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One of the scariest killers to ever stalk the silver screen is Michael Myers. The Halloween series came out in 1978 and released The Shape onto the world. Over eleven films and eight actors, Myers remains the icon of the Halloween season. Today, we are taking a look at each of the main Halloween actors who wore the white mask and stalked Haddonfield. While each actor brings something unique to the role, here is our ranking of how they all stack up against each other.
8. Brad Loree (Halloween Resurrection)
Ask most Halloween fans, and they will tell you that the final film in the original series has much to be desired. Through no fault of the actor, this also included Michael Myers. Halloween Resurrection follows a group of people as they live stream themselves in the abandoned Myers house. It isn’t as abandoned as they thought, as Michael has come home. Brad Loree barely feels like Michael here. Sure, he is wearing the mask, but he acts as basic as any on-screen killer would. Loree did the best he could with the script, and it is a shame the film turned out the way it did. The truth of the matter is Michael didn’t do much outside of basic killing. If the mask was altered and his name changed, Loree could have given the same performance, and nothing would have changed.
7. Don Shanks (Halloween 5)
The fifth entry in the series was released less than a year after the fourth one. Regardless of this, the actors noticeably changed between films. Don Shanks is much stockier than the previous Myers, and it is jarring to see the recap transition into this story. Besides this, Shanks does a passable job as Michael. Unlike some other Halloween actors, this version doesn’t do anything new. He does the bare minimum required to play The Shape and nothing else. There are also no huge stunts, making for a rather bland portrayal. As with all the actors, Don Shanks is not at fault. Shanks could only do what the script required of him, and in this case, it wasn’t much. This fifth movie was nothing more than an attempt to bring in a profit, which is what this performance feels like.
6. Chris Durand (Halloween H20)
Halloween H20 looked to put the series back on track. The focus was put back on Laurie Strode after her absence from the series since Halloween II. This time around, Michael Myers is played by Chris Durand. For most of the movie, he does a pretty solid job. He has the menacing walk down, is great with a blade, and puts off a menacing vibe. He has several cool shots, including lowering himself from the ceiling with one arm. As good as he did, the third act knocks him down a few pegs. One common complaint is that this movie turns Michael into a slapstick clown. Scenes such as him having pratfalls to even having a cartoon-inspired crotch shot are present. To many, these third act moments stand out among the earlier scenes, hindering what is overall a fine performance.
5. George P. Wilbur (Halloween 4, 6)
After public backlash when Michael wasn’t present in Halloween III, it was clear that he needed to return. George P. Wilbur played the part in Halloween 4 and later in 6. George was the first Halloween actor to play The Shape twice, albeit not consecutively. Wilbur is able to take the role of Michael and make it fresh. He has several impressive stunts in the fourth film, including the exciting rooftop chase and riding on top of a truck. Wilbur did some of the most impressive stunts in the mask and is scary while doing it. Even in the infamous Halloween 6, Wilbur is still a stand-out addition and makes Michael a force to be reckoned with.
4. Dick Warlock (Halloween II)
Even though Halloween II takes place immediately after the original, Dick Warlock acts much differently. This is far from a bad thing. The movie uses the exact same mask used in the original film, but Dick Warlock’s stocker build makes it fit differently. This gives Michael a look that is unique to this movie, a look that many fans prefer over others. Warlock plays Michael almost robotic, really driving home the emotionless killer aspect. This Michael is comparable to a Terminator, a killing machine with only the mission in mind. Some of the most chilling moments in any Halloween movie take place here, and Dick Warlock is to thank.
3. Tyler Mayne (Rob Zombie’s Halloween, Halloween II)
Rob Zombie had the task of reinventing Michael Myers after he became a slapstick buffon in H20 and Halloween Resurrection. He did so with the help of former professional wrestler Tyler Mayne. Unlike other versions of Michael, this one does actually feel emotion. That is to say, one emotion, and it is rage. Myers is ruthless and relentless in these movies. Fans can say what they want about Zombie’s films, but there is no denying Tyler Mayne is utterly terrifying. These are the movies that made Michael scary once more. This Michael isn’t just a killer; he is a force of nature. Nothing and nobody can stand in his way. He isn’t a supernatural-powered killer; he is all human. A giant, scary, bloodthirsty human.
2. James Jude Courtney (Halloween 2018, Halloween Kills)
When it was announced a new film taking place 40 years after the original, the jokes began rolling in. On average, Michael was usually anywhere from his early twenties to early forties. Old man Michael became a running joke in the community. All the jokes stopped when fans saw James Jude Courtney in action. The age-appropriate Halloween actor breathed new life into the killer. In Halloween 2018, he was an aggressive killer with only death in mind. He acted as if he were an animal on the hunt. In Halloween Kills, the gloves were off. This Michael was fueled by pure, unfiltered rage. Even more so than Tyler Mayne. Courtney is believable as an older version of the original Michael. He has the movements down, can stalk like nobody’s business, and is absolutely terrifying. Even with the mask on, fans can tell his face is one of anger and bloodlust.
1. Nick Castle (Halloween)
The original classic was the film that put the name Michael Myers into common language. There are a few people who played Michael, including Tony Moran in a brief unmasking scene. However, the person responsible for bringing The Shape to life is Nick Castle. Castle is the one who made Myers into the terrifying thing he became. While the ruthless aggression of Mayne and Courtney is truly scary, Castle’s methodical and calm portrayal is the stuff of nightmares. This Michael isn’t in a hurry. He will stalk, plan, and strike. He could be lurking in any shadow, and he likely is. Castle is so iconic behind the mask he even very briefly reprised the role in Halloween 2018. Nick Castle also has a distinctive look as Myers that no other actor can replicate. Put simply, Castle isn’t an actor in a mask. He is The Shape.
