The portrayal of Tarzan in the 2016 cinematic release, "The Legend of Tarzan," represents a significant evolution for the character, moving away from the animated antics of earlier decades. This specific interpretation, set decades after the original Edgar Rice Burroughs novels, focuses on the legendary ape man's life as a civilized English lord. Understanding who inhabits this complex role requires looking beyond the animated classics to the actor who brought a unique physicality and nuanced performance to the part.
Alexander Skarsgård: The Physical Embodiment of Tarzan
Leading the ensemble cast of "The Legend of Tarzan" is Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård, who shoulders the burden of the titular character. Known for his imposing physical presence and intense demeanor, Skarsgård was specifically chosen to depict a Tarzan who had left the jungle and adapted to high society. At six feet, five inches tall, his stature provided the necessary visual impact to credibly portray a man who spent his formative years among gorillas, and he committed to a demanding physical regimen to achieve the character's muscular, feral physique.
Embracing the Role's Complexity
Unlike previous adaptations that often leaned into the "noble savage" trope, Skarsgård's performance aimed for a more layered characterization. He had to convey the deep, primal connection Tarzan retains with the forest while simultaneously displaying the rigid etiquette and political maneuvering of a British Lord. This duality required a subtle shift in his physical acting; the easy grace of the jungle predator contrasts sharply with the constrained posture of the diplomat, creating a compelling internal conflict that drives the film's narrative.
The Context of the 2016 Film
"The Legend of Tarzan" is set in the year 1913, positioning the character at a crossroads of colonial history and personal identity. The film explores themes of exploitation and environmentalism, with Tarzan returning to the Congo—the homeland he escaped—as a representative of King Leopold's greedy regime. Skarsgård's performance is central to navigating these themes, as he portrays a man who is simultaneously an insider in British aristocracy and an outsider haunted by his primal past.
Alexander Skarsgård underwent extensive training to achieve the signature Tarzan physique.
The film’s setting in 1913 provides a historical backdrop that influences Tarzan’s character development.
Skarsgård’s casting brought a serious, dramatic weight to the role compared to lighterhearted predecessors.
The movie focuses on the character’s struggle between his civilized identity and his innate wild nature.
Reception and Legacy
Critical response to Skarsgård's turn was mixed, with some praising his intense physical performance and others finding the character emotionally distant. The demanding nature of the role left little room for the witty banter that had defined other live-action interpretations. Nevertheless, his commitment to the visual and physical demands of the character solidified this specific version of Tarzan as a distinct entry in the franchise, firmly associating the role with his commanding screen presence and the stark, beautiful landscapes of the Congo.
Beyond the Main Character
While Skarsgård is the central figure around whom the film revolves, the production involved a significant ensemble. Margot Robbie portrayed Jane Porter, providing a crucial counterpoint to Tarzan’s stoicism, while Samuel L. Jackson played the antagonist, Leon Rom. The chemistry between the lead actors, particularly Robbie and Skarsgård, was vital in grounding the film’s more fantastical elements in a relatable emotional core, ensuring that the story of the ape man remained anchored in human drama.
