Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for his compelling performances in Kick-Ass and Avengers: Age of Ultron, has proven his ability to balance action-packed roles with deep emotional character portrayals. Meanwhile, Evan Peters, recognized for his extensive work in American Horror Story and X-Men, has become a fan-favorite for his ability to bring unique and sometimes bizarre characters to life.
In this article, we will delve into their early beginnings, key career moments, acting styles, and what sets them apart in the world of film and television. By comparing their careers, we will explore who has the greater impact on Hollywood today and which of these actors will continue to shine in the years ahead.
Born on June 13, 1990, in High Wycombe, England, Aaron Taylor-Johnson showed an early interest in acting. At the age of 6, he began performing in school plays, and by the age of 12, he had already begun appearing in television series in the UK. His early work included roles in The Bill and Armstrong and Miller, but it was his 2009 portrayal of the lead character in Kick-Ass that would catapult him into international stardom.
Unlike many young actors, Aaron took on the role of a superhero in a very grounded, human way. Kick-Ass told the story of a regular teenager, Dave Lizewski, who decides to become a vigilante despite having no superpowers or training. Aaron’s ability to make an ordinary teen's journey to heroism relatable helped him stand out, gaining him a loyal fan following.
Evan Peters was born on January 20, 1987, in St. Louis, Missouri. Although he initially started pursuing a career in modeling, it was acting that ultimately captured his heart. After moving to Los Angeles in his teenage years, Peters landed a role in the television series The Mentalist. This role marked the start of his professional career, but it was his part in American Horror Story that truly put him on the map.
Peters joined the cast of American Horror Story in 2011, where he portrayed a variety of characters in different seasons of the anthology series. His performances ranged from quirky and funny to downright terrifying, demonstrating his wide-ranging talents. His breakout role as Tate Langdon in the first season of American Horror Story remains one of his most iconic performances.
Aaron’s role in Kick-Ass was not only a career-defining moment but also showcased his versatility as an actor. Although he was only 20 years old at the time, he portrayed Dave Lizewski with such authenticity and charm that it resonated with audiences worldwide. The film’s mix of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments proved to be a perfect platform for Aaron’s talent to shine.
Following the success of Kick-Ass, Aaron transitioned into more dramatic roles, including his portrayal of the troubled husband in Nocturnal Animals (2016). In this film, directed by Tom Ford, Aaron starred opposite Amy Adams, showcasing his ability to tackle complex, layered characters in films that require deep emotional engagement. This role earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a serious actor.
However, his role as Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) was perhaps his most high-profile role to date. Despite his character’s brief appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his portrayal of the super-speed hero added a unique emotional depth to the franchise.
While Aaron was carving out his place in the superhero genre, Evan Peters was making his mark in a different realm: television. His role in American Horror Story has earned him a dedicated fanbase, with each season seeing him adopt an entirely new persona. From the tragic Tate Langdon in the first season to the unhinged and sinister character of Kai Anderson in Cult, Peters’ ability to embrace a wide range of emotions and personas has earned him praise from critics and fans alike.
But it wasn’t just television that gave Evan a foothold in Hollywood. In 2014, he joined the cast of X-Men: Days of Future Past as Quicksilver. His portrayal of the mutant with the ability to move at super-speed was widely praised, particularly for a memorable scene in which he saves the day in a highly stylized, slow-motion sequence. The character’s humor and charm further showcased Peters’ knack for balancing drama and comedy in a superhero context.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s acting style is marked by a balance of intensity and subtlety. Whether he is portraying a superhero or a regular person caught in extraordinary circumstances, he brings a sense of vulnerability to his characters. His ability to convey raw emotion in both action-packed sequences and quieter moments is one of his greatest strengths.
For example, in Kick-Ass, Aaron brought a sense of relatability to the character of Dave Lizewski, who is simply a teenager trying to do something meaningful with his life. In contrast, his performance in Nocturnal Animals was far more intense, where he played a character plagued by guilt and remorse. Aaron’s versatility as an actor allows him to move seamlessly between genres, from action to drama, and even comedy.
Evan Peters’ acting style is all about versatility and eccentricity. He has become known for taking on roles that are not only emotionally charged but often quite unconventional. His performances in American Horror Story range from dark and brooding to bizarre and humorous, proving his ability to transform into a wide variety of characters.
What sets Peters apart is his ability to fully embrace the complexity of each character he plays. Whether he’s portraying a lovable but troubled teen in American Horror Story or a mutant superhero in X-Men, Peters has an uncanny ability to make his characters both relatable and fascinating.
Kick-Ass (2010)
As Dave Lizewski, Aaron was able to mix humor with heart, portraying a teenager who decides to become a real-life superhero despite having no formal training. This role was a turning point in his career and allowed him to showcase his comedic timing and physicality.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
As Quicksilver, Aaron brought his signature intensity and emotional range to the role, despite the character’s relatively short screen time. His chemistry with fellow Avengers members, including Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen, added depth to his character’s story arc.
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
In this Tom Ford-directed film, Aaron played a complex and morally ambiguous character named Ray Marcus. His nuanced performance earned him critical praise and demonstrated his capability in dramatic, award-worthy roles.
American Horror Story (2011-present)
Evan Peters has portrayed a wide range of characters on American Horror Story, each more bizarre than the last. His role as Tate Langdon in the first season remains one of his most iconic performances, where he played a troubled soul with a dark past. He’s also portrayed roles such as the mysterious Kit Walker in Asylum and the terrifying Kai Anderson in Cult.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Evan’s portrayal of Quicksilver in X-Men: Days of Future Past became a fan-favorite for his quirky and humorous take on the character. The slow-motion scene in which he rescues the X-Men from danger is one of the standout moments of the film.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has often kept his personal life out of the public eye. However, his marriage to director Sam Taylor-Johnson has made headlines, especially since they met when Aaron was cast in her film Nowhere Boy (2009). Despite the media attention, Aaron has maintained a relatively private lifestyle, focusing on his career and family life. His involvement in various charity events and projects speaks to his grounded approach to fame.
Evan Peters has had his fair share of media attention, particularly surrounding his relationships with co-stars such as Emma Roberts. Despite the tabloids’ focus on his personal life, Peters has managed to keep his professional reputation intact. He is widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most down-to-earth stars, focusing more on his craft than on the glitz and glamour that comes with fame.
With several upcoming projects, including his role in Kraven the Hunter (2024), Aaron Taylor-Johnson's star is only set to rise higher. His ability to take on both dramatic and action roles makes him one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
Evan Peters is poised to continue his rise in Hollywood with an expanding career in both television and film. As his performances continue to gain acclaim, he is likely to take on more lead roles in both dramatic and genre-defining films.
The question of who is the bigger star – Aaron Taylor-Johnson or Evan Peters – remains a subject of great debate among fans and critics alike. While Aaron has gained global recognition for his roles in blockbuster films and superhero franchises, Evan’s diverse performances on the small screen and in the X-Men franchise have earned him a distinct place in Hollywood’s pantheon of rising stars.
Both Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Evan Peters have bright futures ahead of them. Their impressive range of roles and growing fanbases ensure that they will remain integral figures in Hollywood. As their careers continue to evolve, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see where their talents take them next.
