Jason Clarke alongside Sydney Sweeney in the Gundam film

"Gundam" is considered a pioneer of the mecha genre

By Jonas Reichel on 4 min reading time

Strong support for Sydney Sweeney: According to industry magazine Deadline, Jason Clarke is set to take on a role in the "Gundam" film adaptation.

Details about the plot and the actor's specific roles are being kept strictly under wraps. One thing is certain, however: the project marks a milestone for the franchise, as it will be the first live-action film in the "Gundam" universe. Jim Mickle, who was responsible for the Netflix series "Sweet Tooth" as showrunner, among other things, is in charge of directing and writing the screenplay. There is no release date yet, but the film is now set to be released on Netflix. However, a theatrical release is not out of the question.

"Gundam" is one of the most influential anime franchises of all time and is considered a pioneer of the mecha genre. The story is set in the so-called Universal Century, a vision of the future in which humanity has colonized space. Political tensions between Earth and its colonies escalate into a war fought by pilots in giant robots called Mobile Suits. The franchise now comprises a whopping 83 anime series and films.

Jason Clarke's most famous films

Over the past two decades, Australian actor Jason Clarke has established himself as a versatile character actor in Hollywood. Whether as a politician, soldier, scientist, or antagonist, Clarke impresses with his intense presence and psychological depth. He has made a name for himself particularly in large studio productions and sophisticated dramas. Below is an overview of his most famous films.

Breakthrough with Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Clarke gained international attention for his role in "Zero Dark Thirty", directed by Kathryn Bigelow. In this thriller about the years-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, he plays CIA agent Dan, who plays a key role in the interrogation of terror suspects.

The film was nominated for several Oscars and is considered one of the most influential political thrillers of the 2010s. Clarke's portrayal of an uncompromising, morally ambivalent intelligence officer earned him great acclaim. His intense screen presence in particular made it clear that he can also credibly embody complex characters.

Action film White House Down (2013)

Clarke took on the role of the antagonist in Roland Emmerich's "White House Down". The action film tells the story of an attack on the White House while a police officer (played by Channing Tatum) attempts to rescue the president (played by Jamie Foxx).

Clarke plays a former soldier with political motives who is involved in a conspiracy. His performance stands out from typical action movie villains, as he lends the character a certain seriousness and inner turmoil. The film was a commercial success and cemented Clarke's reputation as a reliable performer in major blockbusters.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

A year later, Clarke starred in the sci-fi blockbuster "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes", directed by Matt Reeves. The film is the sequel to "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and depicts a post-apocalyptic world in which humans and intelligent apes fight for survival. Clarke plays Malcolm, an engineer who tries to find a peaceful solution between the two species. Unlike many films in this genre, the focus here is not purely on action, but on moral conflicts and existential questions. Clarke's nuanced performance makes Malcolm a figure with whom viewers can identify in a world marked by mistrust.

Historical drama Everest (2015)

In Baltasar Kormákur's disaster drama "Everest," Clarke took on the role of mountaineer Rob Hall. The film is based on true events and depicts the tragic 1996 Mount Everest expedition. Clarke portrays Hall as an experienced expedition leader caught between economic pressure and responsibility for his clients. His performance lends the film emotional depth and underscores the human dimension of the disaster. "Everest" was not only visually impressive, but also an intense drama about courage, ambition, and sacrifice.

Biographical thriller Chappaquiddick (2017)

In Chappaquiddick, Clarke played US Senator Ted Kennedy. The film sheds light on the infamous car accident in 1969 in which a young woman was killed – a scandal that had a lasting impact on Kennedy's political career. Clarke approaches the historical figure with restraint and seriousness. He portrays Kennedy as a man torn between political ambition, guilt, and family pressure. The performance was widely praised and once again demonstrated Clarke's talent for complex character studies.

Horror remake Pet Sematary (2019)

With the remake of "Pet Sematary", based on the novel by Stephen King, Clarke ventured into the horror genre. He plays Louis Creed, a family man who moves with his wife and children into a house near a mysterious pet cemetery. When tragic events occur, Louis is caught in a whirlwind of grief, despair, and supernatural horror. Clarke succeeds in credibly portraying his character's increasing mental breakdown. Although the film divided critics, Clarke's performance was overwhelmingly praised.

Image of PET SEMATARY All Clips & Trailers (2019)

Conclusion: A character actor with range

Jason Clarke has established himself as a versatile actor who is equally convincing in blockbusters and sophisticated dramas. Whether in politically charged thrillers, spectacular science fiction films, or intense biopics, Clarke always lends his characters credibility and depth. His career shows that he focuses less on star allure and more on substance. It is precisely this combination of presence, sincerity, and versatility that makes him one of the most interesting character actors of his generation.

Image of A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE Official Trailer 2 (2025) Rebecca Ferguson, Idris Elba, Netflix