2015's Making a Murderer was one of Netflix's first big hits in the true crime genre as people were completely engrossed in the story of Steven Avery and the complicated real-life tales behind his exoneration and eventual conviction for a different crime.
The whirlwind story was entertaining and it's still continuing in real-time as new information about the case is being released, meaning that the documentary might not be the end of Steven Avery's journey. A movie might be in the future, and here are some of the best options from dramatic actors like Vincent D'onofrio to more comedic actors like Danny McBride who could portray Avery.
Vincent D'onofrio
Vincent D'onofrio has a long career in the industry from movies like Full Metal Jacket portraying a deranged soldier to the Netflix series Daredevil portraying a villainous kingpin criminal. That means there's no questioning his impressive acting range.
D'onofrio could easily transform into Avery for a movie as the two already look somewhat similar and D'onofrio has proved his acting is more than capable to be considered for the role.
Jim O'Heir
Jim O'Heir is best known for his role as Jerry on Parks and Recreation and while most of his filmography is comedic, it's undeniable how much O'Heir resembles Avery.
A haircut and facial hair easily make the two look very alike and means that O'Heir should be considered for a role if the movie is made. Because most of O'Heir's work has been comedic doesn't mean he can't shift into a more dramatic role.
Paul Walter Ha
Paul Walter Ha has gained some notoriety for his recent role in Clint Eastwood's Richard Jewell and has had prominent yet more comedic roles in I, Tonya and Cobra Kai.
Ha resembles the real-life Avery and has experience portraying a real-life person, Jewell, who had complicated interactions with law enforcement, which is why it makes sense he would be able to portray Avery in a similar way.
Michael Harney
Michael Harney is best known for his portrayal of prison guard Sam Healy on Netflix's Orange is the New Black and his guest work in several police procedural dramas.
Harney has an extensive career in projects concerning law enforcement, so it makes sense for him to be considered for a role like Steven Avery especially since Harney resembles the real-life person already.
Pilou Asbæk
Pilou Asbæk guest-starred on Game of Thrones as Euron Greyjoy for multiple episodes. He also has a striking resemblance to a younger Steven Avery, unlike some of the other candidates listed.
If a movie version of Avery's story wanted to follow the entire timeline and show a younger Avery, then Asbæk would be a perfect option to portray him throughout the early stages.
Zach Galifianakis
Zach Galifianakis is arguably still best known for his break-out role in the successful comedy The Hangover. However, he also starred in the comedic drama Baskets that ran for multiple seasons on FX and the more dramatic comedy It's Kind of a Funny Story.
Galifianakis' filmography proves that he can be successful in a more dramatic role and his similar looks to Avery make him a good choice for the role.
Danny McBride
Danny McBride is another actor that balances between drama and comedy with great success and has created and starred in several projects including his HBO series Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, and The Righteous Gemstones.
McBride could easily be made to look more like Avery to portray him in a movie as they already share some similarities. His filmography proves he could deliver in the role as well.
Bill Hader
Bill Hader might not look exactly like Steven Avery, but it could be believable with facial hair and possibly some minimal prosthetics. Hader's knack for building impersonations, as he did on Saturday Night Live, pretty much ensures he could portray a real-life person if given time to nail the voice and mannerisms.
Bill Hader's success with HBO's Barry also proves that the comedic actor has absolutely no issue slipping into a more dramatic and serious role, especially one involved on the wrong side of the law.
Neal McDonough
Neal McDonough is a prolific character actor known for losing himself in a role whether it's as the lovable Dum Dum Dugan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or a sophisticated villain like in Justified. McDonough is undeniably a great actor with a dramatic filmography.
McDonough's unique and striking look would be perfect to portray Steven Avery and his filmography proves he can approach just about any type of role with success.
Michael Shannon
Michael Shannon is known for playing villains, but can also give them a more dynamic and dramatic performance and even slip into a more comedic role from time to time. The actor's range from Take Shelter to Knives Out proves he shouldn't have an issue portraying Avery in a movie.
Michael Shannon has also already portrayed a real-life figure in the criminal world Richard Kuklinski. Shannon would be a great option given his acting talent and resemblance to Avery.
