This is a tough one.  Let me define the category and that might help everyone who will immediately tear apart my choices.  I’m putting myself in the shoes of a director with the ability to cast whomever I want.  I’d want someone with proven chops.  I’d want someone who is at the top of their game (Johnny Depp was on this list 10 years ago).  I’d want someone who can carry a film and/or can work seamlessly with an ensemble.  I’d want these five gentlemen (in no order but alphabetical).

Christian Bale

Daniel Day-Lewis

Leonardo DiCaprio

Robert Downey Jr.

Brad Pitt

Honorable Mention: George Clooney, Matt Damon,  Bryan Cranston, Tom Hanks (I need another good year to put him back in the top 5), and Christoph Waltz.