11 Popular Movie Roles That Should Have Been Cast Differently

Casting is one of the most critical aspects of making a film, and often make or break a film. There have been many instances where an actor’s performance has elevated a film to new heights.  Yet, some casting decisions may feature an actor resembling a square in a round hole.

1. Johnny Depp as Tonto in “The Lone Ranger” (2013)

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In “The Lone Ranger,” Johnny Depp played Tonto, the Native American companion of the titular character. However, many critics and viewers felt Depp’s portrayal of Tonto was stereotypical and offensive. Some argued that a Native American actor should have been cast instead, as they would have brought a more authentic perspective to the role.

2. Kevin Costner as Robin Hood in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991)

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Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Kevin Costner played the titular character in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” but his attempt at an English accent was widely criticized. Many felt that an English actor would have been better suited for the role, as they would have been able to deliver a more convincing accent and bring a more authentic perspective to the character.

3. Anne Hathaway as Fantine in “Les Misérables” (2012)

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Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.

Anne Hathaway won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Fantine in “Les Misérables,” but some viewers felt that her performance was too over-the-top and melodramatic. Some argued that a more subtle and nuanced performance would have been more effective in the role, and that an actress with more experience in musical theater would have been better suited for the part.

4. Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992)

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Keanu Reeves is known for his action-packed roles in films like “The Matrix” and “John Wick,” but his performance as Jonathan Harker in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” was widely panned by critics. Many felt that his attempt at a British accent was unconvincing, and that he was miscast in the role. Some argued that a more experienced actor would have been better suited for the part.

5. Tom Cruise as Lestat in “Interview with the Vampire” (1994)

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Tom Cruise played the role of Lestat de Lioncourt, a vampire, in “Interview with the Vampire,” but many felt that he was miscast in the part. Some argued that he was too handsome for the role, while others felt that he didn’t capture the complexity of the character. Some viewers even suggested that Johnny Depp, who auditioned for the part, would have been a better fit.

6.  Scarlett Johansson as Motoko Kusanagi in “Ghost in the Shell” (2017)

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Scarlett Johansson played Motoko Kusanagi, a Japanese character, in “Ghost in the Shell.” The decision to cast a non-Asian actress in the role was met with backlash, as many felt it was a missed opportunity to give an Asian actress a leading role. Some argued that the film would have been more authentic and respectful if an Asian actress had been cast.

7. Emma Stone as Allison Ng in “Aloha” (2015)

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Emma Stone played the role of Allison Ng, a quarter-Hawaiian, quarter-Chinese, and half-Swedish character in “Aloha.” The casting decision was controversial, as many felt Stone was not the right fit. Some viewers argued that the role should have gone to an actress of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, who would have brought a more authentic perspective to the role.

8. Marlon Brando as Emiliano Zapata in “Viva Zapata!” (1952)

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Image Credit: 20th Century Fox

Marlon Brando played the role of Emiliano Zapata, a Mexican revolutionary, in “Viva Zapata!” However, many felt that his portrayal of Zapata was problematic and inaccurate. Some viewers even argued that an actual Mexican actor should have been cast in the role, as it would have been more respectful and authentic.

9. Angelina Jolie as Mariane Pearl in “A Mighty Heart” (2007)

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Angelina Jolie played Mariane Pearl, the wife of journalist Daniel Pearl, in “A Mighty Heart.” However, some viewers felt that Jolie was miscast in the role, as she did not look like Pearl, and her performance was not convincing. Some even suggested that an unknown actress would have been a better fit for the part, as it would have allowed the film to focus more on the story and less on the star power.

10. Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon in “The Da Vinci Code” (2006)

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Tom Hanks played the role of Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist, in “The Da Vinci Code.” However, some viewers felt that Hanks was miscast in the role, as he did not capture the charm and intelligence of the character. Some even suggested that an actor like Hugh Jackman would have been a better fit for the part.

11. Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange (2016)

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Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios

Benedict Cumberbatch played the role of Dr. Stephen Strange, the arrogant neurosurgeon who, by many accounts, fit in with the character’s alluring powers and his humor. Some believe Cumberbatch was a perfect Dr. Strange. Yet, Joaquin Phoenix almost got the role but was rejected when he became concerned about “too many requirements.” Given Phoenix’s method-acting ability, he could be an exciting choice.

10 of the Worst Movies in the History of Cinema

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What is the worst movie that you have ever seen? According to an internet poll, there are thousands of doozies to choose from, but these are the top-ten worst.

10 Best Movie Trilogies Ever Made According to the Internet

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What is the best movie trilogy ever made? Unfortunately, Indiana Jones and Toy Story have added a fourth film disaster following their perfect trilogy success. Otherwise, I’d nominate both of those. After asking the internet for their top contenders, these were the top ten. 

10 Greatest Single Movie Scenes Ever Filmed

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What is the most remarkable single movie scene ever filmed? There are so many cinematic gems that this is a difficult question. However, after someone polled the internet, these were the top-voted responses.

Top 10 Heist Films That Are Morally Good

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Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

Ever feel like rooting for the characters you know are doing something naughty, like a victimless crime? Someone asked for morally good heist movies where the crew isn’t reformed, criminals, like Ocean’s 11. Here are the top-voted heist films from the discussion. 

Top 10 Black and White Movies Absolutely Worth the Watch

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Image Credit: Mirisch Company

Are you a black-and-white movie fan or interested in the classics? Watching black and white films is an entirely different experience than movies in vibrant colors. Our kids thought of these classic movies as archaic, but as they got older, they became more open and less judgmental as they found some of the greatest stories, like Schindler’s List, best displayed in black and white. 

This article was produced and syndicated by The Cents of Money.

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