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Top 20 Times Actors Played Two Roles In The Same Movie Or TV Series

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - May 6th 2025, 19:53 GMT+2

Cropped Michael B Jordan in Sinners 2025 — Michael B. Jordan in Sinners (2025)

In *Sinners*, Michael B. Jordan doesn’t just chew the scenery—he devours it twice, playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending vampire noir. Smoke is the grounded one, emotionally torn and trying to do the right thing. Stack? A smooth-talking, morally ambiguous nightclub owner who lives by his own rules. Set against the moody, jazz-soaked backdrop of 1930s Mississippi, the film's supernatural twist takes this drama into unexpected—and bloody—territory. Jordan switches gears between the two roles with ease, giving us a double-dose of charisma and inner turmoil. With support from Hailee Steinfeld and Delroy Lindo, *Sinners* makes “twice the Michael” feel like a blessing, not a gimmick. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17 2025 — Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17 (2025)

Robert Pattinson goes full sci-fi chameleon in *Mickey 17*, Bong Joon-ho’s stylish mind-trip about disposable human clones on a deep-space mission. Pattinson doesn’t just play Mickey—he plays version after version of Mickey, each clone reborn after the last dies a predictably horrible death in service of the colony. Sound bleak? It is, but in that fun, cerebral way that Bong Joon-ho always delivers. Pattinson balances existential dread with surprising levity, and his subtly shifting performances across clones are quietly brilliant. The star-studded cast, including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Toni Collette, adds layers to this interstellar identity crisis. If you ever wondered what it’s like to argue with your own clone, *Mickey 17* has answers. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Robert De Niro in The Alto Knights 2025 — Robert De Niro in The Alto Knights (2025)

*The Alto Knights* gives us not one, but two De Niros for the price of admission—and that alone is worth the popcorn. The legendary actor steps into the tailored suits of real-life mobsters Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, former allies turned bitter rivals in the 1950s New York mafia scene. De Niro disappears into both roles, drawing sharp lines between Costello’s calm, calculating presence and Genovese’s violent hunger for power. Director Barry Levinson captures the duality with finesse, and the result is a masterclass in character contrast. With Debra Messing and Cosmo Jarvis adding intrigue to this classic gangster tale, De Niro reminds us why he’s still the godfather of complex roles. And yes, seeing him yell at... himself is oddly satisfying. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Jim Carrey in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 2024 — Jim Carrey in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

Jim Carrey returns to the chaos in *Sonic the Hedgehog 3*, but this time he brings along... himself. Or rather, a new character: the infamous Gerald Robotnik, grandfather to his fan-favorite madman Dr. Ivo Robotnik. Playing both roles, Carrey channels two sides of villainy—the cartoonishly unhinged energy of Ivo, and the colder, calculated menace of Gerald. The dual performance is a blast, giving Carrey room to blend slapstick with sinister. And with Keanu Reeves joining as Shadow the Hedgehog, the film levels up on both action and absurdity. It’s a must-watch for fans who love their villains with a double dose of weird. As always, Carrey reminds us that too much is never enough. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Mark Ruffalo in I Know This Much is True 2020 — Mark Ruffalo in I Know This Much Is True (2020)

Mark Ruffalo’s heartbreaking performance in *I Know This Much Is True* isn’t just a flex—it’s an emotional gauntlet. Taking on the roles of twins Dominick and Thomas Birdsey, Ruffalo shows off his range like never before. Dominick is the exhausted caretaker, emotionally frayed and forever questioning his past. Thomas, meanwhile, is a paranoid schizophrenic whose pain radiates through every scene. The two are bound by blood, trauma, and decades of unresolved hurt. Ruffalo gives both men depth, dignity, and a heartbreaking vulnerability that lingers long after the credits roll. With stellar performances from Rosie O'Donnell, Melissa Leo, and Juliette Lewis, this HBO miniseries is a raw, intimate portrait of mental illness and brotherly love. | © HBO

Cropped Lupita Nyongo in Us 2019 — Lupita Nyong'o in Us (2019)

Lupita Nyong’o doesn’t just *star* in Us—she practically performs an acting exorcism, playing both the terrified Adelaide and her eerie doppelgänger, Red. Directed by Jordan Peele in his genre-shifting horror follow-up to *Get Out*, this chilling tale turns a family vacation into a descent into a mirror-world of suppressed trauma and creepy doubles. Lupita gives two career-defining performances—one filled with raw maternal panic, the other with a whispery menace that’s downright bone-chilling. She acts opposite herself in multiple scenes, and somehow makes you root for *both* versions. With supporting performances from Winston Duke and Elisabeth Moss, Us delivers horror that’s as psychologically rich as it is nightmare-inducing. Good luck looking in the mirror the same way again. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Paul Rudd in Living With Yourself 2019 — Paul Rudd in Living With Yourself (2019)

What do you get when you clone Paul Rudd? Two Paul Rudds and absolutely no complaints. In the Netflix dramedy *Living With Yourself*, Rudd plays both Miles, the exhausted, cynical everyman, and his chirpy, hyper-optimized clone. One’s burnt out by life, the other’s living his best one—and things spiral when they inevitably compete for love, career, and meaning. Rudd balances angst and awkward comedy with ease, proving he can break your heart and make you snort-laugh, sometimes in the same breath. Aisling Bea is excellent as the wife caught in this absurd self-love triangle. This series is a hilarious, quietly profound look at identity, self-worth, and whether the “better version” of you is actually better. Spoiler: It’s complicated. | © Netflix

Cropped Tom Hardy in Legend 2015 — Tom Hardy in Legend (2015)

Tom Hardy doesn’t just steal the show in *Legend*—he splits it in two and has a brutal fistfight with himself. Playing real-life London gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray, Hardy captures their twisted twin dynamic: Reggie’s the suave, calculating one, while Ronnie’s violent, erratic, and terrifyingly unpredictable. Watching Hardy bounce between the two is like watching a man wrestle his own shadow—and occasionally headbutt it. The visual effects are seamless, but it’s Hardy’s intense dual performance that makes it all work. With support from Emily Browning, David Thewlis, and Taron Egerton, this stylish gangster biopic turns into a Tom Hardy acting showcase, complete with tailored suits, thick accents, and a disturbing amount of charm. | © StudioCanal

Cropped Tatiana Maslany in Orphan Black 2013 — Tatiana Maslany in Orphan Black (2013)

Tatiana Maslany in *Orphan Black* is the human equivalent of a Swiss army knife—versatile, precise, and frankly a little bit intimidating. Over five seasons, she plays over a dozen clones, each with distinct voices, styles, and emotional arcs. Sarah, the tough one; Alison, the uptight soccer mom; Helena, the feral one with a love of food and murder—just to name a few. Maslany’s performances are so distinct, you forget it’s all one actress (which is either magic or pure acting witchcraft). The supporting cast, including Jordan Gavaris and Maria Doyle Kennedy, helps ground the sci-fi madness in something weirdly believable. If you're looking for a masterclass in character work disguised as a clone conspiracy thriller, *Orphan Black* delivers in spades. | © BBC America / Temple Street Productions

Cropped Jake Gyllenhaal in Enemy — Jake Gyllenhaal in Enemy (2013)

Jake Gyllenhaal gets unsettlingly introspective in *Enemy*, Denis Villeneuve’s surreal, spider-filled psychological thriller. He plays Adam, a glum history professor, and Anthony, a confident actor—two men who look exactly alike and may or may not be the same person (or, you know, a metaphor for identity collapse). Gyllenhaal drips anxiety and intrigue, managing to make both characters sympathetic and disturbingly untrustworthy. It’s a slow-burn, cerebral ride that asks more questions than it answers, and every scene is a masterclass in eerie restraint. Mélanie Laurent and Sarah Gadon round out the intimate but punchy cast. And yes, the giant spider makes sense. Kind of. Maybe. | © Entertainment One / A24

Cropped Armie Hammer in The Social Network 2010 — Armie Hammer in The Social Network (2010)

In *The Social Network*, Armie Hammer doesn’t just play one tall, angry Harvard rower—he plays two. As the Winklevoss twins (a.k.a. the Winklevii), Hammer brings double the Ivy League entitlement and Olympic-level jawlines. Through the magic of visual effects and body double Josh Pence, he pulls off one of cinema’s most seamless twin illusions. Both brothers are infuriated by Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) allegedly swiping their idea for Facebook, and they spend much of the film suing and rowing in slow motion. Directed with icy precision by David Fincher and scored to digital perfection by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, this film made social media litigation look oddly cinematic—and gave us twice the Hammer with none of the lag. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Edward Norton in Leaves of Grass 2009 — Edward Norton in Leaves of Grass (2009)

Edward Norton in *Leaves of Grass* is a tale of two brothers—one a brainy classics professor, the other a weed-dealing philosopher with a Southern drawl—and Norton plays both with delightful, oddly poetic contrast. As Bill and Brady, he balances Yale-caliber intellect with Oklahoma backwoods charm. The film veers from stoner comedy to sudden violence with a literary twist, thanks to writer-director Tim Blake Nelson. You also get Richard Dreyfuss as a drug kingpin and Keri Russell as a poetry-loving love interest. This indie gem might not have made a huge splash, but Norton’s twin performance is packed with range, wit, and just the right amount of chaos. Southern gothic with a touch of THC? Yes, please. | © First Look Studios

Cropped Ewan Mc Gregor in The Island 2005 — Ewan McGregor in The Island (2005)

In *The Island*, Ewan McGregor faces off against his worst enemy: himself, but richer. He plays both Lincoln Six Echo, a naive clone raised in a sterile dystopia, and Tom Lincoln, the cocky playboy who ordered the clone in the first place. Directed by Michael Bay (which means explosions are guaranteed), this sci-fi action flick dives into themes of identity, ethics, and product recalls—human edition. Scarlett Johansson co-stars as a fellow clone discovering life (and car chases) for the first time, and Steve Buscemi drops in for the kind of chaotic wisdom only he can deliver. McGregor does a stellar job showing how nurture makes all the difference—even when nature is identical. | © DreamWorks Pictures / Warner Bros.

Cropped Nicolas Cage in Adaptation 2002 — Nicolas Cage in Adaptation (2002)

No one does offbeat brilliance quite like Nicolas Cage, and in *Adaptation*, he doubles down—literally. Playing both neurotic screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his blissfully untortured twin brother Donald, Cage delivers a masterclass in creative crisis and split personality. Directed by Spike Jonze and written by the real Charlie Kaufman, this meta-fictional spiral turns writer’s block into cinematic gold. Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper (who won an Oscar for his role) add even more eccentric energy to this wild literary journey. Cage nails both the self-loathing genius and the cheesy screenwriting optimist, often in the same scene. It’s a weird, wonderful movie about writing a movie about not being able to write a movie. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap 1998 — Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap (1998)

Lindsay Lohan made her breakout debut by doing twice the work and making it look effortless in *The Parent Trap*. Playing long-lost twins Annie and Hallie—one posh Brit, the other a cool California kid—Lohan nails the accents, mannerisms, and mischievous spark of both. The story is pure feel-good chaos: two sisters, separated at birth, swap places to reunite their estranged parents, played by Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid (peak charming dad mode). Lohan’s performance is so convincing, many still assume she has a twin IRL. Director Nancy Meyers brings cozy, glossy magic to the story, and Lohan proves, right out of the gate, that she had star power to spare. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Leonardo Di Caprio in The Man in the Iron Mask 1998 — Leonardo DiCaprio in The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

In *The Man in the Iron Mask*, Leonardo DiCaprio gets to flex his regal muscles as both King Louis XIV—who is every bit the spoiled, tyrannical drama queen you'd expect—and his long-lost twin brother, Philippe, who’s spent his formative years wearing a literal iron mask. Fun! Based on the Alexandre Dumas novel and surrounded by grizzled, brooding Musketeers (played by Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gérard Depardieu, and Gabriel Byrne—talk about a team), Leo brings a youthful charm and simmering intensity to both roles. One twin you love to hate, the other you root for. It’s sword fights, secret plots, and 18th-century identity theft at its finest. | © United Artists

Cropped Mike Myers in Austin Powers 1997 — Mike Myers in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Groovy, baby! Mike Myers doesn't just *star* in *Austin Powers*—he clones himself into an entire comedic universe. In the original 1997 film, he plays both the shagadelic superspy Austin Powers and his nemesis, Dr. Evil, a bald megalomaniac with daddy issues and a fondness for sharks with frickin’ laser beams. It’s pure spoof brilliance, poking fun at James Bond tropes while becoming a pop culture phenomenon of its own. Myers' dual performance is so outrageous it’s impossible not to quote. Elizabeth Hurley adds British charm and matching wit, while Myers paves the way for even more alter egos in later films (*Fat Bastard*, anyone?). Yeah, baby, yeah! | © New Line Cinema

Cropped Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor 1996 — Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor (1996)

If ever there were a one-man cast party, it’s Eddie Murphy in *The Nutty Professor*. In this ‘90s comedy classic, Murphy plays the sweet, insecure genius Sherman Klump and his brash, smooth-talking alter ego Buddy Love—plus basically the entire Klump family at the dinner table (yes, including Grandma). It’s a tour-de-force in prosthetics, personality, and gut-busting timing. Jada Pinkett (pre-Smith) brings romantic chemistry to the mix, while Murphy switches between roles with dizzying ease. The film is loud, over-the-top, and full of heart—a classic Eddie Murphy cocktail. You come for the fart jokes; you stay for the Oscar-worthy comedic range. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Jeremy Irons in Dead Ringers 1988 — Jeremy Irons in Dead Ringers (1988)

Jeremy Irons goes from posh to psychotic and back again in David Cronenberg’s unnerving psychological thriller *Dead Ringers*. Playing twin gynecologists (yes, really) Beverly and Elliot Mantle, Irons gives two chillingly distinct performances—one reserved and emotionally needy, the other confident and cold. As their professional and personal boundaries blur, so does their grip on reality. It's haunting, elegant, and distinctly Cronenberg in its slow, surgical horror. This isn't your average "twin switcheroo" film—it’s disturbing art house cinema with a scalpel. Irons is mesmerizing, often interacting with... himself, and making you forget it’s all one actor. | © 20th Century Fox / Morgan Creek

Cropped Peter Sellers in Dr Strangelove 1964 — Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Peter Sellers doesn’t just steal *Dr. Strangelove*—he hijacks it from three different angles. In Stanley Kubrick’s razor-sharp Cold War satire, Sellers plays Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley, and the titular ex-Nazi scientist Dr. Strangelove. Each character is completely distinct, from nervous British politeness to straight-laced presidential panic to cackling, wheelchair-bound insanity. The film, also starring George C. Scott and Slim Pickens, walks the line between terrifying and hilarious—and Sellers dances all over that line in circles. His improvisation, range, and absurd commitment helped make the film a legendary dark comedy. Precious bodily fluids have never been funnier. | © Columbia Pictures

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Seeing an actor deliver one powerful performance is impressive—but when they take on two roles in the same movie or TV series, it’s a true showcase of talent and versatility. From mind-bending thrillers to emotional dramas and clever comedies, playing dual roles adds a fascinating layer to storytelling. In this list, we highlight the top 20 times actors portrayed two characters in a single production—whether they played twins, clones, doppelgängers, or completely unrelated personas. Discover the most iconic dual-role performances that left audiences amazed and critics applauding.

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Seeing an actor deliver one powerful performance is impressive—but when they take on two roles in the same movie or TV series, it’s a true showcase of talent and versatility. From mind-bending thrillers to emotional dramas and clever comedies, playing dual roles adds a fascinating layer to storytelling. In this list, we highlight the top 20 times actors portrayed two characters in a single production—whether they played twins, clones, doppelgängers, or completely unrelated personas. Discover the most iconic dual-role performances that left audiences amazed and critics applauding.