It seems that all movies starring highly acclaimed actors and actresses always become a big hit in the cinema industry. Well, it’s not true actually. Over the years, there are probably hundreds of examples of talented actors who have ended up in bad movie roles. It’s unavoidable. When working in Hollywood, sometimes actors have to accept any gig that comes their way to stay relevant. But, not every character they portray is going to be Oscar-worthy.
These roles are terrible not because of the actors' bad acting, but bad writing. It is worse that they are played by actors who are incredibly talented and have acted in some blockbuster movies. Their performances are expected to be amazing but ended up becoming an utter disappointment.
We've made a list of terrible characters that were played by highly acclaimed actors. Scroll down to see. You can see more there: Outstanding and Terrible Acting, 9 Worst celebrity Cameos in Movies, and Casting Results.
These roles are terrible not because of the actors' bad acting, but bad writing. It is worse that they are played by actors who are incredibly talented and have acted in some blockbuster movies. Their performances are expected to be amazing but ended up becoming an utter disappointment.
We've made a list of terrible characters that were played by highly acclaimed actors. Scroll down to see. You can see more there: Outstanding and Terrible Acting, 9 Worst celebrity Cameos in Movies, and Casting Results.
#1 Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert (Les Misérables, 2012)
Source: Universal Pictures
Les Misérables (2012) was praised by critics for using live singing performances instead of recordings. However, Russell Crowe’s character, Javert was a single black sheet in the movie. It’s not because the actor had his bad acting but his singing and musical presence are lacking, especially when set side to side with Hugh Jackman.#2 Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2005)
Source: Warner Bros.
Willy Wonka, played by Johnny Depp, annoyed viewers because of his characterization. The original Willy Wonka was a nutcase but a charming one. Depp only comes off as extremely creepy and his costume only makes him look uncomfortable.#3 Julia Roberts as The Queen (Mirror Mirror, 2012)
Source: Warner Bros.
2012’s Mirror Mirror is an adaptation of the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The movie was criticized due to the lack of originality in the weary fable. Julia Roberts took on the role of the central role, Evil Queen but her top-notch acting chops weren’t seen in the dreary fantasy comedy.#4 Marlon Brando as Doctor Moreau (The Island of Dr. Moreau, 1996)
Source: Warner Bros.
Marlon Brando’s character, Doctor Moreau, is considered one of the most baffling half-hearted performances we have ever seen. It’s hard to believe that the man who wears a weird white hat and hangs around with some kind of proto Mini-Me had ever portrayed the iconic role, Vito Corleone.#5 Eddie Redmayne as Balem Abrasax (Jupiter Ascending, 2015)
Source: Warner Bros.
“Jupiter Ascending” was promising because it starred Eddie Redmayne who had a great performance in the beautiful drama “The Theory of Everything”. Despite his talent, “Jupiter Ascending” is a dreadfully dull space opera with a lot of pomposities and a painfully weak plot. His character, Balem Abrasax was just plain crazy, chaotic, childish, and utterly narcissistic.#6 Jared Leto as The Joker (Suicide Squad, 2016)
Source: Warner Bros.
Actors who portrayed the Joker have given the character his own unique flair, except Jared Leto. He isn’t a bad actor, he was just given one of the worst versions of the Joker to work with.#7 Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent/Two-Face (Batman Forever, 1995)
Source: Warner Bros.
When it comes to top-class actors, Tommy Lee Jones is up there with the crème de la crème of Hollywood royalty. But, his legendary status wasn’t enough to save him from the disaster, “Batman Forever”. Jones is a serious actor so he wasn’t suitable for the cheesy movie.#8 Robert De Niro as the Fearless Leader (The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, 2000)
Source: Universal Pictures
The film “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle” left a bad impression on the minds of critics and viewers. Despite its great ensemble cast, including John Goodman, Randy Quaid, and Jason Alexander, the prize for the worst casting goes to Robert De Niro as the evil Fearless Leader.#9 Sylvester Stallone as Sebastian The Toymaker (Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over, 2003)
Source: Warner Bros.
Sylvester Stallone appeared as the main antagonist, Sebastian The Toymaker in the movie. Although the actor tried his best to match the movie’s lighthearted and cartoony tone, he simply wasn’t a good match for a character like Sebastian. He also won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor for his performance.