Is it important for action figures to look like the actor who played the character?

[Shai]

And I would rather my Indiana Jones figure look like Harrison Ford than, say, this guy:

 

[Shai]

This is a board of Sideshow fans... Of course likeness isn't important to them!

OMG GIVE THE GUY A STAND UP COMIC ACT NOW !!!! HIS ONE-LINERS ARE AMAZINGLY FUNNY !!! CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE !!!

 

[JABBATHERIDGE]

Great idea for a thread.

I think the question is pretty subjective and could vary depending on the needs and wants of individual collectors.

Personally speaking if a figure is based on a character portrayed on television or in the movies, I like it to look as close as possible to the actor's original likeness. However depending upon the price and size of the figure I'm willing to be more accepting. For example I'd never expect the same quality of likeness from a Hasbro 3 3/4 inch SW figure, given the size and price point as I would from a Sideshow 1/6 figure.

So I'd say likeness is very important, but even more so when you're talking about a collectible compared to a mass market toy.

 

[yruh8n]

After getting some custom portraits done I have come to realize that the only way I will get the figures I want is to have the production heads redone. I have talked with a few sculptors about the licensing issues and how it relates to the quality of a likeness. Often the actor/actress will not approve a sculpt that looks just like them. Sarah Michelle Gellar is a good example of this. Also the manufacturing process often affects the outcome of the final product. Some studios develope a "house style" of sculpting that may or may not lend itself to accurate portraits. Ask any POTA fans what they thought of the Brent figure and I think you will find the answer to your question.