10 Actors Who Still Haven't Outdone Their Debut Performances

There's a reason we have that old expression, "beginner's luck." But ideally, it applies to more mundane things - like getting a bullseye the first time you throw a dart, or winning at blackjack the first time you've ever gambled. We like to think that acting success is something that comes to those who have paid their dues and worked steadily up to the point of starring in a film, which then becomes critically acclaimed. But the truth is, sometimes it's all about being in the right place at the right time, and having a little bit of raw talent. Typically unknowns don't get cast in major roles, but when they do they're just as likely to find success as the old veterans. But there can be a downside to getting that perfect role right out of the gate. What happens when you can't top it? When you spend the rest of your career trying to live up to that fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime performance? Well, some of the actors here have faded away, the one hit wonders of acting. Others are truly amazing actors who have been let down by their material, seemingly unable to find another project that showcased their abilities properly. But for whatever reason, they still haven't managed to outperform the movie that got them their SAG card...

10. Sharlto Copley - District 9

Neill Blomkamp burst onto the scene with 2009's surprise hit District 9, and he brought star Sharlto Copley along with him. For a virtually unknown actor, Copley gave us a powerhouse performance as the timid office worker infected with a substance that saw him transforming into the species of alien that faced tremendous prejudice in this universe. His work is incredibly layered, with a gradual, detailed transformation that flows effortlessly throughout the film. The end product of the character is almost unrecognizable from where he began, and the credit for that has to go to Copley. Since District 9, he's done a string of mediocre films, none of which really capitalized on the level of performance he's capable of as evidenced by his debut film. There's still hope, though. Elysium may have disappointed audiences and gone in a weird direction with Copley and fellow costar Jodie Foster, but both actor and director are getting another shot at capturing the magic of District 9 with Chappie, due to hit theaters next year. It stars Copley as a robot adopted into a dysfunctional family of criminals, and will hopefully be just as fantastic as it sounds.