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* Prince Akeem from ''Film/ComingToAmerica'' is this to both protagonists of ''Film/TradingPlaces'':
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* Prince Akeem from ''Film/ComingToAmerica'' is this to both protagonists of ''Film/TradingPlaces'':''Film/TradingPlaces'', which takes place in the same universe:
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* Several characters in ''Film/JurassicWorld'' seem deliberately written to contrast similar characters from the original ''Film/JurassicPark'1993', as ''Jurassic World'' is the first film in the series that doesn't reuse any of the principal characters from the first movie. [[note]] B.D. Wong reprises his role as Dr. Henry Wu to provide continuity, but he had only a few minutes of screen-time in the original, and his only role was [[MrExposition explaining how the breeding process worked]].[[/note]]
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* Several characters in ''Film/JurassicWorld'' seem deliberately written to contrast similar characters from the original ''Film/JurassicPark'1993', ''Film/JurassicPark1993'', as ''Jurassic World'' is the first film in the series that doesn't reuse any of the principal characters from the first movie. [[note]] B.D. Wong reprises his role as Dr. Henry Wu to provide continuity, but he had only a few minutes of screen-time in the original, and his only role was [[MrExposition explaining how the breeding process worked]].[[/note]]
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* Several characters in ''Film/JurassicWorld'' seem deliberately written to contrast similar characters from the original ''Film/JurassicPark'', as ''Jurassic World'' is the first film in the series that doesn't reuse any of the principal characters from the first movie. [[note]] B.D. Wong reprises his role as Dr. Henry Wu to provide continuity, but he had only a few minutes of screen-time in the original, and his only role was [[MrExposition explaining how the breeding process worked]].[[/note]]
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* Several characters in ''Film/JurassicWorld'' seem deliberately written to contrast similar characters from the original ''Film/JurassicPark'', ''Film/JurassicPark'1993', as ''Jurassic World'' is the first film in the series that doesn't reuse any of the principal characters from the first movie. [[note]] B.D. Wong reprises his role as Dr. Henry Wu to provide continuity, but he had only a few minutes of screen-time in the original, and his only role was [[MrExposition explaining how the breeding process worked]].[[/note]]
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---> '''Masrani:''' When John Hammond entrusted his park to me, never once did he talk of profit. "Spare no expense!"]], [[CallBack he always said.
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---> '''Masrani:''' When John Hammond entrusted his park to me, never once did he talk of profit. [[CallBack "Spare no expense!"]], [[CallBack he always said.
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* In contrast to [[Film/Venom2018 Eddie Brock]] and [[Film/Morbius2022 Michael Morbius]] from the previous ''Film/SonysSpiderManUniverse'' films who were [[AntiHero anti-heroes]] with a HorrorHunger, Cassandra "Cassie" Webb from ''Film/MadameWeb2024'' is a more traditionally heroic (if notably antisocial at first) character who is gifted powers she didn’t expect and chooses to use them to protect the innocent.
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[[caption-width-right:350:From a [[Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen wacky teenager who constantly needs saving]] to a [[Film/TransformersTheLastKnight badass adult who does the saving]]."]]
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[[caption-width-right:350:From a [[Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen wacky teenager who constantly needs saving]] to a [[Film/TransformersTheLastKnight badass adult who does the saving]]."]]]]
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[[caption-width-right:350:From a [[Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen wacky teenager who constantly needs saving]] to a [[Film/TransformersTheLastKnight badass adult who does the saving]]."]]
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[[quoteright:350:[[Franchise/{{Transformers}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mixcollage_20_jan_2024_05_36_pm_3100.jpg]]]]
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Examples of ContrastingSequelMainCharacter in live action films.
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Examples of ContrastingSequelMainCharacter in live action films.
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* James and Mary Sandin from ''Film/ThePurge1'' are a suburban couple with little combat experience who initially try to stay out of The Purge rather then getting involved in it. ''Film/ThePurgeAnarchy'', on the other hand, has Leo Barnes, a OneManArmy AntiHero who willingly participates in The Purge.
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* ''Film/ThePurgeUniverse'':
** James and Mary Sandin from ''Film/ThePurge1'' are a suburban couple with little combat experience who initially try to stay out of The Purge rather then getting involved in it. ''Film/ThePurgeAnarchy'', on the other hand, has Leo Barnes, a OneManArmy AntiHero who willingly participates in The Purge.
** James and Mary Sandin from ''Film/ThePurge1'' are a suburban couple with little combat experience who initially try to stay out of The Purge rather then getting involved in it. ''Film/ThePurgeAnarchy'', on the other hand, has Leo Barnes, a OneManArmy AntiHero who willingly participates in The Purge.
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Cool Loser TRS cleanup
, has been renamed to Unconvincingly Unpopular Character and is a YMMV audience reaction.
, has been renamed to Unconvincingly Unpopular Character and is a YMMV audience reaction.Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* Similarly to the Batman example, every cinematic version of ComicBook/SpiderMan has made sure to make its version of Peter Parker subtly different. Tobey Maguire's [[Film/SpiderManTrilogy version]] was a rather pathetic awkward nerd who developed the Spider-Man persona to win the heart of the girl he loves, and differed from his successors by using ''organic'' web-shooters. Andrew Garfield's [[Film/TheAmazingSpiderManSeries incarnation]] was more of a handsome, charismatic CoolLoser and {{geek}} who had a slightly darker personality than Maguire, and started as a vigilante hunting down the man who killed Uncle Ben. His Parker was unique in that his powers had [[AdaptationOriginConnection a direct connection]] to Oscorp. And finally, Tom Holland's [[Film/SpiderManHomecoming performance]] is a young, WideEyedIdealist who's inspired by the other superheroes around him to do good in the world, and shares his secret with others. Holland is also both the first Spider-Man actor who's [[DawsonCasting even remotely close to Peter's actual age]] and the first to play him in a world where [[Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse other superheroes exist.]] All of them have had different love interests thus far (Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacey, and Liz Allen (and later Michelle Jones), respectively.) [[spoiler:All three of them even get to meet in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'', where the differences are made the most obvious.]]
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* Similarly to the Batman example, every cinematic version of ComicBook/SpiderMan has made sure to make its version of Peter Parker subtly different. Tobey Maguire's [[Film/SpiderManTrilogy version]] was a rather pathetic awkward nerd who developed the Spider-Man persona to win the heart of the girl he loves, and differed from his successors by using ''organic'' web-shooters. Andrew Garfield's [[Film/TheAmazingSpiderManSeries incarnation]] was more of a handsome, charismatic CoolLoser and {{geek}} who had a slightly darker personality than Maguire, and started as a vigilante hunting down the man who killed Uncle Ben. His Parker was unique in that his powers had [[AdaptationOriginConnection a direct connection]] to Oscorp. And finally, Tom Holland's [[Film/SpiderManHomecoming performance]] is a young, WideEyedIdealist who's inspired by the other superheroes around him to do good in the world, and shares his secret with others. Holland is also both the first Spider-Man actor who's [[DawsonCasting even remotely close to Peter's actual age]] and the first to play him in a world where [[Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse other superheroes exist.]] All of them have had different love interests thus far (Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacey, and Liz Allen (and later Michelle Jones), respectively.) [[spoiler:All three of them even get to meet in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'', where the differences are made the most obvious.]]
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* In ''Film/HocusPocus, the teenage protagonist is Max, an ordinary boy who's recently moved to Salem from California and who [[AgentScully doesn't believe in witchcraft]] until he gets caught up in it. In ''Film/HocusPocus2'', the protagonists are two girls named Becca and Izzy, who have lived in Salem all their lives, are deeply interested in witchcraft, and [[spoiler: eventually realize that they ''are'' witches.]]
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* In ''Film/HocusPocus, ''Film/HocusPocus'', the teenage protagonist is Max, an ordinary boy who's recently moved to Salem from California and who [[AgentScully doesn't believe in witchcraft]] until he gets caught up in it. In ''Film/HocusPocus2'', the protagonists are two girls named Becca and Izzy, who have lived in Salem all their lives, are deeply interested in witchcraft, and [[spoiler: eventually realize that they ''are'' witches.]]
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* In ''Film/HocusPocus, the teenage protagonist is Max, an ordinary boy who's recently moved to Salem from California and who [[AgentScully doesn't believe in witchcraft]] until he gets caught up in it. In ''Film/HocusPocus2'', the protagonists are two girls named Becca and Izzy, who have lived in Salem all their lives, are deeply interested in witchcraft, and [[spoiler: eventually realize that they ''are'' witches.]]
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* Jack Griffin in ''Film/TheInvisibleMan'' is rude and aggressive to everyone he meets right from the start, used the invisibility formula on himself willingly to try and further his scientific career (with the somewhat sympathetic motivation of wanting money so his fiancee didn't have to marry a poor man--but he only states this to her, so it's not entirely clear how much he was really thinking of that or of personal gain), and most characters (with the exception of his fiancee) dislike and distrust him. While it's suggested he was a better person before taking the PsychoSerum, we never actually see what he was like as the film starts with him already very much affected by the formula, and as it affects his mind even more over the course of the film he becomes an outright mass-murderer. In contrast, Geoffrey Radcliffe in ''Film/TheInvisibleManReturns'' is established early on to be a kind and gentle character, [[NiceToTheWaiter beloved by his servants and employees]] as he is strongly concerned for their safety and working conditions, and only reluctantly taking the formula because he was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime and needs to escape and find the real murderer. When we first meet him he has only just taken the formula and it's not yet affecting him much; while he begins to get similar ideas to Griffin about taking over the world later in the film as it affects his mind more, he doesn't act on them, only killing one person (the villain). Their fates similarly contrast: while Jack Griffin, after committing various horrible crimes and turning everyone against him, is hunted down and killed by the police, Geoffrey Radcliffe succeeds in clearing his name and defeating the villain, and is saved from death by a literal ''crowd'' of people volunteering to donate blood for him as he is so beloved by everyone who knows him, getting a happy ending with his fiancee.
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* Jack Griffin in ''Film/TheInvisibleMan'' ''Film/TheInvisibleMan1933'' is rude and aggressive to everyone he meets right from the start, used the invisibility formula on himself willingly to try and further his scientific career (with the somewhat sympathetic motivation of wanting money so his fiancee didn't have to marry a poor man--but he only states this to her, so it's not entirely clear how much he was really thinking of that or of personal gain), and most characters (with the exception of his fiancee) dislike and distrust him. While it's suggested he was a better person before taking the PsychoSerum, we never actually see what he was like as the film starts with him already very much affected by the formula, and as it affects his mind even more over the course of the film he becomes an outright mass-murderer. In contrast, Geoffrey Radcliffe in ''Film/TheInvisibleManReturns'' is established early on to be a kind and gentle character, [[NiceToTheWaiter beloved by his servants and employees]] as he is strongly concerned for their safety and working conditions, and only reluctantly taking the formula because he was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime and needs to escape and find the real murderer. When we first meet him he has only just taken the formula and it's not yet affecting him much; while he begins to get similar ideas to Griffin about taking over the world later in the film as it affects his mind more, he doesn't act on them, only killing one person (the villain). Their fates similarly contrast: while Jack Griffin, after committing various horrible crimes and turning everyone against him, is hunted down and killed by the police, Geoffrey Radcliffe succeeds in clearing his name and defeating the villain, and is saved from death by a literal ''crowd'' of people volunteering to donate blood for him as he is so beloved by everyone who knows him, getting a happy ending with his fiancee.
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* Jack Griffin in ''Film/TheInvisibleMan'' is rude and aggressive to everyone he meets right from the start, used the invisibility formula on himself willingly to try and further his scientific career (with the somewhat sympathetic motivation of wanting money so his fiancee didn't have to marry a poor man--but he only states this to her, so it's not entirely clear how much he was really thinking of that or of personal gain), and most characters (with the exception of his fiancee) dislike and distrust him. While it's suggested he was a better person before taking the PsychoSerum, we never actually see what he was like as the film starts with him already very much affected by the formula, and as it affects his mind even more over the course of the film he becomes an outright mass-murderer. In contrast, Geoffrey Radcliffe in ''Film/TheInvisibleManReturns'' is established early on to be a kind and gentle character, [[NiceToTheWaiter beloved by his servants and employees]] as he is strongly concerned for their safety and working conditions, and only reluctantly taking the formula because he was wrongfully imprisoned for a crime and needs to escape and find the real murderer. When we first meet him he has only just taken the formula and it's not yet affecting him much; while he begins to get similar ideas to Griffin about taking over the world later in the film as it affects his mind more, he doesn't act on them, only killing one person (the villain). Their fates similarly contrast: while Jack Griffin, after committing various horrible crimes and turning everyone against him, is hunted down and killed by the police, Geoffrey Radcliffe succeeds in clearing his name and defeating the villain, and is saved from death by a literal ''crowd'' of people volunteering to donate blood for him as he is so beloved by everyone who knows him, getting a happy ending with his fiancee.
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* The Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse version of Batman, compared to [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy the Christian Bale interpretation of the character]]. He's presented as an older, experienced Batman, whereas Bale's version had an entire film devoted to his origin. He also operates in a more fantastical world, and does not appear to have a ThouShallNotKill principle, unlike Bale.
** Both modern versions of Batman differ from the version introduced in the original 1989 ''Film/{{Batman|1989}}'' film and its three sequels. The Creator/MichaelKeaton Batman was a little more [[SociallyAwkwardHero awkward and eccentric]] as Bruce Wayne, in contrast to the Bale and Affleck versions who were both [[MillionairePlayboy charming, one-percenter yuppie types]]. A crucial difference is that, while the other two make sure to devote equal time to both Batman and Bruce Wayne, it's implied for the Keaton version that "Bruce Wayne" is little more than a mask to protect his identity as Batman, rather than the other way around. Unlike Bale, Keaton's version is fully willing to outright kill his enemies if necessary, and unlike Affleck, he's occasionally even ''[[PsychoticSmirk smiled]]'' while doing it. Keaton’s Batman is himself this as well to the Adam West version of Batman from the 1960s.
* Several characters in ''Film/JurassicWorld'' seem deliberately written to contrast similar characters from the original ''Film/JurassicPark'', as ''Jurassic World'' is the first film in the series that doesn't reuse any of the principal characters from the first movie. [[note]] B.D. Wong reprises his role as Dr. Henry Wu to provide continuity, but he had only a few minutes of screen-time in the original, and his only role was [[MrExposition explaining how the breeding process worked]].[[/note]]
** Claire Dearing, an [[TheStoic emotionally distant]] thirty-something {{workaholic}} who meticulously obsesses over the park's profits, contrasts John Hammond, an eccentric elderly showman who starts the park to realize a personal dream. Where Hammond is a loving grandfather, Dearing is introduced as the child protagonists' aunt, and she's too devoted to her job to consider having children. Notably, Claire shares Hammond's all-white wardrobe, and she's also asked to watch two children while their parents are going through a divorce. Lampshaded by Simon Masrani in one scene, when he gets sick of Claire spewing financial figures at him.
---> '''Masrani:''' When John Hammond entrusted his park to me, never once did he talk of profit. "Spare no expense!"]], [[CallBack he always said.
** Owen Grady, a cheerful, idealistic FluffyTamer, contrasts Robert Muldoon, a grim, cynical GreatWhiteHunter. Notably, both of them have special relationships with the velociraptors, but where Owen tries to train them [[FriendToAllLivingThings by forming bonds based on mutual respect]], Muldoon merely sees them as [[WorthyOpponent worthy adversaries]] and wants to see them all exterminated. Owen likes kids and is a former Navy man, unlike scientist Alan Grant.
** Muldoon was trim, blunt and direct, and he wanted to kill the raptors, but Hoskins is big, superficially chummy, and wants to exploit them. Visually, Muldoon wears loose, worn, practical outdoor clothes in earth tones, while Hoskins wears an spotless, too-small earth-tone shirt, with less practical black slacks and a fussy little goatee; he's not really someone who gets his hands dirty.
** Lowery Cruthers, a slovenly computer geek with an authority problem, is written to evoke [[PlayfulHacker Dennis Nedry]]. But while Dennis betrays his superiors for personal profit ultimately [[spoiler: dies trying to escape the park]], Lowery stays loyal to his boss and ultimately [[spoiler: risks his life to stay behind and [[BigDamnHeroes save Owen and Claire]]]]. Notably, Claire chews him out for having a cluttered workspace, just like Ray Arnold did to Dennis in the original.
** Masrani is a lot more of a hands-on owner than Hammond was. While Hammond acted like the grandfather he was, Masrani is a confident - arguably a bit childish - and wants to make the park fun ''and'' profitable. When the I.Rex escapes, Masrani personally pilots the helicopter that tries to take it down. [[spoiler:Also, Hammond actually survived his debut movie to die, presumably, of old age. Masrani not so much.]] In a sense, he combines Peter Ludlow's cold-blooded business pragmatism with Hammond's idealism.
* In the prequel film to ''Film/{{Orphan}}'', ''Film/OrphanFirstKill'', there are many contradictions between the families Esther ends up with in the films, Colemans and the Albrights.
** Tricia to Kate: The matriarch protagonists that clash with Esther. While Kate is low-functioning and more prone to distress, making her easier to manipulate by Esther, Tricia is more composed and is able to see through Esther's disguise, forcing Esther to reveal her true self and work together with her.
** Allen to John: The oblivious patriarches and the targets of Esther's affections. While John was the only one of the Colemans to die and was an AssholeVictim, Allen was the last of the Albrights to die and was TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth.
** Gunnar to Daniel: The {{Big Brother Bull|y}}ies of the adopted Esther. While Daniel is horrified at Esther's true nature and tries to protect his sister from her, [[spoiler:Gunnar refuses to take responsibility for his sister's murder and blackmails Esther into keeping quiet]].
** [[spoiler: The ''real'' Esther]] to Max: The cute innocent girls who end up suffering by the {{Dark Secret}}s of a family member. Max looked up to Esther as a CoolBigSis, only for Esther to abuse her into complying with her crimes and eventually tries to kill her and her family. [[spoiler:The real Esther Albright was very close specifically to her father, only for her brother to accidentally murder her in a sibling squabble and her mother to cover it up, apparently favoring Gunnar over her]].
* Creator/JamesFranco's Oscar "Oz" Diggs, the protagonist of ''Film/OzTheGreatAndPowerful'', bears this relationship to Creator/JudyGarland's Dorothy Gale in ''Film/TheWizardOfOz''. Dorothy is a pure-hearted, [[ThePollyanna relentlessly optimistic]] farm girl who's unshakably loyal to her friends, [[WillNotTellALie always tells the truth]], and spends the whole story eager to get back home. Oscar is a cynical GuileHero and a master showman who uses illusions to his advantage, he spends the first act of the movie as [[IWorkAlone a stubborn loner]], and he ultimately elects to stay in Oz permanently as its ruler.
* For the ''Film/{{Alien}}'' prequel ''Film/{{Prometheus}}'', Creator/RidleyScott intentionally avoided making Creator/NoomiRapace's character Elizabeth "Liz" Shaw too similar to Creator/SigourneyWeaver's iconic Ellen Ripley. While Ripley was a working-class engineer and single mother just looking to make an honest paycheck, Shaw is a bookish archaeologist driven by her thirst for scientific knowledge, and she's romantically involved with her crew-mate.
* The first ''Film/{{Predator}}'' 's main character, Dutch, is a burly, patriotic commando with strict ethics who starts off with a loyal team containing a SixthRangerTraitor who manipulated him into doing his dirty work. ''Film/Predator2'''s main character, Harrigan, is a middle-aged, anti-heroic black CowboyCop who doesn't play well with others but is ruthless in hunting down the Predators when they come into his territory and after his people. ''Film/{{Predators}}''[='=]s main character, Royce is a mercenary and BloodKnight, a thin loner, doesn't care about most of the others on his "team", and at one point betrays them to flush out the Predators.
* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
** The prequel trilogy showed Anakin Skywalker to be this towards his son Luke. Both are raised on desert planets, but whereas Luke had a happy family life on a farm with loving parental figures, Anakin was born into slavery with just his loving mother. Luke didn't really angst over the death of his family (he was upset, but since they [[ScreeningTheCall continually kept him from leaving]], he embraced the freedom their death granted), while Anakin's grief over losing his loved ones set him on his StartOfDarkness.
** ''Film/TheForceAwakens''' new PowerTrio (Finn, Rey, and Poe Dameron) are set up as counterparts to Luke, Leia, and Han from the original trilogy in varying ways:
*** Poe is a dashing, dark-haired ace pilot with a sardonic streak, like Han, but is already dedicated to LaResistance, like Leia. Like Leia, he is also the one who is captured by the First Order.
*** Finn is a heroic everyman like Luke, and puts up a valiant effort with a lightsaber ([[spoiler:the same one that Luke used]]). However, he initially [[RefusalOfTheCall wants no part of the Resistance]], like Han (albeit for different reasons: Han [[NotInThisForYourRevolution answers only to himself]], while Finn is an [[MookFaceTurn ex-Stormtrooper]] who wants to get as far away from the First Order as possible).
*** Rey is a courageous ActionGirl like Leia, but her origins are closer to that of Luke's; he was a farmhand living a humble life on a desert world, while she was a [[WrenchWench mechanic]] eking out a living on a harsh ScavengerWorld, and both are interested but hesitant in taking up the CallToAdventure before getting swept into it by the end. [[spoiler:She's also a fledgeling Jedi with a strong connection to the Force, and is much more adept with a lightsaber than Finn.]] She also differs from the previous female leads, Leia and Padmé, by not being royalty or from a privileged background.
*** BB-8 is a droid who serves the rebellion, like R2-D2, but as opposed to R2's tall and cylindrical "trash can" design with blue highlights, BB-8 is short and spherical with orange highlights. He's also much smaller, faster, and more agile than R2, and while R2 is primarily part of ThoseTwoGuys with C-3PO, BB-8 works alone without another droid partner. In addition, while R2-D2 is TheGadfly who loves messing with and pranking his comrades and has little obvious affection for anyone, BB-8 is more of the ConsummateProfessional who spends less time joking around and shows a great deal of respect both to those around him and to R2, whom he seems to idolize. There's also the fact that R2 was mostly a NonActionGuy while BB-8 is more of an active combatant, even [[spoiler: hijacking an AT-ST]] at one point in ''The Last Jedi.''
** Jyn Erso continues this trend in ''Film/RogueOne''. Unlike the Skywalkers or Rey, she has no questions as to her origin and believes in the Force from the beginning, yet is a cynic who initially doesn't want to get involved. Ironically, despite being given a lightsaber crystal, she has no Force abilities herself and is the first protagonist in a Star Wars film to not be on the path to become a Jedi. [[spoiler: She is also the first main hero of a film to die in the movie she first appeared in.]]
** K-2SO is this for C-3PO. Threepio is a shiny golden, human-sized NonActionGuy and CowardlyLion, while K-2SO is a black-armored droid much taller than a human and with non-humanoid proportions who is TheBigGuy of the team who [[BloodKnight seems to relish combat]]. Whereas Threepio is more of a polite, if stuffy presence to his allies who has a tendency to freak out in combat situations, K-2SO is a [[BrutalHonesty totally blunt]] enforcer who is distrustful of his comrades and remains unfailingly sarcastic even in [[CasualDangerDialogue the midst]] [[TheComicallySerious of battle.]]
** DJ in ''Film/TheLastJedi'' is deliberately set up in contrast to Lando Calrissian in ''Film/TheEmpireStrikesBack''. While Lando is a clean, elegantly dressed black man in bright clothing with a mustache, DJ is a shabbily dressed hobo in dull rags with scraggly PermaStubble played by Latino actor Creator/BenicioDelToro. Lando is a smooth-talking politician who cares deeply for the people of his city enough to reluctantly strike a deal with the Empire, whereas DJ is a total loner on the bottom rung of society's ladder, who believes that the First Order and the Resistance are essentially the same. Most crucially, while Lando comes to regret working with Vader and eventually joins the Rebel Alliance, [[spoiler: DJ is on the heroes' side from the very beginning but betrays them without a second thought to save his own skin.]]
* Similarly to the Batman example, every cinematic version of ComicBook/SpiderMan has made sure to make its version of Peter Parker subtly different. Tobey Maguire's [[Film/SpiderManTrilogy version]] was a rather pathetic awkward nerd who developed the Spider-Man persona to win the heart of the girl he loves, and differed from his successors by using ''organic'' web-shooters. Andrew Garfield's [[Film/TheAmazingSpiderManSeries incarnation]] was more of a handsome, charismatic CoolLoser and {{geek}} who had a slightly darker personality than Maguire, and started as a vigilante hunting down the man who killed Uncle Ben. His Parker was unique in that his powers had [[AdaptationOriginConnection a direct connection]] to Oscorp. And finally, Tom Holland's [[Film/SpiderManHomecoming performance]] is a young, WideEyedIdealist who's inspired by the other superheroes around him to do good in the world, and shares his secret with others. Holland is also both the first Spider-Man actor who's [[DawsonCasting even remotely close to Peter's actual age]] and the first to play him in a world where [[Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse other superheroes exist.]] All of them have had different love interests thus far (Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacey, and Liz Allen (and later Michelle Jones), respectively.) [[spoiler:All three of them even get to meet in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'', where the differences are made the most obvious.]]
* Every cinematic version of Franchise/{{Superman}} has had different interpretations over the decades, each of them having different ways to portray the Superman/Clark Kent dichotomy. Creator/ChristopherReeve's Superman was a light-hearted, old-fashioned kind of hero reminiscent of the Silver Age who merely used the Clark persona as a facade. Creator/BrandonRouth's [[Film/SupermanReturns version]] was mostly similar to Reeve's, albeit a bit quieter and more introspective, what with him returning to Earth after a five-year-long journey to Krypton, questioning his relevance in the 21st century and [[spoiler:having a son out of wedlock with ComicBook/LoisLane]]. Creator/HenryCavill's [[Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse portrayal]] is the most flawed and morally conflicted version of Superman, constantly mindful of the effects his actions have on humanity and questioning his place in the world. Another difference from Reeve and Routh is that Cavill portrays both Superman and Clark as the "real person", with the issue of a SecretIdentity not addressed until the end of ''Film/ManOfSteel''. In the [[Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice sequel]], the difference between Clark and Superman becomes a bit more obvious, with Cavill playing Superman in a stoic and patient, sometimes stern, manner, and Clark becoming more dynamic and assertive.
* When making [[Film/TheThing2011 the 2011 prequel]] to ''Film/TheThing1982'', the director understandably didn't want to make his protagonist too similar to Creator/KurtRussell's memorable character. The solution was to contrast Russell's performance as an experienced, scruffy, alcoholic anti-social helicopter pilot with a young, less experienced but professional-minded female student of paleontology.
* The ''Film/TransformersFilmSeries'' seems to be headed this way with ''Film/TransformersAgeOfExtinction'', which replaced Creator/ShiaLaBeouf's long-time protagonist Sam Witwicky with the new character Cade Yeager, played by Creator/MarkWahlberg. Where Witwicky was a middle-class suburban KidHero, Yeager is a middle-aged working-class single father who works as a mechanic in rural Texas. ''Film/{{Bumblebee}}'' seems to be upholding the tradition with Charlie Watson, in addition to being the first female protagonist of the series, she's a WorkingClassHero like Cade but is only slightly older than Sam was in the first movie.
* ''Film/Ghostbusters2016'' subtly frames the members of its all-female Ghostbusters team as {{Foil}}s of the team from the original 1984 ''Film/{{Ghostbusters|1984}}'', resulting in them being recognizable stand-ins with their own distinct personalities.
** Erin Gilbert to Peter Venkman. Like Venkman, she's initially the least enthused about busting ghosts, and joins the team after losing her university teaching gig. But where Venkman was a self-centered, slovenly, BrilliantButLazy AntiHero who started the Ghostbusters to turn a profit, Gilbert is idealistic, ambitious, and highly professional, and she gets into busting ghosts to help people. While Venkman was TheCharmer who often used his charisma to get his way, Gilbert is the most shy and socially awkward of the group in spite of her determination and leadership skills.
** Abby Yates to Ray Stantz. Like Stantz, she's TheHeart of the group who's initially the ''most'' enthused about busting ghosts, she brings the most knowledge of the paranormal to the table, and she's known for her enthusiasm and energy. But while Stantz was somewhat reserved and shy, and had to be convinced by his friend Venkman to use his paranormal knowledge to start a business, Abby is the most confident and outgoing of the group, and she's the one who convinces ''Gilbert'' to start a paranormal investigation business.
** Jillian Holtzmann to Egon Spengler. Like Spengler, she's [[TheSmartGuy The Brains]] of the group who brings the scientific know-how that makes busting ghosts possible, and knows much more about "hard" science and engineering than her companions. But while Egon was a stoic and somewhat emotionally stilted genius [[NoSocialSkills who felt more comfortable around science experiments than around people]], Holtzmann is a quirky, fun-loving BunnyEarsLawyer who's the most laid-back of the crew, and regularly makes jokes in dangerous situations. She's also something of a BloodKnight, and tends to charge into danger faster than any of her friends.
** Patty Tolan to Winston Zeddemore. Like Zeddemore, she's the street-smart, working-class TokenMinority of the group who joins the Ghostbusters to assist on missions, despite lacking the others' specialized scientific skills. But while Winston was openly apathetic about the paranormal, and only joined the Ghostbusters [[OnlyInItForTheMoney because they offered him a steady paycheck]], Tolan ''[[JumpedAtTheCall volunteers]]'' to join the team because she believes that they need her skills, and she's initially their first client after she witnesses a haunting in the New York Subway. [[spoiler: Lampshaded, when it turns out that her uncle is played by Ernie Hudson.]]
* The ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' franchise has this ''and'' ContrastingSequelAntagonist with its title character: [[Film/Godzilla1954 the original Godzilla]] was a TragicMonster, the Showa incarnation was a villain who eventually let go of his anger and became a hero, the Heisei incarnation was an indifferent NoNonsenseNemesis, the Franchise/MonsterVerse version doesn't even seem to hate or even bear a grudge against humanity (even going out his way to avoid hurting people deliberately -- unless [[spoiler:[[Film/GodzillaVsKong you're arrogant enough to try to make a weapon using the skull of one of his enemies]]]]), the Godzilla of ''Film/ShinGodzilla''[='=]s mere existence as an radiated creature is a tragedy onto itself and the Godzilla of [[Anime/GodzillaPlanetOfTheMonsters the]] [[Anime/GodzillaCityOnTheEdgeOfBattle anime]] [[Anime/GodzillaThePlanetEater trilogy]] can and will actively destroy anything in his way -- and that's without getting into the Godzillas of the reboot-happy Millennium series.
* ''Film/AssassinsCreed2016'': The movie is set the same year as ''Assassin's Creed II: Discovery'', which means Aguilar and [[Characters/AssassinsCreedIITheAssassins Ezio Auditore]] are contemporaries. Aguilar, like Ezio, is an Assassin, wears a hood, has hidden blades and [[LeParkour parkours]] his way through his city. Both Ezio and Aguilar are {{Multi Melee Master}}s and confront the Templars-led Spanish Inquisition at the time of the Granada War (Ezio does in ''Discovery''). However, Aguilar's origins are very much a MysteriousPast while Ezio's are well established, Ezio's lavish white and red outfit reflects his Florentine nobleman origins while Aguilar's darker and more humble outfit has Moorish influences (since he comes from the Emirate of Granada). Also, Ezio didn't have one of his fingers severed during his induction in the Brotherhood, and Aguilar doesn't wear a BadassCape.
* Prince Akeem from ''Film/ComingToAmerica'' is this to both protagonists of ''Film/TradingPlaces'':
** Creator/EddieMurphy's other character, Billy Ray Valentine, was [[RagsToRiches a poor man who's suddenly thrown into the world of the wealthy]]. Akeem is [[KingIncognito a wealthy prince who throws himself into the world of the working poor]].
** Louis Winthorpe is a snobby wealthy man with prejudiced attitudes towards the poor and becomes miserable without his wealth. Akeem is kindhearted and has grown weary of being pampered in wealth and welcomes a break from it.
* In ''Film/AFistfulOfDollars'', Joe is a laid-back, bearded man with slightly unkempt clothes who doesn't [[TheStoic express his feelings much]]. In ''Film/ForAFewDollarsMore'', Colonel Mortimer is polished, well-dressed, and even more level-headed by contrast. As a Contrasting Prequel Main Character, Tuco from ''Film/TheGoodTheBadAndTheUgly'' is hot-tempered, impulsive, and even more unkempt than Joe. Joe himself seems to change throughout the trilogy; he's more impetuous around Mortimer and more level-headed around Tuco.
* ''Film/FantasticBeastsAndWhereToFindThem'' has a Contrasting ''Prequel'' Main Character in Newt Scamander to Franchise/HarryPotter:
** Harry is given insanely high expectations as TheChosenOne and is forced to live up to them. Harry's son Albus is an IneptMage who loathes the fame and prestige his family's legacy has brought him. By contrast, Newt Scamander is born to a normal wizarding family and is forced to work his way through a crappy job at the Ministry before a stroke of luck allows him to [[JumpedAtTheCall jump at the call]] and pursue his dream job. Additionally, Newt has a genuine love for magizoology, while Harry (along with Ron) only ever took Care of Magical Creatures as a favour for Hagrid. Also, like Harry, Newt never finished his education at Hogwarts. [[spoiler: However, while Harry chose not to return in order to pursue Voldemort's Horcruxes, Newt was expelled after either causing or taking the blame for a life-threatening incident involving a magical creature.]] Furthermore, Harry began the series as a child while Newt is already an adult when we first meet him.
** Harry also never realized / questioned Dumbledore's manipulations until the final book; the only thing Harry ever questioned him about was his continuing vouching for Snape. Newt knows Dumbledore is manipulating him, calls him out on it and demands answers (which he does get in the extended cut of "Crimes of Grindelwald").
** Harry is an outgoing, adventure-loving Gryffindor whereas Newt is an introverted, level-headed {{Hufflepuff|House}}.
** It takes Harry six years to see his LoveInterest, Ginny, as more than his best buddy’s little sister. Newt takes a liking to his eventual wife, Tina, instantly.
** Harry is an [only child (not by choice of course as he was only fifteen months old when his parents died) and Newt has a brother named Theseus.
** Newt and Harry, however, do share some similarities. They both stick by what they believe in no matter what, don’t give in to the FantasticRacism in the series, and are particularly close to Dumbledore.
** Tina, oddly enough, is the most similar to Harry of the ''Fantastic Beasts'' cast. She's got a similar ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight outlook on life to him. She's an Auror who veers into being a CowboyCop like him. They're both dark haired half-bloods and she was in her school's equivalent to Gryffindor.
* The ''Franchise/PlanetOfTheApes'' series:
** Taylor, of ''Film/PlanetOfTheApes1968'' is a cynical, bitter JerkAss misanthrope put in the awkward position of [[HumanityOnTrial having to argue in favour of humans]].
** ''Film/BeneathThePlanetOfTheApes'''s protagonist, Brent, may seem like a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute but he is consistently a lot more idealistic than Taylor - especially since Taylor has gotten ''a lot'' worse since the end of the first film. Brent is also the last human to be a protagonist in a film of the original series.
** ''Film/EscapeFromThePlanetOfTheApes'' focuses on the chimpanzees Doctors Zira and Cornelius, supporting characters in the previous films. Zira is hot-tempered but intelligent, assertive but loving, while Cornelius, though of comparable intelligence, is a lot more laid-back and easygoing, though as we see, both are perfectly capable of going to extreme lengths to protect those they love.
** ''Film/ConquestOfThePlanetOfTheApes'' focuses on their son, Caesar, who takes almost as dim a view of humanity as Taylor did. In a franchise whose protagonists so far have been astronauts and scientists, Caesar is relatively uneducated, with a background at the circus. While his parents prided themselves on chimpanzee pacifism, Caesar ends the film by leading a violent ape revolution against human oppression. Given that he is played by Creator/RoddyMcDowall, [[IdenticalGrandson the same actor]] who played Cornelius in the earlier films ([[TheOtherDarrin except]] for ''Beneath''), this kind of contrast was definitely called for to prevent the characters from becoming indistinguishable.
** ''Film/BattleForThePlanetOfTheApes'' shows an older, calmer Caesar, trying to build an ideal society rather than simply tear down a bad one. This forces him to be a much more cerebral character than he was in ''Conquest'', and he starts to increasingly resemble Cornelius by the end of it as he tries to find non-violent solutions to the problems around him, including trying to see the best in humans - something he has a lot of trouble with.
* Sequel-remake ''Film/Halloween2018'' has a counterpart for almost every character in [[Film/Halloween1978 the original film]], but most of them go in entirely different directions.
** Laurie is contrasted to her granddaughter Allyson. Laurie was shy, bookish, and spends Halloween babysitting, while Allyson spends the night at a party with friends. Laurie is mostly an ActionSurvivor, while Allyson actually manages to one-up all previous franchise leads by ''setting traps for Michael Myers''.
** Laurie's friend Vicky is set up to contrast with Annie by being a genuinely caring babysitter towards her charge. [[spoiler: This does not save her.]]
** Dr. Loomis gets split between podcaster Aaron Korey and psychologist Dr. Sartain. Korey [[spoiler: is a DecoyProtagonist who dies in his second scene]] while Sartain [[spoiler: is actually a ContrastingSequelAntagonist for Terrance Wynn in ''5'' and ''6'', a deranged lunatic obsessed with Michael who enables his killing spree]].
* The first two ''Halloween'' films focused on Laurie, a shy teenage girl, but ''Film/HalloweenIIISeasonOfTheWitch'''s main character is a grouchy, divorced male doctor with a drinking problem.
* James and Mary Sandin from ''Film/ThePurge1'' are a suburban couple with little combat experience who initially try to stay out of The Purge rather then getting involved in it. ''Film/ThePurgeAnarchy'', on the other hand, has Leo Barnes, a OneManArmy AntiHero who willingly participates in The Purge.
** Eva and Cali also serve this to the Sandins. While both of them are {{Action Survivor}}s who get involved in the Purge despite their attempts not to, James and Mary are a white middle-class husband and wife, while Eva and Cali are a Latina mother and daughter pair with a working-class background.
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* The Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse version of Batman, compared to [[Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy the Christian Bale interpretation of the character]]. He's presented as an older, experienced Batman, whereas Bale's version had an entire film devoted to his origin. He also operates in a more fantastical world, and does not appear to have a ThouShallNotKill principle, unlike Bale.
** Both modern versions of Batman differ from the version introduced in the original 1989 ''Film/{{Batman|1989}}'' film and its three sequels. The Creator/MichaelKeaton Batman was a little more [[SociallyAwkwardHero awkward and eccentric]] as Bruce Wayne, in contrast to the Bale and Affleck versions who were both [[MillionairePlayboy charming, one-percenter yuppie types]]. A crucial difference is that, while the other two make sure to devote equal time to both Batman and Bruce Wayne, it's implied for the Keaton version that "Bruce Wayne" is little more than a mask to protect his identity as Batman, rather than the other way around. Unlike Bale, Keaton's version is fully willing to outright kill his enemies if necessary, and unlike Affleck, he's occasionally even ''[[PsychoticSmirk smiled]]'' while doing it. Keaton’s Batman is himself this as well to the Adam West version of Batman from the 1960s.
* Several characters in ''Film/JurassicWorld'' seem deliberately written to contrast similar characters from the original ''Film/JurassicPark'', as ''Jurassic World'' is the first film in the series that doesn't reuse any of the principal characters from the first movie. [[note]] B.D. Wong reprises his role as Dr. Henry Wu to provide continuity, but he had only a few minutes of screen-time in the original, and his only role was [[MrExposition explaining how the breeding process worked]].[[/note]]
** Claire Dearing, an [[TheStoic emotionally distant]] thirty-something {{workaholic}} who meticulously obsesses over the park's profits, contrasts John Hammond, an eccentric elderly showman who starts the park to realize a personal dream. Where Hammond is a loving grandfather, Dearing is introduced as the child protagonists' aunt, and she's too devoted to her job to consider having children. Notably, Claire shares Hammond's all-white wardrobe, and she's also asked to watch two children while their parents are going through a divorce. Lampshaded by Simon Masrani in one scene, when he gets sick of Claire spewing financial figures at him.
---> '''Masrani:''' When John Hammond entrusted his park to me, never once did he talk of profit. "Spare no expense!"]], [[CallBack he always said.
** Owen Grady, a cheerful, idealistic FluffyTamer, contrasts Robert Muldoon, a grim, cynical GreatWhiteHunter. Notably, both of them have special relationships with the velociraptors, but where Owen tries to train them [[FriendToAllLivingThings by forming bonds based on mutual respect]], Muldoon merely sees them as [[WorthyOpponent worthy adversaries]] and wants to see them all exterminated. Owen likes kids and is a former Navy man, unlike scientist Alan Grant.
** Muldoon was trim, blunt and direct, and he wanted to kill the raptors, but Hoskins is big, superficially chummy, and wants to exploit them. Visually, Muldoon wears loose, worn, practical outdoor clothes in earth tones, while Hoskins wears an spotless, too-small earth-tone shirt, with less practical black slacks and a fussy little goatee; he's not really someone who gets his hands dirty.
** Lowery Cruthers, a slovenly computer geek with an authority problem, is written to evoke [[PlayfulHacker Dennis Nedry]]. But while Dennis betrays his superiors for personal profit ultimately [[spoiler: dies trying to escape the park]], Lowery stays loyal to his boss and ultimately [[spoiler: risks his life to stay behind and [[BigDamnHeroes save Owen and Claire]]]]. Notably, Claire chews him out for having a cluttered workspace, just like Ray Arnold did to Dennis in the original.
** Masrani is a lot more of a hands-on owner than Hammond was. While Hammond acted like the grandfather he was, Masrani is a confident - arguably a bit childish - and wants to make the park fun ''and'' profitable. When the I.Rex escapes, Masrani personally pilots the helicopter that tries to take it down. [[spoiler:Also, Hammond actually survived his debut movie to die, presumably, of old age. Masrani not so much.]] In a sense, he combines Peter Ludlow's cold-blooded business pragmatism with Hammond's idealism.
* In the prequel film to ''Film/{{Orphan}}'', ''Film/OrphanFirstKill'', there are many contradictions between the families Esther ends up with in the films, Colemans and the Albrights.
** Tricia to Kate: The matriarch protagonists that clash with Esther. While Kate is low-functioning and more prone to distress, making her easier to manipulate by Esther, Tricia is more composed and is able to see through Esther's disguise, forcing Esther to reveal her true self and work together with her.
** Allen to John: The oblivious patriarches and the targets of Esther's affections. While John was the only one of the Colemans to die and was an AssholeVictim, Allen was the last of the Albrights to die and was TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth.
** Gunnar to Daniel: The {{Big Brother Bull|y}}ies of the adopted Esther. While Daniel is horrified at Esther's true nature and tries to protect his sister from her, [[spoiler:Gunnar refuses to take responsibility for his sister's murder and blackmails Esther into keeping quiet]].
** [[spoiler: The ''real'' Esther]] to Max: The cute innocent girls who end up suffering by the {{Dark Secret}}s of a family member. Max looked up to Esther as a CoolBigSis, only for Esther to abuse her into complying with her crimes and eventually tries to kill her and her family. [[spoiler:The real Esther Albright was very close specifically to her father, only for her brother to accidentally murder her in a sibling squabble and her mother to cover it up, apparently favoring Gunnar over her]].
* Creator/JamesFranco's Oscar "Oz" Diggs, the protagonist of ''Film/OzTheGreatAndPowerful'', bears this relationship to Creator/JudyGarland's Dorothy Gale in ''Film/TheWizardOfOz''. Dorothy is a pure-hearted, [[ThePollyanna relentlessly optimistic]] farm girl who's unshakably loyal to her friends, [[WillNotTellALie always tells the truth]], and spends the whole story eager to get back home. Oscar is a cynical GuileHero and a master showman who uses illusions to his advantage, he spends the first act of the movie as [[IWorkAlone a stubborn loner]], and he ultimately elects to stay in Oz permanently as its ruler.
* For the ''Film/{{Alien}}'' prequel ''Film/{{Prometheus}}'', Creator/RidleyScott intentionally avoided making Creator/NoomiRapace's character Elizabeth "Liz" Shaw too similar to Creator/SigourneyWeaver's iconic Ellen Ripley. While Ripley was a working-class engineer and single mother just looking to make an honest paycheck, Shaw is a bookish archaeologist driven by her thirst for scientific knowledge, and she's romantically involved with her crew-mate.
* The first ''Film/{{Predator}}'' 's main character, Dutch, is a burly, patriotic commando with strict ethics who starts off with a loyal team containing a SixthRangerTraitor who manipulated him into doing his dirty work. ''Film/Predator2'''s main character, Harrigan, is a middle-aged, anti-heroic black CowboyCop who doesn't play well with others but is ruthless in hunting down the Predators when they come into his territory and after his people. ''Film/{{Predators}}''[='=]s main character, Royce is a mercenary and BloodKnight, a thin loner, doesn't care about most of the others on his "team", and at one point betrays them to flush out the Predators.
* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
** The prequel trilogy showed Anakin Skywalker to be this towards his son Luke. Both are raised on desert planets, but whereas Luke had a happy family life on a farm with loving parental figures, Anakin was born into slavery with just his loving mother. Luke didn't really angst over the death of his family (he was upset, but since they [[ScreeningTheCall continually kept him from leaving]], he embraced the freedom their death granted), while Anakin's grief over losing his loved ones set him on his StartOfDarkness.
** ''Film/TheForceAwakens''' new PowerTrio (Finn, Rey, and Poe Dameron) are set up as counterparts to Luke, Leia, and Han from the original trilogy in varying ways:
*** Poe is a dashing, dark-haired ace pilot with a sardonic streak, like Han, but is already dedicated to LaResistance, like Leia. Like Leia, he is also the one who is captured by the First Order.
*** Finn is a heroic everyman like Luke, and puts up a valiant effort with a lightsaber ([[spoiler:the same one that Luke used]]). However, he initially [[RefusalOfTheCall wants no part of the Resistance]], like Han (albeit for different reasons: Han [[NotInThisForYourRevolution answers only to himself]], while Finn is an [[MookFaceTurn ex-Stormtrooper]] who wants to get as far away from the First Order as possible).
*** Rey is a courageous ActionGirl like Leia, but her origins are closer to that of Luke's; he was a farmhand living a humble life on a desert world, while she was a [[WrenchWench mechanic]] eking out a living on a harsh ScavengerWorld, and both are interested but hesitant in taking up the CallToAdventure before getting swept into it by the end. [[spoiler:She's also a fledgeling Jedi with a strong connection to the Force, and is much more adept with a lightsaber than Finn.]] She also differs from the previous female leads, Leia and Padmé, by not being royalty or from a privileged background.
*** BB-8 is a droid who serves the rebellion, like R2-D2, but as opposed to R2's tall and cylindrical "trash can" design with blue highlights, BB-8 is short and spherical with orange highlights. He's also much smaller, faster, and more agile than R2, and while R2 is primarily part of ThoseTwoGuys with C-3PO, BB-8 works alone without another droid partner. In addition, while R2-D2 is TheGadfly who loves messing with and pranking his comrades and has little obvious affection for anyone, BB-8 is more of the ConsummateProfessional who spends less time joking around and shows a great deal of respect both to those around him and to R2, whom he seems to idolize. There's also the fact that R2 was mostly a NonActionGuy while BB-8 is more of an active combatant, even [[spoiler: hijacking an AT-ST]] at one point in ''The Last Jedi.''
** Jyn Erso continues this trend in ''Film/RogueOne''. Unlike the Skywalkers or Rey, she has no questions as to her origin and believes in the Force from the beginning, yet is a cynic who initially doesn't want to get involved. Ironically, despite being given a lightsaber crystal, she has no Force abilities herself and is the first protagonist in a Star Wars film to not be on the path to become a Jedi. [[spoiler: She is also the first main hero of a film to die in the movie she first appeared in.]]
** K-2SO is this for C-3PO. Threepio is a shiny golden, human-sized NonActionGuy and CowardlyLion, while K-2SO is a black-armored droid much taller than a human and with non-humanoid proportions who is TheBigGuy of the team who [[BloodKnight seems to relish combat]]. Whereas Threepio is more of a polite, if stuffy presence to his allies who has a tendency to freak out in combat situations, K-2SO is a [[BrutalHonesty totally blunt]] enforcer who is distrustful of his comrades and remains unfailingly sarcastic even in [[CasualDangerDialogue the midst]] [[TheComicallySerious of battle.]]
** DJ in ''Film/TheLastJedi'' is deliberately set up in contrast to Lando Calrissian in ''Film/TheEmpireStrikesBack''. While Lando is a clean, elegantly dressed black man in bright clothing with a mustache, DJ is a shabbily dressed hobo in dull rags with scraggly PermaStubble played by Latino actor Creator/BenicioDelToro. Lando is a smooth-talking politician who cares deeply for the people of his city enough to reluctantly strike a deal with the Empire, whereas DJ is a total loner on the bottom rung of society's ladder, who believes that the First Order and the Resistance are essentially the same. Most crucially, while Lando comes to regret working with Vader and eventually joins the Rebel Alliance, [[spoiler: DJ is on the heroes' side from the very beginning but betrays them without a second thought to save his own skin.]]
* Similarly to the Batman example, every cinematic version of ComicBook/SpiderMan has made sure to make its version of Peter Parker subtly different. Tobey Maguire's [[Film/SpiderManTrilogy version]] was a rather pathetic awkward nerd who developed the Spider-Man persona to win the heart of the girl he loves, and differed from his successors by using ''organic'' web-shooters. Andrew Garfield's [[Film/TheAmazingSpiderManSeries incarnation]] was more of a handsome, charismatic CoolLoser and {{geek}} who had a slightly darker personality than Maguire, and started as a vigilante hunting down the man who killed Uncle Ben. His Parker was unique in that his powers had [[AdaptationOriginConnection a direct connection]] to Oscorp. And finally, Tom Holland's [[Film/SpiderManHomecoming performance]] is a young, WideEyedIdealist who's inspired by the other superheroes around him to do good in the world, and shares his secret with others. Holland is also both the first Spider-Man actor who's [[DawsonCasting even remotely close to Peter's actual age]] and the first to play him in a world where [[Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse other superheroes exist.]] All of them have had different love interests thus far (Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacey, and Liz Allen (and later Michelle Jones), respectively.) [[spoiler:All three of them even get to meet in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'', where the differences are made the most obvious.]]
* Every cinematic version of Franchise/{{Superman}} has had different interpretations over the decades, each of them having different ways to portray the Superman/Clark Kent dichotomy. Creator/ChristopherReeve's Superman was a light-hearted, old-fashioned kind of hero reminiscent of the Silver Age who merely used the Clark persona as a facade. Creator/BrandonRouth's [[Film/SupermanReturns version]] was mostly similar to Reeve's, albeit a bit quieter and more introspective, what with him returning to Earth after a five-year-long journey to Krypton, questioning his relevance in the 21st century and [[spoiler:having a son out of wedlock with ComicBook/LoisLane]]. Creator/HenryCavill's [[Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse portrayal]] is the most flawed and morally conflicted version of Superman, constantly mindful of the effects his actions have on humanity and questioning his place in the world. Another difference from Reeve and Routh is that Cavill portrays both Superman and Clark as the "real person", with the issue of a SecretIdentity not addressed until the end of ''Film/ManOfSteel''. In the [[Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice sequel]], the difference between Clark and Superman becomes a bit more obvious, with Cavill playing Superman in a stoic and patient, sometimes stern, manner, and Clark becoming more dynamic and assertive.
* When making [[Film/TheThing2011 the 2011 prequel]] to ''Film/TheThing1982'', the director understandably didn't want to make his protagonist too similar to Creator/KurtRussell's memorable character. The solution was to contrast Russell's performance as an experienced, scruffy, alcoholic anti-social helicopter pilot with a young, less experienced but professional-minded female student of paleontology.
* The ''Film/TransformersFilmSeries'' seems to be headed this way with ''Film/TransformersAgeOfExtinction'', which replaced Creator/ShiaLaBeouf's long-time protagonist Sam Witwicky with the new character Cade Yeager, played by Creator/MarkWahlberg. Where Witwicky was a middle-class suburban KidHero, Yeager is a middle-aged working-class single father who works as a mechanic in rural Texas. ''Film/{{Bumblebee}}'' seems to be upholding the tradition with Charlie Watson, in addition to being the first female protagonist of the series, she's a WorkingClassHero like Cade but is only slightly older than Sam was in the first movie.
* ''Film/Ghostbusters2016'' subtly frames the members of its all-female Ghostbusters team as {{Foil}}s of the team from the original 1984 ''Film/{{Ghostbusters|1984}}'', resulting in them being recognizable stand-ins with their own distinct personalities.
** Erin Gilbert to Peter Venkman. Like Venkman, she's initially the least enthused about busting ghosts, and joins the team after losing her university teaching gig. But where Venkman was a self-centered, slovenly, BrilliantButLazy AntiHero who started the Ghostbusters to turn a profit, Gilbert is idealistic, ambitious, and highly professional, and she gets into busting ghosts to help people. While Venkman was TheCharmer who often used his charisma to get his way, Gilbert is the most shy and socially awkward of the group in spite of her determination and leadership skills.
** Abby Yates to Ray Stantz. Like Stantz, she's TheHeart of the group who's initially the ''most'' enthused about busting ghosts, she brings the most knowledge of the paranormal to the table, and she's known for her enthusiasm and energy. But while Stantz was somewhat reserved and shy, and had to be convinced by his friend Venkman to use his paranormal knowledge to start a business, Abby is the most confident and outgoing of the group, and she's the one who convinces ''Gilbert'' to start a paranormal investigation business.
** Jillian Holtzmann to Egon Spengler. Like Spengler, she's [[TheSmartGuy The Brains]] of the group who brings the scientific know-how that makes busting ghosts possible, and knows much more about "hard" science and engineering than her companions. But while Egon was a stoic and somewhat emotionally stilted genius [[NoSocialSkills who felt more comfortable around science experiments than around people]], Holtzmann is a quirky, fun-loving BunnyEarsLawyer who's the most laid-back of the crew, and regularly makes jokes in dangerous situations. She's also something of a BloodKnight, and tends to charge into danger faster than any of her friends.
** Patty Tolan to Winston Zeddemore. Like Zeddemore, she's the street-smart, working-class TokenMinority of the group who joins the Ghostbusters to assist on missions, despite lacking the others' specialized scientific skills. But while Winston was openly apathetic about the paranormal, and only joined the Ghostbusters [[OnlyInItForTheMoney because they offered him a steady paycheck]], Tolan ''[[JumpedAtTheCall volunteers]]'' to join the team because she believes that they need her skills, and she's initially their first client after she witnesses a haunting in the New York Subway. [[spoiler: Lampshaded, when it turns out that her uncle is played by Ernie Hudson.]]
* The ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' franchise has this ''and'' ContrastingSequelAntagonist with its title character: [[Film/Godzilla1954 the original Godzilla]] was a TragicMonster, the Showa incarnation was a villain who eventually let go of his anger and became a hero, the Heisei incarnation was an indifferent NoNonsenseNemesis, the Franchise/MonsterVerse version doesn't even seem to hate or even bear a grudge against humanity (even going out his way to avoid hurting people deliberately -- unless [[spoiler:[[Film/GodzillaVsKong you're arrogant enough to try to make a weapon using the skull of one of his enemies]]]]), the Godzilla of ''Film/ShinGodzilla''[='=]s mere existence as an radiated creature is a tragedy onto itself and the Godzilla of [[Anime/GodzillaPlanetOfTheMonsters the]] [[Anime/GodzillaCityOnTheEdgeOfBattle anime]] [[Anime/GodzillaThePlanetEater trilogy]] can and will actively destroy anything in his way -- and that's without getting into the Godzillas of the reboot-happy Millennium series.
* ''Film/AssassinsCreed2016'': The movie is set the same year as ''Assassin's Creed II: Discovery'', which means Aguilar and [[Characters/AssassinsCreedIITheAssassins Ezio Auditore]] are contemporaries. Aguilar, like Ezio, is an Assassin, wears a hood, has hidden blades and [[LeParkour parkours]] his way through his city. Both Ezio and Aguilar are {{Multi Melee Master}}s and confront the Templars-led Spanish Inquisition at the time of the Granada War (Ezio does in ''Discovery''). However, Aguilar's origins are very much a MysteriousPast while Ezio's are well established, Ezio's lavish white and red outfit reflects his Florentine nobleman origins while Aguilar's darker and more humble outfit has Moorish influences (since he comes from the Emirate of Granada). Also, Ezio didn't have one of his fingers severed during his induction in the Brotherhood, and Aguilar doesn't wear a BadassCape.
* Prince Akeem from ''Film/ComingToAmerica'' is this to both protagonists of ''Film/TradingPlaces'':
** Creator/EddieMurphy's other character, Billy Ray Valentine, was [[RagsToRiches a poor man who's suddenly thrown into the world of the wealthy]]. Akeem is [[KingIncognito a wealthy prince who throws himself into the world of the working poor]].
** Louis Winthorpe is a snobby wealthy man with prejudiced attitudes towards the poor and becomes miserable without his wealth. Akeem is kindhearted and has grown weary of being pampered in wealth and welcomes a break from it.
* In ''Film/AFistfulOfDollars'', Joe is a laid-back, bearded man with slightly unkempt clothes who doesn't [[TheStoic express his feelings much]]. In ''Film/ForAFewDollarsMore'', Colonel Mortimer is polished, well-dressed, and even more level-headed by contrast. As a Contrasting Prequel Main Character, Tuco from ''Film/TheGoodTheBadAndTheUgly'' is hot-tempered, impulsive, and even more unkempt than Joe. Joe himself seems to change throughout the trilogy; he's more impetuous around Mortimer and more level-headed around Tuco.
* ''Film/FantasticBeastsAndWhereToFindThem'' has a Contrasting ''Prequel'' Main Character in Newt Scamander to Franchise/HarryPotter:
** Harry is given insanely high expectations as TheChosenOne and is forced to live up to them. Harry's son Albus is an IneptMage who loathes the fame and prestige his family's legacy has brought him. By contrast, Newt Scamander is born to a normal wizarding family and is forced to work his way through a crappy job at the Ministry before a stroke of luck allows him to [[JumpedAtTheCall jump at the call]] and pursue his dream job. Additionally, Newt has a genuine love for magizoology, while Harry (along with Ron) only ever took Care of Magical Creatures as a favour for Hagrid. Also, like Harry, Newt never finished his education at Hogwarts. [[spoiler: However, while Harry chose not to return in order to pursue Voldemort's Horcruxes, Newt was expelled after either causing or taking the blame for a life-threatening incident involving a magical creature.]] Furthermore, Harry began the series as a child while Newt is already an adult when we first meet him.
** Harry also never realized / questioned Dumbledore's manipulations until the final book; the only thing Harry ever questioned him about was his continuing vouching for Snape. Newt knows Dumbledore is manipulating him, calls him out on it and demands answers (which he does get in the extended cut of "Crimes of Grindelwald").
** Harry is an outgoing, adventure-loving Gryffindor whereas Newt is an introverted, level-headed {{Hufflepuff|House}}.
** It takes Harry six years to see his LoveInterest, Ginny, as more than his best buddy’s little sister. Newt takes a liking to his eventual wife, Tina, instantly.
** Harry is an [only child (not by choice of course as he was only fifteen months old when his parents died) and Newt has a brother named Theseus.
** Newt and Harry, however, do share some similarities. They both stick by what they believe in no matter what, don’t give in to the FantasticRacism in the series, and are particularly close to Dumbledore.
** Tina, oddly enough, is the most similar to Harry of the ''Fantastic Beasts'' cast. She's got a similar ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight outlook on life to him. She's an Auror who veers into being a CowboyCop like him. They're both dark haired half-bloods and she was in her school's equivalent to Gryffindor.
* The ''Franchise/PlanetOfTheApes'' series:
** Taylor, of ''Film/PlanetOfTheApes1968'' is a cynical, bitter JerkAss misanthrope put in the awkward position of [[HumanityOnTrial having to argue in favour of humans]].
** ''Film/BeneathThePlanetOfTheApes'''s protagonist, Brent, may seem like a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute but he is consistently a lot more idealistic than Taylor - especially since Taylor has gotten ''a lot'' worse since the end of the first film. Brent is also the last human to be a protagonist in a film of the original series.
** ''Film/EscapeFromThePlanetOfTheApes'' focuses on the chimpanzees Doctors Zira and Cornelius, supporting characters in the previous films. Zira is hot-tempered but intelligent, assertive but loving, while Cornelius, though of comparable intelligence, is a lot more laid-back and easygoing, though as we see, both are perfectly capable of going to extreme lengths to protect those they love.
** ''Film/ConquestOfThePlanetOfTheApes'' focuses on their son, Caesar, who takes almost as dim a view of humanity as Taylor did. In a franchise whose protagonists so far have been astronauts and scientists, Caesar is relatively uneducated, with a background at the circus. While his parents prided themselves on chimpanzee pacifism, Caesar ends the film by leading a violent ape revolution against human oppression. Given that he is played by Creator/RoddyMcDowall, [[IdenticalGrandson the same actor]] who played Cornelius in the earlier films ([[TheOtherDarrin except]] for ''Beneath''), this kind of contrast was definitely called for to prevent the characters from becoming indistinguishable.
** ''Film/BattleForThePlanetOfTheApes'' shows an older, calmer Caesar, trying to build an ideal society rather than simply tear down a bad one. This forces him to be a much more cerebral character than he was in ''Conquest'', and he starts to increasingly resemble Cornelius by the end of it as he tries to find non-violent solutions to the problems around him, including trying to see the best in humans - something he has a lot of trouble with.
* Sequel-remake ''Film/Halloween2018'' has a counterpart for almost every character in [[Film/Halloween1978 the original film]], but most of them go in entirely different directions.
** Laurie is contrasted to her granddaughter Allyson. Laurie was shy, bookish, and spends Halloween babysitting, while Allyson spends the night at a party with friends. Laurie is mostly an ActionSurvivor, while Allyson actually manages to one-up all previous franchise leads by ''setting traps for Michael Myers''.
** Laurie's friend Vicky is set up to contrast with Annie by being a genuinely caring babysitter towards her charge. [[spoiler: This does not save her.]]
** Dr. Loomis gets split between podcaster Aaron Korey and psychologist Dr. Sartain. Korey [[spoiler: is a DecoyProtagonist who dies in his second scene]] while Sartain [[spoiler: is actually a ContrastingSequelAntagonist for Terrance Wynn in ''5'' and ''6'', a deranged lunatic obsessed with Michael who enables his killing spree]].
* The first two ''Halloween'' films focused on Laurie, a shy teenage girl, but ''Film/HalloweenIIISeasonOfTheWitch'''s main character is a grouchy, divorced male doctor with a drinking problem.
* James and Mary Sandin from ''Film/ThePurge1'' are a suburban couple with little combat experience who initially try to stay out of The Purge rather then getting involved in it. ''Film/ThePurgeAnarchy'', on the other hand, has Leo Barnes, a OneManArmy AntiHero who willingly participates in The Purge.
** Eva and Cali also serve this to the Sandins. While both of them are {{Action Survivor}}s who get involved in the Purge despite their attempts not to, James and Mary are a white middle-class husband and wife, while Eva and Cali are a Latina mother and daughter pair with a working-class background.
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