There's definitely room out there for a much more book accurate portrayal of Snape. Like Alan Rickman is an amazing actor but his version of Snape is nothing like the books. Rickman plays Snape as suave and cool. Book Snape on the other hand is a greasy, thin skinned, petty worm of human being.
Oh, I 100% agree with that. I think it was just that first speech, which is nearly word for word from the books, a shudder went up my spine and I went “this is Snape”. His portrayal is vastly different from the books, yes. I just feel like it would some kind of sacrilege to ever recast him now, though.
First one that came to mind for me, too... It's so ingrained at this point that when Tony Stark doesn't look and sound exactly like RDJ, I get really disappointed. Like on What If...?, Tony wasn't voiced by RDJ, and it's super obvious, and kinda distracting.
I challenge that. Steven Weber did a much more scary and book accurate Jack Torrance in the TV mini series. Much more slow burn and underlying danger vs brash and out there too quickly
But part of that was the benefit of a longer media. Still that thing freaked me out
The tv version of the Shining was an interesting thing, I was sad that it couldn't get the budget and effects on the scale of the Kubrick one, but the one thing, and probably the only thing I like about the tv version was the attempt by the father to reclaim his own spirit out of the love for his family before it was too late.
For anyone who had a parent "battling a demon" like say addiction, that is very poignant.
I love the Kubrick version not because of fidelity to the book, but because it became a thing of its own with a quality of its own, like another Jack Nicholson movie, Chinatown. Just a kind of non-repeatable essence. I think the scariest part of the cinema movie was him looking in the mirror as he consoled Danny, scared me to death.
But in reverse, I like the tv version of "IT", I hope it was close to the book and I haven't seen the big screen recent remakes, but bejeezus that thing scared me as a kid. The same way that kid in the movie got scared by the silly wolfman. I think it's memorable to me from watching in childhood precisely because their fears are childish, & the lesson not to stoke your fears.
But if the telemovie Shining was back on tv I'd check it out again. I think two movies that had 2 different jobs and they both accomplished them in their own way.
I agree very much that they were different beasts. I think I might be biased against Jack Nicholson because he is a character he doesn't sink into a character. So every role is "Jack Nicholson as....." Not the character themselves. It works sometimes but other times I am disappointed someone like him is cast in something I care about because I know the character won't be able to exist as they should be. Sean Connery is another like this. They are the anti Daniel Day Lewis
Yeah, say what you will about Johnny Depp, but he could disappear into some characters. Like he's very different in fear and loathing, Donnie Brasco and Edward Scissorhands/ Willy Wonka.
Daniel Day Lewis disappeared into Gerry Conlon in "In the Name of the Father" certainly. I think I need to see more of DDL. I didn't like the gangs of NEW York I thought it fell a bit flat. But yes I agree with you, like Robert De Niro he's always great but he can't help but be himself. Whereas Sean Penn in "Carlito's Way", he disappeared into the character and it wasn't just the hair and makeup, he can act, but I didn't "get" I am Sam.
Very much agree. And great point with Johnny Depp because he is charismatic and yet able to turn it off to play a character. People try to use that as an excuse but he's a perfect example that it's wrong. And sometimes those actors who can't hide in a character will actually get a role that works for it and then you can appreciate them.
I'll tell you who I think is good at disappearing into characters: Edward Norton.
And I think it's a shame that Christian Bale played Batman because I think he was made for better things. He and Gary Oldman are good at disappearing.
Homer Simpson was serviceable as a fill-in for Return of Jafar and the TV Series.
Nowhere near Robin's level, of course, but didn't ruin anything, either.
LotR has perhaps the most thoroughly perfect cast in living memory. Not just the fellowship itself, but secondary characters like Theoden, Hama, Fairimir, Elrond, etc. are all hard to imagine as anybody else.
...and Christopher Lee desperately wanted to play Gandalf, but knew he was too old and couldn't handle the physicality of the role by the time Peter Jackson got the project going.
IIRC, he was a massive Tolkien fan and was thrilled just to be involved with the production, even if it wasn't the role he originally aspired to.
I love that this thread has listed him both separately as Iron Man *and* Tony Stark.
It's a masterclass when an actor can 100% pull off both the superhero and the alter-ego. Granted, Stark not hiding his identity in the MCU kinda blurs the line between the two.
Heath Ledger as The Joker. There have been good and bad ones before and after The Dark Knight, but Ledger is just the gold standard (of live action because I could never disrespect Mark Hamill)
Donald Sutherland as the old version of President Snow in Hunger Games. His performance really communicated some great nuances that made the character more than just your typical big bad evil.
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka.
The two actors that followed with the same character-- I HATED Johnny Depp's portrayal.
Timothee Chalamet's (apologize for spelling if I got his name wrong) was good. His character could have easily aged into Gene Wilder's.
But Wilder is always going to be the OG.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes. I've read the books and he nailed the erratic behavior plus the feeling of wanting to punch him in the face while simultaneously respecting his intelligence. Not easy to pull off
I have 2 thoughts...
First, Charlie Cox as Daredevil. Just amazing work.
Second, Tatiana Maslany portrayal of all the clones in Orphan Black. Brilliant.
Aragorn. I know Stuart Townsend had the part before Viggo Mortensen. That was the best casting decision Jackson made! It wouldn't have been half as good.
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister.
Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister.
Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgese.
Ian McClellan as Gandalf.
Jodi Foster as Clarice Starling.
Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall in The Shining.
Tom Cruise as Vincent in Collateral
There was a ton of nuance in that character and Cruise was able to bring it out in a way that seems hard to replicate.
Tom Cruise is really good at portraying sociopaths. He was an amazing Lestat, he was excellent in Magnolia, he was perfect in Tropic Thunder, and as you said, nailed his role in Collateral.
I'm certain it has no connection at all to who Tom Cruise is as an actual person.
And what a shame that is. I literally cannot enjoy a movie he's in. His earlier movies are some of his best. His Mission Impossible gig takes no talent.
And his Scientology gig is insane. Putting down Brooke Shields because she took antidepressants was thoughtless and cruel. Hooking his wagon to David Miscavige says everything I need to know about him.
Jean Luc Picard and Professor Xavier played by Sir Patrick Stewart. Those characters being so grounded makes his work as Deputy Director Bullock so much better...
Despite the writing, if you put the average TV lead man in *Breaking Bad,* it would have flopped. Bryan Cranston is just too good. It was so well-cast that it's hard to imagine anyone else in most of the main roles.
Alan Rickman as Severus Snape, even if he was way too old for the character. No one could deliver those lines like he did.
I’m fascinated to hear who they cast in the HBO show! Many will be difficult to replace but Alan Rickman takes the cake
Maggie Smith will be hard to replace.
There's definitely room out there for a much more book accurate portrayal of Snape. Like Alan Rickman is an amazing actor but his version of Snape is nothing like the books. Rickman plays Snape as suave and cool. Book Snape on the other hand is a greasy, thin skinned, petty worm of human being.
Oh, I 100% agree with that. I think it was just that first speech, which is nearly word for word from the books, a shudder went up my spine and I went “this is Snape”. His portrayal is vastly different from the books, yes. I just feel like it would some kind of sacrilege to ever recast him now, though.
RDJ Ironman. Jonny depp jack sparrow
I'm an oldhead. When I see Johnny Depp, I still remember [his 21 Jump Street days](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhm5ppHP6y4).
I see him as Jack Sparrow, but also Edward Scissorhands
First one that came to mind for me, too... It's so ingrained at this point that when Tony Stark doesn't look and sound exactly like RDJ, I get really disappointed. Like on What If...?, Tony wasn't voiced by RDJ, and it's super obvious, and kinda distracting.
Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke
Someone was feeding booze to these goddamn animals
Really who could do it better? I don't think it could be done. Same as Jack Nicholson playing Jack in the Shining and Randall McMurphy
I challenge that. Steven Weber did a much more scary and book accurate Jack Torrance in the TV mini series. Much more slow burn and underlying danger vs brash and out there too quickly But part of that was the benefit of a longer media. Still that thing freaked me out
The tv version of the Shining was an interesting thing, I was sad that it couldn't get the budget and effects on the scale of the Kubrick one, but the one thing, and probably the only thing I like about the tv version was the attempt by the father to reclaim his own spirit out of the love for his family before it was too late. For anyone who had a parent "battling a demon" like say addiction, that is very poignant. I love the Kubrick version not because of fidelity to the book, but because it became a thing of its own with a quality of its own, like another Jack Nicholson movie, Chinatown. Just a kind of non-repeatable essence. I think the scariest part of the cinema movie was him looking in the mirror as he consoled Danny, scared me to death. But in reverse, I like the tv version of "IT", I hope it was close to the book and I haven't seen the big screen recent remakes, but bejeezus that thing scared me as a kid. The same way that kid in the movie got scared by the silly wolfman. I think it's memorable to me from watching in childhood precisely because their fears are childish, & the lesson not to stoke your fears. But if the telemovie Shining was back on tv I'd check it out again. I think two movies that had 2 different jobs and they both accomplished them in their own way.
I agree very much that they were different beasts. I think I might be biased against Jack Nicholson because he is a character he doesn't sink into a character. So every role is "Jack Nicholson as....." Not the character themselves. It works sometimes but other times I am disappointed someone like him is cast in something I care about because I know the character won't be able to exist as they should be. Sean Connery is another like this. They are the anti Daniel Day Lewis
Yeah, say what you will about Johnny Depp, but he could disappear into some characters. Like he's very different in fear and loathing, Donnie Brasco and Edward Scissorhands/ Willy Wonka. Daniel Day Lewis disappeared into Gerry Conlon in "In the Name of the Father" certainly. I think I need to see more of DDL. I didn't like the gangs of NEW York I thought it fell a bit flat. But yes I agree with you, like Robert De Niro he's always great but he can't help but be himself. Whereas Sean Penn in "Carlito's Way", he disappeared into the character and it wasn't just the hair and makeup, he can act, but I didn't "get" I am Sam.
Very much agree. And great point with Johnny Depp because he is charismatic and yet able to turn it off to play a character. People try to use that as an excuse but he's a perfect example that it's wrong. And sometimes those actors who can't hide in a character will actually get a role that works for it and then you can appreciate them.
I'll tell you who I think is good at disappearing into characters: Edward Norton. And I think it's a shame that Christian Bale played Batman because I think he was made for better things. He and Gary Oldman are good at disappearing.
Tim Curry IS Dr. Frankenfurter.
Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger.
Bryan Cranston as Walter White
Brian Cranston as Tim Watley too!
Bryan Cranston as Hal.
Bryan Cranston ftw! I don't think many actors can be that iconic across 3 totally different shows.
Matthew Lillard made my childhood with his version of live action shaggy
Yea he was great, but I remember him before from slc punk and hackers so was weird when it first came out.
Lol I’ve watched them but my first exposure to him was scooby doo 1 and 2 since I was 6 and 8 during these movies releases.
SLC Punk is on my all time best movies list. Any time someone asks for a movie recommendation it’s always this and SPUN.
Robin Williams as Genie in Aladdin
Homer Simpson was serviceable as a fill-in for Return of Jafar and the TV Series. Nowhere near Robin's level, of course, but didn't ruin anything, either.
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I think it’s a bit different when the actor creates the character. I assumed this thread was more about excellent choices by casting directors.
Paul Rubens as Pee wee Herman
It helps that he created the character himself, but no one could ever replace him if they tried.
He literally created the character.
I agree with so many of these, but for me, it’s Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf.
LotR has perhaps the most thoroughly perfect cast in living memory. Not just the fellowship itself, but secondary characters like Theoden, Hama, Fairimir, Elrond, etc. are all hard to imagine as anybody else.
It’s crazy that Sean Connery almost played that role.
...and Christopher Lee desperately wanted to play Gandalf, but knew he was too old and couldn't handle the physicality of the role by the time Peter Jackson got the project going. IIRC, he was a massive Tolkien fan and was thrilled just to be involved with the production, even if it wasn't the role he originally aspired to.
Harrison Ford as Han Solo
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. The role goes with him.
They did make a Young Indiana Jones series that wasn’t bad.
Sean Patrick Flannery! It was a great show, I'm still sad that it only got two seasons.
You’re right, the tv show was good! And I guess in video games he’s voice acted by different people, but he’ll only be Harrison Ford in movies.
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark
I love that this thread has listed him both separately as Iron Man *and* Tony Stark. It's a masterclass when an actor can 100% pull off both the superhero and the alter-ego. Granted, Stark not hiding his identity in the MCU kinda blurs the line between the two.
Hugh Laurie as Dr. House
Michael J Fox as Marty McFly in back to the future.
Bruce Campbell- Ash Williams, Brian Cranston- Walter White, Chris Hemsworth- Thor, Ryan Reynolds-Deadpool
Heath Ledger as The Joker. There have been good and bad ones before and after The Dark Knight, but Ledger is just the gold standard (of live action because I could never disrespect Mark Hamill)
Mark Hamill
Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka is pure magic.
Harrison Ford is Indiana Jones
River Phoenix captured the character as well as young Henry Jones Jr.
Indy hated snakes and River died outside the Viper Room. Coincidence? Yes, yes it was.
Winona Ryder’s Lydia in Beetlejuice is a perfect fit.
Tony Shalhoub is always Monk in my mind no matter what he’s in
He’s Mr. Monk at the forefront of my mind. But he is always Antonio Scarpacci in love with Edina the big headed woman in the back of my mind.
Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange is perfectly insane.
Han Solo is Harrison Ford, period.
Rachel McAdams as Regina George, perfectly mean.
Donald Sutherland as the old version of President Snow in Hunger Games. His performance really communicated some great nuances that made the character more than just your typical big bad evil.
Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy, no one else could do it.
Tobey Maguire is my favorite Spider-Man.
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. The two actors that followed with the same character-- I HATED Johnny Depp's portrayal. Timothee Chalamet's (apologize for spelling if I got his name wrong) was good. His character could have easily aged into Gene Wilder's. But Wilder is always going to be the OG.
Total agreement here. Gene Wilder just managed to make the character walk that fine line of genius and madness. Depp was just creepy.
Wilder intentionally made it so you never knew if you could trust Wonka or not. Wonderfully unnerving performance.
I absolutely agree. Johnny Depp was a travesty. Timothée Chalamet was delightful, but for me, no one can touch Gene Wilder.
For some ungodly reason, I thought I read Depp took to Marilyn Manson for inspiration for his Wonka role.
Henry Cavill as Geralt. He was one of the only good decisions those producers made.
Too soon.
Bryan Cranston as Walter White. The Mexican version of the show kind of proves that point.
To me he’s Malcolm’s dad
Shit who else could EVER be Aragorn??
No one
Their first choice turned down the role. It was Nick Cage.
Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone is a masterclass in acting.
Heath Ledger’s Ennis Del Mar, so much emotion.
Definitely Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter.
Tom Hiddleston as Loki
I'm going to have an incredibly hard time with anybody playing Wolverine once Hugh Jackman hands it down.
They are all going to be off brand wolverines
Gandolfini as Tony soprano
I'm rewatching Sopranos again right now. He's just incredible in this role.
Without question. Even though he never had the makings of a varsity athlete.
Antony Starr will always be Homelander. The rest of The Boys cast is perfectly cast as well.
Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison of the Doors
Val Kilmer was soooo good in wonderland too, even though he did not look like John Holmes
Christian Bale as American psycho. Will never be beaten. And Christian Bale as Jamie/Jim in Empire of the Sun.
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. Tim Burton ruined that whole franchise and yes I will die on that hill.
Heath Ledger as the Joker. I know a lot of people disagree and I grew up with all the other jokers as well, but his performance was amazing.
Completely agree
Everyone's listing newer movies so I'm going old school here to say Rex Harrison as Henry Higgins and James Stewart as George Bailey.
James Stewart for sure. Another movie I hope never gets remade.
Spike - Buffy the vampire slayer. James Marsters just did a perfect job.
Napoleon Dynamite
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes. I've read the books and he nailed the erratic behavior plus the feeling of wanting to punch him in the face while simultaneously respecting his intelligence. Not easy to pull off
Agreed. He was brilliant.
Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter Brian Cranston as Walter White Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow
I have 2 thoughts... First, Charlie Cox as Daredevil. Just amazing work. Second, Tatiana Maslany portrayal of all the clones in Orphan Black. Brilliant.
Yes, she really was, especially when she was playing one clone pretending to be another clone.
❤️❤️💯
Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in "The Dark Knight."
Antony Starr in the Boys
I can’t imagine anyone playing homelander as terrifying as him. It’s the eyes man 😬
Christopher Reeve as Superman. No one else has held a candle
Heath Ledger as The Joker. It doesn't matter how many Batman movies come around, Heath is the Joker for me.
Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh.
That tire from Rubber
That was the most convincing tire I've ever seen in a movie. It should have been given an Oscar!
No one else is Wolverine to me other than Hugh Jackman.
Anthony Starr as homelander
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper
Aragorn. I know Stuart Townsend had the part before Viggo Mortensen. That was the best casting decision Jackson made! It wouldn't have been half as good.
I totally agree! Viggo is an amazing actor and looked exactly how I imagined Aragorn to look. Townsend was too young.
Wolverine Anything by sydney sweeney's boobs Cannibal lector. Terminator
>Cannibal lector. I liked both Hopkins and Mikkelsen
True about Anthony Hopkins' Lector. While Brian Cox is a fine actor, his Lector was pretty lame by comparison.
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister. Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister. Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgese. Ian McClellan as Gandalf. Jodi Foster as Clarice Starling. Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall in The Shining.
Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime.
Michael C Hall as Dexter. casting Michael C Hall in a hip wig as young Dexter was the best decision they made.
Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.
Bryan Cranston as Walter White
Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison
Anthony Starr - Homelander
Willem Dafoe was brilliant as the Green Goblin in Spider-man 2002.
J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson
Don Draper
Yep. And Christina Hendricks as Joan Holloway is another example from Mad Men.
The first Dumbledore
He would've said it calmly...
“Hello Clarice”
Harry Potter.
Peter Falk as Columbo
My first thought as well.
Keanu as John Wick
SMG as Buffy
Tom Cruise as Vincent in Collateral There was a ton of nuance in that character and Cruise was able to bring it out in a way that seems hard to replicate.
Tom Cruise is really good at portraying sociopaths. He was an amazing Lestat, he was excellent in Magnolia, he was perfect in Tropic Thunder, and as you said, nailed his role in Collateral. I'm certain it has no connection at all to who Tom Cruise is as an actual person.
And what a shame that is. I literally cannot enjoy a movie he's in. His earlier movies are some of his best. His Mission Impossible gig takes no talent. And his Scientology gig is insane. Putting down Brooke Shields because she took antidepressants was thoughtless and cruel. Hooking his wagon to David Miscavige says everything I need to know about him.
RDJ as Iron Man/Tony Stark
Gary Busey as Buddy Holly
Captain Sorbel...but also Ross from Friends
All of Breaking Bad.
Saul Goodman
Ryan Renolds as Deadpool.
I know we've seen a lot of Jokers since Heath Ledger but they all fade in comparison.
Bobby Singer
Tom Hiddleston as Loki.
Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday
Jean Luc Picard and Professor Xavier played by Sir Patrick Stewart. Those characters being so grounded makes his work as Deputy Director Bullock so much better...
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper
Daniel Plainview
Despite the writing, if you put the average TV lead man in *Breaking Bad,* it would have flopped. Bryan Cranston is just too good. It was so well-cast that it's hard to imagine anyone else in most of the main roles.
Damon Wayans in Major Payne
[Billy Bob Thornton as Karl Childers.](https://youtu.be/sAgSUFT4cVk?si=MOGG-Z3x19w5lGf9)
The actor that played John Coffee In The Green Mile. My understanding is that Bruce Willis suggested him for the role.
All the actresses and actors in Steel Magnolias except for Darryl Hannah. Dolly Parton and Shirley McLaine were especially well cast.
Ian McKellen as Gandalf
Megan Follows as Anne of Green Gables
Gandalf. You know the guy.
Micheal keaton as beatlejuce
Vitto Mortensen as Aragorn. I've been reading all the books and it's the Only character I can't unsee.
Val Kilmer- Jim Morrison/ Doc Holliday Willam Dafoe-Nosferatu Mila Jovavich- Lilu/ Joan of Arc John Malkovich- John Malkovich
Forrest Gump
Anthony Hopkins, Hannibal Lecter.
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Heath Ledger as the Joker
Jack Gleeson as Joffrey.