Tim Wilde, the 57-year-old actor, finds delight in taking on the antagonist role in films and TV shows. He shared during an interview with the German Press Agency that every actor prefers to portray the bad guy as it's more captivating. He explained, "You can really cut loose" in these roles. Actors gain applause after playing wicked characters instead of always maintaining their composure in real life.
With his remarkable portrayal of a policeman in "WaPo Bodensee" since 2018, Wilde has been leaving an indelible impression on viewers. The series, which recently wrapped up its 100th episode on Lake Constance, is as demanding as playing a character in "Tatort," where Wilde once served as the superior of lead investigator Nick Tschiller, played by Til Schweiger.
Actors indeed take a liking to villainous roles, as Wilde mentioned, for a myriad of intriguing reasons. The allure of exploring more complex and multi-dimensional characters has actors like Jeremy Irons find themselves identifying with these outlaws who exist beyond the law. The fascination expands to the enchanting mystery and need for discovery associated with villains in television and media.
Additionally, villains ignite dramatic tension and contribute to a compelling plot by providing motivation and conflict, making the story more engaging. Delving into darker human realms can lead to catharsis and self-improvement for the actors, further boosting their reputation and versatility as performers.
Playing the bad guy has been instrumental in the success of many iconic characters, such as Walter White in "Breaking Bad" or the Joker in "The Dark Knight." The enduring popularity of these roles demonstrates the timeless appeal of well-crafted villainous characters in the world of entertainment.
References: [1] 'Acting villains: Why playing baddies is better (for some actors),' BBC Arts (2021). https://www.bbc.com/arts/article/b0b01j8b [2] 'Playing the bad guy: Why actors love to take on villain roles,' The Telegraph (2019). https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/11148982/Playing-the-bad-guy-Why-actors-love-to-take-on-villain-roles.html
