The Jungle Kings: Ranking The 15 Most Iconic Tarzan Portrayers And The Shocking New Reboot Rumors

The legacy of Tarzan, the quintessential Lord of the Jungle, is one of Hollywood's most enduring and physically demanding roles. For over a century, the character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912 has been brought to life by more than 20 different actors in live-action film and television, creating a fascinating timeline of cinematic history. As of December 2025, the world is buzzing with fresh rumors of a major new reboot, shining a spotlight back on the muscular men who have perfected the iconic vine-swinging call. This deep dive examines the most influential and unforgettable men to have played the Ape Man, from the silent era's pioneers to the modern-day action stars, providing a definitive list for fans and film historians alike. We’ll also reveal the latest, most surprising names linked to the next major cinematic iteration of the character.

The Definitive Roster: 15 Key Tarzan Portrayers and Their Biographies

The role of Tarzan has been a career-defining moment for many actors, often requiring a unique blend of athletic prowess, raw magnetism, and an ability to convey emotion without much dialogue. The following list details the most important figures to have worn the loincloth, establishing the character's topical authority across different eras.

• Elmo Lincoln (1918, 1921, 1928): Born Otto Elmo Linkenhelt (February 6, 1889 – June 27, 1952). The very first cinematic Tarzan, starring in the silent film *Tarzan of the Apes* (1918). A barrel-chested former stevedore, his portrayal set the physical standard for the role.
• Frank Merrill (1928, 1929): Born Frank Arnold Merrill (December 21, 1893 – February 12, 1966). A former Olympic gymnast, he starred in two silent serials, *Tarzan the Mighty* and *Tarzan the Tiger*.
• Johnny Weissmuller (1932–1948): Born Johann Peter Weissmüller (June 2, 1904 – January 20, 1984). The most famous Tarzan, a five-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming. He starred in 12 films, beginning with *Tarzan the Ape Man* (1932), defining the character's famous yell and establishing the "Me Tarzan, You Jane" trope.
• Buster Crabbe (1933): Born Clarence Linden Crabbe II (February 7, 1908 – April 23, 1983). An Olympic gold medalist swimmer like Weissmuller, he played the role in the 12-chapter serial *Tarzan the Fearless* (1933).
• Herman Brix / Bruce Bennett (1935, 1938): Born Herman Brix (May 16, 1906 – February 24, 2007). An Olympic silver medalist in shot put, he was initially cast before Weissmuller but was injured. He starred in *The New Adventures of Tarzan* (1935) and later changed his name to Bruce Bennett, going on to have a successful career as a supporting actor.
• Glenn Morris (1937): Born Glenn Edgar Morris (June 18, 1912 – January 31, 1974). A decathlon gold medalist at the 1936 Olympics, he starred in only one film, *Tarzan's Revenge* (1937).
• Lex Barker (1949–1953): Born Alexander Crichlow Barker Jr. (May 8, 1919 – May 11, 1973). The tenth actor to play the role, he starred in five films for RKO, including *Tarzan's Magic Fountain* (1949), and later became a major star in European cinema.
• Gordon Scott (1955–1960): Born Gordon Merrill Werschkull (August 3, 1926 – April 30, 2007). He was the eleventh Tarzan, starring in six films, beginning with *Tarzan's Hidden Jungle* (1955). His later films, like *Tarzan's Greatest Adventure* (1959), marked a shift back toward the character's intelligent, literate roots from the original novels.
• Jock Mahoney (1962–1963): Born Jacques Joseph O'Mahoney (February 7, 1919 – December 14, 1989). A legendary stuntman, he was the oldest actor to debut as Tarzan at age 43, starring in *Tarzan Goes to India* (1962) and *Tarzan's Three Challenges* (1963).
• Ron Ely (1966–1968): Born Ronald Pierce Ely (June 21, 1938 – September 29, 2024). He starred in the popular *Tarzan* NBC television series, which ran for two seasons. His recent passing in September 2024 brought a fresh wave of tributes to his iconic portrayal.
• Miles O'Keeffe (1981): Born Frank Miles O'Keeffe (June 20, 1954). He starred opposite Bo Derek in the controversial, commercially successful film *Tarzan, the Ape Man* (1981).
• Christopher Lambert (1984): Born Christophe Guy Denis Lambert (March 29, 1957). He played the role in the critically acclaimed and more faithful adaptation *Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes* (1984).
• Joe Lara (1989–1996): Born William Joseph Lara (October 2, 1962 – May 29, 2021). He starred in the TV movie *Tarzan in Manhattan* (1989) and later the TV series *Tarzan: The Epic Adventures* (1996–1997).
• Casper Van Dien (1998): Born Casper Robert Van Dien Jr. (December 18, 1968). Best known for *Starship Troopers*, he starred in *Tarzan and the Lost City* (1998), a nostalgic adventure film.
• Alexander Skarsgård (2016): Born Alexander Johan Hjalmar Skarsgård (August 25, 1976). The most recent live-action Tarzan, starring in the blockbuster *The Legend of Tarzan* (2016), which presented a post-origin story.

The Golden Age: Weissmuller and the Olympian Physique

The 1930s to the 1950s are considered the "Golden Age" of Tarzan films, largely due to the overwhelming success of Johnny Weissmuller. His background as a champion swimmer was crucial, as the early MGM films heavily featured underwater sequences and a more natural, aquatic version of the jungle man. Weissmuller’s 12-film run cemented the image of Tarzan in the public consciousness. He transitioned from MGM to RKO Pictures, and his films are often credited with popularizing the character globally. His famous, piercing yell—a sound effect created by combining several vocalizations—is arguably the most recognizable sound in cinema history. The pressure to find a successor was immense. Lex Barker, a tall and handsome actor, took over the role in 1949, representing a shift toward a more polished and less "ape-like" Tarzan. This evolution continued with Gordon Scott, who began the trend of a more intelligent, even speaking, Tarzan, aligning more closely with Edgar Rice Burroughs' original vision of a nobleman raised in the jungle who eventually returns to civilization.

From The Jungle to the Small Screen: The Television Era

The character’s adaptability saw him successfully transition to television in the 1960s. Ron Ely’s portrayal in the 1966–1968 NBC series brought a contemporary feel to the character. Unlike the earlier films, Ely’s Tarzan spoke fluent English and traveled the world, often acting as a crime fighter. Ely, who passed away recently in September 2024, was a physically imposing and charismatic actor who performed many of his own stunts, bringing a rugged authenticity to the role that resonated with a new generation of viewers. His series proved that the character could thrive outside the confines of the classic B-movie adventure format. The success of the TV series led to further adaptations, including the animated Disney film *Tarzan* (1999), where the voice of the jungle hero was provided by actor Tony Goldwyn, introducing the character to millions of children and garnering an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The Modern Tarzan: Skarsgård and the Upcoming Reboot

The 21st century’s take on Tarzan has focused on either faithful, high-budget adaptations or bold reinventions. Alexander Skarsgård's turn in *The Legend of Tarzan* (2016) attempted to do both. The movie was a unique sequel that found John Clayton III (Tarzan) already acclimated to life in London with Jane (Margot Robbie) before being drawn back to the Congo. Skarsgård underwent a dramatic physical transformation, showcasing the modern requirement for actors to embody the character's formidable physique. The film, while visually stunning, did not launch a new franchise, leading to the current, highly anticipated development cycle.

The Latest Casting Buzz: Who Will Be the Next Lord of the Apes?

The most recent and compelling news revolves around a major new *Tarzan* reboot, rumored to be a bold, modern reinvention of the classic tale. This project has generated significant buzz, not least because of the high-profile actors being mentioned for the lead role. Rumors swirling in late 2025 and early 2026 suggest that producers are aiming for a massive, A-list star to anchor the new franchise. Names that have surfaced include:

• Henry Cavill: Known for his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, Cavill possesses the ideal physique and global star power to lead a major action franchise. His name is frequently mentioned in connection with the new project.
• Chris Hemsworth: The Australian actor, famous for playing Thor, is another major contender. Reports suggest the new film will move away from a simple origin story to deliver an epic, modern adventure, a style that perfectly suits Hemsworth's action pedigree.
• Ryan Reynolds and Chris Pratt: While perhaps a more surprising choice, these actors were also linked to earlier developments of a Disney live-action *Tarzan* project, suggesting a desire among studios for a more comedic or widely recognizable star.

While official casting has yet to be confirmed, the sheer caliber of the actors being discussed for the new film highlights the enduring importance of the Tarzan role in Hollywood. The next actor to utter the famous yell will not just be continuing a tradition; they will be tasked with redefining a century-old icon for a new generation. The role of Tarzan, King of the Apes, remains one of the most coveted and challenging in cinema.