Top 10 Biggest Casting Fumbles Ever

Suicide Squad (2016)

For months, it seemed like any actor in Hollywood was up for the role of yet another edgy, deeply unhinged Joker in the DC Extended Universe. Ryan Gosling was an early choice, but unfortunately, he reportedly declined due to the multi-film commitment the role would require. Once Jared Leto was chosen, the endless media cycle about how wild and uninhibited his take on the Joker would be, along with his bizarre method acting gimmicks, didnt bode well. The performance is weird and explosive without any of the substance brought by performers before him. Ultimately, potential fans were turned off by Letos self-important approach to what turned out to be a brief stint.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Lex Luthor works best when hes played by actors like Gene Hackman because he is cool under pressure and secure in his power. Its what makes him dangerous. In Batman v Superman, the characterization of Supermans archnemesis is informed by the characters traumatic past. Unfortunately, this weirdly serious approach sees Jesse Eisenberg playing up the characters villainy through frantic, pressured speech, bizarre inflections, and childlike playfulness. All he does, though, is recall better performances. More than one critic unfavorably compared Eisenberg to Heath Ledgers Joker. Eisenberg is a really good actor, but hes much more suited to characters in naturalistic settings than he is to the exaggerated worlds of superhero movies.

Uncharted (2022)

Development on this video game adaptation took over a decade. Castle actor Nathan Fillion lobbied for the starring role. Many fans of the games thought he would make the perfect Nathan Drake. When the movie finally made it to the theaters in 2022, Tom Holland played an aged-down version of Drake. Fans were disheartened by the performance. Holland is talented and charismatic, but his youthfulness and innocence just dont square with the mercenary character. Fans were even less impressed with Mark Wahlbergs casting as his mentor, Sully. Fillions enthusiasm, maturity, and ability to play complex heroes should have made him a shoo-in.

Nina (2016)

Portraying the complex, volatile, and singular Nina Simone was always going to require a performer with an exceptional gift. Replacing Mary J. Blige, Zoe Saldañas casting raised some red flags immediately. Simones own daughter questioned the casting of a woman who looked nothing like her mother, a woman whose physical features were a significant part of her identity. Saldaña had to use controversial skin darkening techniques to achieve the look, which is uncanny at best. Saldaña, who identifies as Afro-Latina, later admitted regretting her role in the film. The movies 2% rating on Rotten Tomatoes says it all.

Jack Reacher (2012)

In the novels by Lee Child, the ex-Army specialist is over 6 feet and burly. Tom Cruise is many things. Over 6 feet and burly, he is not. Despite his success with the Mission: Impossible series, Cruises star persona wasnt enough to bring the character to life. Author Child defended Cruises casting at the time. He later sided with fans, saying Jack Reachers size is an essential component of the character that shouldnt have been compromised. Amazon Primes TV adaptation of the novels found its Jack Reacher in Alan Ritchson, who is a much better physical match.

The Godfather Part III (1990)

While making this long-awaited follow-up to his two masterpieces, director Francis Ford Coppola was in a bind. His original, better choice for the role of Al Pacinos doomed daughter, Winona Ryder, has to drop out. With little time to secure another performer, he cast his own daughter. Sofia Coppolas simplistic and somewhat dreamy performance immediately became a target for derision. Though shes a genius in her own right behind the camera, its clear she was never meant to be a movie star. She and her father were lambasted for her casting. Whether it was sheer nepotism or a misguided attempt to solve a last-minute problem, its pretty safe to assume Ryder would have turned in a better, more complex performance.

Snow White (2025)

The person to blame for the failure of the live-action Disney remake changes depending on who you ask. But only Gal Gadot and her acting skills have become a literal meme unto themselves. Her stilted and lifeless line readings in movies like Death on the Nile routinely make waves on social media, but as the Evil Queen, she seems particularly at sea. This is a role any actress should want to sink her teeth into. Charlize Theron played a version of her to great effect in 2012s Snow White and the Huntsman. Gadots vacant performance doesnt convey villainy, power, or any sense of dramatic skill.

Bram Stokers Dracula (1992)

If only he werent such a great guy. Director Francis Ford Coppola said he refrained from giving Keanu Reeves criticism on set because he liked him too much. Unfortunately, hes just too contemporary for any story that takes place before the 20th century. In Bram Stokers Dracula, he plays real estate agent Jonathan Harker, the Englishman who ends up a prisoner in the Transylvanian counts castle. His British accent is flimsy, and his modern speech patterns constantly feel like an anachronism. Coppola cast him because he was a matinee idol, but another handsome leading man, like River Phoenix or even Johnny Depp, might have been a better choice here.

Dear Evan Hansen (2021)

He won rave reviews and a Tony Award for originating the role of troubled teen Evan Hansen on Broadway, but Ben Platt never should have reprised his role on screen. With closeups and the curious decision to give the character a hairdo that aged him up further, it was apparent the 27-year-old was miscast in the role that once made him a star. It also didnt escape the notice of fans that his father, Marc Platt, served as a producer on the film. Several other actors have played the role on stage since Platt vacated the role. One of them, Andrew Barth Feldman, has even gone on to have a successful film career of his own. He would have made a more convincing high schooler.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Shes a Great Actress, But Shes Out of Place in Turn of the Century New York

Hes Not Exactly a Music Man

With This Much Alleged Auto-Tuning, It Wouldve Been Better to Cast a Singer in the Role

The Western Star Is Dismal & Bizarre As the Mongolian Warlord Genghis Khan

Fans Wanted Grant Gustin to Reprise His TV Role After Millers Various Controversies

Ghost in the Shell (2017)

Adapted from the manga, this cyberpunk action thriller could have spawned a whole new franchise. Scarlett Johansson was probably cast due to her bankability, but the makers failed to consider one big problem. Her character is a Japanese icon, leading to accusations of whitewashing. This drew outrage from many, who felt that a Japanese actor should have been hired instead. This was a fumble on every front. Its hard to imagine the creatives behind the film didnt see this coming, and the films ending twist did more to hurt them than help quell any lingering resentments about her casting.

Whats a role that youd recast if you could? Tell us in the comments.