Casting decisions can make or break a film. Controversial casting decisions occur throughout cinematic history, from physical inaccuracies to cultural insensitivity, causing debates among fans and critics alike. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most notable instances of famously miscast lead roles.
Tom Cruise as Lestat in Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Whilst not a personal shot at Tom Cruise as an actor, many fans of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles series felt he didn’t fit the brooding, aristocratic vampire Lestat. Cruise’s portrayal was seen as too charismatic and too removed from the character of the books.
Johnny Depp as Tonto in The Lone Ranger (2013)
Depp plays a Native American character, Tonto, in The Lone Ranger. His portrayal was criticized for being a caricature, stereotypical, and culturally insensitive. Many felt that the role should have gone to a Native American actor.
Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Rooney’s portrayal of a Japanese character relied heavily on offensive stereotypes, including an exaggerated accent. It’s now recognized as one of the most notorious and racist examples of yellowface in Hollywood history.
Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Another example of whitewashing, Gyllenhaal’s casting as a Persian prince sparked controversy as many felt that the role should have gone to a Middle Eastern actor. Gyllenhaal’s portrayal was criticized for cultural insensitivity.
Ben Affleck as Jack Ryan in The Sum of All Fears (2002)
When fans of the books heard that Ben Affleck had been cast as the iconic Tom Clancy character Jack Ryan, many were skeptical. Affleck lacks some of the grit and gravitas required of a former U.S. marine. Incidentally, the same skepticism exists for John Krasinski’s portrayal in the TV series Jack Ryan, and for Ben Affleck’s casting as Batman.
Cameron Diaz as Malkina in The Counselor (2013)
Diaz’s casting as a dangerous and manipulative femme fatale was seen as a stretch, as it diverged significantly from her usual on-screen characters. Many viewers found her performance unconvincing and out of place in the film.
Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Has Tom Hanks ever made a bad film? Yes. This one. His portrayal of the symbologist Robert Langdon was criticized for lacking the charisma and charm described in the Dan Brown novels. To be fair, that was more likely the fault of the script than Hanks’ acting ability.
Jennifer Lopez as Karen Sisco in Out of Sight (1998)
Lopez did receive praise for her portrayal of Karen Sisco. However, some fans of Elmore Leonard’s novel felt she didn’t match the description of the character, and that her popstar status overshadowed Sisco’s grit.
Russell Crowe as Javert in Les Misérables (2012)
Javert is the male lead after Jean Valjean (played by Hugh Jackman), and requires a rich and powerful baritone. Unfortunately, Crowe’s vocal performance lacked the strength and emotional depth expected for such a pivotal character in the musical.
Emma Stone as Allison Ng in Aloha (2015)
More accusations of Hollywood whitewashing came after Emma Stone was cast as a character of mixed Asian and Hawaiian heritage.
Angelina Jolie as Mariane Pearl in A Mighty Heart (2007)
Jolie has won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, but not for her role as Mariane Pearl, a woman of Afro-Cuban and Dutch descent. Some felt that a more ethnically-appropriate actress should have been chosen for the role.
Sean Connery as Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez in Highlander (1986)
Sean Connery. Playing a Spanish-Egyptian immortal. With a Scottish accent. Is anything right about that casting choice?
Matt Damon as William Garin in The Great Wall (2016)
To be fair, it’s not like Damon plays a Chinese character (he portrays a European mercenary). However, because the film is set in medieval China, accusations of whitewashing and using a white savior narrative emerged. Others questioned why filmmakers decided they needed a famous Hollywood lead.
Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
We all love Keanu Reeves, but many felt he was out of his depth in this role as English solicitor Jonathan Harker. He was criticized for his wooden delivery and lack of chemistry with other cast members.
Scarlett Johansson as Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell (2017)
This film is based on a popular Japanese manga and anime series, and is about a Japanese cyborg. Casting Johansson in the role sparked accusations of whitewashing, and many felt that the role should have gone to a Japanese actress.
Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher
Jack Reacher is the main character from Lee Child’s popular book series. He is a physically imposing, former U.S. Amy MP standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, with a muscular build. Tom Cruise is… none of those things.
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Elena Montero in The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Here, Zeta-Jones plays a Mexican character, raising eyebrows due to her Welsh background. Although her performance was praised, surely an actual Latina actress would have brought more authenticity to the role.
Kevin Costner as Robin Hood in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Costner portrays the legendary English outlaw Robin Hood, although he doesn’t sound English. Costner’s accent is inconsistent and fluctuates throughout the film, adding a thread of unintentional humor.
Emma Watson as Belle in Beauty and the Beast (2017)
While Emma Watson looks the part, her portrayal of Belle in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic received mixed reviews. Some thought her acting was a little wooden, her portrayal lacking the charisma and warmth of the original, and others thought her singing was underwhelming.
Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates in National Treasure (2004)
Cage’s acting style is typically a little over-the-top, so when he was cast as a historian and treasure hunter, some were skeptical. Cage doesn’t quite fit the serious and scholarly aspects of the character.
