Dale received what was perhaps his biggest screen exposure this summer with the release of Iron Man 3, in which he plays the loyal henchman to Guy Pearce’s big bad, Killian. Much of the strength of the impression this character makes on us is in his face and his eyes, and James Badge Dale is a great fit for a role like this. He has the brashness that suggests he could have perhaps in an alternate universe played Tony Stark himself, but with one tilt of the head he becomes the monstrous figure tormenting Happy Hogan up until the explosive moment where the source of his strength is revealed.
This is the type of role he seems to be settling into: no longer the lead hero or villain (for now), but involved in a compelling way that leaves his mark long after his character is dispatched in one way or another. Casting Dale as a kind of understudy to Guy Pearce’s villain also seems appropriate. If Pearce is becoming one of the dependable actors who can fill any despicable role and make it new and different each time, inciting both our envy and hatred, then Dale is surely one of the rising heirs to this type. Surely it won’t be long before Pearce is old enough to become as amiable as Gary Oldman is now, and he’ll need someone to fill his present shoes.
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