The Most Controversial Recasting Decisions in TV and Film, from ‘The Witcher’ to ‘Wonder Woman’

“Aladdin” Franchise — Genie

Having voiced Homer Simpson for more than three decades, Emmy winner Dan Castellaneta is an auditory icon in his own right. (In addition to “The Simpsons,” the accomplished voice actor has also lent his talents to “Futurama” among other projects.) Still, there’s no denying the part of Aladdin’s Genie was meant for Robin Williams. The late comedian played him only once in the 1992 original, before being replaced by Castallenta for “The Return of Jafar” and two lesser sequels.

“Batwoman” — Katie Kane

The CW made headlines by casting “Orange Is the New Black” star Ruby Rose in the titular role of “Batwoman.” And yet Rose would play the badass heroine for just one season before being replaced by Wallis Day. The actor claimed they left the series due to unsafe working conditions (Rose was hospitalized for a neck and back injury in 2019), but Warner Bros. said Rose’s departure was related to workplace behavior. 

“Bewitched” — Darrin Stephens

Considering creator Sol Saks’ irrefutably charming “Bewitched” was a two-hander sitcom about an affable mortal and his trouble-making witch of a wife (literal witch, mind you), it’s no wonder audiences were irked when Darrin Stephens got replaced. Dick York played the part for five seasons before Dick Sargent took over for the remaining three. At least Samantha didn’t mind.

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” — Greg Serrano

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” fans were understandably crushed when curmudgeonly love interest Greg Serrano departed the series with actor Santino Fontana early in Season 2. Thankfully, series star and creator Rachel Bloom had the brilliant idea to not only recast the role with Skylar Astin but use the switch-up as an opportunity to underline the character’s emotional arc while still making light of what could have been an awkward disconnect. Cue up the song “Hello, Nice To Meet Y,ou” and you’ll see what we mean. 

“The Crown” — Multiple Characters

When Peter Morgan set out to make “The Crown” — Netflix’s reigning historical drama about the life of Queen Elizabeth II — the British screenwriter-turned-showrunner plotted out a strict two-seasons-per-actor outline for each character that has its positives and negatives. On the one hand, watching acting titans of varying ages take on the same role (Foy! Colman! Staunton!) can produce a dazzling display of craft; that’s not necessarily better than a long-running series with returning actors, but it helped Morgan stand out in a crowded nonfiction space. On the other hand, with so many casting choices to make over the run of the show, “The Crown” has its fair share of missteps.

“Dark Knight” Trilogy — Rachel Dawes

Christopher Nolan was reportedly very upset when “Batman Begins” star Katie Holmes ran into scheduling conflicts that prevented her from returning as Rachel Dawes in “The Dark Knight.” Of course, Maggie Gyllenhaal filled the role beautifully, helping to elevate Bruce’s painful confrontation with the Joker into a shadowy character study Gotham appreciators won’t ever forget.

“Don’t Worry Darling” — Jack Chambers

You need 30 minutes (bare minimum!) to adequately recap the tabloid saga of the summer that was Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling.” From the “Miss Flo” remark heard ’round the world to Chris Pine’s so-called Spit Gate, promotion for the psychological drama was, in a word, messy. Back in 2020, it was the unceremonious exit of slated star Shia LaBeouf that kicked off that downward spiral. LaBeouf was set to play the Kool-Aid drinking Jack Chambers opposite Florence Pugh, but was replaced with Harry Styles at the last minute. Speaking with Variety in 2022, Wilde claimed she’d fired LaBeouf for his “combative” acting technique. The actor maintains he quit the project due to the director’s inadequate rehearsal process. 

“Flintstones” Live-Action Franchise — Multiple Characters

As perplexing as it is irritating, the sweeping recast between 1994’s “The Flintstones Movie” and its 2000 sequel “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” never sat right with fans of the pre-historic cartoon. Pitch-perfect stars John Goodman, Rick Moranis, Elizabeth Perkins, and Rosie O’Donnell were replaced by Mark Addy, Stephen Baldwin, Kristen Johnston, and Jane Krakowski to mediocre effect.

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” — Vivian Banks

Sitcoms can be hit especially hard by unexected needs to recast. “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is one such case, having never fully recovered from the departure of the effortlessly engaging Janet Hubert. Daphne Maxwell Reid assumed the role amid an ongoing feud between Hubert and star Will Smith. The pair have since reconciled, with Hubert coming to Smith’s defense following the infamous Chris Rock fiasco at the 2022 Oscars.

“Game of Thrones” — Daario Naharis

“Game of Thrones” was plenty successful when Ed Skrein first appeared as Daenerys Targaryen’s champion Daario Naharis in Season 3. That HBO didn’t get his character’s casting right the first time is a bit of a headscratcher. Michiel Huisman took up the part in Season 4, with many fans speculating that Skrein left thanks to his new role in the “Transformers” franchise. The actor, however, told Entertainment Weekly at the time: “It was a lot more political than that.”

Other notable “Game of Thrones” recastings include Gregor Clegane aka The Mountain (Conan Stevens in Season 1; Ian Whyte in Season 2; and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson for the remainder of the series) and Tommen Baratheon (Callum Wharry in Seasons 1 and 2, then Dean-Charles Chapman in Seasons 4 – 6.)  

“Hannibal Lector” Franchise — Clarice Starling

Hello again, Clarice! It’s tough to say whether Academy Award winner Julianne Moore could have delivered as good of a performance as Academy Award winner Jodie Foster in “The Silence of Lambs” had she been given the part first. Still, while Moore does an admirable job as the FBI agent in Ridley Scott’s 2001 sequel “Hannibal,” the film is nowhere near the caliber of Jonathan Demme’s 1991 original, and Moore’s Clarice suffers for it. (Kudos to her for getting through that brain scene though.)

“Hannibal Lector” Franchise — Hannibal Lector

Although Brian Cox originated author Thomas Harris’ perverse antagonist in Michael Mann’s “Manhunter,” Anthony Hopkinsis the cannibalistic icon. He reprised the role for Ridley Scott’s “Hannibal” as well as Brett Ratner’s prequel film “Red Dragon.” Hopkins was finally replaced by Gaspard Ulliel for Peter Webber’s “Hannibal Rising,” and let’s say it’s no fava beans and a nice Chianti.

“Harry Potter” Franchise — Lavender Brown

“Harry Potter” is mired in problematic casting choices, but few were as eggregious as the whitewashing of Lavender Brown. The overly affectionate Gryffindor was originally played by Black actresses Katleen Cauley and Jennifer Smith in “Chamber of Secrets” and “Prisoner of Azkaban” respectively (both in a non-speaking capacity). When it came time for Lavender to actually date Ron Weasley in “Half-Blood Prince,” however, the character was recast with white actress Jessie Cave (who sadly reported unrelated toxic working conditions years after the film was released).

“Hellraiser” Franchise – Pinhead

Yes, slasher villains get recast all the time, but allowing the role of Pinhead to be played by anyone other than Doug Bradley proved the metaphoric kiss of death for the “Hellrasiser” sequels. Bradley was invited to return to the role in the wildly underwhelming 2011 “Hellraiser: Revelations” but wisely opted out. Stephan Smith Collins, Paul T. Taylor, and eventually so-called “Lady Pinhead” Jamie Clayton would take on the role.

“Home Alone” Franchise — Kevin McAllister

With four “Home Alone” movies and three kid stars appearing therein, you’d be forgiven for thinking that three different actors played prankster Kevin McAllister, originated by Macaulay Culkin. In reality, star of “Home Alone 3” Alex D. Linz played a character named Alex Pruitt, which makes the arbitrary decision to bring back the Kevin McAllister name in “Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House” starring Mike Weinberg all the more annoying.

“House of the Dragon” — Rhaenyra Targaryen and Allicent Hightower

It was always the plan to have Milly Alcock and Emily Carey hand the parts of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower to Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke after a ten-year time jump. Still, it initially startled “House of the Dragon” fans between Season 1, Episodes 5 and 6 of the “Game of Thrones” spinoff — with some viewers lamenting the loss of two well-acted renderings audiences had just begun to appreciate.

“Interview with the Vampire” and “Queen of the Damned” — Lestat

Replaced in the sequel by Stuart Townsend, Tom Cruise wasn’t the only actor to see his legendary “Interview with the Vampire” performance undercut by its lousy sequel, “Queen of the Damned.” (Antonio Banderas, who played Armand in Neil Jordan’s 1994 gothic fantasy, was exchanged for Matthew Newton to similarly underwhelming effect.) Thankfully, that wrong was set at least partially right for the character of Lestat as rendered by the mesmerizing Sam Reid in AMC’s serialized adaptation for 2022.

Marvel Cinematic Universe — The Hulk

Edward Norton played Bruce Banner for the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008, starring in Louis Leterrier’s “The Incredible Hulk.” When it was revealed that Norton would not continue his journey in the growing multiverse, Marvel’s Kevin Feige released a statement citing “the need for an actor who embodies [creativity and a] collaborative spirit.” Norton has since said he had a great time doing the project and holds no ill-will toward Feige. Mark Ruffalo went on to play the lovable green giant in seven films with more to come.

Other notable MCU recastings include War Machine, originated by Terrence Howard in “Iron Man” and taken over by Don Cheadle; as well as Howard Stark, played by Gerard Sanders (in a non-speaking role), John Slattery, and Dominic Cooper.

“Mortal Kombat” Franchise — Multiple Characters

When most of a film franchise’s original cast won’t return for a sequel, take that as the sign to stop. “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation” director John R. Leonetti learned that lesson the hard way in his abysmal follow-up project, replacing actors Christopher Lambert, Bridgette Wilson, and Gregory McKinney among others with James Remar, Sandra Hess,Lynn ‘Red’ Williams and more disappointing second stringers.

“The Mummy” Franchise — Evelyn O’Connell

Rachel Weisz was already an accomplished stage actor when “The Mummy” made her a major movie star. She played librarian/adventurer Evie O’Connell in both “The Mummy” and “The Mummy Returns” before scheduling conflicts forced her to bow out and Maria Bello took over in the deeply disappointing “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”  

“The O.C.” — Kaitlyn Cooper

Shailene Woodley once called her brief time appearing in Season 1 of “The O.C.” her “proudest accomplishment.” The little sister to Mischa Barton’s Melissa Cooper, Kaitlin Cooper played a minor part in Season 1 before disappearing altogether in Season 2. She’d return, this time played by newcomer Willa Holland, in Season 3. Maybe this recast is only controversial in hind-sight, but imagining “The O.C.” with a grown-up Woodley is fun enough to merit its inclusion.

“Riverdale” — Reggie Mantle

Heralded by the tremendously silly #NotMyReggie viral campaign, Ross Butler‘s departure from “Riverdale” amid scheduling conflicts upset many fans of the soapy teen drama at the start. Luckily, the show’s viewers — famous for suspending disbelief when it comes to pretty much every other television topic imaginable — eventually found it in their hearts to embrace Charles Melton as the new actor playing the hot-headed jock.

“RoboCop” Franchise – Alex Murphy

Peter Weller nailed the role of Alex Murphy — a police officer-turned-state-sponsored cyborg — in both Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 “RoboCop” and Irvin Kershner’s 1990 “RoboCop.” The actor exited the franchise to appear in David Cronenberg’s “Naked Lunch.” The titular sci-fi star was subsequently played by Robert Burke.

“Shameless” — Mandy Milkovich

Jane Levy was truly excellent as the moody and mischievious Mandy Milkovich during Season 1 of Showtime’s “Shameless.” And yet, thanks to conflicts with the sitcom “Suburgatory,” the actress had to hand the role over to series newbie Emma Greenwell. No acting slouch herself, Greenwell was an electric presence on the show, first as a recurring character in Season 2 and then as a regular in Seasons 3 and 4. She returned briefly in both Seasons 5 and 6.

“Spartacus” — Spartacus

Following Andy Whitfield‘s tragic passing in 2011 (the actor died less than two years after he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), some audiences felt it was better to let Starz’s “Spartacus” end alongside the loss of the series’ star and heart. Liam McIntyre did his best to champion the series across two more seasons, but Whitfield’s sandals were never filled.

“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” Franchise — Sally Hardesty

The late Marilyn Burns is as resposible for the lasting terror of 1974’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” as writer-director Tobe Hooper. That’s what made Netflix bringing the legendary final girl back in a lackluster “Halloween” remake ripoff for 2022 so irritating. Olwen Fouéré does a decent job, but the performance is no scream queen’s crowning glory.

“Twilight” Franchise — Victoria

“Twilight” stans were nothing short of furious when Rachelle Lefevre was swapped for Bryce Dallas Howard between 2008’s “Twilight” and 2010’s “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.” Howard had reportedly been approached for the role of ruthless vampire Victoria originally, but turned down the part. She came around to the idea when the franchise took off. Studio execs cited scheduling conflicts, but Lefevre said she was “stunned” and “saddened” by the decision to remove her from the films in a formal statement.

DC Extended Universe — Wonder Woman

At this point, no one outside of DC Studios can say what’s next (if anything) for Gal Gadot’s Diana Prince. After Patty Jenkins’ third Wonder Woman outing was scrapped by studio co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran last year — and Superman himself was recast ahead of “Superman: Legacy” — Gadot seemed destined to retire the superhero role. That outcome seemed even more likely after Gunn and Safran announced that their first Wonder Woman project would be “Paradise Lost,” a prequel series about the origins of the Amazons on the island of Themyscira that takes place years before Diana’s birth.

But the summer of 2023 has been an interesting period of back and forth in the press, with Gadot saying she “can’t wait” to share the iconic character’s “next chapter” on social media. But a Variety report indicates the second sequel project is not currently in development.

In another interview at Flaunt, Gadot claimed she was told by Gunn and Safran that “Wonder Woman 3” was a go. “I was invited to a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran,” she said, “and what they told me, and I’m quoting: ‘You’re in the best hands. We’re going to develop “Wonder Woman 3” with you. [We] love you as Wonder Woman — you’ve got nothing to worry about.’ So time will tell.” DC Studios gave no comment.

“The Witcher” — Geralt of Rivia

“Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I’m honoured that he’s handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf’s blades for the next chapter of his adventure,” said Liam Hemsworth in a statement announcing he’d be the star of “The Witcher” come Season 4. (Cavill gave no specific reason for his exit, but the news came on the cape of his return to the DC Extended Universe as Superman.)

“Henry, I’ve been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character,” Hemsworth continued. “I may have some big boots to fill, but I’m truly excited to be stepping into ‘The Witcher’ world.”