In fact, it would be quite a challenge to think of something that would cause a massive and very spontaneous uproar on the internet as a single event of a superhero casting announcement. Someone might compare Twitter to a brownie: it could be calm and even-tempered one minute, and the next, it would be overflowing with the users’ responses. Hollywood fans grumble about the industry neglecting them, hashtags that are gradually getting more and more use, and petitions that become more and more numerous. Nevertheless, in some instances, those “bad” decisions actually turn out to be “good” ones. So, just relax and see what you have for a snack. These are the ten superhero (and superhero-related) castings that were most mocked initially but later retweeted as great by the fans.
10. Kristen Stewart – Spencer
Well, she is not a hero in the sense of the word, but the rise of Kristen Stewart to fame is definitely worth putting here. People were against the idea of her playing the role of Princess Diana in Spencer. Many could not get over the fact that she was from the Twilight series, and they regarded her as too stiff or “emotionless”. In the end, she proved all those people wrong. In fact, Stewart’s performance was one of the most memorable, masterfully human and beautifully haunting, and for the very first time, it really eclipsed the Bella Swan legacy.
9. Tom Cruise – Interview with the Vampire
The decision to choose Tom Cruise for Lestat in the early 90s led to a huge fury of fans and even criticism from the author, Anne Rice. The question was: How could the actor of Top Gun be the one to give us the iconic one of the oldest vampires? Nevertheless, Cruise went against all odds; he was exactly what the character required: intelligent, malevolent, and attractive. Shortly after, Rice declared that she was sorry for not believing him, and all moviegoers agreed with her. Occasionally, the opposite of what someone expects can lead to excellent results.
8. Robert Pattinson – The Batman
The response to the tweet “Not my Batman” came almost immediately after the news was released. As a result, fans of the Twilight vampire were totally confused and didn’t know what to think of it. To make a long story short, Pattinson gave a darkly atmospheric and emotionally complex performance in 2022, which was the reason why the dissenting voices were very quickly put to silence. His Batman was certainly not a slick billionaire; rather, he was a very troubled detective, and it turned out great. Even the toughest critics had to admit to themselves, “We have been so wrong.”
7. Chris Pratt – The Super Mario Bros. Movie
It is worth noting that Chris Pratt, as the voice of Mario in the Super Mario Bros. Movie, was certainly not a superhero role, but rather a different war on different scales. Most internet users were completely against the idea of Pratt voicing Mario, and their reaction was the exact opposite of the confirmation when the news broke out. The typical response of the internet community to this event was something like “He doesn’t even speak Italian!” Not long after the film premiered, it was his vibrant and very effective voice that made the audience want to see the movie as soon as possible. No, it was not a trick; it was just his performance, and it certainly did. The internet would sometimes do itself a favor if it didn’t react in its usual way.
6. Daniel Craig – Casino Royale
People were so displeased with Daniel Craig as James Bond that they actually protested when he was announced in the role. Too blond. Too tough. Too short. “James Bond” was a hot topic for a lot of days. However, critics and the public initially responded to the “Casino Royale” film way beyond their expectations. Craig’s dark, real, and very human 007 not only brought the franchise back to life but also served as an example that daring casting moves can rejuvenate a legend. Presently, he is very often considered one of the greatest Bonds of all time.
5. Michael Keaton – Batman (1989)
Similar to Pattinson, Michael Keaton was also negatively talked about before the time when a great number of people raised their voices in anger in the comment sections. Character’s fans were irate that Tim Burton chose a comedic actor, maybe the most likely, Mr. Mom, to be Batman. The opinion was that the actor was too short and not that scary. In the end, Eon’s dark, stripped-down, and intense performance spoke very loudly, even though it was very brief. He gave the character a quirky but very human side, which is, by the way, the side that all the later Batmen have been compared to.
4. Robert Downey Jr. – Iron Man
Most people find it very difficult to even consider someone else but RDJ wearing the Iron Man suit; however, he was definitely a risk back in 2008. The main reason for this was his confrontation with the law, along with the fact that his career was going downhill, making him an extremely unlikely candidate for the protagonist of the Marvel universe. Director Jon Favreau was crazy about the idea, and after convincing the studio, he got the role, and that was the beginning of movie history. Downey was not only Tony Stark on the screen; he was the entire MCU’s new face, a loud gesture after a hard time in the past.
3. Bill Skarsgård – Rumored Joker Casting
While the news hasn’t come out officially, a lot of people are talking about Bill Skarsgård being the next Joker. In a way, that’s a good thing because he is probably most known for being the terrifying Pennywise in It. Skarsgard also implied he has a “really cool Joker” inside him, and people are wondering. The fact that he is so intense and unrecognizable when he changes could mean that the Joker could be something really scary and new from the Clown Prince of Crime. If we talk about his roles in Nosferatu and John Wick 4, he certainly has the talent to make a lasting impression.
2. Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight
Heath Ledger got the Joker role in The Dark Knight, and people were laughing at him till the end. “The guy from that teen rom-com?” fans mocked with their faces full of sarcasm. However, the movie premiered along with the chaotic, scary, and groundbreaking performance of Ledger that changed the superhero genre. The Joker was a frightening, unexpected, and later, a mesmerizing character; therefore, he was the one to receive the Oscar posthumously and set such a high bar that has hardly been met since.
1. Why Risky Casting Works
Where is the secret of these phenomenal feats? Very rarely, the best performance is found most unexpectedly. A comedic actor becomes a dark hero. A former teen idol turns into a tragic icon. A single purposeful decision becomes a cultural touchstone. Bill Skarsgård said once, “I really enjoy the transformation process, discovering the voice.” That is what great acting is all about. So keep surprising us, Hollywood, we will keep doubting you… and then loving it when you prove us wrong.