Dark Horse Comics has always thrived on darker, edgier heroes, and none embody that ethos better than X. First appearing in Comics’ Greatest World: Arcadia (1993), X is a ruthless masked vigilante who rules the crime-ridden city with fear, violence, and an iron code: “One mark means a warning, the second mark means death.” Unlike traditional superheroes, X straddles the line between justice and villainy, making him one of Dark Horse’s most compelling antiheroes. Casting him for a live-action adaptation requires an actor who can balance intensity, menace, and depth. Here are our top choices.
Adam Driver
Adam Driver’s commanding presence and unpredictable energy make him a natural fit for X. Known for roles like Kylo Ren in Star Wars and his work in The Last Duel, Driver brings a mix of physicality and nuance. X isn’t just a brute; he’s a tactician with psychological scars, and Driver excels at portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters. His towering stature and ability to project menace would make X both terrifying to criminals and magnetic to audiences. He could turn the vigilante into a layered antihero instead of a one-note killer.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt may not seem like the obvious choice at first, but his versatility makes him a compelling candidate. From noir-inspired thrillers like Looper to his gritty performance in The Dark Knight Rises, Gordon-Levitt knows how to embody men carrying secrets and obsessions. X requires a performer who can balance intensity with intelligence, and Gordon-Levitt’s ability to shift between charming and ruthless would help redefine the vigilante for modern audiences. His leaner build could make for a different kind of X—more cerebral and stealth-driven rather than sheer brute force.
Miles Teller
Miles Teller has been on a hot streak since Whiplash and Top Gun: Maverick, proving his ability to carry both dramatic and action-heavy roles. Teller has the right blend of raw aggression and emotional vulnerability to bring X to life. The vigilante isn’t just about fists and knives—he’s about pain, loss, and the psychological drive to enforce his brutal code. Teller could inject youthful energy into the role while still delivering the darkness and volatility needed to portray one of Dark Horse’s most violent icons.
Jack Quaid
Jack Quaid has become a fan favorite thanks to The Boys, where he plays Hughie, the moral compass surrounded by ultra-violent superheroes. Casting him as X would flip expectations, giving Quaid the chance to embody a darker, more sinister role. While not as physically imposing as other actors on this list, Quaid’s charisma and subtle intensity could bring a unique spin to X. He could highlight the vigilante’s intelligence, calculating nature, and psychological torment while surprising audiences who associate him with more lighthearted roles.
Final Thoughts
X is a brutal, unforgiving vigilante who demands an actor with intensity and range. Adam Driver, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Miles Teller, and Jack Quaid each offer a unique take on the role. With the right direction, any of them could turn X into a cinematic antihero for the ages.
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