10 Times Actors Play The Book Characters So Well They Become The Original Versions

Movie adaptations rarely meet our expectations. Fans are often disappointed at how their beloved novels are portrayed on screen. However, in some rare cases, the actors successfully bring the book characters to life. They nail every aspect of their roles and give us a mesmerizing performance.
These actors play the book characters so well they become the original versions in our heads. So here are 10 times when Hollywood makes good decisions and picks the right person for the role.

1. Henry Cavill as Geralt

Source: Netflix/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Henry Cavill is a big fan of both the books and the games, so of course he is going to nail Geralt’s role! His character ended up looking like he just stepped out of the original version. We doubt that you can find a better witcher than him.

2. Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall

Source: Warner Bros. Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Maggie Smith got Professor McGonagall down to the voice. Her performance was flawless. Nobody could handle to role better than her.

3. Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy

Source: Warner Bros. Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Tom Felton auditioned for the role of Harry, but we’re so glad he got Draco Malfoy instead. He got everything down to a T from the facial expressions to the accent. The way he pronounces Harry’s name is perfect.

4. Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid

Source: Warner Bros. Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

The casting director did a great job casting Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid. They knew he would be perfect, and they were absolutely correct. This is one of Hollywood's best casting decisions ever.

5. Mara Wilson as Matilda

Source: Sony Pictures Releasing/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Without Mara Wilson, we doubt Matilda could have been that great. She nailed every aspect of her role.

6. Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn

Source: New Line Cinema/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Viggo Mortensen is handsome, and his handsomeness fits Aragorn’s description perfectly. He is what we picture in our heads when we think about Aragorn. The filmmakers made a good call with this one.

7. Ian McKellan as Gandalf

Source: New Line Cinema/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Ian McKellan didn’t play Gandalf. He is Gandalf. No one would have played the character better than him. Try as hard as we might, we can not come up with one actor who is more suitable for the role.

8. Michael Clarke Duncan as John Coffey

Source: Universal Pictures/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Michael Clarke Duncan’s portrayal of John Coffey in The Green Mile is flawless. His gut-wrenching performance can make the toughest guys cry their eyes out. If it doesn’t make you cry, then you’re heartless.

9. Jonathan Bailey as Anthony

Actors Play The Book Characters

Source: Netflix/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Bridgerton did a pretty good job with casting, especially with Anthony. Jonathan nailed the role of the overprotective brother. He showed us Anthony's struggle with duty and honor after his father’s death. He also made the viewers understand Anthony's grief and the pressure of becoming the man of the house. In short: Jonathan Bailey as Anthony is perfect.

10. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy

Source: BBC/ Courtesy of Everett Collection

Nowadays, when we think about Mr. Darcy, we think about Colin Firth’s portrayal in the 1995 BBC adaptation. He became the original version in our heads. That how good he was! Other actors who took the role after him were great but nowhere as awesome as he was.
Do you think these actors nailed the book characters that they portrayed? What is your favorite movie adaptation? Unlike these guys who stay faithful to the source materials, other characters are changed a lot in the movie versions. Find out the differences here!