Ranking: The Biggest Protagonists From 2017's Summer Blockbusters

8. Michael Bryce - The Hitman's Bodyguard

The Hitman S Bodyguard Ryan Reynolds
Lionsgate Films

While you can definitely argue that The Hitman's Bodyguard basically sees Ryan Reynolds playing himself, his purportedly "triple A-rated" protection agent Michael Bryce is nevertheless a bonkers hoot, especially once he finds himself desperately trying to protect infamous hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson).

Bryce is foul-mouthed and perennially p***ed off at the fact that he has to babysit Kincaid, who makes little effort to keep the heat off himself during a series of increasingly risky scrapes and near-death experiences.

Reynolds is totally leaning into the formula that brought him so much success with last year's Deadpool, and though the romantic aspect with Michael's ex-girlfriend Amelia (Elodie Yung) doesn't really work at all, Reynolds still milks the part's inspired insanity for all it's worth.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.