Sometimes, the casting of a notable name can look astounding on paper, but ends up being a complete disaster when the film is eventually released. Many ofthe best actors of all timehave dark spots on their résumé that leave viewers scratching their heads and wondering how such a great actor ended up giving such alackluster performancein a movie that left a lot to be desired. While this can be disappointing, it also signals the actor is taking a risk, and one of the biggest keys to success is being willing to fail.
Plenty ofgreat actors have been in terrible movies, and this shouldn’t necessarily destroy their legacy. Like in any profession, Hollywood actors have their ups and downs, and across the history of a long and fruitful career, the failures can be just as important and interesting as the hits. Whileall these movie castings may have seemed like a great idea during pre-production, the truth was that they turned into true nightmares.
10Christian Bale As Gorr
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
HavingChristian Bale join the Marvel Cinematic Universewas an exciting prospect, and it’s a real shame it wasn’t in a much better movie. While Bale transformed the superhero genre with his gritty performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman in Christopher Nolan’s iconicThe Dark Knighttrilogy, the lighthearted comedy ofThor: Love and Thunderfelt underwhelming. Bale played the villainous Gorr the God Butcher, a scarred prophet whose desire for revenge turned him into a galactic killer who seeks the extinction of the gods.
While Bale is known for his intense commitment to his roles and extraordinary method acting skills, the dark implications of his character felt out of place amid the juvenile humor of this Taika Waititi movie. Bale described Gorr as having a “Nosferatu” attitude (viaGames Radar), although his thoughtful and layered portrayal was buried in the movie’s fast-paced and haphazard delivery. There was a lot of potential for Gorr to be a truly great villain, but he deserved a movie that didn’t simply try to rehash what madeThor: Ragnarokso great to lesser effect.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Cast
In Thor: Love and Thunder, the Norse god teams up with King Valkyrie, Korg, and the Mighty Thor, Jane Foster, to thwart Gorr the God Butcher’s quest to eradicate the gods. This cosmic adventure sees Thor confront new challenges as he navigates his return from retirement.
9James Marsters As King Piccolo
Dragonball Evolution (2009)
A live-actionDragon Ballmovie was always going to be a risky endeavor, although nobody imagined it would be such a catastrophic disaster asDragonball Evolution. This manga adaptation managed to upset every type of viewer across the board as it disposed of everything that was great about the series and ruined countless characters in the process. While the changes made to heroes like Goku and Master Roshi were bad enough, the most disappointing of the bunch was James Marsters as King Piccolo.
Marsters had already proved he could play a compelling three-dimensional villain, ashis characterization of Spike inBuffy the Vampire Slayerechoed the wayDragon Ballviewers were slowly won over by the demonic Namekian. The truth wasDragonball Evolutionwas a total mess, and the disappointing portrayal of Piccolo was only the tip of the iceberg. EvenMarsters himself said he was fooled into his role inDragonball Evolution,as he had falsely been told Stephen Chow was producing and that it would have four times its $30 million budget.
Dragonball Evolution
Dragonball Evolution is a live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball. Directed by James Wong, the film stars Justin Chatwin as Goku, who embarks on a quest to collect the seven Dragon Balls and prevent the evil Lord Piccolo from destroying the world. The movie diverges from its source material, offering a modernized take on the beloved franchise.
8Ewan McGregor As Obi-Wan Kenobi
Star Wars Prequel Trilogy (1999 - 2005)
Recasting an iconic role will always be a lofty challenge, and theStar Warsfranchise had its work cut out for it when the long-anticipated prequels were made. While Anakin Skywalker actors like Jake Lloyd or Hayden Christensen faced their fair share of criticism for their portrayals of young versions of Darth Vader, the role ofObi-Wan Kenobi also felt inseparable from Alec Guinness’s iconic performance. However, one actor who appeared more than up to the challenge was Ewan McGregor, who had gained a lot of prominence for his work with Danny Boyle in films likeTrainspotting.
McGregor did everything he could with the role of Obi-Wan and was certainly a real highlight of the prequel movies. However, this wasn’t enough to keepStar Warsenthusiasts happy, as many bemoaned the prequels were overlong, unnecessarily complex in their political underpinnings, and that an overreliance on CGI meant they lacked the magic of the original. Despite this disappointing reception, audiences never forgot the power of McGregor’s performance, and he returned to the character for the Disney+ miniseriesObi-Wan Kenobiin 2022.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
7Val Kilmer As Dr. Montgomery
The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)
Few film productions were as cursed asThe Island of Dr. Moreau, an adaptation of a sci-fi novel by H. G. Wells that turned into a nightmare in its own right. While this movie started as anambitious passion project from director Richard Stanley, it was derailed by belligerent lead actors, interference from a suspicious studio, and a sudden burst of unlucky weather. While Stanley was replaced by John Frankenheimer after one week of shooting, Val Kilmer remained on the cast despite a whole host of issues.
Val Kilmer’s Biggest Controversy: What Went Wrong With Island Of Dr. Moreau
Val Kilmer took heat for the 1996 Island of Dr. Moreau’s disastrous shoot, which included feuds with Marlon Brando and director John Frankenheimer.
Kilmer was a last-minute replacement for Bruce Willis, and the new actor soon found himself at odds with Stanley, Frankenheimer, and his co-stars, like the notoriously difficult Marlon Brando. Kilmer had his own ideas of how he wanted the film to be and was reportedly incredibly obnoxious and hostile on set, which he later attributed to being served divorce papers during this time. Frankenheimer was so unimpressed with Kilmer’s behavior that he later said (viaFar Out), “Even if I was directing a film called The Life of Val Kilmer, I wouldn’t have that pr*ck in it.”
The Island of Dr. Moreau
The Island of Dr. Moreau is a science fiction horror film directed by John Frankenheimer. It stars Marlon Brando as Dr. Moreau and Val Kilmer as Montgomery, who are on an isolated island where Moreau conducts genetic experiments that transform animals into human-animal hybrids. The film explores themes of scientific ethics and humanity’s relationship with nature.
6Johnny Depp As Tonto
The Lone Ranger (2013)
Johnny Depp reuniting with thePirates of the Caribbeandirector Gore Verbinskifor a big-budget Disney production based on an iconic character felt like a sure thing, although it ended up being a total disaster.The Lone Rangernot only had a massive budget of $250 million, but $150 million in marketing costs meant it ended up as one of the biggest movie flops of all time (viaVariety), as it just barely made its production costs back. While stories of the Lone Ranger may have connected with audiences back in the 1930s, viewers no longer cared about this masked hero.
Perhaps the most grueling misstep was the casting of Depp as Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s Native American companion. Although Disney likely hoped Depp would infuse the character with the same kind of infectious energy he did for Captain Jack Sparrow, in this instance, it all just came across as offensive. Depp did not have the credentials to play a Native American, the film was bland and overlong, andThe Lone Rangerfailed to live up to the potential of its source material.
The Lone Ranger
Based on the character of the same name, The Lone Ranger follows John Reid (Armie Hammer), A.K.A. The Lone Ranger, and his Native American companion Tonto (Johnny Depp). Narrated by Tonto, The Lone Ranger recounts the duo’s early efforts to bring peace and justice to the Old West, apprehending various unscrupulous characters. Alongside Depp and Hammer, The Lone Ranger stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, and Helena Bonham Carter.
5Jared Leto As The Joker
After winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role inDallas Buyers Clubin 2013, it seemed like Jared Leto’s foray into the world of franchise films and superhero movies could be an astounding success. However, when Leto was cast as the Joker in the first live-action film portrayal of the character since Heath Ledger astounded audiences with his performance inThe Dark Knight, this was always going to be an uphill battle. There was a chance that Leto could pull it off, but sadly, his version of the Joker inSuicide Squadpaled in comparison.
Leto tried to imbue the Joker with a chaotic and psychotic energy that just felt over the top and not in a good way. While Ledger’s performance was genuinely frightening, the presentation of the Joker inSuicide Squadwas underwhelming as the character wasn’t given enough to do and languished in the background surrounded by an overblown cast of talented but miscast actors. WhileLeto did reprise the character inZack Snyder’s Justice League, this version of the Joker has not endured as well as Ledger’s or even Joaquin Phoenix’s recent portrayal.
Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad team is made up of villains, captured and kept in a secret prison, and offered reduced sentences if they participate in dangerous missions. In the tradition of continuity within DCEU films, the event comes in the wake of Superman’s death and the seclusion of Batman after the events that occurred in Batman V Superman. Agency head Amanda Waller, played by award-winning actress Viola Davis, is the one striking deals with the inmates of Belle Reve Prison. Heading “Task Force X” is Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag, alongside Will Smith’s Deadshot, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang, Jay Hernandez’s El Diablo, Adewale Akinnuoye’s Killer Croc, and Adam Beach’s Slipknot. Karen Fukuhara’s Katana also joins the mission to keep Rick safe from the villains. Jared Leto (Joker) and Ben Affleck (Batman) have smaller roles in David Ayer’sSuicide Squad, as does Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress.
4Julia Roberts As Kitty Kiernan
Michael Collins (1996)
Neil Jordan’s biographical historical dramaMichael Collinscast Liam Neeson as the titular Irish revolutionary and was a fascinating glimpse into the foundations of modern Ireland. With intense political intrigue and some great performances, this ambitious film highlighted the struggle for independence from the British and the conflicting beliefs of those at the heart of the Irish War of Independence. Among talented actors like Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Alan Rickman also stood Julie Roberts, whose roles in hits likePretty Womanmade her one of the biggest stars of the 1990s.
While the casting of Roberts as Kitty Kiernan, the fiancée of Collins, made sense as a ploy to get viewers who may not have otherwise seenMichael Collinsto go to the theater, the truth was that her performance left a lot to be desired.Roberts just couldn’t pull off an Irish accent, and this had a negative effect on every scene she was in. This lackluster performance fully came to a head in her sean-nós rendition of the traditional Irish folk music classic “She Moved Through The Fair,” a difficult song she noticeably struggled with.
Michael Collins
Michael Collins follows the pivotal involvement of its titular character in the formation of the Irish Free State during the 1920s. As he navigates the complexities of his political mission, Collins faces opposition from those striving for complete Irish independence.
3George Clooney As Batman
Batman & Robin (1997)
Few movies have received as much criticism as Joel Schumacher’sBatman & Robin, a campy, tongue-in-cheek take on the character that had more in common with the wacky Adam West 1960s TV version of Batman than the dark world envisioned by Tim Burton. While Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman was a hit with viewers, and Val Kilmer stepped in to play the role inBatman Forever, the casting of George Clooney in the fourth film would leave a lot to be desired as the film’s over-the-top presentation rubbed viewers the wrong way.
The truth was that Clooney made a good Bruce Wayne, as he had the suave charisma and sophistication to pull off Gotham City’s most notable millionaire playboy. However, he lacked the gravitas and presence to pull off Batman, and inside the suit, he looked more like he was dressed in cosplay than the real deal. WhileBatman & Robinhas built up somewhat of a cult following in the years since, even Clooney himself has apologized for the role (viaGraham Norton), stating he thought he “destroyed the franchise” until it was later rebooted.
Batman and Robin
Following the events of Batman Forever, Batman & Robin is the fourth entry into Warner Bros.’s original Batman film franchise. Batman (George Clooney) and his sidekick Robin (Chris O’Donnell) team up with Barbara Wilson (Alicia Silverstone) to thwart the evil plans of Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). With Barbara assuming the mantle of Batgirl, the three heroes fight to save Gotham from two of Batman’s greatest enemies.
2Scarlett Johansson As The Major
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
The Japanese cyberpunk franchiseGhost in the Shellhas a loyal and devoted fanbase that is notably protective of the original manga and anime film adaptations. This meant there was a lot riding on the 2017 live-action adaptation from director Rupert Sanders. With this in mind, the casting of Scarlett Johansson as Major Mira Killian may have looked good to studio executives, yet they weren’t prepared for the major backlash against the film as accusations of whitewashing plagued the production.
While Johansson has excelled in sci-fi movies, this was not enough to stop many writers from criticizing the film for cultural appropriation as it utilized Japanese culture, a Hong Kong-inspired location, and many aspects of Eastern philosophy. These criticisms hung overGhost in the Shell,and the film was widely slated as inferior to the anime version. However, it should be noted that one person who was not offended wasthe director of the original anime Mamoru Oshii(viaGuardian), who stated that Major is a cyborg whose form is eternally assumed, and there was no basis for the whitewashing anger.
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.
1Idris Elba As Macavity
Cats (2019)
It’s hard to think of a movie as maligned as Tom Hooper’s adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End smash hit musicalCats. As the strange story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles who must decide which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life,Catsutilized extensive CGI to produce a film that looked truly unnervingas it inched toward the uncanny valley. What worked so well on stage sadly did not transfer to film, andCatsstood as one of the most disastrous movies of the 2010s.
Yet, the cast ofCatshad a lot of potential, and on paper, it was not absurd to think this feline film could have been a smash success. With actors like Idris Elba, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and even Taylor Swift among its cast, there was a lot of talent on display for such a disappointing film.Catstook a big gamble that didn’t pay off and this big-budget Hollywood spectacle failed to even claw back its budget.
Cats
An adaptation of the stage musical by the same name, Cats boasts a star-studded cast playing the Jellicles, a tribe of street cats who make a choice once a year about which one of them will ascend to what they call the Heavenside Layer and be reborn to a new life. The original musical is itself based on a book by famous poet T.S. Eliot, and remains one of the longest-running Broadway shows.
