Lights, camera, action – and the right actor can take a good movie and turn it into a cinematic masterpiece. From a brilliant casting choice to an unexpected performance, sometimes all it takes is one actor to elevate a film from good to great.
These 14 actors not only delivered memorable performances, but they also transformed the movies they starred in, taking them to a whole new level. Whether they were playing the lead or supporting roles, these actors brought their A-game to every scene, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
From a comedian who showed off his dramatic chops to a veteran actor who gave a career-defining performance, these stars proved that a single casting choice can make all the difference. So, sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to relive some of the greatest movie moments that were made possible by these incredible actor choices.
#1 Spider-Man 2
Source: © Spider-Man 2 / Columbia Pictures and co-producers
The film's producer attempted to persuade the actress that she needed to replace her teeth. Kirsten's natural grin was not as flawless as the directors desired. Dunst, on the other hand, trusted her instincts, and refused to put the teeth in like a Barbie doll, which she was backed by close friends:
#2 Mean Girls
Source: © Mean Girls / Paramount Pictures and co-producers
Daniel Franzese played the very queer Damian. He admitted in an interview that there wasn't much space for improvisation because the screenplay was already hilarious. The performer, on the other hand, managed to make his role much funnier. For example, it was he who coined one of Damian's most famous statements, "I want my pink shirt back!" He also copied Christina Aguilera's line "don't look at me" when speaking to Tina Fey's character.
#3 The Harry Potter film series
Source: © Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets / Warner Bros. and co-producers
The image of Lucius Malfoy as an arrogant man with long blond hair and a cane is familiar to many Potterheads. Nevertheless, this appearance was created by Jason Isaacs, not the scriptwriters. According to the actor, Lucius was intended to have short, black-and-white hair. Yet it didn't seem to match his personality. So Isaacs proposed that he wear a long white wig instead. He also insisted on his character using a walking staff and speaking with an accent.
#4 Shrek
Source: RE / Westcom / starmaxinc.com / East News
Chris Farley was supposed to voice Shrek, recording practically all of the lines in a light New York accent. When Myers took over, he insisted on rewriting the whole screenplay and recording the lines in a Scottish one instead. The reason for this was that Lord Farquaad, Shrek's antagonist, spoke with a pompous English accent. Myers' concept was to highlight a class battle between fairy-tale kings and queens and the regular people, and Shrek was reared working class.
#5 The Fast and the Furious
Source: © Fast & Furious / Universal Pictures and co-producers
The actress initially agreed that her character Letty Ortiz would cheat on her lover Dominic Toretto (Diesel) with Brian O'Conner (Walker). But she then changed her mind and concluded that the love triangle wasn't suited for her character.
Vin Diesel backed her up and persuaded the company to rewrite the screenplay.
#6 Lost In Translation
Source: © Lost in Translation / Focus Features and co-producers
Sofia Coppola wrote the role of Bob Harris with Bill Murray in mind. The performer did not disappoint her, bringing his persona to life with several improvisations. Murray, for example, improvised the whole sequence in which he talks about a horrible Shiatsu massage he received. The filmmaker also admitted that the words Murray muttered in Johansson's ear were not scripted, and that only the two performers knew what was spoken.
#7 Sense and Sensibility
Source: © Sense And Sensibility / Columbia Pictures and co-producers
In the 1990s, actress Emma Thompson protested. Thompson changed her mind and adapted Jane Austen's work for the big screen. Her work and acting were acclaimed by critics, and she received the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
#8 Jaws
Source: © Jaws / Universal Pictures and co-producers
In the renowned Spielberg film, Roy Scheider's phrase "You're going to need a bigger boat" established cinematic legend. In actuality, it was improvised rather than included in the screenplay. The statement came from a behind-the-scenes internal joke among the cast. They used it whenever something went wrong on site.
#9 Gone Girl
Source: © Gone Girl / New Regency Productions and co-producers
Ben Affleck was fantastic as the distraught husband. The odd thing is that he declined to portray a Yankees fan. For the airport scene, he was intended to wear a Yankees cap, according to the screenplay. But Affleck, who is a native Bostonian, declined. This minor conflict halted production for four days before they ultimately agreed on a Mets hat.
#10 Forrest Gump
Source: © Forrest Gump / Paramount Pictures and co-producers
Tom Hanks was so into character that he improvised a lot in filming. For example, in the scene where he proposes to Jenny, he adds a particular gesture that says, "I know what love is." He slammed the door shut and placed his hands on his hips. The actor responded that he stole the posture from Michael Humphreys, who portrayed Forrest as a child. The sequence looked to be quite emotional and reflected the main character's sentiments.
#11 Midnight Cowboy
Source: © Midnight Cowboy / Jerome Hellman Productions and co-producer
The studio lacked the funds to close down a New York roadway during filming. Therefore it's no surprise that there was actual traffic. Dustin Hoffman was almost struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. The actor kept his cool and said, "I'm walking here!” During an interview, Hoffmann recalls having to justify his actions to the film's director. Schlesinger eventually burst out laughing, clapped his hands, and stated that they had to preserve it.
#12 Good Will Hunting
Source: © Good Will Hunting / Miramax and co-producers
Williams entirely improvised one of the funniest passages. This is the scene in which his character tells a story about his deceased wife farting in her sleep. Even though it was all made up, the scene fits in so well with the overall story that the filmmakers chose to keep it in. It is clear that Damon burst out laughing uncontrollably, while the camera began to wobble gently as a consequence of the crew's laughter.
#13 Rampage
Source: Hahn Lionel / ABACA / East News
Dwayne Johnson was determined that his character not perish in the end. Because real life is difficult, he was able to persuade the film director and producers. The negotiations lasted two months, and the studio was finally forced to give in to Johnson's demands. The actor stuck to his idea of only making films with happy endings.
#14 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Source: © How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days / Paramount Pictures and co-producers
Kate Hudson and the filmmaker planned that she would be improvising without McConaughey knowing. It was she who improvised the quote “You can’t watch Meg Ryan for 2 hours and not be thinking about another girl” in the scene where she flung the dish of veggies during Ben's "guys' night".