Top 10 Fan Castings That Actually Came True
#10: Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-) Doctor Strange is a master of the mystic arts, but he’s at his core a stylish, confident man who’s very good at whatever he puts his mind towards. Naturally, fans thought of Benedict Cumberbatch, who mastered playing that sort of character through parts like Sherlock Holmes. Cumberbatch has recounted hearing about Dr. Strange first from a fan at a press event for “Star Trek Into Darkness,” and while he wasn’t initially onboard, when Marvel called, he answered and fans rejoiced. Cumberbatch has been, forgive us, magical in the part and just the right amount of strange. Wonder if we can borrow the Time Stone so we can redo those jokes…
#9: Zachary Quinto as Spock
“Star Trek” franchise (1966-) A funny thing happened when “Star Trek” fans saw actor Zachary Quinto on shows like “Heroes” – a lot of them got déjà vu. Plenty felt he was practically a doppelganger for a young Leonard Nimoy. The folks behind the rebooted “Star Trek” films concurred with their assessment and took the logical next step to cast Quinto as Spock. Since taking on the part, Quinto has paid tribute to Nimoy’s legendary performance, even sharing some screen time with his predecessor, while also bringing a more human side to the half-Vulcan science officer. While his time in the part has seemed short-lived, he’s certainly prospered for it. And there’s always room for more sequels.
#8: Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk / Kingpin
“Daredevil” (2015-18) There aren’t many actors who can convincingly play the large-framed fictional crime kingpin, Wilson Fisk, from Marvel comics. Fans hit on Vincent D’Onofrio to play the part fairly early, but it would take Marvel and Netflix to help this idea bear fruit. Not only does D’Onofrio have the commanding physical presence of Fisk, but he’s also intimidating thanks to the actor’s excellent performance, while also being almost sympathetic. Almost. Fisk was a spectacular villain for Daredevil on his eponymous show, but Kingpin is the foe of many Marvel superheroes, and D’Onofrio has expressed interest in donning those dapper suits again.
#7: Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia
“The Witcher” (2019-) “The Witcher” franchise is a beloved series of books and games, so who could play the iconic monster hunter in live-action has been much discussed for years. One name fans kept coming back to was Henry Cavill. While some were dubious that a guy known for more heroic characters could pull off an anti-hero like Geralt, some convincing fan edits had many of us picturing him in the part. As it turned out, Cavill shared their enthusiasm, since he’s a fan of the series, even campaigning for the role early on in the production process. His persistence paid off, and Netflix tossed more than a few coins to their newfound Witcher.
#6: Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle / The Punisher
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“Daredevil” (2015-18) & “The Punisher” (2017-19) Frank Castle is a man who will stop at nothing to get his vengeance and when fans decided that Jon Bernthal was the right man to play him, they stopped at nothing too. Bernthal proved an immediate success on “Daredevil,” having great chemistry with practically everyone he’s in a scene with, to the point where giving him his own solo series was a given. He plays a man perfectly on the edge, ready to tip towards violence, while also illustrating Castle’s tragic, broken side too. Sadly, Bernthal’s Punisher has yet to avenge the greatest crime of all – the cancellation of his show.
#5: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett
“The Mandalorian” (2019-) & “The Book of Boba Fett” (2021-) Although Temuera Morrison has played Jango Fett, as well as his other clones in the “Star Wars” prequel films, fans were eager for the actor to “complete the set,” as it were, and play Boba Fett too. Thankfully, in addition to many other dreams, the folks behind “The Mandalorian” managed to make this one come true too. Morrison’s comeback had “Star Wars” fans buzzing, as he managed to help make the iconic character just as cool as we’d always thought he was, while also showing us a more experienced and world-wearier version of the bounty hunter. And thanks to “The Book of Boba Fett,” we got to see even more of him.
#4: Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
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Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-) In the comics, Nick Fury has typically been a white guy. However, enterprising comics creator Mark Millar modeled his new Nick Fury after Samuel L. Jackson, due to being a big fan of the actor, and when the MCU was being built, they went for the man himself. Talk about art imitating… art? When Millar apologized to Jackson for using his likeness, Jackson thanked him instead for landing him such a successful role. And we’re thankful too! Naturally, Jackson is ideal for the role – charismatic, badass, and effortlessly cool. Nick Fury has been in the MCU from the very beginning and it just wouldn’t look the same without him.
#3: Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano
“The Mandalorian” (2019-) Ahsoka Tano has been in animated “Star Wars” content for years, so fans were naturally going to speculate on who could bring the one-time apprentice of Anakin Skywalker to life in live-action. As it happens, one fan tweeted Rosario Dawson about the possibility and she retweeted it, catching the attention of Dave Filoni, one of the future showrunners of “The Mandalorian.” Dawson was cast, and she has absolutely killed it so far as Ahsoka. She’s got the Force wielder’s physicality in fights down, and mixes her characteristic warmth with a little more wisdom. So naturally, Disney green-lit a spin-off “Ahsoka” show starring Dawson.
#2: Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier / Professor X
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“X-Men” franchise (2000-20) Professor Charles Xavier is the psychic leader of the X-Men and the head of a school for mutants and/or gifted youngsters. Fans have long held that there was only one man who could play Professor X – Patrick Stewart. Director Bryan Singer didn’t have to be a mind reader when he approached Stewart about playing him. Professor X has since become one of Stewart’s most recognizable roles, and his compassion, charm, and utter class have only elevated an already fantastic character. Few characters are as perfect for an actor as this one. Well, we can think of at least one more…
#1: Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool
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“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (2009) & “Deadpool” franchise (2016-) Deadpool is the irreverent immortal mercenary that Ryan Reynolds was born to play. When a producer recommended the role to Reynolds, should he ever appear on film, the first comic Reynolds picked up had Deadpool comparing himself to Ryan Reynolds. It was fate. While “X-Men Origins” fell flat, there was no question that Reynolds was right for the part, and his solo movie series has showcased just how much he embodies the wisecracking Merc with a Mouth. Not even a mask and lots of prosthetics can dampen Reynolds’ natural charisma and wit.
