Those Times James Marsden Was 'The Nice Guy' And It Never Paid Off

James Marsden's inability to hold on to the girl (despite being basically an all-round great guy) even transcends movie genre. Step 1: James Marsden plays character Step 2: Character gets the girl Step 3: Girl loves/chooses other guy

Scott Summers/Cyclops - X-Men (2000-2014)

The Official Trailer / Via media.theiapolis.com

Poor old Scottseyeyser. He just wanted to defeat the bad dudes and use his laser eyesight for the greater good, as well as have a really nice time with his clairvoyant mutant GF, Jean Grey (Famke Janssen). Too bad Jean Grey was super into Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and the blades that casually pop out of his knuckles. Who can blame her really? Plus side: I bet that eyewear comes in handy when he needs to cry.

Lon Hammond - The Notebook (2004)

New Line Cinema / Via wordpress.com

Hey man, it's not your fault you thought you met the girl of your dreams when she nursed you back to health after you were a brave war hero and all that. Sorry, James - that was just fate kicking your ass again! Sure, you offer Allie (Rachel McAdams) financial security, good looking children, 100% parental approval and a calming, rational manner. Hell, you were even nice when she chose Noah... and yeah, well, inevitable, it's Ryan Gosling. That's all.

Richard White - Superman Returns (2006)

Warner Bros. Pictures Inc / Via aceshowbiz.com

Can't a dude just marry a gal (Kate Bosworth) and not have her pine for her ex-boyfriend - especially when said ex happens to be Superman? Poor Richard proves his worth as an endearing and confident fiance with ideal child raising abilities - the dude can even fly a plane! No competition for the old blue-and-red-underpants-over-tights combo, I'm afraid! Jason's not even your kid!

Prince Edward - Enchanted (2007)

Walt Disney Pictures / Via blogger.com

Disney's Enchanted saw James really stepping it up by travelling through time and dimension to find his fair maiden, Gwen (Amy Adams), after she is flung from the secure 2D fairy tale land to the filthy 3D streets of New York City. Unfortunately for him, Prince Edward's pursuit is not fast enough, and she falls head over heels for McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey). Better luck next time!

20th Century Fox / Via goodwillwatching.com

Okay, okay, okay, so Marsden eventually wooed Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses, and transitioned into Liz Lemon's domestic goddess husband in 30 Rock, but heck, it took long enough!