10 Actors Who Became Unlikely Action Movie Stars
2. Helen Mirren - RED
Seeing an older woman show off their skills in an action flick isn't too much of a rarity, as seen in movies like Mad Max: Fury Road and Terminator: Dark Fate. Still, upon the time Red released, it wasn't very common, and what made it even more shocking was the fact that the decorated Dame Helen Mirren played the badass, gun-toting black operative agent.
Red was a movie that attempted to lend a new eye to the action genre by placing a collection of retired heroes back into action. While the other stars - Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich - were in the same boat, Helen Mirren seemed the most out of place, as this classic English actor was incredibly far removed from the genre.
Mirren was known for being a more dignified actor, appearing in critically acclaimed award-winning movies, and Shakespearian performances. But, she completely stole the show in this film and its sequel, thanks to her take-no-nonsense attitude, love of firearms and surprisingly strong stunt work.
Watching The Queen as an action star was an unexpected but utterly welcomed experience.