Perhaps one of the most recognizable bad boys throughout anime,Vegetahas been a salient character to theDragon Ballseries since his debut in 1988. Originally written into the ever popular Shonen Jump manga as a foil to protagonist Goku, Vegeta has gone through many changes as a character. From the loss of his father and their home planet, to being killed off and resurrected more than one time.
Protector of Earth, The Prince of all Saiyans is a proud warrior who also serves as an upright family man. Vegeta’s character is strong, forthright and intelligent, with an ego that can make him a painstaking teammate and a sore loser. Whether losing his temper, or showing the virtue of a true prince, Vegeta is a multifaceted and beloved anime character who deserves a live action portrayal that does him justice.
To play a great Vegeta, the actor must capture all the emotional elements of his character while outwardly displaying pure strength and pride. There are plenty of actors to consider, veterans and newbies alike. With only the best in mind, here are nine actors who could be trusted to play an amazing live action Vegeta.
10Steven Yeun
Steven Yeunis perhaps best known for his roleas Glen Rheeon AMC’sThe Walking Dead. He even won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television for the role. With a successful track record as a supporting actor, Yeun’s Vegeta could flawlessly back the lead playing Goku. Familiar with acting out action and drama, Yeun could play a strong Vegeta who displays the emotional motivations behind the character’s every move.
This pick is also relevant to Vegeta’s physicality, for Yeun’s facial structure is rather angular in the same way Vegeta’s is. One long session in hair and makeup to get the spikes just right, Steven Yeun could make a rather convincing live-action Vegeta.
9Timothèe Chalamet
A young actor with unparalleled popularity,Timothèe Chalamethas already taken a variety of roles throughout his blooming career. Though a few of these roles have put him in the realm of science fiction, none of them have seen Chalamet take on the role of a character as popular as Vegeta. The alien combat boots of the Saiyan are big ones to be filled. Luckily, the actor has achieved many awards within his young career and is already renown for his range and virtuosity.
There is no doubt he’s an actor capable of any role, it’s even easy to picture him as an arrogant prince. However, to play Vegeta, he’d have to tap into a more traditionally masculine side of himself and may even be asked to put on weight for the role. He’s a pick well suited to display Vegeta’s attitude, but perhaps not his physical strength.
8Aaron Paul
Aaron Paulis an actor who is no stranger to emotional range. Best known for his award-winning portrayal of Jesse Pinkman onBreaking Bad, Paul has a history adorning scarred characters who feel the need to display a tough exterior. If aDragon Ballfilm was made in the style of a live-action thriller, Aaron Paul would play a well-rounded Vegeta who could successfully display the character’s rage and cool side.
The actor is also able to capture the fits of despair Vegeta sometimes has faced after defeat, somewhat similar to Pinkman’s darker times in lower places. With a shorter build and ability to put on a mean mug, he’s not a bad physical match-up either. Though it’s not clear wether if the role would require an accent or any adherence to Vegeta’s distinct voice, it would certainly be strange to hear Jesse Pinkman’s voice coming out of the Saiyan prince. Saiyans B#%*#!
Related:10 Actors We Think Could Play Goku in a Dragon Ball Reboot
7Ronny Chieng
A curveball actor for the Prince of all Saiyans, comedianRonny Chiengcould provide fans with a grandiose portrayal of Vegeta. Vegeta’s super villain tendencies earlier in the series are ridiculous in their nature. The grandiosity involved in proclaiming the greatness of one’s own namesake or outspoken desire for immortality is perfect for acomedic actor. Chieng would give fans a more playful take on the beloved character in a way that draws attention to the outrageousness of his initially self-centered attitude. Couldn’t you see him wearing Vegeta’s infamous pink “Bad Man” collared shirt?
6Sean Penn
An actor with an extremely diverse portfolio,Sean Penncould bring the right amount of poise and outward superiority to accurately capture Vegeta. Though perhaps a bit older for the role, the reputable actor is experienced and has brought many different feelings to the table throughout his long career. He’s played tough guys like Vegeta in action flicks and portrayed historical political and social justice figures in biopics but is perhaps most recognizable forhis role as Jeff Spicoliin the cult classic,Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
The ability to access fully heightened dramatics as well as laid-back comedy is perfect for the dichotomous style ofDragon Ball. When Vegeta and the rest of the Z-Warriors aren’t saving the world or training their marble physiques, they can often be found in a lounge chair sipping lemonade outside Capsule Corp. A bit of relaxation may be the only through line between Spicoli and the Saiyan Warrior. The actor is a total legend, and playing Vegeta would give him the chance to show many different sides of his acting persona.
5Alex Landi
Alex Landirose to heart-throb status through his role as Dr. Nico Kim onGrey’s Anatomy. After many magazine covers and an eye-candy role in a recent pop music video, the handsome actor would play a version of Vegeta that no one would question what Bulma sees in him. With a very strong and muscular physique, Landi could successfully fill out Vegeta’s amor andbuff aesthetic. With a Korean and Italian genetic background, Landi’s natural jet black hair is fitting for a Saiyan.
4Oscar Isaac
Another diverse actor on the list,Oscar Isaaccould offer fans a more relatable Vegeta. Isaac has a strength as an actor to bring the character he is playing down to the common level of humanity. This could help fans find ways to relate to Vegeta’s seemingly untouchable character. As the former Prince of all Saiyans, Vegeta holds himself on a pedestal above the rest of the characters inDragon Ball.
If any actor can succeed in bringing Vegeta’s character down to Earth without losing any of his flaring personality quirks, it’s Oscar Isaac. He’s brought audiences through the eye’s ofStar Wars’Poe Dameron, the high stakes ace pilot who wore his feelings on his sleeve. With recent superhero roles such asMoon Knightand Miguel O’Hara a.k.aSpider-Man 2099, Vegeta seems well within Isaac’s range.
Related:Dragon Ball: Gohan’s Best Forms, Ranked by Power
3Andrew Koji
A seasoned action actor trained in the martial arts,Andrew Kojicould surely do justice to the role of Vegeta. Koji has brought characters to life from beloved franchises such asG.I. Joeand so, is no stranger to having action figures molded in his likeness. He is rather frequently acting without a shirt, as Vegeta often does during training, and could perhaps give any other actor a run for their money in the Gravity Machine. Having worked as a professional stunt double, Koji is fit and able to perform in an action-packedDragon Balllive-action adaptation.
2Keanu Reeves
A glorious action hero who has delivered powerful grit with graceful poise time and time again,Keanu Reevesis one of the top picks to play Vegeta. Sporting naturally dark hair and a long face akin to the Saiyan Prince, Keanu is fit for the role in many ways. A recurring action hero, Keanu knows how to throw punches as well as take them. His typically cool demeanor is great for Vegeta’s mostly un-bothered character outside of conflict.
However, if he is to play the Saiyan warrior, he’ll need to tap into his anger. There’s no doubt Keanu’s veteran acting skills could pull off a convincing Vegeta, cool and menacing. Though Vegeta is at times selfish and chaotic, he has proven himself as a protector of Earth enough times to honor his virtue. Keanu’s Vegeta would perhaps have an easier time than others showing the virtuous side of the warrior prince since his roles usually have him playing a hero.
1Joe Taslim
Just look at the look on his face, those concave eyebrows. If any actor can play a great Vegeta, it’s going to beJoe Taslim. The veteran action star retired from fighting judo in his early 20s to pursue a career in acting and hasn’t looked back since. Responsible for bringing to lifeSub-Zero ofMortal Kombat, Taslim is already comfortable flexing his muscles and fighting on camera in blue armor. Having earned several awards in martial arts as well as acting, there may be no one else better physically equipped to play Vegeta in live-action.
