Zentropa
Few European actors have found the blend of native and international success that Mads Mikkelsen has. Born in Denmark, he became a star in his home country during the 1990s and 2000s, his career kicking off with Nicolas Winding Refn’s 1996 crime thriller “Pusher.” He’s since become a favorite of Hollywood productions, too, starting with his role as the Bond villain Le Chiffre in “Casino Royale.”
Since then, Mikkelsen has remained a go-to Hollywood bad guy, appearing in blockbusters like Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange.” He’s also one of the privileged few to have played arguably the most famous screen villain ever, Hannibal Lecter. More than a few would argue Mikkelsen’s Lecter in the 2013 TV series “Hannibal” is even better than Anthony Hopkins in “The Silence of the Lambs.”
Mikkelsen’s razor-sharp cheekbones, intense stare, and European accent instantly code him as “villain” in Hollywood language.
