- 6 hours ago
Some actors just weren't right for the part — no matter how hard they tried. Join us as we count down the actors who completely missed the mark in their respective roles! From misguided superhero casting to ill-fitted period performances, these Hollywood missteps left audiences cringing. Who do you think deserved a recast? Let us know in the comments!
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00You're my son? You...
00:04Our son?
00:05I'm glad you finally know.
00:07Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're looking at actors who completely failed to embody their respective characters.
00:13We won't be talking about performances that are culturally outdated or inappropriate,
00:18so instances of whitewashing won't be included.
00:21But that was two weeks ago! You cannot go on or keep ringing my bell!
00:26You disturb me! You must advocate me!
00:30Number 20. James Corden as Barry Glickman, The Prom.
00:34I realize there is no difference between the President of the United States and a celebrity.
00:40We both have power. The power to change the world.
00:44When a Broadway narcissist is meant to be lovable, the performance can't feel like a talk show sketch.
00:50The character Barry Glickman is meant to be a washed-up star with bravado that covers for a hidden insecurity.
00:56This trait is made clear as he recounts his own coming-out story in the film.
01:01Unfortunately, James Corden leans so hard at the stereotypes that it's impossible to feel the heart that he's going for.
01:07You're just greedy. I'd be happy with one Tony. I thought I had a shot with FDR.
01:13I need a win.
01:15It's especially notable in his scenes with Meryl Streep.
01:18Many critics and fans of the stage musical find his casting farcical for similar reasons,
01:24and agree that the role should have gone to a gay actor, not someone who has a shallow understanding of
01:29the queer experience.
01:31Yeah. I think it is. Pretty good, huh?
01:35Yeah.
01:36Number 19. Kate Capshaw as Willie Scott.
01:40Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
01:42What do you mean, tag along?
01:44Ever since you got into my club, you haven't been able to take your eyes off me.
01:48As the polar opposite to Indy's last love interest, Marion Ravenwood,
01:52we can see what they were trying to do with Willie Scott.
01:55A pampered scream queen caught in a pulpy adventure is an interesting idea on paper.
02:00However, Kate Capshaw plays into hysteria so much that the nightclub singer quickly becomes more grating.
02:10The biggest trouble with her is the noise.
02:14Her constant whining and attempts at comic relief don't add to the action or enhance her story.
02:20It's not a great look when your character is being grossly outshined by the 12-year-old sidekick in every
02:26department.
02:26If she had toned down just a bit, she'd probably be a more endearing supporting character.
02:31Ah!
02:33Willie, hurry!
02:36Ah, shut up, Willie!
02:38Number 18. Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, a.k.a. The Flash.
02:43Justice League and The Flash.
02:44Like, brunch. Like, what is brunch?
02:47You wait in line for an hour for essentially lunch.
02:51The Scarlet Speedster is known as an earnest and confident superhero.
02:56If you don't think Ezra Miller fits that description, then you'd be right.
02:59Their first big appearance in Justice League made it apparent that they weren't right for the role.
03:04Miller portrayed Barry as socially awkward and neurotic, often spewing out quips ad nauseam.
03:18Even Zack Snyder couldn't do much to make their performance seem less annoying.
03:22Miller's solo Flash film eventually came and basically sank any chance of seeing this Flash ever again.
03:29The slapstick comedy and uncanny facial expressions were so cringey for audiences.
03:33And although Barry Allen is supposed to be a little corny, we're not meant to feel second-hand embarrassment from
03:39the character.
03:40You're better off watching The CW TV show.
03:51Number 17. Denise Richards as Christmas Jones. The World Is Not Enough.
03:56Are you here for a reason? Or are you just hoping for a glimmer? And you are?
04:02The James Bond films weren't averse to casting women solely for their looks.
04:06One of its most egregious cases was casting model Denise Richards as a nuclear scientist.
04:12Often ranked among the worst Bond girls of all time, it's hard to argue against her being in the number
04:17one spot.
04:18Absolutely no one was convinced that she was a capable physicist.
04:21And that's because Richards' acting was just flat-out bad.
04:25You know how to drive one of these things?
04:27It doesn't exactly take a degree in nuclear physics.
04:34She lacked chemistry with Pierce Brosnan, had wooden expressions, and delivered lines that were supposed to make her seem smart
04:40and spunky in a way that just didn't.
04:43Her Razzie Award was sadly pretty well deserved.
04:48So we're going up then!
04:50Slight miscalculation.
04:52Number 16. Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates. Psycho.
04:55If you want anything at all, just tap on the wall, because I'll be in the office.
05:00Thank you, Mr. Bates.
05:02Norman Bates.
05:03If you thought a near shot-for-shot remake of this horror classic was unnecessary, you'll probably find this casting
05:09hilarious.
05:10Director Gus Van Sant essentially had Vince Vaughn mimic the original 1960 Norman Bates.
05:16What Van Sant didn't account for was that his lead actor didn't possess Anthony Perkins' eeriness or childlike fragility.
05:23Vaughn tried to channel the unsettling and repressed nature of the character, but his signature fast-talking swagger kept bleeding
05:30through.
05:30He goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?
05:37At best, he was a pale imitation of a pitch-perfect slasher.
05:41At worst, his acting was bordering on parody.
05:44Just watch his rendition of Psycho's final twist, and see if you can hold in your laughter.
05:50They'll see. They'll see, and they'll know, and they'll say why she wouldn't even harm a fly.
05:58Number 15. Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker, Bram Stoker's Dracula.
06:03Just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian Mountains.
06:10This gothic tale needed a Victorian everyman to anchor the horror, and for some reason, Francis Ford Coppola decided that
06:17Keanu Reeves was the man for the job.
06:19From the start, you can hear him use one of the most egregious accents in cinema history.
06:24I've seen many strange things already. Bloody wolves chasing me through some blue inferno.
06:31Reeves gave it his all to sound convincing, but even if he had pulled off the voice, he would still
06:35be overshadowed by the likes of Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins.
06:39His efforts to sound perfectly English ended up stilting his own line readings, undercutting any sense of terror in his
06:46character.
06:47That's kind of an essential quality for a vampire movie, so when you don't have that, the whole performance falls
06:52apart.
06:53No! Wait! No! Let them go! Let them go! Our work is finished here. Hers has just begun.
07:01Number 14. Jessica Simpson as Daisy Duke, The Dukes of Hazzard
07:05I'll give you one more chance. You want to order, or you want to sit around and make stupid jokes
07:10all day?
07:10When an entire character rests on attitude, charm, and a convincing accent, there really is no room for mistakes.
07:17Unfortunately, Jessica Simpson never found her footing in this action comedy.
07:21Despite her Texan roots, her southern drawl comes off cartoonishly thick, even by this movie's tongue-in-cheek standards.
07:29Those two are going to get themselves in trouble, end up in jail, and I'm going to have to shake
07:32my ass at somebody to get them out.
07:34That's why we love you, honey.
07:36The role also called for a sly and feisty personality, but her delivery was stiff and self-conscious,
07:42undercutting the easygoing confidence that many expect from her character.
07:46Her performance was so poor that it earned her a Worst Supporting Actress nomination at the Razzies.
07:51It's no surprise that Simpson's acting career didn't exactly take off after this.
07:56Yes, sir. You wanted to comment on how these boys are the heroes for saving Hazard County.
08:01That's right, guys!
08:02Number 13. Kevin Hart as Roland, Borderlands
08:14This casting reminds us that studios can still miss the mark when it comes to video game adaptations.
08:20Fans of the Borderlands games know that Roland is a grizzled, seasoned soldier who can sometimes crack a joke.
08:27There are many sides to him that can be hard to nail in live action, but Kevin Hart and the
08:32filmmakers didn't even try.
08:33The actor's stature and high-energy comedy never gelled with Roland's strongman image.
08:39Hart instead comes off as your annoying cosplay buddy more than a tactical leader who's loyal to his team.
08:45Even that could have been forgiven if he'd had any bit of chemistry with the rest of the cast, but
08:50here we are.
08:51It's Pete. It's Pete. Now I got Pete all in the middle of my truck!
08:55Number 12. Colin Farrell as Alexander the Great
08:58Alexander
08:58There's never been time, Mother.
09:02Since I was a child, I've been groomed to be ever the best.
09:07Casting a blonde, boyish heartthrob as the world's most mythologized conqueror seemed like a gamble long before the movie hit
09:14theaters.
09:14As the Macedonian king who forged an empire by 30, Farrell plays him less like an inspiring strategist and more
09:21like a petulant prince.
09:23Conquer your fear! And I promise you, you will conquer death!
09:28His Irish accent and modern persona clashed with a sweeping classical epic that was promised.
09:34The heroic figure's fierce ambition just never comes through, despite Oliver Stone's operatic direction.
09:40Add to that a poor box office and controversy surrounding its accuracy, and you have one of the biggest Hollywood
09:46blunders of the 21st century.
09:48You've all hated them, all of you!
09:50Get out!
09:51Get out now!
09:53Number 11. Jared Leto as the Joker
09:56Suicide Squad
09:57I'm just gonna hurt you really, really bad.
10:04Cesar Romero's Joker was an icon in the cult classic Batman TV show. Jack Nicholson was the right mix of
10:10disturbing and silly, and Heath Ledger's gritty delivery was award-worthy.
10:14So what did the next Joker actor have to offer? A poor impression of Jim Carrey's The Mask, a wardrobe
10:20straight out of Hot Topic, and a performance that could only be described as try-hard.
10:26All of that chit-chat's gonna get you hurt.
10:29Oh my god!
10:33We just don't know what Jared Leto was going for.
10:36One minute he's trying to unnerve his victims with weird noises, the next he's making pseudo-intellectual speeches.
10:42He could have come out of Suicide Squad with some dignity if he was just even a little bit scary
10:47or funny.
10:47In the end, all he managed to do was leave us confused and upset.
10:52Do not say this oath thoughtlessly.
10:58Desire becomes surrender, surrender becomes power.
11:02Number 10. Jai Courtney as Kyle Reese, Terminator Genisys
11:05What makes you any different?
11:09You know why.
11:11It's difficult for actors to step into a role that was performed so well in the past.
11:15The pressure was on for Jai Courtney's Kyle Reese to be as memorable as the 1984 version played by Michael
11:21Biehn.
11:22But in this 2015 star-studded film, Courtney falls flat.
11:26Fans remember Reese as being brave, intense, and interesting to watch, especially in the original.
11:31When he comes back in Terminator Genisys, Courtney's performance is stale, his chemistry with Sarah Connor just isn't there,
11:38and we never buy that this was the same character we saw all those years ago.
11:43Look, I've seen a world where the bombs never fell.
11:46I had the same house, same parents, it was the same me, only I was... I was home.
11:58The bar was set high, and he unfortunately didn't quite reach it.
12:02Number 9. Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeen, Gangs of New York
12:06Maybe we could pile in together.
12:08Oh, I think you're a bit, uh, rough for this sort of game.
12:11Besides, I work alone.
12:14Cameron Diaz is an undeniably talented actress, but when she performs in a sea of talent like Gangs of New
12:19York,
12:20it's hard to make a lasting impression.
12:22Her character is the forgettable, one-dimensional, and inconsistent Jenny,
12:26who has weak chemistry with her co-stars, and comes off as less dynamic than those around her.
12:31You got the sand to give them a grand finale?
12:43Maybe when you're aiming a little straighter.
12:47What's more, she also has to act alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis,
12:52who give exceptional performances.
12:54Diaz is perfectly suited for the fun rom-coms we normally see her in,
12:58and even for the heartbreaking dramas.
13:00But working with Martin Scorsese just might not be for her.
13:04This is my star.
13:07May I walk with you a little then?
13:10That, sir, would be too bold.
13:13Number 8. Julia Roberts as Mary Riley.
13:16Mary Riley.
13:17I thought if you would like to examine these scars.
13:23The year is 1996.
13:25Julia Roberts is well-established as a credible actress and a leading lady who can steal the screen.
13:31She's already been in Steel Magnolias and Pretty Woman,
13:34so it's pretty shocking to see her in the titular role in this gothic horror film.
13:38Aren't we finding enough work for you?
13:40I could do it on my afternoons off.
13:43Many find she's unconvincing at best, and completely wrong for the part at worst.
13:47Her Irish accent leaves something to be desired,
13:50and she isn't able to convey the somberness or moral complexities that are clearly needed for this role.
13:56To be fair, the entire film bombed both critically and at the box office.
14:00We don't think you can blame that entirely on her.
14:02With no consequences and no regrets, then what?
14:07I don't believe there is such a thing as actions without consequences.
14:15Number 7. Russell Crowe as Javert.
14:28This isn't Russell Crowe's first time playing the bad guy.
14:31Whether he's the hero or the villain, he's usually completely convincing.
14:35But his role in this musical flick is an odd choice.
14:38There are a few problems that contribute to him being a terrible fit.
14:42The musical performances in Les Mis are breathtaking.
14:46Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman completely steal the show in that regard.
14:50Crowe's musical ability, however, can't measure up.
14:52Safe behind path, I will never rest. Till then, this I swear.
15:05Moreover, the character of Javert is infamously stern and authoritarian,
15:10which motivates Jean Valjean to elude him.
15:12Crowe's performance lacks the intensity needed for this tension to be convincing,
15:16ultimately affecting the dynamic between two of the most important characters in the movie.
15:21We meet again.
15:22You've hungered for this all your life.
15:26Take your revenge.
15:29How right you should kill with a knife.
15:33Number 6. Mark Wahlberg as Victor Sully Sullivan, Uncharted.
15:38Victor Sullivan, you can call me Sully.
15:41Thank you. I won't, but thank you.
15:44We all know that Mark Wahlberg is a great choice for a lead in an action movie,
15:48but he doesn't fit the bill here.
15:50Reuben Fleischer's adaptation of the popular video game had players everywhere excited,
15:55but the casting left everyone feeling confused and disappointed.
15:58In the video games, Sully is much older than Mark Wahlberg,
16:01and is portrayed as a wise mentor to the young Nathan Drake.
16:05What, are you just gonna follow her down there like a puppy dog?
16:07What, you want me to come with you hold your hand?
16:08You know what? It's fine. Give me a cross.
16:10I'm not giving you my cross. Why would I do that?
16:12Because I'm probably gonna need it up there. You have your girlfriend's cross, don't you?
16:15You don't need them both.
16:16Wahlberg's performance is more of that of an older brother who Drake is not sure if he can trust,
16:21and isn't nearly as endearing as the video game character.
16:24With a sequel on the horizon, we'll see if Wahlberg improves at embodying the characteristics we expect to see in
16:30Sully.
16:31What is that thing on your face?
16:33Pupity's right around the corner, kids. You can grow your own.
16:36Number 5. Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Batman v Superman, Dawn of Justice.
16:41Well then, we don't have to depend upon the kindness of monsters.
16:46Jesse Eisenberg is best known for roles like Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network,
16:50and J. Daniel Atlas in the Now You See Me franchise.
16:53In these roles, he's normally quite soft-spoken and witty,
16:57which is why seeing him play a supervillain is jarring, to say the least.
17:00The knight is here.
17:03His demeanor is not exactly scary or villainous,
17:07as Lex Luthor is more toned down, power-hungry, and charming.
17:11While Eisenberg as Luthor could have been a fresh spin on a well-known character,
17:15it just comes off as baffling.
17:17He's not considered threatening or off-putting enough to leave a lasting impression.
17:21Overall, this casting was a swing and a miss.
17:24This is how it all caves in.
17:26Civilization on the wane.
17:28Many manners out the window.
17:33Number 4. Mila Kunis as Theodora slash the Wicked Witch of the West.
17:37Oz the Great and Powerful.
17:38I knew it!
17:40Oh, the King's prophecy was true!
17:42He said that a great wizard bearing the name of our land will descend from the heavens,
17:46and save us all.
17:48And here you are.
17:49Mila Kunis is known mostly for her comedic roles, getting her start on That 70s Show,
17:54before appearing in films like Ted and the Bad Moms franchise.
17:58She's perfect for light-hearted, fun, or romantic roles, so seeing her as a villain is a bit surprising.
18:03She doesn't exactly match the look of this infamous witch, and her demeanor is not nearly as terrifying as Margaret
18:10Hamilton in The Wizard of Oz.
18:11Also, her makeup and prosthetics are just not convincing.
18:17Serves you right.
18:20Her witch-like voice is definitely lacking, too.
18:24For such an iconic role, casting is crucial, and they miss the mark with Kunis.
18:28I may not be able to kill you!
18:31Okay.
18:32But I can kill the one you love!
18:37Number 3. Dane DeHaan as Valerian and Cara Delevingne as Laureline.
18:42Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
18:44What can I do to make it up to you?
18:46Beginning Descent in three minutes.
18:49Nothing that you can get done in three minutes.
18:52Ah!
18:53Considering this is the most expensive independent movie ever made,
18:56you'd think that they would work extra hard to ensure the casting is just right.
19:00However, not only is the male lead miscast, but the female lead also falls short.
19:04Both actors fail to reach the emotional depth needed for Valerian and Laureline.
19:08Laureline, can we just keep going, please?
19:10Sure.
19:13Ladies first.
19:15Hilarious.
19:16Since this film is based on a comic book series, fans knew what they wanted to see from the two
19:21leads.
19:21Not only do they not match the physical descriptions, they lack chemistry,
19:25and ultimately, this leads to the film's downfall.
19:28For DeHaan, the problem is his lack of charisma and charm.
19:31For Delevingne, it's her lack of experience in roles like this one.
19:34I thought I could be that someone else for you.
19:39But clearly...
19:42You are.
19:44Number 2.
19:45Topher Grace as Edward Eddie Brock Jr.
19:48Venom.
19:48Spider-Man 3.
19:50I love the new outfit.
19:51This is exactly what I need to scoop Parker.
19:54Give me some of that web action.
19:58Again, he was a main character on that 70s show.
20:01Why is he playing a villain?
20:02The third film in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy is filled with memorable characters.
20:07In a collection of talented actors who are aptly cast, Topher Grace certainly stands out.
20:12And not in a good way.
20:13You gotta take it off!
20:14Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?
20:17Physically, he's not built for the role, and his acting isn't as edgy as we'd like.
20:21He normally plays easy-going, funny characters.
20:24To say this casting is an odd choice is a gross understatement.
20:27In a later iteration of the character, Tom Hardy tackles the role with the right amount of intensity and terror
20:33needed to be believable.
20:34We're happy the character has been redeemed.
20:37What the hell are you?
20:39I am Venom.
20:41And you are mine.
20:50Before we continue, check out this single from Sound Mojo's Adia, Songs from Iran,
20:55reimagining Persian melodies as modern rock, metal, and pop songs.
20:59Check out the full track and album below.
21:16Number 1. Sofia Coppola as Mary Corleone, The Godfather, Part 3.
21:21You know, you haven't kissed me hello yet.
21:23Relatives always kiss.
21:25After both Julia Roberts and Winona Ryder dropped out,
21:30Francis Ford Coppola asked his daughter Sofia to play Mary Corleone.
21:34Even before the internet turned Nepo Baby into a meme,
21:37this casting choice was infamously considered a mistake.
21:40Dad, I want this to bring me closer to you.
21:47The two actresses that were originally cast are powerhouses in the world of cinema.
21:52Needless to say, Coppola had some big shoes to fill.
21:55At the time, she barely had any acting experience,
21:57which really showed in a film of this magnitude.
22:00Her presence ultimately brought down the film's quality.
22:03We think that, much like her father,
22:05she's better off behind the camera than in front of it.
22:08Dad?
22:21Who would you recast in these roles?
22:23Sebastian Stan as Kyle Reese?
22:25Nathan Lane as Barry Glickman?
22:27Jennifer Connelly as Christmas Jones?
22:28Let us know your recasts in the comments.
22:31Let us know your recasts in the comments.
22:31Let us know your recasts in the comments.
Comments