Top 10 Most Unexpected Surprising Casting Choices of All Time

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023)

When it was revealed that Chris Pratt would be voicing the iconic video game character in an animated film based on the beloved Nintendo franchise, fans were initially taken aback. Known for his roles in "Parks and Recreation" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," Pratt’s laidback and all-American persona seemed like a far cry from the iconic Italian plumber. Purists and critics alike were quick to object, questioning if he could capture Mario's distinctive speech and energy. However, upon the film’s release, opinions shifted in a more positive direction. Pratt overcame the casting controversy and received some praise for his unique take on the age-old character.

“Wonka” (2023)

The announcement that Timothée Chalamet would be stepping into Willy Wonka's eccentric shoes was quite the eyebrow-raiser – this thanks to his dramatic performances in films like “Call Me by Your Name” and “Dune.” And, when compared to the acting heavyweights who previously portrayed the enigmatic character, the likes of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp, Chalamet seemed an odd choice for the role. However, the actor’s youthful energy and boyish charisma actually made him an inspired choice. Afterall, this was a prequel film exploring the candymaker’s origins. The unexpected casting paid off, with “Wonka” grossing some $632 million worldwide.

“Monster” (2003)

How could the stunningly beautiful Charlize Theron convincingly portray a real-life serial killer who is, let’s just say, unencumbered by the standards of beauty? That was the question everyone was asking when the Hollywood starlet was announced for the role Aileen Wuornos, a convicted killer in Patty Jenkins’ “Monster.” Thanks in part to a transformation that required a thirty-pound weight gain and extensive makeup sessions, Theron not only accurately portrayed Wuornos, but was showered in awards for her troubles. More importantly, the powerful performance and dramatic physical change silenced the naysayers, proving she was capable of tackling any role she wanted to.

“Elvis” (2022)

It’s not hyperbole to say that Elvis Presley is one of music's most legendary figures. So, when it was revealed that the relatively unknown Austin Butler had been cast as “The King of Rock n’ Roll” in Baz Luhrmann's biopic epic, widespread doubt took hold of the public. Butler was just some former “Disney kid,” after all. Well, it didn’t take long for the doubters to eat their words, as the young actor would go on to perfectly adopt Presley’s mannerisms through rigorous training that included singing and dancing. It was also revealed that Butler beat out the likes of Miles Teller, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and even Harry Styles for the role.

“Interview with the Vampire” (1994)

Typically associated with action-packed blockbusters at the time, Tom Cruise was seen as a surprising choice for the role of charismatic yet imposing vampire Lestat de Lioncourt in 1994’s "Interview with the Vampire." So much so that Anne Rice, the author in which the movie is adapted from, voiced concerns over Cruise’s casting - questioning if he was the best fit for Lestat’s aristocratic European demeanor. However, upon seeing the final product, Rice publicly reversed course and praised the movie star’s output. Audiences warmed to the casting choice also, as Cruise successfully shed his pretty-boy action star persona for one of his most remarkable performances to date.

“Spencer” (2021)

Thanks to five starring roles in the critically-loathed “Twilight” films, Kristen Stewart had trouble shaking the character that made her a household name – Bella Swan. Non-fans were quick to mock the actress with memes centered around her perceived wooden acting. So, when it was announced she would be Princess Diana in the film "Spencer," there was a decidedly mixed reaction. Nevertheless, under the direction of Pablo Larraín, Stewart delivered a surprisingly authentic and emotionally resonant performance. It was a new career-defining moment for her – one that didn’t involve a vampire and werewolf love triangle.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

If there’s one thing we’ve learned when it comes to movie castings, it’s never bet against Robert Downey Jr. Of course, before the Oscar winner took the MCU by storm, RDJ had a troubled past filled with personal struggles. And when Jon Favreau insisted that Downey Jr. was the best choice for Tony Stark/Iron Man, many questioned whether he could handle such a high-profile role. Not only was he up for the task, but the A-lister completely re-defined what it means to be a big-screen hero. Some fifteen years after donning the iron suit, Downey Jr. shocked everyone yet again - this time announcing he’ll take on the villainous mantle of Marvel’s Doctor Doom!

“Batman” (1989)

We have all grown accustomed to Batman fans outright questioning the actors chosen to play their beloved gothic hero. From Ben Affleck to Robert Pattinson, plenty of fanboys and fangirls have cried foul over the casting choices. However, the outrage was at its highest when Tim Burton revealed it would be Michael Keaton donning the cape and cowl in his anticipated 1989 film. The backlash came from those who believed Keaton, a comedic actor, was not physically imposing, nor handsome enough, to be Batman. Yeesh. Keaton's performance spoke for itself though, as he brought new depth and complexity to the character, making it one of the most iconic in cinema history.

“Casino Royale” (2006)

James Bond doesn’t have blond hair, this is blasphemous! Those were the types of cries heard from “007” purists when Daniel Craig was revealed to be the latest suave spy in the franchise. The term “James Blond” was also thrown around as Craig became the poster boy for unconventional casting choices leading up to the release of 2006’s “Casino Royale.” Heck there were even internet campaigns calling for a full-on boycott! Luckily, Craig over-delivered in the role, reinvigorating the character with gritty realism in a performance that many now call one of Bond’s best ever. Let’s just say it left his critics shaken and stirred…

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Zachary Quinto as Spock, “Star Trek” (2009)
Quinto earned admiration as Spock, despite having iconic shoes to fill

Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001)
Zellweger, an American, led a smash hit about an iconic British character

Marlon Brando as Jor-El, "Superman" (1978)
Playing Superman’s father was unexpected, yet welcome, for an actor of Brando’s caliber

“The Dark Knight” (2008)

The Joker is the crown prince of comic book villains. And so, when the character was teased at the close of Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins,” fans began to speculate just who would don the clown makeup next. Nobody was expecting the casting news they got. To say Heath Ledger faced intense scrutiny from the public would be a major understatement. How could a sensitive Australian actor take on such a dastardly part? They got their answer in Nolan’s “The Dark Knight.” Here, Ledger completely disappears into the role, delivering a haunting version of the Joker that would earn him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor!

What movie casting decisions left you stunned? Share your surprised reactions in the comments below.