But sometimes there’s disagreement over who that right actor is. Whether it’s an unknown in a major role, sure-fire Oscar bait or just a deviation from the type of characters they’re known for playing, these unpopular casting choices have led to some of the most memorable performances in movie history.
Spider-Man (2002)
While the current incarnation of Spiderman featuringTom Hollandreceives well-deserved praise, one must not forget the O.G. Spiderman, played byToby Maguire.He played the titular web-slinger inSpiderman,Spiderman 2, and literally no other movie with “Spiderman” in the title… that we care to think of.
Though critics have grown to love Maguire’s performance as the meek, kind, oft-troubled Peter Parker, his casting was at first puzzling to many. His serious roles in the sober filmsSeabiscuitandCider House Rulesdid not seem to lend themselves to high-flying superhero fantasy. Luckily, he proved doubters wrong with his rendition of Spiderman in those TWO films.
Burn After Reading
When you think comedy, Brad Pitt doesn’t readily spring to mind. That’s why his casting inBurn After Reading,a dark comedy with a quirky cast,was met with some skepticism. He also seemed a bit old to play a boyish, dumb jock. And though he had shown some comedy chops inSnatch,he had never been tasked with such a zany role.
He ended up killing it, stealing every scene he was in as the air-headed and guileless gym trainer, Chad. His performance absolutely nails the character of “impish frat-boy in over his head and out of his element,” which may sound dumb on the surface, but somehow works beautifully in the Coen brothers’ film.
Foxcatcher
This controversial casting had the problem of a lovable comedian sliding into a very dark, dramatic role.Steve Carell- famous for his portrayals of the goofy boss, Michael, inThe Officeand the sexless protagonist inThe 40-year-old Virgin-has a goofy, lovable patina that couldn’t be more different from the role he takes on inFoxcatcher.
The movie is based on the real true crime case of a multimillionaire and his deadly enthusiasm for wrestling. Carell plays John E. du Pont, an obsessive, and abusive Olympic wrestling coach. Du Pont, warped by immense wealth and a classist, cold upbringing, is a compelling and terrifying figure in Carell’s Oscar-winning performance. Weirdly, Carell’s experience inThe Officeactually prepared him for the role of such a fragile man.
AfterThe MatrixandJohn Wick,it’s hard to think of Keanu Reeves as anything but a steely-eyed action hero. However, he started as a ditzy stoner-dude inBill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. A tepid response toPoint Breakand a terribly accented performance as a vampire hunter inBram Stoker’s Draculaspelled doom for him to take on more serious roles.
He surprised critics with his performance inSpeedas Jack Traven, a frantic cop trying to save a bus full of people doomed to explode if it drops below 50 mph. Not only did critics praise Reeves’ performance, the movie may have been doomed without him.
Reeves didn’t like the original screenplay version of his character, saying, “Situations [were] set up for one-liners and I felt it was forced—Die Hardmixed with some kind of screwball comedy.” His input made Traven the do-gooder audiences loved.
Casino Royale
Many people expressed their concerns whenDaniel Craigwas cast as the iconic James Bond inCasino Royale. The decision was so controversial, internet campaigns threatened to boycott the film in protest. The problem: most fans of the franchise saw James Bond as requiring a sleek elegant, debonair actor, whereas Craig seemed too much like a “meathead.”
The criticism turned out to be massively unwarranted: Craig managed to pull off the cold-blooded charm of the master spy. If anything, Craig’s steely-eyed performance brought more realism to the role. After all, Bond is a jaded, trained killer, something reflected in Craig’s frosty glare.
Wonder Woman
When former modelGal Gadotwas cast as Diana inWonder Woman,people were skeptical. Think pieces and internet forums were reeling from the decision, either because Gadot wasn’t American (she’s Israeli), that she didn’t “look” the part (which often turned out to be a bit of thinly-veiled racism), or that she was too small and lacked the brawn for the role.
Despite the skepticism, her performance was so well-received,Wonder Womanis considered the lone standout in a sea of DC comic movie mistakes. “Gadot’s take on Wonder Woman is one of those unique cases of an actor merging with their story, similar to Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark,”Moviepilot’sElsie Jostwrote.
Speaking of Iron Man…
Though it’s now unimaginable that the snarky, slickRobert Downey Jr.could be seen as miscast in the role of Iron Man, initially comic-book fans were leery. In the comics, Tony Stark is more of a Howard Hughes figure: a flamboyant adventurer. Downey seemed too cynical a choice.
Even Marvel Studios fought against the casting.Director Jon Favreausaid, “I have to admit that Robert was a tough sell. He’s a good 10 years older than what they wanted… They also wanted a lesser-known actor with no baggage.”
Thankfully, Favreau and Downey stuck to their guns, and we got the sardonic-businessman-turned-hero-with-a-heart-of-gold that we know and love.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
RDJ just can’t catch a break when it comes to skeptical audiences. There was much knitting of brows when he was cast as the titular detective inSherlock Holmes. Fans of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novels were concerned, as Downey isn’t British and didn’t seem “serious” enough.
However, the casting came together: Downey’s portrayal breathed new life into the character as a rakish, arrogant, and playful detective. And his British accent wasn’t bad, either. With Guy Ritchie’s direction, Sherlock Holmes as portrayed by RDJ went from armchair detective to forensic street brawler.
X-Men franchise
Hugh JackmanisWolverine, so it’s easy to forget there was initially controversy over his casting. Fans of theX-Mencomics complained the clean-shaven Jackman looked nothing like the ruggedly hairy immortal. Furthermore, he’s (gasp) Australian! So how could he pull off that gruff, grungy American accent?
As we know, the role fit him like an endoskeleton made of adamantium. His snarly, tormented, and somehow vulnerable Logan brought valuable depth to the character. Also, Jackman can sing and dance, so hopefully that leaves an X-Men musical on the table!
The Godfather
Though it may be hard to believe,Marlon Brando’s iconic role inThe Godfathermay have never materialized. Apparently, the casting of Marlon Brando as the Godfather was unpopular with Paramount executives. They also recoiled at the idea of castingAl Pacinoas Michael, complaining, “A runt will not play Michael.”
Fortunately, Francis Ford Coppola ignored their complaints, fighting tooth and nail to get his preferred cast behind the camera. It’s safe to say that few film-goers today would characterize Al Pacino as a “runt.” Over-the-top? On occasion. An utterly insane, screaming weirdo? Hoo-ha! Yessiree!
