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While not to the level of A-lister yet, Charlie Cox has proven himself an actor worthy of attention. While he is currently best known for his lead role in Daredevil, Charlie has quite a few performances that prove his versatility as an actor. Charlie has been in everything from period dramas music videos to comedy shorts. With his recent reprisal as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home, it seems Charlie has received a much-deserved boost in his popularity. Here are just a few of the best Charlie Cox performances to date for those who can’t get enough.
9. Downton Abbey
It speaks volumes when an actor is remembered for an appearance in a show, even though they were only in one episode. This is the case with Charlie Cox’s appearance in the hit show Downton Abbey. The show, starring the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, and Dan Stevens, has been praised as one of the best dramas that have ever hit television. Charlie Cox only appeared in one episode, and it happened to be the first one. In the premiere episode, Cox appears as the Duke. His character appears to attempt to inherit the massive Crawly fortune after Thomas invites him. His role in the series may have been brief, but fans still fondly remember it.
8. Theory Of Everything
Known as one of the best biopics from recent years, The Theory of Everything chronicles the relationship between late physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife, Jane. The film was critically acclaimed and praised as an accurate portrayal of the legendary scientist. Charlie Cox appears in the film as Jonathan James. After Jane and Stephen divorce, Jonathan helps Jane with her children and eventually marries her. Cox’s charm shines in this role. Audience members don’t despise him for marrying Jane. He is portrayed as a kind soul who genuinely cares for her. With heavy-hitters like Eddie Redmayne and Felicia Jones, Charlie Cox’s performance still manages to stand out.
7. Casanova
Charlie Cox has several period pieces under his belt. In addition to Downton Abbey, Charlie also appears in the film Casanova. The film, based on the real-life playboy Giacomo Casanova, stars Heath Ledger as the titular Casanova. Giacomo is faced with an ultimatum when he has to either settle down and get married or leave Venice. While Heath Ledger shines as always, Charlie Cox equals his talent in the role of Giovanni. Giovanni is the brother of the woman Giacomo is looking to wed. The film shows off not only the dramatic tactic chops of Cox but his skills as a comedic actor as well.
6. King of Thieves
While King of Thieves may not have been critically successful, the film still houses some stellar performers. The movie is filled with powerhouse British actors, including Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent, and Michael Gambon. Another true story, the film follows a group of retired thieves who gather together for one last job. Charlie Cox plays Basil, the youngest member of the crew. With such huge names acting alongside him, Cox still manages to hold his own. The film isn’t very well known due to its disappointing reputation, but it should be checked out if not for the great Charlie Cox performance.
5. Merchant Of Venice
It is no easy task to perform Shakespeare. Doing this as well as acting against the likes of Al Pachino and Jeremy Irons, is next to impossible. However, Charlie Cox does just that in The Merchant of Venice. Based on the play written by William Shakespeare, the film follows Bassanio as he enlists the help of a moneylender. When Bassanio cannot pay the moneylender back, he requests the debt be paid in blood instead. Charlie Cox plays Lorenzo, the lover of the moneylender’s daughter. Charlie more than holds his own and is yet another period piece he can add to his resume.
4. Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire, produced by Tim Van Patton, who is preparing to produce a Michael Douglas-led Benjamin Franklin show, is set during the prohibition era. The show stars Steve Buscemi in the lead role as a position who has mob connections. Charlie Cox appears in a handful of episodes as the bodyguard of Buscemi’s character. As is unfortunately typical of a Charlie Cox performance, this role isn’t very large. Despite this, Charlie still manages to give a memorable performance and stands out among his co-stars.
3. Stardust
One of the first lead roles for Charlie was in the film Stardust. This fantasy film is yet another period piece, taking place in 1800s England. Charlie plays Tristan, a man who ventures to the site of a fallen star to impress a girl. He is shocked to see not a piece of space rock but a woman. He soon learns he is not the only one looking for her and is pursued by witches and the sons of a dead king. The film is filled with big names such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro, Henry Cavil, and the legendary Peter O’Toole. Charlie Cox more that deserves the lead role in this film, and he proves that he is more than capable of carrying a story on his own.
2. Marvel’s The Defenders
In typical Marvel fashion, the Netflix shows were all building up to a crossover. Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist joined forces in The Defenders. While this show wasn’t nearly as well-received as the bigger team up in The Avengers, the show is still a solid piece in the Marvel puzzle. All of the main cast had their own shows at this point, but no surprise, Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock takes place as the best performer. Cox has already made a name for himself by this point, but this show just proves how great of a performer he really is.
1. Daredevil
Of course, the performance that made Charlie Cox a household name was the titular role in Daredevil. After the disappointment of the Ben Affleck-led Daredevil movie in 2003, the character had little to no presence outside of the comics. This all changed in 2015 when a new take on the character hit Netflix. This dark, violent show quickly made Daredevil a character to be reckoned with in the mainstream. Charlie Cox stars as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer whose other senses are heightened. Matt takes to the streets as the vigilante Daredevil and dishes his own brand of justice. This show has been praised from the very beginning, and this is primarily due to Charlie. Charlie reprised the role in the latest Spider-Man film, and the other Netflix Marvel shows have moved to Disney+, fueling the rumor Daredevil will return in the future.