Maybe you’re into Batman. Or is James Bond your guy? Hey, we won’t tell if Fifty Shades of Grey turns your crank.
No matter the story, diehard fans of popular figures — real or fictional — know what they want from the actors who play these roles in movies. And they’re not shy about voicing their displeasure. Just ask Ben Affleck. Or the recently announced stars of the upcoming Fifty Shades movies — Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson have had the indignity of witnessing a petition formed calling for a casting re-do.
Don’t fret, though, this could all turn out well for the duo. Or, not.
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Michael Keaton
cast as Batman, Batman (1989)
Why Fans Objected:
He just didn’t look the part, with that receding hairline, small stature and
comedic background at odds with the Caped Crusader’s dark mystery.
Plus, Keaton’s jaw just wasn’t square enough to evoke trepidation from below that mask.
Keaton as Batman? He just didn’t fit the physical bill.
Level of Fan Outrage:
7
Final Verdict:
While the film remains largely well regarded,
Keaton took a backseat to costars Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlsM2_8u_mk]
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Daniel Craig
cast as James Bond, Casino Royale (2006)
Why Fans Objected:
A blonde Bond? Along with the wrong hair color, the British actor
(at least he was British!) was a relatively unknown commodity at the time of his casting,
scaring fans who weren’t sure what they were getting.
Level of Fan Outrage:
5
Final Verdict:
A return to the James Bond roots fans really wanted, with an intense but nuanced performance
that has only grown in Bondness in subsequent films.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9fyOFefirQ]
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Jennifer Lawrence
cast as Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games (2012)
Why Fans Objected:
The book describes Katniss as having olive skin and dark hair, not exactly the definition
of the blonde haired, blue-eyed Lawrence. Fans felt they were going to have a multi-ethnic star
when casting was announced. They didn’t get that.
Level of Fan Outrage:
6
Final Verdict:
Yeah, Lawrence has done just fine for herself, hasn’t she?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMGRhAEn6K0]
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Tom Cruise
cast as Jack Reacher, Jack Reacher (2012)
Why Fans Objected:
Jack Reacher creator Lee Child specifically described Reacher’s physical characteristics:
a brute of a man standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 220 pounds, with a 50-inch chest.
Tom Cruise, well, he just isn’t that big.
Level of Fan Outrage:
Casual fans, 4; Big-time fans, 8
Final Verdict:
Cruise was passable, but still not quite “Reacher” enough.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu1MtT_S3bc]
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Johnny Depp
cast as Tonto, The Lone Ranger (2013)
Why Fans Objected:
When announced, fans may have objected to nearly any actor playing Tonto,
which some see as a racist affront against Native Americans.
The fact that Depp wasn’t considered Native American—he actually does have some
Native American ancestry—pushed the needle even further.
Level of Fan Outrage:
3
Final Verdict:
Even Jack Sparrow couldn’t save this one.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjFsNSoDZK8]
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Ashton Kutcher
cast as Steve Jobs, Jobs (2013)
Why Fans Objected:
Kutcher’s history playing to crowds as a funny man had Apple fans
worried he wasn’t talented enough—or experienced enough—to handle the
seriousness of performing iJobs.
Level of Fan Outrage:
8
Final Verdict:
Ashton performed unexceptionally in a forgettable movie.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwIjrHceSr0]
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Zoe Saldana
cast as Nina Simone, Nina (2013)
Why Fans Objected:
Saldana has only the most passing resemblance to the African-American
jazz legend. Fans didn’t want the wig, fake nose and heavy makeup doing the heavy lifting.
Level of Fan Outrage:
4
Final Verdict:
We won’t know until we see the full movie, likely later this year.
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Ben Affleck
cast as Batman, unnamed Man of Steel sequel
Why Fans Objected:
Fans have never forgiven Affleck for 2003, when he bombed in both Daredevil
(playing a superhero, no less) and Gigli. Since he’s proven his chops—even playing
Superman in his role as George Reeves in 2006’s Hollywoodland—with
Argo, State of Play and The Town. But 2003 still happened.
Level of Fan Outrage:
9
Final Verdict:
We’ll have to wait and see if we get Argo or… Daredevil.
