7 unrealistic Navy SEAL characters in the movies

Tim Kirkpatrick
Mar 19, 2021 9:48 AM PDT
1 minute read
Navy photo

SUMMARY

Since the halcyon days of World War II frogmen, Navy SEALs have completed some of the most dangerous missions ever largely in the shadows — until the book comes out, that is. When done correctly, Hollywood has produced a few films that …

Since the halcyon days of World War II frogmen, Navy SEALs have completed some of the most dangerous missions ever largely in the shadows — until the book comes out, that is.


When done correctly, Hollywood has produced a few films that give those brave men credit where it's due. However, some films try to capitalize on the respected SEAL image by creating characters that are so far-fetched, many veterans call bullsh*t on it right way.

Related: This is why some sailors wear gold stripes, and some wear red

So check out our list of unrealistic Navy SEAL characters we'd love to forget.

1. Lt. Dale Hawkins

Played by Charlie Sheen, the action film "Navy SEALs" showcased Hawkins as being the "wild child" within the SEAL team. The movie decided to show his recklessness by having the character leap out of a moving car and into a river — it worked.

2. Chief Casey Ryback

Steven Seagal plays Chief Casey Ryback, a decorated Navy SEAL who specializes in explosives, weapons, and counter-terrorism turned culinary specialist, spending his remaining years in the Navy as a cook.

3. John "Bullfrog" Burke

OJ "The Juice" Simpson, played a Navy SEAL in 1994's TV movie "Frogmen," but unfortunately it never saw action. The show focused on Simpson's character "Bullfrog" who conducted secret operations out of a dive shop in Malibu.

Unfortunately, 1994 was a big year for Simpson but not in a good way.

We wouldn't follow him into battle (Source: WB)

 

4. Lawrence Hammer

Rob Lowe plays a young rebel navigating through life as an elite member of the Navy SEALs as he's sent off to fight in Desert Storm in 1992's "The Finest Hour."

5. Darius Stone

Talented musician Ice Cube plays Stone in "XXX: State of the Union," where the character's backstory just happens to include being a Navy SEAL — imagine that. Stone is released from jail and given the mission to stop a coup attempt against the President and save the day.

It looks like they mean business. (Source: Sony)

 

6. The whole cast of "Seal Team Eight: Behind Enemy Lines"

Starring Tom Sizemore, the mission is to locate a secret mining operation in the Congo and stop international terrorists from selling uranium.

Check out the trailer below.

Video thumbnail

(YouTube Movies, YouTube)

7. Jordan O'Neill

Demi Moore plays the motivated Navy SEAL candidate in 1997's "G.I. Jane" directed by Ridley Scott. Although the film doesn't show her earning her trident, the implication that she will soon enough is there.

We're not saying women aren't tough enough to be a Navy SEAL, it just hasn't happened yet.

 

Can you think of any others? Comment below

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