Miscast

Who else here gets upset when their favorite books move from page to screen only for their favorite characters to be played by someone who absolutely does not fit the bill? My throw back here is actually two popular characters, both portrayed by Tom Cruise in the movies. Jack Reacher from the Lee Child thriller series, and Lestat the vampire from Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.

Jack Reacher is 6’5” tall, wide shouldered, craggy, with extremely large hands. He’s a bruiser and looks like one. Yet, they cast Tom Cruise in the role? Tom is 5’7” tall, handsome, and charismatic. Tom is athletic and daring, but he’s a short pretty boy. How in the world does Tom Cruise, despite his vaunted and undeniable talent, fit the mold? It’s ridiculous on the face of it. I will admit that, had I not read the books I would have enjoyed the movies. Tom plays a great role. But…, HE IS NO JACK REACHER. Actually, Alan Ritchson from the Amazon Prime Video series is much more a fit choice. Tall, built, intense. Alan plays a phenomenal role in season 1 and I eagerly look forward to the next. Keep it up Alan.

Next… Interview With the Vampire. Lestat de Lioncourt is a French aristocrat from an earlier time. The famed vampire is 6’ tall, with long blonde hair. Lestat is sensual, cocky, and bisexual. I’ll give Tom the cocky part, lol, but, other than that he does not fit the character profile at all.

I suppose the movie studios are simply casting famous, well received actors and/or actresses in order to sell tickets. I get that. Still, book lovers who enjoy seeing screen adaptations of their favorites will go to the theater and watch. To critique if nothing else. There are thousands of accomplished actors out there who would fit the profiles better.

On the other side, I also like to see when a studio casts an actor who is perfect in the role. I will say that Dwayne ‘The Rock’Johnson looks so much like Seth Adam from the comics it is eerie. Absolutely perfect casting for Black Adam. Another great choice is Tom Holland as Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man. Unlike Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland looks like a high school student. He fits the bill and plays a fantastic role as my all time favorite superhero. Tobey and Andrew are great actors, but they are not 14 year old high schoolers. Tobey has a receding hairline and just looks much older. Andrew is fantastic. I love his Peter Parker portrayal with the attitude and characterization, but, again, too old. By the way…, when did elderly Aunt May become young and hot a la Marisa Tomei? What is with that?

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of such examples out there. Let me know some of your choices for ‘Fits the bill’ or not.