Book is one of the major inspirations for filmmaking and book-to-movie adaptions have become a hot trend in recent years. Many movie adaptations of popular books remain faithful to their source materials and they become magical visualizations of the lovely stories viewers treasure in their minds and hearts. In contrast, others recreate by changing the setting, altering relationships, or cutting out storylines. These may be the main reasons for the failure of a movie. Filmmakers or even actors receive criticism from film buffs and critics and these book-to-movie adaptations are considered trash.
Actors play an important role in the success of the movie. Some played iconic characters and nailed it while some never made the leap from book to screen. Below are 13 actors who embodied iconic book characters and not all of them were a success.
#1 Jadad Ben-Hur in “Ben-Hur”
Source: © Ben-Hur / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, © Ben-Hur / Paramount Pictures
Lew Wallace’s novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, considered the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century, was adapted into a movie of the same name. However, “Ben Hur” (2016) didn’t meet the expectations of fans and became a box office failure. The movie received generally negative reviews. Many said that Jack Huston playing Jadah Ben-Hur looked more like a prince than a leader. In contrast, Charlton Heston’s performance in the 1959 version received a lot of compliments.
#2 Jordan in “The Great Gatsby”
Source: © The Great Gatsby / Paramount Pictures, © The Great Gatsby / Warner Bros.
“The Great Gatsby” is a 1974 romantic drama film based on the 1925 novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In the movie, Lois Chiles embodied Jordan who represents one of the new women of the 1920s - cynical, boyish, and self-centered. The actress received mixed reviews from critics. Some sang the praises of her character while some said she was reserved and seductive. Many fans also crush on Jordon, played by Elizabeth Debicki in the 2014 movie.
#3 Kamran in "Çalıkuşu"
Source: © Çalikusu / TRT, © Çalikusu / Tim's Productions
Kenan Kalav was in the role of Kamran in "Çalıkuşu" based on a famous Turkish novel and many said his version was perfect. The 2013 adaptation with Burak Özçivit was released and then received some negative reviews. Many said that although Burak Özçivit’s appearance was perfect, his acting was quite boring.
#4 Mr. Stringer in “The Witches”
Source: © The Witches / Lorimar Film Entertainment, © The Witches / Warner Bros.
Rowan Atkinson played Mr. Stringer, the hotel manager in ‘The Witches”. The character is described as being a bristly man. Many are familiar with the image of Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean, so it’s hard for them to see the actor in other roles. In the 2020 adaptation, Stanley Tucci took on the character and his performance received positive feedback.
#5 White Witch in “The Chronicles of Narnia”
Source: © The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe / BBC, © The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian / Walt Disney Pictures
The White Witch in “The Chronicles of Narnia” is described as a cold and narcissistic person. The character is only interested in having power over others and believes everyone else exists to do her bidding. In the movie of1988, the character was portrayed by Barbara Kellerman and the actress received mixed reviews. In the 2005 adaptation, the role went to Tilda Swinton and she achieved fame for it.
#6 Henry V in “Henry V”
Source: © Henry V / Renaissance Films, © The Hollow Crown / BBC, © The King / Netflix
Henry V is a historical play by William Shakespeare, being about the life of King Henry V of England. The play has three adaptions. Kenneth Branagh portrayed Henry in the 1989 movie while Tom Hiddleston took on the role in the 2012 adaption. In the last remake, the role went to Timothée Chalamet. All three actors fulfilled well this role and most fans praised them for their talent.
#7 Richard III in “Richard III”
Source: © Richard III / London Film Productions, © The Hollow Crown / BBC
William Shakespeare is considered the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s great dramatist. He has many well-known plays and one of them is Richard III. The work is adapted into films and these films were successful. The performances of Laurence Olivier and Benedict Cumberbatch in the two adaptations received critical acclaim.
#8 Olivia in “Twelfth Night”
Source: © Twelfth Night / Lenfilm, © Twelfth Night: Or What You Will / Summit Entertainment
Olivia in “Twelfth Night” is a beautiful woman with strong emotional reactions and no male guidance. In the 1955 film, Alla Larionova well expressed the character’s elegance while in the 1996 version, Helena Bonham Carter got a lot of compliments from fans and critics. Some viewers said: “She was great at switching between love-struck gleeful frenzy & goth girl emo-ness”.
#9 Jack Carter in “Get Carter”
Source: © Get Carter / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, © Get Carter / Morgan Creek Entertainment
"Get Carter" is a movie based on Ted Lewis’s 1970 novel Jack’s Return Home. Michael Caine starred in the first adaptation and many said his performance is incredible. However, the 2000 movie was a flop because Sylvester Stallone playing Jack Carter completely missed the nuance and brilliance of the original.
#10 Katherine in “The Taming of the Shrew”
Source: © The Taming of the Shrew / Columbia Pictures, © ShakespeaRe-Told / BBC
In the 1967 “The Taming of the Shrew”, the main part was portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor, and many viewers praised the actress’ performance. in 2005, a new adaptation with Shirley Henderson appeared. The viewer liked her appearance and talent.
#11 Julien Sorel in “Le Rouge et le Noir”
Source: © Le rouge et le noir / Documento Film, © Le rouge et le noir / TF1
Stendhal’s “Le Rouge et le Noir”, known as “The Red And The Black”, was adapted for the big screen several times. Gérard Philipe portrayed Julien Sorel in the 1954 moive. Some said he was attractive and balanced. In the most recent movie adaptation, Julien Sorel was embodied by the Italian actor Kim Rossi Stuart. The viewer said the character was meant for him.
#12 Cyrano de Bergerac in the "Cyrano"
Source: © Roxanne / Columbia Pictures, © Cyrano de Bergerac / Caméra One, © Cyrano / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
In the first “Cyrano” adaption, comedian Steve Martin was in the role of Cyrano de Bergerac and his performance was perfect. In the 1990 movie, Cyrano de Bergerac was portrayed by French actor Gérard Depardieu. The actor received a lot of critical acclaim from film buffs and critics.
#13 Tess in “Tess of the d'Urbervilles”
Source: © Tess / Renn Productions, © Tess of the D'Urbervilles / BBC
The novel “Tess of the d'Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy was adapted for the big screen many times. Nastassja Kinski and Gemma Arterton was in the role of a country girl Tess in the 1979 and 2008 movies. While viewers liked Kinski’s performance, some felt that Gemma Arterton’s acting seemed boring.