From Olympic Swimmers To Hollywood A-Listers: The Definitive List Of Tarzan Portrayers And Who Will Be Next

The character of Tarzan, the quintessential King of the Jungle, has captivated audiences for over a century, a testament to the enduring power of Edgar Rice Burroughs' original creation. From his first appearance in 1912, the noble savage raised by apes has swung across every major medium, but his cinematic portrayals are what truly cemented his status as a global icon. As of December 12, 2025, the conversation around the next actor to take on the loincloth is buzzing, fueled by major studio plans for a "total reinvention" of the character, making this the perfect time to look back at the men who defined the role and examine the fresh, modern take that is currently in development.

The role of Tarzan of the Apes is arguably one of the most physically demanding and culturally significant in Hollywood history, requiring a unique blend of athleticism, primal energy, and aristocratic charm. While the most recent major live-action film saw Alexander Skarsgård redefine the character, the legacy is built on the shoulders of over 20 actors, including Olympic athletes and B-movie stars. This article delves into the most influential portrayers, examines the grueling preparation for the role, and brings you the latest, up-to-date information on the highly anticipated new film that will determine the next cinematic Tarzan.

The King of the Jungle's Modern Incarnation: Alexander Skarsgård

The most recent major live-action portrayal of the iconic hero belongs to Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård, who starred in the 2016 film The Legend of Tarzan. His take offered a significant departure from previous iterations, presenting a Tarzan who had already left the jungle, returned to civilization as Lord Greystoke, and was reluctantly drawn back into the Congo. This modern narrative required a physique and performance that bridged the gap between a refined English nobleman and a feral jungle survivor.

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Alexander Skarsgård: Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Alexander Johan Hjalmar Skarsgård
• Date of Birth: August 25, 1976
• Place of Birth: Stockholm, Sweden
• Height: 6 ft 4 in (194 cm)
• Notable Roles Before Tarzan: Eric Northman in True Blood, Meekus in Zoolander, Brad Colbert in Generation Kill.
• Tarzan Film: The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
• Awards/Recognition: Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner for his role in Big Little Lies.
• Training Regimen: Skarsgård underwent an intense, eight-month-long training and dieting process to achieve the required "lean and muscular" physique, which involved 10 to 14 training sessions per week.

Skarsgård's preparation for the role was legendary, involving a brutal six-day-a-week regimen focused on building lean muscle mass, followed by a strict, limited-calorie diet. His trainer, Magnus Lygdback, designed a program that included heavy weightlifting mixed with morning cardio, ensuring the actor embodied the raw power and agility of the King of the Apes. This dedication resulted in a portrayal that was both physically imposing and emotionally complex, attempting to give the classic character a relevant, modern update.

From Olympian to Hollywood Legend: The Classic Tarzan Portrayers

The history of Tarzan on film is a fascinating journey through Hollywood's golden age, with many actors finding their career-defining role while swinging on a vine. The most enduring legacy belongs to an Olympic champion, whose name became synonymous with the character for decades.

Johnny Weissmuller: The Definitive Tarzan

No discussion of Tarzan is complete without mentioning Johnny Weissmuller. A five-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, Weissmuller transitioned to acting and starred in 12 Tarzan films between 1932 and 1948, beginning with Tarzan the Ape Man. His athletic build, distinctive yell (the famous Tarzan yell), and natural charisma cemented his place as the definitive cinematic Tarzan. The success of his films, produced by MGM and later RKO, established many of the character's enduring tropes, including the introduction of the chimpanzee Cheeta and the character Boy.

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Lex Barker: The Post-War Successor

Following Weissmuller's run, Lex Barker took over the role, starring in five films from 1949 to 1953, starting with Tarzan's Magic Fountain. Barker's portrayal was often seen as a return to the more sophisticated, aristocratic John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, as described in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novels, though his films remained firmly in the adventure serial genre.

Gordon Scott: The Transitional Tarzan

Gordon Scott, a muscular former lifeguard, became the first actor to play Tarzan in both the classic loincloth style and a more updated, action-oriented version. He starred in six films from 1955 to 1960. His later films, such as Tarzan's Greatest Adventure, moved away from the simple jungle adventures toward more complex, well-written action movies, setting the stage for future portrayals.

Notable Actors Who Have Portrayed Tarzan

The list of men who have played the King of the Jungle is extensive, reflecting the character's continuous relevance. Other notable portrayers include:

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• Elmo Lincoln: The very first cinematic Tarzan, starring in Tarzan of the Apes (1918).
• Frank Merrill: Starred in two silent serials in the late 1920s.
• Herman Brix (later Bruce Bennett): An Olympic shot-put medalist who played the lead in the 1935 serial The New Adventures of Tarzan.
• Jock Mahoney: The oldest actor to play Tarzan, starring in two films in the early 1960s.
• Mike Henry: A former NFL linebacker who starred in three films from 1966 to 1968.
• Ron Ely: Starred in the popular 1960s television series Tarzan.
• Christopher Lambert: Starred in the critically acclaimed and more book-accurate Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984).
• Casper Van Dien: Starred in Tarzan and the Lost City (1998).
• Travis Fimmel: Briefly played the role in a WB television pilot in 2003.

Who Will Be the Next Tarzan? Rumors and Speculation for 2025

The most exciting and current development in the Tarzan cinematic universe is the news that a new, high-profile live-action reboot is officially in the works. In recent years, Sony Pictures acquired the film rights to the Edgar Rice Burroughs character, with a stated intention to deliver a "total reinvention" of the classic tale for a contemporary audience.

This upcoming project, which is rumored to be a major tentpole film potentially slated for a 2025 release, has sparked intense speculation across Hollywood and social media regarding which actor will be cast as the next Lord Greystoke. While no official casting announcements have been made by Sony as of late 2025, the buzz has centered on several high-profile, physically impressive actors who fit the profile of the jungle hero.

The Next Generation of Tarzan: Fan Favorites and Rumored Contenders

The new Tarzan film is expected to move away from the traditional, often colonialist narratives of the past, offering a fresh perspective on the character's relationship with the jungle and civilization. The names being most frequently discussed in fan casting and industry rumors include:

• Henry Cavill: Known for his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, Cavill possesses the ideal physique and leading-man gravitas to portray a modern, brooding King of the Jungle.
• Chris Hemsworth: The Australian actor, famous for playing Thor, is a perennial fan favorite for any physically demanding role, and his global appeal would be a massive asset for a franchise reboot.
• Jason Momoa: With his experience in action roles like Aquaman, Momoa could bring a unique, rugged, and primal energy to the character, offering a stark contrast to previous portrayals.
• Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: While perhaps a long shot, Johnson's involvement would guarantee a massive box office draw, appealing to a broad audience looking for a thrilling adventure film.

The studio's commitment to a "total reinvention" suggests a bold new direction for the character, likely focusing on themes of environmentalism, cultural conflict, and the psychological weight of being torn between two worlds. The new film must not only find an actor with the physical presence of a jungle king but also one with the dramatic depth to explore the complexities of John Clayton, Lord Greystoke. The eventual casting announcement for Sony's Tarzan reboot is one of the most anticipated pieces of news in the current Hollywood landscape, promising to introduce the legendary hero to an entirely new generation of filmgoers.