The Definitive List: 7 Actors Who Played Tarzan And The Shocking Speculation For The Next Jungle Lord

The character of Tarzan, the feral child raised by Mangani great apes in the African jungle, has captivated audiences for over a century, making him one of the most enduring figures in cinematic history. As of today, December 15, 2025, more than two dozen actors have swung across the screen as the Lord of the Jungle, each bringing a unique physicality and interpretation to the role first created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912. The question of "who played Tarzan" is not a simple one, but a journey through Hollywood's evolution, from silent films to blockbuster CGI spectacles.

The role demands a rare combination of athletic prowess, a primal intensity, and often, an Olympic-level physique. While many have donned the iconic loincloth, only a handful have achieved true legendary status, forever defining the image of John Clayton, Viscount Greystoke. We delve into the lives and careers of the most iconic Tarzan actors, concluding with the latest, freshest news on the highly anticipated (and heavily rumored) 2025 reboot.

The Definitive List of the Most Iconic Tarzan Actors

The Tarzan film franchise is one of the longest-running in history, featuring 22 official live-action actors between 1918 and 2016. Here are the essential names who defined the role for generations.

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1. Elmo Lincoln (1918–1921) - The First Tarzan

• Full Name: Otto Elmo Linkenhelt
• Born: February 6, 1889, in Rochester, Indiana, USA
• Died: May 8, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, USA
• Notable Films: Tarzan of the Apes (1918), The Romance of Tarzan (1918), The Adventures of Tarzan (1921)
• Unique Fact: Elmo Lincoln was the very first actor to play the character on screen in the silent film era. He was known for his burly physique, which was closer to Burroughs' original description than the more streamlined look of later actors. He also had the distinction of being the first to let out the famous Tarzan yell, though it was a sound effect added later.

2. Johnny Weissmuller (1932–1948) - The Undisputed King

• Full Name: János Weissmüller
• Born: June 2, 1904, in Freidorf, near Timișoara, Romania (then Austria-Hungary)
• Died: January 20, 1984, in Acapulco, Mexico
• Notable Films: Tarzan the Ape Man (1932), Tarzan and His Mate (1934), Tarzan's Secret Treasure (1941)
• Unique Fact: Weissmuller is the most famous Tarzan, starring in 12 films. Crucially, before acting, he was an Olympic champion swimmer, winning five gold medals and setting 67 world records. His athletic background gave him unparalleled credibility in the role. The iconic Tarzan yell is widely attributed to him, a sound created by mixing his own yodel with the sounds of a camel, a dog, and a soprano singer.

3. Lex Barker (1949–1953) - The RKO Era

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• Full Name: Alexander Crichlow Barker Jr.
• Born: May 8, 1919, in Rye, New York, USA
• Died: May 11, 1973, in New York City, New York, USA
• Notable Films: Tarzan's Magic Fountain (1949), Tarzan and the Slave Girl (1950), Tarzan and the She-Devil (1953)
• Unique Fact: Lex Barker was the successor to Weissmuller, playing the jungle lord in five films for RKO Pictures. He later achieved massive fame in Europe, particularly in Germany, for his role as Old Shatterhand in a series of popular Western films based on the novels of Karl May.

4. Gordon Scott (1955–1960) - The Transition to Color

• Full Name: Gordon Merrill Werschkul
• Born: August 3, 1927, in Portland, Oregon, USA
• Died: April 30, 2007, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA
• Notable Films: Tarzan's Hidden Jungle (1955), Tarzan and the Lost Safari (1957), Tarzan the Magnificent (1960)
• Unique Fact: Scott was the first Tarzan to appear in color and the first to play a more articulate character, closer to the educated John Clayton of the original novels, moving away from Weissmuller's "Me Tarzan, You Jane" simplicity.

5. Ron Ely (1966–1968) - The TV Tarzan

• Full Name: Ronald Pierce Ely
• Born: June 21, 1938, in Hereford, Texas, USA
• Notable Films: Tarzan (TV Series, 1966–1968)
• Unique Fact: Ron Ely brought the character to a new generation via a successful NBC television series. His version was also more educated and traveled the world, solving crimes and helping people, a significant departure from the jungle-bound hero.

6. Casper Van Dien (1998) - The Last of the Traditionalists

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• Full Name: Casper Robert Van Dien
• Born: December 18, 1968, in Milton, Florida, USA
• Notable Films: Tarzan and the Lost City (1998)
• Unique Fact: Van Dien's film was a throwback to the classic adventure style, released just before Disney's animated version, aiming for a nostalgic audience. He is perhaps best known for his role in the sci-fi film Starship Troopers.

The Latest Live-Action Tarzan: Alexander Skarsgård's Modern Take

The most recent official live-action portrayal belongs to Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård, who starred in the 2016 film, The Legend of Tarzan. This film offered a significant and modern twist on the classic narrative, focusing on the character's life *after* he had left the Congo Basin.

Alexander Skarsgård (2016) - The Educated Lord Greystoke

• Full Name: Alexander Johan Hjalmar Skarsgård
• Born: August 25, 1976, in Vällingby, Stockholm, Sweden
• Notable Films: The Legend of Tarzan (2016), True Blood (TV Series), Big Little Lies (TV Series)
• Unique Fact: Skarsgård's Tarzan is introduced as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, living a refined life in Victorian London with his wife, Jane Porter (played by Margot Robbie). The plot centers on his return to Africa. To prepare for the role, Skarsgård underwent an intense nine-month training regimen, focusing on a lean, muscular physique that suggested a man who moved like an animal, rather than a bulky bodybuilder.

Director David Yates specifically aimed to avoid the stereotypical "Me Tarzan, You Jane" dialogue and the outdated colonial tropes of earlier films. Skarsgård's interpretation highlighted the internal conflict between his aristocratic heritage and his primal, jungle upbringing, making it a more psychological and contemporary action-adventure film.

The Future of the Jungle Lord: Who Will Be the Next Tarzan?

Following the 2016 film, the Tarzan franchise has been dormant in live-action cinema, but the character remains a hot commodity for reboots. As of late 2025, there is no *officially confirmed* major studio live-action film in production with a locked-in release date or actor. However, online speculation and fan-casting have been rampant, creating a frenzy of curiosity about who will next don the loincloth.

The persistent rumors surrounding a new Tarzan film, often cited for a potential 2025 release, frequently involve major Hollywood stars who possess the necessary blend of acting chops and physical presence. The most talked-about names in fan-made trailers and online discussions include:

• Henry Cavill: Known for his role as Superman, Cavill’s chiseled physique and experience with action-heavy roles make him a perennial favorite for any iconic hero reboot.
• Chris Hemsworth: As the star of Marvel's Thor franchise, Hemsworth’s global appeal and impressive physicality keep him high on the list of speculative Tarzans.
• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: Though perhaps a less traditional fit, his star power and experience in jungle-themed adventure films like Jumanji and Jungle Cruise often place him in the conversation.

While these rumors are fueled by fan excitement and speculative trailers, they underscore a key truth: Hollywood is actively looking for the right angle to revive the character. The next iteration will likely continue the trend set by Skarsgård, focusing on a more nuanced portrayal of John Clayton, Viscount Greystoke, and addressing the complex history of the character's origins and the themes of colonialism and conservation.

The ultimate casting choice will need to find an actor who can balance the raw, feral nature of the ape-raised man with the sophisticated intelligence of the Earl of Greystoke. Until an official announcement is made, the throne of the Jungle Lord remains vacant, waiting for the actor who can truly capture the Tarzan yell for a new generation.