Top 10 Movie Recasts

Have you ever watched a sequel and thought: hmmm, something is different here? Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top ten movie recasts. For this list, we're looking at returning characters who were played by a different person in the sequel. The actor must have actually appeared in an entry of the franchise, so re-castings done before the movie's release do not apply.
Special thanks to our users gardoo03 and Andrew A. Dennison for submitting the idea on our Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: Rusty & Audrey Griswold
“National Lampoon’s Vacation” franchise (1983-97)
Who’d want to forget Chevy Chase’s lovable misfit children from this comedy saga?! Well, apparently the actors who played them did, because they did not return for any of the subsequent movies. Throughout the films, the two children were portrayed by a slew of different actors, starting with Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron. Perhaps most notably though was that the two offspring were portrayed by a young Juliette Lewis and an even younger Johnny Galecki long before his “Big Bang Theory” days in in the “Christmas Vacation” entry.
#9: George McFly
“Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-90)
This trilogy was rife with recastings, from Marty’s girlfriend, Jennifer Parker, to the pre-release recasting that saw Eric Stoltz switched out for Michael J. Fox. The recasting that caught our eye for this list was that of George McFly, Marty’s father. When Crispin Glover asked for too much money for his return, the studio hired a lookalike, and with the use of some make-up and creative shooting techniques, the filmmakers pulled off the switch in “Part II” and “Part III.” Course, Glover then sued producers for using his likeness without his okay, so this one was not an open-and-shut case.
#8: Oracle
“The Matrix” franchise (1999-2003)
The iconic characters of the original “Matrix” film were sure to make a comeback for the fan-demanded sequels. However, after shooting of the second entry “The Matrix Reloaded” was complete, Gloria Foster, the actress who had brought the Oracle to life, passed away. As replacing her unique and dynamic characterization was no easy feat, the filmmakers went through great lengths to write an explanation into the script. Maybe it came out a little convoluted, but we still dig both versions of the Oracle, who was played by Mary Alice in “Revolutions,” though the Wachowskis had the freedom to go in any direction with the computer program.
#7: Lt. Col. James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were greeted with a pleasant surprise when they saw Don Cheadle stride on screen as a replacement for Terrence Howard in the first “Iron Man” sequel. It was not all sunshine and rainbows though, as there are still too many rumors and speculation from different sides to know exactly why this happened. As fans, all we know is that Cheadle brings bite to War Machine, and we’re stoked to be able to see him in “Iron Man 3,” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
#6: Clarice Starling
“Hannibal Lecter” franchise (1991-)
Written by David Mamet, and directed by Ridley Scott, folks had high hopes for this sequel to “The Silence of the Lambs,” as it even saw the return of Anthony Hopkins to the iconic Hannibal Lecter role. Obviously, it was not enticing enough for Jodie Foster, who was busy shooting a different film amid rumors of other concerns, allowing her to bow out in a dignified manner. Instead, Julianne Moore took on the role of the FBI investigator, and brought zeal and determination to the character. Is it the same Clarice without Foster? We’ll let you decide.
#5: Dr. Bruce Banner / Hulk
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
It’s no secret that Edward Norton can be a picky actor, and it’s become clear that he probably never really wanted the role of the enormous green rage monster. After he put on the pressure to get out of his movie contract, Marvel was in a scramble to find a replacement in time for “The Avengers” movie. Fans of both the films and the comics ended up ecstatic with their choice, as Mark Ruffalo has a brought a subtle quirkiness and fresh take to the character. More good news: he’ll continue to helm the character in further entries.
#4: Albus Dumbledore
“Harry Potter” franchise (2004-11)
After taking the role to appease his granddaughter, who threatened never to speak to him again if he did not done the pointy hat, Richard Harris brought a warm glow to the Hogwarts headmaster, and was the perfect mentor for Harry as a young man. When Harris passed away after the second film, the aged wizard and mentor was taken over by Michael Gambon, who alternatively brought strength and resolve to the character just as Harry got older and the films began to take a darker turn.
#3: Jack Ryan
“Jack Ryan” franchise (1990-)
Before anyone had ever heard the name Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin portrayed the mild-mannered CIA analyst struggling to find a missing submarine in “The Hunt for Red October.” Baldwin did not return for the second Tom Clancy novel adaptation, however, and instead passed the mantle to Han Solo himself, who portrayed Jack Ryan in both “Patriot Games,” and “Clear and Present Danger.” The role would later go to Ben Affleck in the poorly received “The Sum of all Fears.” What will the future hold for the role? Only time will tell.
#2: Bruce Wayne / Batman
“Batman” franchise (1989-97)
Like we said, different franchises based on the same character, story, and so on, do not count, but for many who were fans of Tim Burton’s “Batman” series, Michael Keaton was and still is the original, and best Caped Crusader. So we can understand that fans may have been a little disappointed when he opted out, allowing Val Kilmer to take on the cape and cowl in the 3rd installment. The change up garnered mixed feedback, as both actors played the character with their own unique style. Just don’t even get us started on George Clooney’s Batman…
Before we recast our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Rachel Dawes
“The Dark Knight” trilogy (2005-12)
- Felix Leiter
“James Bond” franchise (1962-)
- Alex Murphy
“RoboCop” franchise (1987-)
#1: James Bond
“James Bond” franchise (1962-)
In one of the longest running film franchises of all time, you’d expect there to be some re-castings over the fifty-plus years it’s been in existence. We mean, Sean Connery’s awesome, but he’s not immortal. This recasting goes beyond contractual difficulties and old age though, as every new Bond iteration brings a new quality to the role. Whether it’s Connery’s charm and wit, Pierce Brosnan’s class, Roger Moore’s poise or Daniel Craig’s ferocity, the different eras of 007 have all become timeless in their own right, and have even inspired a complex fan theory about Bond’s name. Just a codename or a real one, we’re confident that James Bond will continue to live on.
Do you agree with our list? What recast movie characters did we miss? For more entertaining top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.




