15 TV Shows And Movies That Could've Hit The Jackpot With A Different Actor In A Key Role

Jimmy Henton
Nov 27, 2023
Nov 27, 2023

The alternate timelines of cinema and television with conic roles could have been fueled by different actors, reshaping our beloved stories. In our recent exploration, we've compiled a list of 15 instances where a subtle casting shift might have altered the entire landscape of these productions. This isn't just about missed opportunities; it's an intriguing peek into the "what ifs" of the Entertainment realm.

Following our previous examination of casting what-ifs, the BuzzFeed Community enthusiastically contributed their imaginative and sometimes surprising suggestions for alternative actors who could have injected a unique essence into familiar characters. Get ready for a journey of the imagination as we explore potential star swaps that could have added new dimensions to these beloved narratives.

Certainly, all of these are fan choices with their expectations or actors who missed their opportunities. It's important to acknowledge that every actor or actress has already done their best work, so let's appreciate and respect that. Peace!

#1. Envisioning Scott Caan stepping into the shoes of a fresh and original Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

TV Shows And Movies That Could've Hit the Jackpot With A Different Actor In A Key Role

"Scott Caan as a new MCU original iteration of Wolverine!"—jayjjimenez

#2. Tom Hiddleston as James Bond (who was most recently played by Daniel Craig)

Source: Vcg via Getty Images / ©Sony Pictures

"I would love to see Tom Hiddleston as James Bond [who was most recently played by Daniel Craig]."—tomcat1

#3. Emmy Rossum would have been an ideal choice for the character of Belle in the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

Source: Usa Network / Getty Images © Walt Disney Pictures

"I have always felt like Emmy Rossum should have played Belle in the live-action Beauty and the Beast. She has the perfect looks for the role, as well as a gorgeous voice."

"I love Emma Watson, but she was just wrong for that role."—brittanyt4bd5ee84c

#4. Henry Cavill takes on the role of James Bond

Source: Jeff Spicer / Getty Images ©Columbia Pictures

"Why the hell did we never get Henry Cavill as James Bond?!?"—moncynnes

#5. Britney Spears was a natural fit for the role of Sookie Stackhouse in True Blood.

Source: Jason Squires / Via Getty, HBO / Via youtube.com

"I'm going to get so much flack for this, but I always thought Britney Spears was absolutely born for the part of Sookie Stackhouse in True Blood. Don't get me wrong, Anna Paquin was AMAZING, but a blonde, irresistible fairy from the south? Uhhhh, that's BRITNEY all the way."

"She would've had to put her music on hold for quite awhile, and she would have had to take acting classes and just REALLY committed, but damn, I think she could've been perfect for the part.

She was actually very good in Crossroads, and I strongly believe she could've been a fine actor if she'd channeled her energy into it."—goety

#6. Zac Efron as the best choice for the role of Ken

Source: Jason Laveris / Via Getty, Warner Bros / Via youtube.com

"I think Zac Efron would have been my pick for Ken, but Ryan Gosling did a good job."—caitlinz4082ba127

#7. Léa Seydoux would have been an ideal choice for Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises

Source: Lionel Hahn / Getty Images/©Warner Bros.

"I think Léa Seydoux would have been perfect as Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises. Anne Hathaway was fine, but it felt like she was trying too hard to play a femme fatale."

"I was very aware of her acting efforts; her performance didn't feel natural or seamless to me. I think Léa Seydoux would have perfectly played a morally gray, seductive, intelligent Catwoman.—spaghettigoose

#8. Imagine the brilliance of Robin Williams as Hagrid.

Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty Images, Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

"Robbie Coltrane was great, but I just feel like Williams treated kids IRL like Hagrid. It could have been great."—j4b5d1e118

#9. Latrice Royale would have been an impeccable choice for the role of Ursula in The Little Mermaid.

Source: Jason Koerner / Getty Images, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

"I thought Latrice Royale would have been perfect [as Ursula in The Little Mermaid instead of Melissa McCarthy]."—livingdeadgirl13

#10. Lee Je-hoon could have aced the part of Tourist Ken (portrayed by Simu Liu, in Barbie)

Source: Han Myung-gu / WireImage / Via Getty, Warner Bros / Via youtube.com

"Lee Je-hoon would've nailed the role of Tourist Ken (played by Simu Liu) in Barbie."—tanyam44ab2253d

#11. Brian Tyree Henry was excellent as Jeff Morales (Miles's father)

Source: Jordin Althaus / ©Fox, Sony Pictures Releasing

"I just recently watched the Spider-Verse films (I know, I'm way behind), and even though I thought Brian Tyree Henry was fantastic as Jeff Morales (Miles's father), I can't help but think Andre Braugher would've also nailed it.

"There were a couple of lines in Into the Spider-Verse that I could just *hear* exactly how he would've delivered them."

—sayhellotojenn

#12. Dove Cameron would have been a perfect fit for the Wicked role, specifically Glinda (which ultimately went to Ariana Grande)

Source: Stephane Corbis via Getty Images, Nbc / NBCUniversal

"Dove Cameron should've gotten the Wicked role [of Glinda, which went to Ariana Grande]."

"It should've been Dove Cameron. She was Kristin Chenoweth's protégé."

—fireferret19

#13. Tituss Burgess would have been an excellent choice for the role of Ursula.

Source: Jimi Celeste / Getty Images, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

"Admittedly, I haven't seen the live-action version of The Little Mermaid, but I have always believed that the role of Ursula should have gone to Tituss Burgess."—fruit_bat

#14. Angela Bassett would have brought more depth to the role of Storm in X-Men compared to Halle Berry.

Source: Victor Virgile / Getty Images, 20th Century Fox Film Corp

"If we could go allllll the way back to the 2000s...Angela Bassett would have been a much better Storm in X-Men than Halle Berry."

"No disrespect to Halle, but Angela Bassett IS Storm."—moncynnes

#15. Gwendoline Christie taking on the role would have been truly fascinating

Source: Gilbert Carrasquillo / GC Images , Disney+/Marvel Studios

"I liked Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk, but I would have loved to have seen Gwendoline Christie in the role."—goosethekitty