Jack Qaid’s appearance and demeanor in an upcoming action movie make it hard not to believe he could perfectly play the protagonist in a reboot ofMark Wahlberg’s failed video game adaptation. In an acting career spanning over two decades, Jack Quaid has played myriad roles in movies and shows likeStar Trek: Lower Decks,Scream, andOppenheimer. However, in recent years, he has been best known for portraying Hughie in Amazon Prime Video’s highly acclaimed adaptation ofThe Boyscomics.

SinceThe Boysseason 5 will mark the end of the seriesand likely conclude Jack Quaid’s run as Hughie, Quaid might need a new replacement in the action genre. His upcoming movie not only seems to perfectly fit the bill with its superhero-esque elements but also potentially paves the way for him to play the leading role in an upcoming video game adaptation. The video game was previously adapted for the big screen with Mark Wahlberg as the lead but failed to leave its mark. With Jack Quaid, the game movie could finally work if all goes well.

Jack Quaid screaming in Novocaine

Novocaine Proves Jack Quaid Could Perfectly Embody Max Payne In The Reboot Movie

He Looks Exactly Like Max Payne From The First 2001 Game

The upcoming action movie,Novocaine, features Jack Quaid as a sharp and suited hero, Nathan Caine, who sets out to track down his girlfriend’s kidnappers. Although the film seems to bring some comic relief to Jack Quaid’s Caine by establishing that he does not feel pain, its portrayal of the actor as an invulnerable vigilante makes it hard not to envision him as Max Payne. In appearance,Jack Quaid is almost like the mirror image of Max Payne from the first 2001 game.

Quaid also seems to perfectly deliver his character’s dry sense of humor and nothing-to-lose attitude in thescenes fromNovocaine’s trailer, which are also primary markers of Max Payne’s personality. Although Max Payne’s outlook is grittier and more morbid, Jack Quaid seems to have the acting chops to ace the role if given the opportunity.

Split image of Dastan in Prince of Persia, Christie in Dead or Alive, and Sarge in Doom

Did You Know:Jack Quaid auditioned for the role of Clark Kent/Superman inSuperman(2025) before it went to David Corenswet.

As reports suggest,aMax Paynereboot movie is already under development at 20th Century Studios. Since no announcements surrounding its casting have been made, Jack Quaid can be considered for the role.

Novocaine Official Poster

The Max Payne Reboot Could Continue A Genre Trend For Jack Quaid

Quaid Could Establish Himself As An Action Movie Star

Even though Jack Quaid is primarily known for his portrayal ofHughie inThe Boys, his diverse roles in other movies and shows have prevented him from being associated with one genre. IfNovocaineperforms well and sets the stage for follow-ups, he would potentially have two action franchises —The Boys&Novocaine— under his belt. This could help him cement his place as an action movie star. If he ends up playing Max Payne in the upcoming reboot, he could further solidify his status as a leading figure in the action genre.

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AlthoughNovocainewill be the first live-action feature film to portray Jack Quaid as its lead,the actor’s performance inThe Boyshas proven he deserves more mainstream roles in the future. Quaid is also set to star in other upcoming action thrillers likeHeads of StateandNowhere Menalongside renowned stars like Idris Elba and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. If he gets the opportunity to play Max Payne as well in the reboot, he could elevate his career to new heights and continue his streak of playing compelling action heroes.

max-payne-movie

Jack Quaid’s Max Payne Casting Could Fix The Biggest Problem With Mark Wahlberg’s 2008 Adaptation

Mark Wahlberg’s Casting In The Film Was Heavily Criticized

Many gamers were dissatisfied with Mark Wahlberg’s casting in the 2008Max Paynemovie because he just did not look the part. Viewers and critics also expressed their disappointment with the actor’s portrayal of Payne’s trauma and emotional depth, which are core drivers of his storyline in the original games.TheMax Paynemovie also took massive creative liberties by bringing a supernatural spin to the original games, which was not appreciated by audiences.

Since bringing live-action video game adaptations to the big screen has always been tricky, Jack Quaid’s involvement may not guarantee the reboot’s success.

The reboot seems to have the perfect opportunity to learn from the 2008 movie’s mistakes and present a more loyal adaptation. It can also fix the first film’s casting issue by having someone like Jack Quaid as its lead, who looks more like the video game character thanMark Wahlberg. Since bringing live-action video game adaptations to the big screen has always been tricky,Jack Quaid’s involvement may not guarantee the reboot’s success. However, it could move the movie’s production in a positive direction by offering a more authentic portrayal of Max Payne and his world.

Novocaine

Novocaine follows the story of a successful dentist whose life spirals out of control after becoming entangled with a seductive patient. Facing unexpected challenges and criminal activity, he finds his personal and professional worlds colliding, leading to an urgent fight to preserve both his reputation and sanity.

Max Payne

Based on the action game series of the same name, this neo-noir action thriller follows the titular detective, Max Payne, as he delves into New York City’s criminal underbelly to solve and avenge the murders of his wife and child.