Top 10 Times Actors Went Embarassingly Method For Terrible Movies

#10: Idris Elba

“Cats” (2019)

After “Les Misérables” took home three Oscars, including one for Best Supporting Actress, stars were eager to appear in Tom Hooper’s next musical adaptation. While it may not have been clear to the studio or actors who signed on, virtually everyone else knew “Cats” would be a disaster. One of Hooper’s demands was that stars get into a “feline mindset,” which required them to learn from a cat expert how to move like a furry friend effectively. Idris Elba, who played Macavity the Mystery Cat, explained to Stephen Colbert that he and the rest of the cast went through a kitty boot camp. Cats like Macavity have magic powers, though. So, why emphasize realism? We’d rather watch Elba’s cat camp footage than the film itself.

#9: Colin Farrell

“Alexander” (2004)

A passion project Oliver Stone had sought to make for years, the director was finally given the chance after “Gladiator” sparked a renewed interest in historical epics. Striving for an accurate portrayal of the legendary general Alexander the Great, Stone had star Colin Farrell undergo extensive prep work for the role. This allegedly included weapons training, horseback riding, and other skills the real Alexander possessed. Farrell believed this was all worth it, even saying he was getting his tuxedo ready for awards season. However, when reviews dropped, it was clear the film was destined for Razzies, not Oscars. Despite the negative reception, shaking Ferrell, he would eventually secure a Best Actor nomination for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” almost twenty years later.

#8: Daniel Day-Lewis

“Nine” (2009)

Often considered one of the best method actors of all time, there’s no denying Daniel Day-Lewis can get into character. To prove it, he allegedly spent his time on “Nine’s” set smoking cigarettes and speaking in Guido Contini’s distinct dialect. But you have to wonder, what was the point? Aimless and overlong, the musical squanders Day-Lewis’ performance by giving him nothing of note to work with across its plodding two-hour runtime. For what it’s worth, Day-Lewis could make watching paint dry interesting, and this dulldrum affair is no different. We just wish he’d been used in a better movie than “Nine,” that’s all.

#7: Shia LaBeouf

“Charlie Countryman” (2013)

LaBeouf has embraced method acting in recent years, often using extreme measures, and occasionally taking mind-altering substances to get into character. For “Lawless,” he frequently drank moonshine to get into the role, nearly frightening a co-star into quitting due to his behavior. Ultimately, the film was a moderate critical success and saw a decent box office return. The same couldn't be said about “Charlie Countryman,” which came out the following year. For that film, the actor allegedly took acid and was tripping during filming for authenticity. However, the only thing authentic about the movie was how bad it was. It was soundly rejected by critics and failed to make a mark at the box office or even be remembered in the years since its release.

#6: Kevin Costner

“Waterworld” (1995)

When the time came to shoot the nautical epic “Waterworld,” Kevin Costner opted not to shoot in tanks on soundstages, but in the open ocean. This, in part, caused the film to be the most expensive ever made at the time. Costner also insisted on performing a number of his own stunts underwater and on riggings of boats, one of which nearly killed him. Those he couldn't perform were done by pro surfer Laird Hamilton, who briefly became lost at sea because he had to jet ski to work. Director Kevin Reynolds even quit after being fed up with Costner. While the final film was largely mocked and considered a failure, at least it inspired one of the best stunt shows of all time.

#5: Tom Hardy

“Capone” (2020)

While sometimes frustrating to his co-stars, Tom Hardy’s dedication to the craft and long process of finding his character has often netted great results, producing profound characters in incredible films. The occasion that he played an elderly dementia-ridden Al Capone was not one of those times. The film centered on Capone’s post-prison life and was largely ridiculed by critics who found no joy in watching Hardy wander around pooping his pants. Hardy spent months crafting the famous gangster’s mannerisms and voice, sending director Josh Trank countless voice notes. Since no recording of Capone exists, Hardy took some creative liberties with how he sounded, drawing inspiration from Bugs Bunny. It’s certainly a choice.

#4: ​​Ashton Kutcher

“Jobs” (2013)

Primarily known for his role as a lovable moron on “That ‘70s Show,” many were skeptical when Ashton Kutcher was cast as the complicated tech genius Steve Jobs. To better get into the mindset of the mogul, Kutcher adopted the same diet that the real Steve Jobs had when his health began to deteriorate. However, the strict “fruitarian” regimen had very negative effects on Kutcher’s health, even landing the actor in the hospital multiple times. It didn’t seem to help his performance either, as the film was critically panned and a box office bomb. Kutcher took the brunt of the criticism, with even his wife, Mila Kunis, saying the method acting he embraced for the film was “dumb.”

#3: Dustin Hoffman

“Ishtar” (1987)

A major adopter of the method going back to the 1960s, Dustin Hoffman was reportedly once asked by Laurence Olivier, “Why don’t you just try acting?” This didn’t deter Hoffman from his style, as he frequently won acclaim that he attributed to Strasberg’s style, even winning two Academy Awards. However, it was clear that no matter how much method he applied to his role in “Ishtar,” there was no saving that film. The production was a contentious, overblown disaster, with fighting among the cast, an ever-ballooning budget, and reports of inappropriate behavior by Hoffman. Dead before it even released, the film tanked at the box office and was even considered by some to be among the worst movies ever made.

#2: Tommy Wiseau

“The Room” (2003)

Perhaps the best bad movie ever, “The Room,” is haphazardly written, bafflingly directed, and features an over-the-top central performance that is frankly disastrous in the best possible way. Of course, the person responsible for all of those elements is the film’s auteur, Tommy Wiseau, who also independently produced the film. A student of acting, Wiseau idolized method actors James Dean and Marlon Brando, attempting to emulate their style in his role as Johnny. However, while he mimics much of what those actors did on and off screen, he seemed to fundamentally misunderstand what made those performances so powerful.

#1: Jared Leto

“Morbius” (2022)

Jared Leto has become known for his intense method acting, refusing to break character and giving in-character “gifts” to his co-stars. These reportedly included a live rat, adult-themed toys, and other (shall we say) unusual items during his time as the Joker for “Suicide Squad.” Thankfully, Leto was only in a supporting role in that film. However, the same can’t be said for “Morbis.” His dedication to playing the parapalegic man turned vampire meant he would use crutches on set, causing problems for the cast and crew, including delays as production would stop for forty-five minutes when the actor needed a bathroom break. The ire caused to the crew was ultimately worthless as the film and Leto’s performance were roundly mocked, meme'd by the internet for its terrible quality.

Which were your least favorite movies where an actor went method? Let us know in the comments below.