Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, rose to fame in the early 2000s with his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ which sold over 12 million copies worldwide. The album’s success was fueled by the hit single “In da Club” and cemented 50 Cent’s status as a major player in the rap industry. He went on to release several successful albums, including The Massacre and Before I Self Destruct, which collectively sold over 30 million albums worldwide. However, 50 Cent’s success didn’t stop at music.
50 Cent has also made a name for himself in Hollywood, appearing in a variety of big budget movies and TV shows. In the process, he has shared the screen with Hollywood heavyweights like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Sylvester Stallone. So, with his impressive resume and continued success in mind, let’s break down his 5 best roles in TV and film.
5. Escape Plan as Hush (2013)
In the 2013 action-thriller Escape Plan, 50 Cent took on a significant role as Hush, a tech-savvy expert who helps Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone), a security expert who becomes trapped in a high-tech prison designed by his own company. After starring in a string of low-budget, straight-to-DVD films, 50 Cent’s appearance in Escape Plan marked a significant departure from his usual fare. In this film, he brought a level of sophistication and nuance to his performance as Hush, playing against type as a character who uses his intellect and technical skills to aid Ray’s escape. With his sharp suit and calm demeanor, 50 Cent’s Hush proved to be a valuable asset to the film’s plot, providing an understated yet effective presence that allowed the action to take center stage. His chemistry with Sylvester Stallone was undeniable, and his performance was widely praised by critics as one of the film’s standout elements.
4. Expend4bles as Easy Day (2023)
Although Expend4bles was heavily bashed by critics and was also a box office disappointment, 50 Cent was a much-needed addition to the cast. The pattern of The Expendables franchise has always been to add new cast members to every instalment. The fourth entry was no different and 50 Cent joined the likes of Andy Garcia, Megan Fox, and Tony Jaa to once again up the ante.
After The Expendables 3 was criticized for its PG-13 rating – resulting in a lack of carnage, Stallone promised a return to ultra-violent form with Expend4bles. And he delivered. The movie was filled with brutal gunfights, blood and guts, and bone-crunching fist fights. At the centre of some of the movie’s biggest scenes was 50 Cent, who took on a weighty supporting role as Easy Day, a ruthless mercenary with a sharp sense of humour underneath his brutality. Although this movie is easily the weakest in the franchise, 50 Cent’s presence did elevate the movie somewhat, making it stand out as one of his finest performances.
Watch Expend4bles on Apple TV+
3. Den of Thieves as Enson Levoux (2018)
In the 2018 crime thriller Den of Thieves, a star-studded cast including Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and 50 Cent brought to life a gripping tale of cat and mouse. The film follows an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Department, led by the charismatic and determined Nick O’Brien (Gerard Butler), as they clash with the state’s most successful bank robbery crew. The crew, consisting of veterans and newcomers alike, plans a daring heist on the Federal Reserve Bank, a seemingly impossible feat that has everyone on high alert.
Among the cast, 50 Cent proved to be a pleasant surprise, delivering impressive fight scenes that showcased his physical prowess and cemented his status as a solid action star. Furthermore, 50 Cent was at the forefront of the movie’s biggest gunfight scenes, something Screen Rant compared to Michael Mann‘s iconic movie Heat, which is a huge compliment. With his rugged demeanour and quick reflexes, 50 Cent brought a level of authenticity to his role as a skilled bank robber, holding his own alongside more seasoned actors like Butler.
Watch Den of Thieves on Apple TV+
2. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ as Marcus (2005)
After the huge success of 8 Mile in 2002, which was loosely based on the life of Eminem, 50 Cent took a similar path with Get Rich or Die Tryin’ in 2005. Much like Eminem, 50 Cent garnered widespread fame in his first major outing as an actor, playing a character that was inspired by himself and his struggles. In the semi-autobiographical drama, 50 Cent stars as Marcus, a young man who becomes embroiled in the world of drug dealing and gang warfare but attempts to turn things around and pursue a career in rap.
The film’s plot is loosely based on 50 Cent’s own life, and his raw and authentic performance brings a level of emotional intensity to the role. Clearly cathartic for him, 50 Cent’s portrayal of Marcus is marked by a sense of vulnerability and desperation, as he struggles to escape the harsh realities of his environment and find a way out of the cycle of violence. Although the movie was not well received by critics, 50 Cent’s performance makes the movie captivating and offers an insight into his past.
Watch Get Rich or Die Tryin’ on Apple TV+
1. Power as Kanan (2014-2020)
The critically acclaimed Starz series Power is a crime drama that follows the life of James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), a wealthy nightclub owner and drug kingpin, as he navigates the treacherous world of organized crime. The show’s creator, Courtney A. Kemp, has said that the series was inspired by 50 Cent’s real-life experiences and his music. As a producer on the show, 50 Cent brought his expertise and vision to the project, and his own character, Kanan, is a masterstroke. Kanan is a ruthless and manipulative criminal with no moral compass, who is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.
Despite playing such a despicable character, 50 Cent delivered a career-defining performance as the unpredictable psychopath hiding in plain sight. His portrayal of Kanan is mesmerizing, with a level of intensity and charisma that draws you in and makes you want to keep watching no matter how disturbing it gets. Want to read more about Power? Here are the top 10 most powerful cast members of the show.
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