Casting the right actor for a role is a critical aspect of filmmaking. However, despite meticulous planning and careful consideration, there are films where casting decisions miss the mark, resulting in controversial choices that fail to resonate with audiences. The phenomenon of miscasting, where actors are chosen for roles unsuited to their abilities or characteristics, has been the subject of much debate in the film industry.
Directors and producers face selecting the perfect actor to bring a character to life on screen, often dictating the success or failure of a movie. Whether it’s due to studio pressure, creative misjudgment, or simply a lack of chemistry between actor and role, these casting choices have left audiences questioning the integrity of the filmmaking process. Despite the talent and potential of the actors involved, these 10 controversial casting decisions remind us of the delicate balance between casting choices and the overall impact on a film’s success.
10Emma Stone as Captain Allison Ng
‘Aloha’ (2015)
Emma Stone has established herself asone of the most talented actressesof her generation, boasting two Oscar wins, including her most recent triumph in Yorgos Lanthimos’Poor Things. Her versatility shines in various roles, exemplifying her ability to embody diverse characters. InAloha, Stone portrays Allison Ng, an Air Force pilot tasked with accompanying celebrated military contractor Brian Gilcrest, played byBradley Cooper. Directed and written byCameron Crowe, known for his work onAlmost Famous, the film also featuresRachel McAdamsandAlec Baldwin.
Alohafaced significant backlash from audiences over its portrayal of Hawaii. Many criticized the film for its lack of Asian-American or Native Hawaiian-descended characters, particularly given its setting. Moreover, the casting of Stone, a white actress, as a character of mixed Chinese and Native Hawaiian descent sparked accusations of whitewashing. Crowe publicly acknowledged the controversy and issued an apology on his blog, admitting that the casting choice was perceived as “odd or misguided.” He took full responsibility for the presentation of the character, acknowledging the film’s shortcomings in accurately representing Hawaii and its residents.
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9Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor
‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016), ‘Justice League’ (2017), and ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ (2021)
Jesse Eisenberghas showcased his talent in acclaimed films likeThe Social Network, where he earned an Academy Award nomination. He gave a memorable performance inThe Squid and the Whale, from Noah Baumbach. However, his portrayal of Lex Luthor inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicewas widely regarded as a miscast in his career. In the film, Luthor orchestrates a conflict between Batman and Superman, showcasing a manipulative and calculating nature.
The miscasting of Eisenberg as Luthor stemmed from his portrayal deviating significantly from the character’s established traits. While Luthor is typically depicted as cold, ruthless, and self-centered, Eisenberg’s portrayal leaned more toward an emotionally unstable and neurotic persona. This departure from the intimidating and composed Luthor known from the comics led to criticism, with some comparing Eisenberg’s performance to a modern-dayMark Zuckerbergrather than the iconic villain audiences expected.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
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8Ben Platt as Evan Hansen
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (2021)
Ben Platthas established himself as a notable figure in both film and theater, with roles in projects like thePitch Perfectfilm series and the Netflix showThe Politician. However, his acclaimed performance in the Broadway production ofDear Evan Hansenpropelled him to stardom, earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. Despite his success on stage, Platt faced criticism when the musical was adapted into a film directed byStephen Chbosky.
The casting of Platt, then 27 years old, as a high school student inDear Evan Hansensparked controversy and drew widespread criticism. Many questioned the decision, attributing it to nepotism due to Platt’s familial ties to the film’s producer,Marc Platt. The film’s underperformance at the box office and nominations for unfavorable awards, including a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor for Platt, further fueled the debate surrounding the casting choice.
Dear Evan Hansen
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7Kevin Costner as Robin Hood
‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ (1991)
Kevin Costner, a celebrated actor since the 1980s, garnered acclaim with his Oscar-winning filmDances with Wolvesin 1990, showcasing his director and actor talent. However, his portrayal of Robin of Locksley inRobin Hood: Prince of Thievesfaced criticism and disappointment from both audiences and critics alike. Despite sharing the screen withnotable talents likeAlan RickmanandMorgan Freeman, Costner’s performance failed to impress.
One of the main issues with Costner’s portrayal was his attempt at a British accent, which ultimately fell flat. Despite his efforts, including hiring a dialect coach, Costner struggled to deliver a convincing accent, leading the director,Kevin Reynolds, to abandon the idea altogether. This misstep highlighted the challenges of portraying iconic characters with authenticity and added to the film’s mixed reception upon its release.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
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6Scarlett Johansson as Motoko Kusanagi
‘Ghost in the Shell’ (2017)
Scarlett Johansson, celebrated for her box office prowess and award nominations, met controversy with her portrayal of Motoko Kusanagi in the sci-fi thrillerGhost in the Shell. Directed byRupert Sandersand adapted from the Japanese manga, the film drew intense scrutiny, particularly for its casting choices, which many critics viewed as an example of whitewashing. Johansson’s depiction of the cyborg supersoldier investigating her origins ignited debates about cultural appropriation and representation in Hollywood.
Despite the controversy,Mamoru Oshii, the original director of the 1995Ghost in the Shellanime, offered his support for Johansson’s casting, saying that she was the most suitable choice for the role. The controversy surroundingGhost in the Shellserved as a focal point for broader conversations about cultural sensitivity and the evolving landscape of representation in cinema.
Ghost in the Shell
Based on the internationally-acclaimed anime/manga “GHOST IN THE SHELL, " a sci-fi action movie that follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 faces an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology.
5Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci
‘House of Gucci’ (2021)
Jared Letohas showcased his versatility as both an actor and musician, earning acclaim, including an Oscar, for his transformative performance inDallas Buyers Clubas a trans woman. However, his portrayal of Paolo Gucci in Ridley Scott’sHouse of Guccimet with mixed reviews. The film, which delves into the tumultuous dynamics within the Gucci family, saw Leto’s performance criticized as parodic, with his accent drawing particular scrutiny for its resemblance to an Italian plumber.
Despite the film’s broader criticisms of accent authenticity, Leto’s portrayal earned him both a Golden Globe and a Golden Raspberry Award for Best and Worst Supporting Actor, respectively. The contrast between these accolades underscores the divisive nature of his performance and the varied reactions it gathered from audiences and critics.
House of Gucci
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4Rooney Mara as Tiger Lily
‘Pan’ (2015)
Rooney Mararose to prominence withher compelling portrayal of Lisbeth SalanderinThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, directed byDavid Fincher, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Building on this success, Mara went on to deliver impactful performances in films likeHer,Carol, andLion. However, her role as Tiger Lily inPanstirred controversy due to concerns about whitewashing and lack of diversity in casting decisions.
In an interview, Mara expressed regret over her portrayal of Tiger Lily, acknowledging the need for greater diversity in casting. DirectorJoe Wrightalso faced criticism for casting Mara, a non-Native American actress, in the role of a character traditionally depicted as Native American. Activists rallied behind the hashtag #NotYourTigerlily to voice their objections to the casting choice, highlighting broader issues of representation in Hollywood.
3Topher Grace as Venom
‘Spider-Man 3’ (2007)
Topher Gracegained widespread recognition for his role as Eric Forman in the hit teen sitcomsThat ’70s ShowandThat ’90s Show. However, his portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom inSam Raimi’sSpider-Man 3was met with mixed reviews. While the film garnered seven nominations at the Teen Choice Awards, including Choice Movie Villain for Grace, critics were less impressed with his performance.
Grace effectively conveyed Brock’s jealousy and instability, providing depth to the character. However, Venom is renowned in the Spider-Man universe as one of the hero’s most formidable enemies, known for his sheer strength and ability to overpower Spider-Man. Unfortunately, Grace’s portrayal failed to capture the true menace of Venom, as their confrontations lacked the intensity and edge expected from such a formidable adversary. As a result, Grace’s portrayal fell short of delivering the menacing presence that Venom is known for in the comics.
Spider-Man 3
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2Colin Farrell as Alexander and Angelina Jolie as Olympias
‘Alexander’ (2004)
Colin FarrellandAngelina Jolie, both esteemed figures in Hollywood, took on unconventional roles inOliver Stone’sAlexander, a historical epic depicting the life of Alexander the Great.Farrell, known for his versatilityin blockbuster and indie films, stepped into the shoes of Alexander, while Jolie portrayed his mother, Queen Olympias.
Jolie’s casting as Farrell’s mother raised eyebrows, particularly given that she is less than a year older than him. Critics pointed out the awkwardness of her accent and historically inaccurate wardrobe. Similarly, Farrell’s portrayal of the great conqueror was met with criticism for lacking the commanding presence expected of such a character. Despite a budget of $155 million, “Alexander” struggled to find success at the box office, grossing only $167 million worldwide, marking it as a commercial disappointment.
1Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeane
‘Gangs of New York’ (2002)
Cameron Diaz emerged asone of the most prominent actressesof the 2000s, showcasing her talent across both comedic and dramatic roles. Diaz’s career trajectory soared after her debut at age 21 inThe Mask. Among her notable performances was inMartin Scorsese’sGangs of New York, where she portrayed Jenny Everdeane, an Irish immigrant and pickpocket who captivates the protagonist, Amsterdam (played byLeonardo DiCaprio). The film received widespread acclaim, earning 10 Oscar nominations.
While Diaz’s portrayal of an Irish immigrant in the film sparked debate, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress, her accent drew criticism from dialect coaches who deemed it one of the worst in the movie. Originally,Sarah Michelle Gellarwas slated for the role, but scheduling conflicts withBuffy The Vampire Slayerled her to withdraw. Scorsese initially consideredSarah Polleyfor the part, but studio pressure for a more “bankable star” ultimately led to Diaz’s casting.
