Top 10 Actors Who Were Just TERRIBLE For the Role

Top 10 Actors Who Were Just TERRIBLE For the Role

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the most misguided casting decisions. We’re not saying these actors are bad, but their performances failed to meet the lofty expectations surrounding the role. We won’t be including any instances of whitewashing or cultural appropriation like Mickey Rooney in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

#10: Jai Courtney as Kyle Reese

“Terminator Genisys” (2015)

It’s difficult for actors to step into a role that was performed so well in the past. The pressure was on for Jai Courney’s Kyle Reese to be as memorable as the 1984 version played by Michael Biehn. But, in this 2015 star-studded film, Courtney falls flat. Fans remember Reese as being brave, intense, and interesting to watch, especially in the original. When he comes back in “Terminator Genisys,” Courtney’s performance is stale, his chemistry with Sarah Connor just isn’t there, and we never buy that this was the same character we saw all those years ago. The bar was set high, and he unfortunately didn’t quite reach it.

#9: Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeane

“Gangs of New York” (2002)

Cameron Diaz is an undeniably talented actress, but when she performs in a sea of talent like “Gangs of New York,” it’s hard to make a lasting impression. Her character is the forgettable, one-dimensional, and inconsistent Jenny, who has weak chemistry with her co-stars and comes off as less dynamic than those around her. What’s more, she also has to act alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis, who give exceptional performances. Diaz is perfectly suited for the fun rom-coms we normally see her in, and even for the heartbreaking dramas, but working with Martin Scorsese just might not be for her.

#8: Julia Roberts as Mary Reilly

“Mary Reilly” (1996)

The year is 1996. Julia Roberts is well-established as a credible actress and a leading lady who can steal the screen. She’s already been in “Steel Magnolias” and “Pretty Woman.” So, it’s pretty shocking to see her in the titular role in this gothic horror film. Many find she’s unconvincing at best and completely wrong for the part at worst. Her Irish accent leaves something to be desired and she isn’t able to convey the somberness or moral complexities that are clearly needed for this role. To be fair, the entire film bombed both critically and at the box office. We don’t think you can blame that entirely on her.

#7: Russell Crowe as Javert

“Les Misérables” (2012)

This isn’t Russell Crowe’s first time playing the bad guy. Whether he’s the hero or the villain, he’s usually completely convincing. But, his role in this musical flick is an odd choice. There are a few problems that contribute to him being a terrible fit. The musical performances in “Les Mis” are breathtaking. Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman completely steal the show in that regard. Crowe’s musical ability, however, can’t measure up. Moreover, the character of Javert is infamously stern and authoritarian, which motivates Jean Valjean to elude him. Crowe’s performance lacks the intensity needed for this tension to be convincing, ultimately affecting the dynamic between two of the most important characters in the movie.

#6: Mark Wahlberg as Victor “Sully” Sullivan

“Uncharted” (2022)

We all know that Mark Wahlberg is a great choice for a lead in an action movie, but he doesn’t fit the bill here. Ruben Fleischer’s adaptation of the popular video game had players everywhere excited, but the casting left everyone feeling confused and disappointed. In the video games, Sully is much older than Mark Wahlberg, and is portrayed as a wise mentor to the young Nathan Drake. Wahlberg’s performance is more of that of an older brother who Drake is not sure if he can trust, and is not nearly as endearing as the video game character. With a sequel on the horizon, we’ll see if Wahlberg improves at embodying the characteristics we expect to see in Sully.

#5: Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016)

Jesse Eisenberg is best known for roles like Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network” and J. Daniel Atlas in the “Now You See Me” franchise. In these roles, he’s normally quite soft-spoken and witty, which is why seeing him play a supervillain is jarring, to say the least. His demeanor is not exactly scary or villain-like, as Lex Luthor is more toned down, power-hungry, and charming. While Eisenberg as Luthor could’ve been a fresh spin on a well-known character, it just comes off as baffling. He’s not considered threatening or off-putting enough to leave a lasting impression. Overall, this casting was a swing and a miss.

#4: Mila Kunis as Theodora/The Wicked Witch of the West

“Oz the Great and Powerful” (2013)

Mila Kunis is known mostly for her comedic roles, getting her start in “That ‘70s Show” before appearing in films like “Ted” and the “Bad Moms” franchise. She’s perfect for light-hearted, fun, or romantic roles. So, seeing her as a villain is a bit surprising. She doesn’t exactly match the look of this infamous witch, and her demeanor is not nearly as terrifying as Margaret Hamilton in “The Wizard of Oz.” Also, her make-up and prosthetics are just not convincing. Her ‘witch-like’ voice is definitely lacking too. For such an iconic role, casting is crucial, and they missed the mark with Kunis.

#3: Dane DeHaan as Valerian & Cara Delevingne as Laureline

“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” (2017)

Considering this is the most expensive independent movie ever made, you’d think that they would work extra hard to ensure the casting is just right. However, not only is the male lead miscast, but the female lead also falls short. Both actors fail to reach the emotional depth needed for Valerian and Laureline. Since this film is based on a comic book series, fans knew what they wanted to see from the two leads. Not only do they not match the physical descriptions. They lack chemistry, and ultimately, this leads to this film’s downfall. For DeHaan, the problem is his lack of charisma and charm. For Delevingne, it’s her lack of experience in roles like this one.

#2: Topher Grace as Edward “Eddie” Brock Jr./Venom

“Spider-Man 3” (2007)

Again, he was a main character in “That ‘70s Show.” Why is he playing a villain? The third film in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy is filled with memorable characters. In a collection of talented actors who are aptly cast, Topher Grace certainly stands out, and not in a good way. Physically, he is not built for the role, and his acting isn’t as edgy as we’d like. He normally plays easygoing, funny characters. To say this casting is an odd choice is a gross understatement. In a later iteration of the character, Tom Hardy tackles the role with the right amount of intensity and terror needed to be believable. We’re happy the character has been redeemed.

#1: Sofia Coppola as Mary Corleone

“The Godfather Part III” (1990)

After both Julia Roberts and Winona Ryder dropped out, Francis Ford Coppola asked his daughter Sofia to play Mary Corleone. Even before the internet turned “nepo baby” into a meme, this casting choice was infamously considered a mistake. The two actresses that were originally cast are powerhouses in the world of cinema. Needless to say, Coppola had some big shoes to fill. At the time, she barely had any acting experience, which really showed in a film of this magnitude. Her presence ultimately brought down the film’s quality. We think that, much like her father, she is better off behind the camera than in front of it.

Which actor do you think is terribly miscast? Let us know in the comments!