17 Oddest Casting Choices in Movie History
Sometimes, casting decisions in movies leave everyone scratching their heads. These strange picks were surprising, controversial, or just plain weird. Here are 17 casting choices that became unforgettable.
1. Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
When Johnny Depp stepped into the eccentric shoes of Willy Wonka, it was a far cry from the beloved performance of Gene Wilder in the 1971 classic. Depp’s portrayal was quirky and unsettling with a pale, childlike demeanor that divided fans and critics. His version gave a darker, more peculiar twist to the character, which was both admired and criticized.
2. Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher
Tom Cruise, known for his charismatic roles, was an unexpected choice for the burly, imposing character of Jack Reacher from Lee Child’s novels. In the books, Reacher is described as being 6 feet 5 inches tall and heavily built, a stark contrast to Cruise’s 5-foot-7 stature. Despite this, Cruise’s performance did win over some skeptics, though it left many fans of the books unconvinced.
3. Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”
Keanu Reeves was cast as the Victorian lawyer Jonathan Harker in Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Dracula. His attempt at a British accent and the 19th-century demeanor was widely criticized as being out of his element. This casting choice is frequently noted as a misstep in an otherwise visually captivating film.
4. Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”
Casting Jesse Eisenberg as the iconic villain Lex Luthor was a bold move that puzzled many. Traditionally depicted as a menacing, bald powerhouse, Luthor’s portrayal by Eisenberg was more akin to a tech-savvy, erratic young businessman. This radical departure from the expected character traits received mixed reviews.
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5. Sofia Coppola in “The Godfather Part III”
The decision to cast Sofia Coppola, the director’s daughter, as Mary Corleone in “The Godfather Part III” remains one of the most criticized casting choices. Her performance was widely deemed as lacking the depth and charisma necessary for the pivotal role, affecting the critical reception of the final installment in the epic trilogy.
6. Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. John Dolittle in “Dolittle”
Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Dr. John Dolittle, with a peculiar Welsh accent and a quirky demeanor, was a stark departure from the lovable character known from earlier adaptations. This choice was part of an attempt to reboot the franchise but ended up being met with confusion and disappointment from viewers.
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7. Ben Affleck as Batman in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”
The announcement of Ben Affleck as Batman sparked significant controversy and skepticism among fans of the DC universe. While Affleck brought a physically imposing presence to the role, his casting was initially met with doubt, though his performance eventually gained a more positive reception.
8. Michael Keaton as Batman in “Batman” (1989)
Before Michael Keaton was celebrated for portraying Batman, his casting was initially met with uproar from fans who knew him only from comedic roles. However, Keaton’s intense and nuanced performance in Tim Burton’s “Batman” turned skeptics into believers, proving that unconventional casting can sometimes lead to groundbreaking results.
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9. Russell Crowe as Javert in “Les Misérables”
Known for his action roles, Russell Crowe’s casting as Javert in the musical “Les Misérables” was unexpected. His performance, particularly the vocal performance, received mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out his singing as the weak link in an otherwise strong cast.
10. Colin Farrell as Alexander the Great in “Alexander”
Colin Farrell’s role as Alexander the Great in Oliver Stone’s “Alexander” raised eyebrows due to his Irish accent and unconventional appearance for the historically Greek character. The film itself faced criticism for its direction and script, with Farrell’s performance also drawing mixed reactions.
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11. Anne Hathaway as Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises”
Anne Hathaway’s casting as Catwoman was initially met with skepticism, as she was primarily known for more wholesome roles. However, Hathaway’s portrayal added depth and nuance to the character, ultimately earning praise and proving her versatility as an actress.
12. Nicolas Cage as Superman in the Canceled “Superman Lives”
Nicolas Cage was almost Superman in the canceled film “Superman Lives,” which remains one of the most bizarre casting what-ifs in Hollywood. Cage’s unconventional style and previous roles made this a highly anticipated project, though ultimately, it never came to fruition.
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13. Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: Episodes II and III”
Hayden Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in the “Star Wars” prequels was met with intense scrutiny and mixed reviews. His performance was often seen as wooden, though some argued it suited the character’s eventual turn to the dark side.
14. Matthew McConaughey as Jack Dawson in the Canceled “Titanic”
Matthew McConaughey was originally considered for the role of Jack Dawson in “Titanic,” a part that went to Leonardo DiCaprio and became iconic. Imagining McConaughey in this role is strange, given how closely DiCaprio is associated with Jack Dawson.
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15. Emma Watson as Mia in the Canceled “La La Land”
Emma Watson was initially cast as Mia in “La La Land,” a role that eventually went to Emma Stone and won her an Oscar. Watson’s earlier commitment to “Beauty and the Beast” and imagining her in this critically acclaimed film adds to the intrigue of what might have been.
16. John Wayne as Genghis Khan in “The Conqueror”
John Wayne’s casting as Genghis Khan in “The Conqueror” is often cited as one of the most misguided casting decisions ever made. Wayne’s Western drawl and demeanor were completely out of place in this historical setting, leading to a performance that is remembered for all the wrong reasons.
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17. Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates in “Psycho” (1998)
Vince Vaughn’s role as Norman Bates in the 1998 remake of “Psycho” was an unusual choice, considering his comedic background. His performance in this iconic role was a departure from the original, and while he captured some aspects of Bates’ character, the film as a whole did not resonate with audiences as the original did.
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