You have used all your credits for this month. Please add more credits to continue.

In more straightforward terms: James McAvoy has become one of the most versatile actors of recent times, gaining recognition from films like “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” in 2008. Today, he’s widely recognized for his memorable roles in the X-Men series and movies such as Split and Speak No Evil. Before breaking through to leading roles, McAvoy often appeared as a secondary character in various films and television shows. Early in his career, he showcased his talent in powerful dramas like Atonement and The Last King of Scotland, attracting the attention of studios.

Initially, McAvoy wasn’t widely recognized as a leading actor until later in his professional journey. However, this shift in recognition can be traced back to his groundbreaking role in the controversial yet entertaining action blockbuster from 2008 – “Wanted”. Not only was McAvoy crucial to the film’s success, but it marked one of his first major roles as a leading star. While “Wanted” might not be as remembered today, when it was released, it was among the most beloved films of the year, and its popularity may have been enhanced by James McAvoy’s unique portrayal.

Wanted Is a Highly Underrated Adaptation

It’s Actually Based On an Independent Comic Book Series

At first glance, the movie “Wanted” may appear to be just another action film produced in the early 21st century. However, it offers a depth beyond the ordinary, given its basis on a series of comic books published in 2003 and 2004. In recent times, audiences have been delighted with numerous comic book adaptations that showcase distinct twists, tones, or styles deviating from the usual expectations set by Marvel or DC.

One of the earliest comics, “Wanted”, deviates from the well-known comic brands and instead blazes its own trail, making it remarkably progressive for its era. Despite having a brief run and collaboration with JG Jones, the movie adaptation of “Wanted” proved to be an engaging action epic filled with intriguing supernatural aspects. Because “Wanted” is only loosely tied to the source comics, it manages to carve out its unique identity.

Despite having issues such as shallow development and an improper use of the “wanted” theme, the movie remains thrilling from beginning to end. While comic book enthusiasts may have valid criticisms, the general public might not find it particularly impressive. However, certain groups of viewers adored Wanted, and it soon gained a dedicated following among millennials who were coming of age at that time, becoming one of their cult favorites.

The movie “Wanted” largely thrived due to its innovative concept and stellar cast. While it could have delved deeper into the themes suggested by its title, “Wanted” offered a fresh perspective on action protagonists that was unusual for audiences back then. Visual aspects such as the intricate sets and the curving trajectory of bullets gave the film a unique aesthetic. What truly set “Wanted” apart was its gripping narrative, which allowed for unexpected plot twists and provided ample opportunity for the cast to shine in each scene. Interestingly, the movie’s success can be attributed in part to James McAvoy, who was relatively unknown at the time but delivered a captivating performance that significantly contributed to the film. In fact, he almost didn’t get the role in “Wanted“.

James McAvoy Nearly Lost the Role as Wesley Gibson

Wanted Completely Changed the Trajectory of His Career

It’s challenging to envision the movie “Wanted” without James McAvoy in the central role, even though Angelina Jolie is undeniably a major star attraction. The emotional heart of the story lies with the character, Wesley Gibson, and the film excels in providing an engaging character arc for him. Not only does the plot offer unexpected depth, but it also allows the actors to deliver outstanding performances. “Wanted” boasts a remarkable cast that includes not just McAvoy and Jolie, but Morgan Freeman, Common, and even Chris Pratt (before he became widely recognized as Chris Pratt). The film’s elements are all intriguing and grab the audience’s attention. However, the success of “Wanted” hinged on a compelling narrative and a well-developed character arc for Wesley Gibson. This impact would have been less effective if James McAvoy hadn’t portrayed Wesley Gibson.

As a movie critic, I found it intriguing to see that James McAvoy, who wasn’t traditionally a leading man, was cast as Wesley in this film. This unconventional choice forms the crux of an engaging character journey because Wesley isn’t inspiring or charismatic at first. It’s precisely this understated quality that makes his transformation throughout the movie so compelling. McAvoy maintains our focus from start to finish, even when his character is far from inspiring in the film’s opening scenes. Despite this, he remains remarkably relatable, making it easy for audiences to connect with him and root for his character as he evolves.

From a film enthusiast’s perspective, the opening act of this tale mirrors the classic hero’s journey archetype. Initially, we meet a character devoid of purpose or motivation, named Wesley, who gradually finds his calling amidst an unforeseen conflict and universe. The unique blend of Wesley’s underwhelming yet relatable, comical, and melancholic perspective offers a captivating glimpse into his world. It’s this transformation that hooks us.

Eion McAvoy masterfully portrays Wesley’s voyage, emotions, and ideology, which were instrumental in making Wanted a hit. It’s surprising to learn that McAvoy was nearly not chosen for the role of Wesley initially.

Initially, I auditioned for the lead role back in 2006, but the studio opted for a different path, believing that I didn’t embody the charisma of a leading man. However, it turned out that casting a conventional star could have diminished the character’s growth, and they eventually grasped this concept. They decided to make my character more of a bookworm, transforming him into the powerful figure he becomes by the film’s end. This decision ultimately led to my casting, and I was not just the ideal lead for their movie, but for any future projects as well. Although I was an established actor in 2008, I wasn’t yet known as the star of Wanted. That film essentially reshaped my career trajectory, paving the way for many of my most memorable roles in the subsequent years.

Wanted Is Still One of the Best James McAvoy Movies

An Argument Could Be Made That It Still Needs a Sequel

Since the release of “Wanted,” James McAvoy has earned a reputation as both a leading man of note and a skilled actor in thriller genres where he truly excels. Apart from his roles in the X-Men films and a short stint in It: Chapter Two, McAvoy’s most outstanding performances have been in thrillers like Split, Glass, and Speak No Evil. He has also appeared in several popular movies such as Filth, Victor Frankenstein, and Atomic Blonde since his career trajectory changed with Wanted. Notably, among all the films he’s been in, Wanted remains one of his finest performances to date.

In my opinion, while the action sequences, dialogues, and performances in “Wanted” certainly grab your attention, there’s a deeper reason this movie stands out as one of the most underrated films of the 21st century. The profound narrative arc and its skillful execution continue to resonate powerfully today, just as they did when it was first released in 2008. For those who feel their lives aren’t unfolding as planned or aren’t bringing them the fulfillment they desired, “Wanted” is a must-watch. This film is essentially about taking charge of your life, a message that Wesley embodies through a transformative journey. As the epic closing monologue reveals, Wesley learns to seize control of his destiny, only to confront and overcome the same challenges in the thrilling climax, reclaiming his life completely. In my eyes, “Wanted” is James McAvoy’s definitive performance that overshadows even his roles in “X-Men,” “Split,” and other notable films.

2025-05-31 00:25