Let’s be honest—nothing gets the film and television enthusiasts more upset than a large-scale casting announcement. In some cases, the outrage is audible and instant, only for everyone to later agree that they were wrong. In others, the skepticism proves to be the picture-perfect choice, leaving us wondering why the casting was done in the first place. From jaw-dropping decisions that instantly became classics to high-risk bets that flopped, here are 15 of the most controversial casting choices in Hollywood history—numbered from least to worst.
15. Tom Cruise as Lestat — Interview with the Vampire
When Tom Cruise was cast as the refined vampire Lestat, the outcry was immediate—even author Anne Rice expressed skepticism. Too “clean-cut,” many believed he was. But when the movie was released, Cruise proved the naysayers wrong with a charming, riskily attractive turn of a performance that captured even Rice herself.
14. Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana — Spencer
With her Twilight history, American twang, and hard-girl attitude, Kristen Stewart was an odd choice to portray Princess Diana. But she astounded viewers with a haunting, richly textured performance that landed her an Oscar nom—and a lot of people’s apologies.
13. Daniel Craig as James Bond
Too blonde. Too tough. Not smooth enough. Those were the grievances when Daniel Craig was cast as 007. Flash forward, and his gritty, emotionally grounded Bond rebranded the character and gave new life to the franchise.
12. Zendaya as Chani — Dune
Fans were excited when Zendaya came aboard Dune, but not everyone was a fan. Some left the film disappointed. She had a short screen time, and critics thought the character did not offer much for her to do. A reminder that even favourite actors can be held back by the script.
11. Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles — Ray
Most famous for comedy, Jamie Foxx was an unlikely choice for the soul great. Yet his remarkable imitation—down to measured mannerisms and musical integrity—won him an Oscar and universal praise.
10. Sofia Coppola as Mary Corleone — The Godfather: Part III
When Winona Ryder quit, Francis Ford Coppola had his daughter play Michael Corleone’s daughter. The outcome was widely panned for its lifeless delivery, and it’s still among the most oft-referenced examples of nepotism harming a big film.
9. Robert Pattinson as Batman — The Batman
From Twilight hunk to Gotham’s dark avenger, Pattinson’s casting earned groans online. Yet his brooding, haunted interpretation of the Caped Crusader convinced skeptics otherwise.
8. Ansel Elgort as Tony — West Side Story
Spielberg’s take stunned critics, but Elgort’s Tony was labeled wooden and chemistry-free. As one unhappy viewer said, “He had all the charm of a slice of soggy bread.
7. Ariana Grande as Glinda — Wicked
Doubters thought Ariana Grande was hired for her popularity, not her acting skills. But initial reviews indicate that she’s nailed Glinda’s sassy charm and belty voice, proving herself to be unexpectedly ideal.
6. Michael Keaton as Batman — Batman (1989)
A master of comedies such as Mr. Mom, Keaton’s casting panicked fans who dreaded a campy interpretation of Batman. He instead provided a brooding, charismatic performance that became a standard for the character.
5. Anne Hathaway as Catwoman — The Dark Knight Rises
Hathaway’s performance as Selina Kyle was polarizing despite her ability. Some felt she wasn’t gritty enough for the role, while others enjoyed her suave, calculated interpretation.
4. Steve Carell as John du Pont — Foxcatcher
The Office guy as a creepy, offbeat billionaire? It sounded like a stretch—until Carell gave a bone-deep, life-changing performance that earned him an Oscar nomination.
3. Robin Williams as Sy Parrish — One Hour Photo
Robin Williams, as a lonely, eerie photo technician, was a harsh departure from his warm, comedic performances. His frightening turn showed his talent extended far beyond humor.
2. Heath Ledger as The Joker — The Dark Knight
The casting that shattered the internet. Fans ridiculed the notion of the star of Brokeback Mountain as Batman’s crazy foe—until Ledger’s anarchic, Oscar-winning take reimagined the character for a generation.
1. Sofia Coppola (Again) — The Godfather: Part III
Yes, twice over, she’s present here. That’s how notorious her casting was. It’s one of the most discussed examples in Hollywood of a role going spectacularly awry, and of star power behind the camera not necessarily translating onto the screen.
Casting is a risk—sometimes it’s creative, sometimes it’s a catastrophe, and sometimes it’s both simultaneously. Either way, it’s the aspect of filmmaking that audiences never cease to debate.