- 5 months ago
Even the biggest stars don’t always land the right role. 🎬
In this video, we look at the Top 10 actors who just didn’t fit their roles, whether due to poor casting choices, lack of chemistry, or performances that failed to connect with fans. From blockbuster movies to TV series, these miscasts remind us that even Hollywood makes mistakes.
📺 Some of these actors are talented in their own right—but in these roles, it just didn’t work out.
👉 Do you agree with our list? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share which miscast performances stood out most to you!
In this video, we look at the Top 10 actors who just didn’t fit their roles, whether due to poor casting choices, lack of chemistry, or performances that failed to connect with fans. From blockbuster movies to TV series, these miscasts remind us that even Hollywood makes mistakes.
📺 Some of these actors are talented in their own right—but in these roles, it just didn’t work out.
👉 Do you agree with our list? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share which miscast performances stood out most to you!
Category
✨
PeopleTranscript
00:00You helped me by erasing my mind, what
00:05invaded memories I had!
00:08Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're looking at the most misguided casting decisions.
00:12We're not saying these actors are bad, but their performances failed to meet the lofty expectations surrounding the role.
00:19We won't be including any instances of whitewashing or cultural appropriation, like Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
00:25Mr. Golightly, once again, I must protest! If you don't stop that pornograph right this minute, I'm gonna call the police department!
00:36Number 10. Jai Courtney as Kyle Reese, Terminator Genisys
00:41What makes you any different? You know why.
00:46It's difficult for actors to step into a role that was performed so well in the past.
00:51The pressure was on for Jai Courtney's Kyle Reese to be as memorable as the 1984 version played by Michael Biehn.
00:57But, in this 2015 star-studded film, Courtney falls flat.
01:01Fans remember Reese as being brave, intense, and interesting to watch, especially in the original.
01:06When he comes back in Terminator Genisys, Courtney's performance is stale, his chemistry with Sarah Connor just isn't there,
01:13and we never buy that this was the same character we saw all those years ago.
01:18Look, I've seen a world where the bombs never fell.
01:22The same house, the same parents, it was the same me, only I was... I was home.
01:33The bar was set high, and he unfortunately didn't quite reach it.
01:37Number 9. Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeen, Gangs of New York
01:41Maybe we could pile in together.
01:42Oh, I think you're a bit, uh, rough for this sort of game. Besides, I work alone.
01:48Cameron Diaz is an undeniably talented actress, but when she performs in a sea of talent like Gangs of New York, it's hard to make a lasting impression.
01:56Her character is the forgettable, one-dimensional, and inconsistent Jenny, who has weak chemistry with her co-stars,
02:03and comes off as less dynamic than those around her.
02:06You got the sand to give them a grand finale?
02:18Maybe when you're aiming a little straighter.
02:21What's more, she also has to act alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis, who give exceptional performances.
02:29Diaz is perfectly suited for the fun rom-coms we normally see her in, and even for the heartbreaking dramas,
02:35but working with Martin Scorsese just might not be for her.
02:38This is my stuff.
02:40May I walk with you a little then?
02:44That, sir, would be too bold.
02:48Number eight, Julia Roberts as Mary Riley.
02:51Mary Riley.
02:52I thought if you would like to examine these scars.
02:55The year is 1996.
03:00Julia Roberts is well-established as a credible actress and a leading lady who can steal the screen.
03:05She's already been in Steel Magnolias and Pretty Woman, so it's pretty shocking to see her in the titular role in this gothic horror film.
03:13Aren't we finding enough work for you?
03:15I could do it on my afternoons off.
03:17Many find she's unconvincing at best, and completely wrong for the part at worst.
03:22Her Irish accent leaves something to be desired, and she isn't able to convey the somberness or moral complexities that are clearly needed for this role.
03:31To be fair, the entire film bombed both critically and at the box office.
03:35We don't think you can blame that entirely on her.
03:38With no consequences and no regrets, then what?
03:43I don't believe there is such a thing as actions without consequences.
03:46Number 7. Russell Crowe as Javert, Les Miserables.
03:54Please know me as Javert, I'm here at your command, with honor due to each, and justice in our hand.
04:03This isn't Russell Crowe's first time playing the bad guy.
04:06Whether he's the hero or the villain, he's usually completely convincing.
04:10But his role in this musical flick is an odd choice.
04:14There are a few problems that contribute to him being a terrible fit.
04:17The musical performances in Les Mis are breathtaking.
04:20Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman completely steal the show in that regard.
04:24Crowe's musical ability, however, can't measure up.
04:27Safe behind path I will never rest Till then, this I swear
04:41Moreover, the character of Javert is infamously stern and authoritarian,
04:45which motivates Jean Valjean to elude him.
04:47Crowe's performance lacks the intensity needed for this tension to be convincing,
04:51ultimately affecting the dynamic between two of the most important characters in the movie.
04:56We meet again.
04:57You've hungered for this all your life.
05:01Take your revenge.
05:04How right you should kill with a knife.
05:08Number six, Mark Wahlberg as Victor Sully Sullivan, Uncharted.
05:13Victor Sullivan, you can call me Sully.
05:17I won't, but thank you.
05:19We all know that Mark Wahlberg is a great choice for a lead in an action movie,
05:23but he doesn't fit the bill here.
05:25Reuben Fleischer's adaptation of the popular video game had players everywhere excited,
05:30but the casting left everyone feeling confused and disappointed.
05:33In the video games, Sully is much older than Mark Wahlberg,
05:36and is portrayed as a wise mentor to the young Nathan Drake.
05:39What, you just gonna follow her down there like a puppy dog?
05:42What, you want me to come with you, hold your hand?
05:43You know what, it's fine.
05:44Give me a cross.
05:45I'm not giving you my cross.
05:46Why would I do that?
05:47Cause I'm probably gonna need it up there.
05:48You have your girlfriend's cross, don't you?
05:50You don't need them both.
05:51Wahlberg's performance is more of that of an older brother who Drake is not sure if he can trust,
05:56and isn't nearly as endearing as the video game character.
05:59With a sequel on the horizon, we'll see if Wahlberg improves at embodying the characteristics we expect to see in Sully.
06:06What is that thing on your face?
06:08Puberty's right around the corner, kid, you can grow your own.
06:11Number 5. Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Batman v Superman, Dawn of Justice.
06:16Well then, we don't have to depend upon the kindness of monsters.
06:21Jesse Eisenberg is best known for roles like Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network,
06:25and J. Daniel Atlas in the Now You See Me franchise.
06:28In these roles, he's normally quite soft-spoken and witty,
06:31which is why seeing him play a supervillain is jarring, to say the least.
06:35The knight is here.
06:38His demeanor is not exactly scary or villainous, as Lex Luthor is more toned down, power-hungry, and charming.
06:45While Eisenberg as Luthor could have been a fresh spin on a well-known character, it just comes off as baffling.
06:51He's not considered threatening or off-putting enough to leave a lasting impression.
06:55Overall, this casting was a swing and a miss.
06:58This is how it all caves in.
07:00Civilization on the wane.
07:03Manners.
07:04Out the window.
07:07Number 4.
07:08Mila Kunis as Theodora slash the Wicked Witch of the West, Oz the Great and Powerful.
07:13I knew it!
07:15Oh, the King's prophecy was true!
07:17He said that a great wizard bearing the name of our land will descend from the heavens and save us all.
07:23And here you are.
07:24Mila Kunis is known mostly for her comedic roles, getting her start on That 70s Show before appearing in films like Ted and the Bad Moms franchise.
07:33She's perfect for light-hearted, fun, or romantic roles, so seeing her as a villain is a bit surprising.
07:39She doesn't exactly match the look of this infamous witch, and her demeanor is not nearly as terrifying as Margaret Hamilton in The Wizard of Oz.
07:47Also, her makeup and prosthetics are just not convincing.
07:52Serves you what?
07:56Her witch-like voice is definitely lacking, too.
07:59For such an iconic role, casting is crucial, and they miss the mark with Kunis.
08:04I may not be able to kill you!
08:06Okay.
08:07But I can kill the one you love!
08:12Number 3.
08:13Dane DeHaan as Valerian and Cara Delevingne as Laureline.
08:17Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
08:19What can I do to make it up to you?
08:21Beginning Descent in three minutes.
08:24Nothing that you can get done in three minutes.
08:27Ah!
08:28Considering this is the most expensive independent movie ever made,
08:31you'd think that they would work extra hard to ensure the casting is just right.
08:35However, not only is the male lead miscast, but the female lead also falls short.
08:39Both actors fail to reach the emotional depth needed for Valerian and Laureline.
08:43Laureline, can we just keep going, please?
08:45Sure.
08:48Ladies first.
08:49Ha!
08:50Hilarious.
08:51Since this film is based on a comic book series, fans knew what they wanted to see from the two leads.
08:56Not only do they not match the physical descriptions, they lack chemistry, and ultimately, this leads to the film's downfall.
09:02For DeHaan, the problem is his lack of charisma and charm.
09:05For Delevingne, it's her lack of experience in roles like this one.
09:09I thought I could be that someone else for you.
09:12But clearly…
09:14You can.
09:17You are.
09:19Number 2.
09:20Topher Grace as Edward Eddie Brock Jr.
09:23Venom.
09:24Spider-Man 3.
09:25I love the new outfit.
09:26This is exactly what I need to scoop Parker.
09:29Give me some of that web action.
09:30Again, he was a main character on that 70's show.
09:36Why is he playing a villain?
09:37The third film in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy is filled with memorable characters.
09:42In a collection of talented actors who are aptly cast, Topher Grace certainly stands out.
09:47And not in a good way.
09:48You gotta take it off!
09:49Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?
09:52Physically, he's not built for the role, and his acting isn't as edgy as we'd like.
09:56He normally plays easy-going, funny characters.
09:59To say this casting is an odd choice is a gross understatement.
10:02In a later iteration of the character, Tom Hardy tackles the role with the right amount of intensity and terror needed to be believable.
10:09We're happy the character has been redeemed.
10:11What the hell are you?
10:13I am Venom, and you are mine.
10:18Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos.
10:24You have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them.
10:28If you're on your phone, make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications.
10:32Number 1, Sofia Coppola as Mary Corleone, The Godfather, Part 3.
10:39You know, you haven't kissed me hello yet.
10:42Relatives always kiss.
10:43Oh, now we're related.
10:45After both Julia Roberts and Winona Ryder dropped out, Francis Ford Coppola asked his daughter Sofia to play Mary Corleone.
10:52Even before the internet turned Nepo Baby into a meme, this casting choice was infamously considered a mistake.
10:58Dad, I want this to bring me closer to you.
11:06The two actresses that were originally cast are powerhouses in the world of cinema.
11:10Needless to say, Coppola had some big shoes to fill.
11:13At the time, she barely had any acting experience, which really showed in a film of this magnitude.
11:18Her presence ultimately brought down the film's quality.
11:21We think that, much like her father, she's better off behind the camera than in front of it.
11:26Dad?
11:27Oh, no.
11:28Oh.
11:29Which actor do you think is terribly miscast?
11:42Let us know in the comments.
11:44Do not say this oath thoughtlessly.
11:47Desire becomes surrender, surrender becomes power.
11:53Power.
11:54Did you enjoy this video?
11:55Check out these other clips from WatchMojo.
11:57And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.
12:01See you next time.
12:02See you next time.
12:03Bye.
12:04Bye.
12:05Bye.
12:06Bye.
12:07Bye.
12:08Bye.
12:09Bye.
12:10Bye.
Be the first to comment