Casting can break or make a TV show or film. The correct actor in the proper part feels like lightning in a bottle—but when it doesn’t work, fans quickly vocalize their disappointment. Some casting choices have been the stuff of legend over the years, fueling arguments that continue to rage amongst fans. It’s sometimes miscasting, sometimes fan demand. Let’s review ten casting announcements that shook the foundations—for better or for worse.
10. Tom Holland as Nathan Drake (Uncharted)
When Tom Holland was cast to portray treasure hunter Nathan Drake, veteran fans of the Uncharted games were not convinced. In the games, Drake is a weathered, thirty-something adventurer with years of experience under his belt. Holland, coming off his teenage version of Spider-Man, was an odd choice. Others went so far as to joke he seemed more the right man for the part of Victor “Sully” Sullivan’s youth than Drake himself. Holland had energy and charisma, but a lot of gamers couldn’t close the age and feel gap.
9. Zendaya in Dune and Challengers
Zendaya does have undeniable star power, but recent roles have had mixed reviews. In Dune, the fans were waiting for her to be in the center, only to see her character featured so minimally. In Challengers, criticism moved to the performance itself—some felt she relied too heavily on the same expressions while her co-actors bore the emotional burden. It shows that even A-listers can feel in the limelight when the expectations are through the roof.
8. Elijah Wood as Frodo (The Lord of the Rings)
To millions, Elijah Wood is Frodo Baggins. But not all were spellbound by his interpretation of Tolkien’s hero. Critics felt his wide-eyed, tear-jerking performance was a tad too much at times, dragging them out of the epic scope of Middle-earth. A reminder that, however great a trilogy gets, its fans will always argue about how well the characters were brought to life.
7. Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson (Twilight)
Few casting choices have been more controversial than Twilight’s leads. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson were catapulted to superstardom due to the saga, but their on-screen dynamic was regularly criticized as awkward and stilted. Book readers who fell hard for Bella and Edward’s passionate romance grumbled that the flame just didn’t translate. Their performances were the target of endless memes, ensuring even gigantic success doesn’t protect actors from criticism.
6. Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon
One of the greatest actors of his generation, Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as Napoleon confused early viewers. His mannerisms were out of sorts and even “cringe-worthy” in some people’s opinions. Historical figures have extremely high expectations, and this was one instance where even an Oscar winner couldn’t shy away from criticism regarding whether he was the ideal candidate.
5. Gary Oldman as Sirius Black (Harry Potter)
Gary Oldman has reinvented himself countless times throughout his career, but some Harry Potter enthusiasts felt his Sirius Black wasn’t exactly what they had envisioned from the novels. Though many loved his intensity, others believed he lacked the warmth and charisma that characterized the character in novels. For a franchise so praised for nearly flawless casting, Oldman’s interpretation became an unexpected thorn in the side of devoted fans.
4. Sofia Coppola in The Godfather: Part III
Hollywood nepotism isn’t new, yet Sofia Coppola’s performance in The Godfather: Part III has always been singled out as one of its biggest blunders. Replacing another actress who quit, Coppola found it difficult to compete with the powerhouse cast of the franchise. Most reviewers continue to cite her effort as the weakest link in the trilogy’s conclusion, overshadowing her father’s otherwise epic saga.
3. Johnny Depp as Tonto (The Lone Ranger)
The casting of Johnny Depp as Tonto was met with instant outrage. Most decried it as a classic case of Hollywood’s inability to give Native American actors Native roles. Even Depp’s box office appeal couldn’t make the casting seem anything but tone-deaf, sparking debates about representation and authenticity in casting.
2. Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher (and Lestat)
Tom Cruise is a seasoned action hero, but fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series were perplexed when he was cast. Reacher is portrayed as a massive, physically imposing man—traits Cruise simply can’t live up to, despite his charm. Likewise, his acting in Interview with the Vampire divided fans, with some complaining he portrayed the character too toosadisticallyc, taking away the sophistication of Anne Rice’s vision. These roles show the conflict between casting for name recognition and remaining faithful to the original.
1. The Roles That Almost Happened
Sometimes, the craziest casting rumors are the ones that never materialized. Think Al Pacino as Han Solo, Emily Blunt as Black Widow, or Tim Roth as Severus Snape. Amy Schumer was nearly Barbie, George Clooney almost starred in The Notebook, and Claire Danes could have been Rose in Titanic. Robin Williams even lobbied to play Hagrid in Harry Potter, but was turned down because of the “British actors only” rule. These near-misses prove just how fragile movie history is—one different choice, and our favorite films could look completely different.
Casting is one of the most risky aspects of filmmaking. It makes legends sometimes, and it leaves people polarized for decades sometimes. Either it’s a much-loved actor in the wrong role or a close miss that alters everything, audiences will always have something to say—and that’s what makes Hollywood controversies live long after the credits have rolled.