suited for a supporting character in a war room drama or a political drama set during a war. Gosling is one of few actors to complete the "Triple Crown of Acting," meaning he's won an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony. The highly accomplished star has been performing for over four decades, yet never in a war epic.
Dustin Hoffman could've brought a highly emotional performance to a war movie. His ability to convey profound emotions in films such as Apocalypse Now would have been perfectly suited for a war story.
Javier Bardem could be a great stoic war leader, but it's shocking that he has never appeared in a war movie. The closest he's been in is the political satire Wag the Dog, which is more of a satire than a war film. A young Javier Bardem could've brought phenomenal energy to a '70s war film. His performances have always felt profoundly realistic and empathetic, and he could've contributed a powerful presence as a young soldier in a Vietnam or World War II movie.
Academy Award winner Javier Bardem is one of the most remarkable scene-stealers in movie history. His performances as a supporting character in numerous acclaimed films, such as "No Country for Old Men," "Skyfall," and "Collateral," have solidified his status as a cinematic force.