Underrated Actor: Kevin Durand

You know when you're watching a random movie and there's that one character that pops up that just sticks with you? You just can't nail why, there's just some kind of silent charm to the person's performance that outshines the others? And you're sitting their thinking to yourself, "This actor is going to go places! I can't wait to see what his agent gets him for his next role!" 

And you see him maybe once in a blue moon.

With that, I'd like to take a moment to praise one of the actors who's impressed me thoroughly with his work and dedication, yet doesn't get a whole lot of the spotlight despite his good effort. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Kevin Durand...

Don't recognize him? Well picture him in a scene in a Hugh Jackman...in a boxing match... in an 800-pound fat suit.

Oh yeah...now it's coming back to you. And I'll just give you a minute to scrub your eyes out...there we go.

So you're probably thinking, "Okay the guy was the redneck sumo wrestler in Wolverine. Big deal. What else has he done?" Glad you asked. 

Standing at about 6'6 you can see he was born to play the giant Little John in Ridley Scott's production of Robin Hood. Yes, yes...big flop, I know. But not that bad a period piece and believe me, watching this guy getting plastered and dancing in a tavern was probably the highlight of this movie. If you'd like to see a more mature tone for him then, how about him playing the Boy Scout archangel Gabriel in Legion? You have this guy sharing scenes with Paul Bettany as Michael and these guys are at the same level of talent when they're exchanging dialogue. It may be your classic beat 'em up mixed with a supernatural horror flick but at least the guy pulls off the role in what can't exactly be the most dignified of costumes...

Watching some of his films back to back, you can see clearly that Kevin Durand is a true chameleon actor. He takes his characters as different as possible when he's going into his next role and works hard to put his own spin on them. These days in the industry that's more tough to find then you think. 

Even when he was the Blob in Wolverine, they at least give the guy something to work with other than, "Now just stand there and look chubby!" They addressed Fred Dukes has an eating disorder as a result of his soldier days and is the reason for his significant weight troubles. That my friends is character development, which in X-Men Origins: Wolverine is one of the few hidden gems you'll find. Durand works with it and manages to work some basic stunt choreography into that fight scene. How easy do you think it is wearing something that big and trying to make it look like you're kicking the crap out of Hugh Jackman?

Most of the time he gets picked as a minor character in some of the big motion pictures of the year, which isn't the worst thing, but it's a shame that Hollywood can't see how many faces this guy can pull off. I for one am love to watch how this man works his magic and can't wait to see what projects he signs up for. Word is he'll be seen in the City of Bones adaptation this year along with the Darren Aronofsky take on the Biblical story of Noah. And yes, he will he playing an angel. 

Other notable Kevin Durand movies: 
The Echo
Fruitvale Station
A Dark Truth
Smokin' Aces


For more info on Kevin Durand check out his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/KevinDurandFanPage