Both Joss and J.J. are known for the repeated use of certain actors. The question is: who does it better?

Whedon's Go-To Team:

Summer Glau (Angel, Firefly, Serenity)
Eliza Dushku (Buffy, Angel, Dollhouse)
Nathan Fillion (Buffy, Firefly, Serenity, Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog)
Adam Baldwin (Angel, Firefly, Serenity)
Felicia Day (Buffy, Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog, Dollhouse)

These actors are all worth their multiple roles in the Whedonverse. They are some of the most underused and underappreciated by Hollywood in general. Eliza's move from Faith in "Buffy" and "Angel" to Echo in "Dollhouse" shows that she is more than the small amount of recognition and praise she currently gets. Glau is earning the same respect, especially in her current role on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Nathan Fillion, and the unmentioned Alan Tudyk ("Firefly," "Serenity," and, cross our spoiler-y fingers, "Dollhouse"), are quite possibly the best comedic actors of their generation. While we cannot comment on Day's appearance in "Dollhouse" because the episode has yet to air, we can say that someone needs to give her more than a spot on a Sears commercial! If you have seen these actors in non-Whedon roles, please, please, try them in the Whedonverse where they are allowed to develop to their full potential in well written roles.

J.J.'s Underused Actors:

Greg Grunberg (Felicity, Alias, Mission Impossible III, Lost)
Kevin Weisman (Felicity, Alias)
Keri Russell (Felicity, Mission Impossible: III)

The best characters Grunberg and Weisman had under Abrams were on "Alias." They were given developed supporting roles and they rocked them. The problem with Abrams' repetitious casting is not the actors, but the roles. Using Keri Russell in the opening of MI:III just to kill her off was a waste. The same can be said for poor Grunberg in the ill-fated MI:III as well as "Lost."

Notable Joss/J.J. Crossovers

Amy Acker (Angel, Alias, Dollhouse)
Gina Torres (Angel, Firefly, Serenity, Alias)

It would be a crime not to use these actors as much as humanly possible. Watching Torres in Firefly and then in Alias back-to-back makes you scratch your head and wonder why she isn't an Emmy nominee. Acker's current role in Dollhouse is a reason why the supporting casts in Whedon productions are what sell the overall product.

Round Two Winner: Joss Whedon 1-0

While this showdown only scratched the surface of these two creators, it is a good starter guide. Currently they are both working on interesting projects. Both have shows running on Fox this season, "Dollhouse" and Fringe. Joss is writing and producing the feature, "The Cabin in the Woods," which is co-written by Drew Goddard. Goddard has notably worked extensively with both, on "Lost," "Alias," and Cloverfield with Abrams and has previously worked with Joss on "Angel" and "Buffy." Abrams' most recent project is the wet dream of his co-fanboys, putting his stamp on the ultimate fandom, Star Trek, which hits theaters May 8.

Story by Sarah Lafferty
Starpulse.com contributing writer