Moviegoers all across the world have been treated to some seriously sensational cinematic hits over the years, and sometimes fans are given the ultimate treat when theirfavorite stars are cast perfectlyin buzzed about projects. Over the years, devoted audiences have actually played a hand in the casting of some of their beloved characters, with studios paying close attention to what the fans want.
Some actors like Rosario Dawson and Henry Cavill even fueled the casting fire and added to the fan frenzy, like the former star did when she helped ignite a media campaign for her to star in the Disney+ seriesAhsoka.On the other hand,Samuel L. Jacksonappearing as Nick Fury in the MCU seemed like a no-brainer, as the comic book character’s likeness was modeled after Jackson to begin with. Here are 10 movie and TV fan-castings that came true.
11Ben Barnes — The Darkling (Shadow and Bone)
Fans of the popular Leigh Bardugo fantasy series were thrilled when it was first revealed that the young adult novels were being given the television treatment with a Netflix original show in 2019.
Set in the Grishaverse, the engrossing adaptation ofShadow and Bonecenters on orphan cartographer Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) as she discovers she possesses wondrous magical gifts and is a Grisha. She must use her powers to help bring peace and order to her war-torn world.
Impressive Fan Foreshadowing
For the crucial role of the leader of the Grisha, General Kirigan (known as The Darkling), devoted readers had long since wantedThe Chronicles of Narnia:Prince Caspianbreakout starBen Barnesto play the brooding and fierce commander.
Barnes was the most sought-after choice for the character on the internet and specifically Tumblr, with thousands of fans creating art featuring the actor as their dream casting choice. Bardugo herself evenacknowledged the foreshadowingfan edit, recalling at the time:
“I had this old Tumblr post where somebody had done an edit of Ben with this fantastic quote, as the Darkling,” she laughs. “And I sent it to Eric, and I was like, ‘Thumbs up for me.’”
Stream Shadown and Bone on Netflix
10Jessica Chastain — Beverly Marsh (It Chapter Two)
After the massive critical and commercial success of the big screen adaptation of Stephen King’sItin 2017, moviegoers were thrilled to discover that they wouldn’t have to wait long for the highly-anticipated follow-up.
The sequel takes place 27 years after the horrific events of the first film, as the now-adult members of the Losers Club are brought back together in the town of Derry, Maine to put an end to the eponymous killer clown’s reign of bloodshed and terror once and for all.
Related:8 Upcoming Stephen King Adapations to Get Excited About
An Uncanny Resemblance
Not only were fans pushing for the dynamicJessica Chastainto star as Beverly Marsh in 2019’sIt Chapter Two, but the character’s young portrayer Sophia Lillis also advocated forthe illustrious actressto appear as the adult version of the resilient heroine.
Similarly to how Bill Hader was cast as Richie, Chastain nabbed the role in large part due to Lillis, as well as her her resemblance to the younger actress and her amazing range as a performer. Chastain had previously worked withItdirector Andy Muschietti inMama,so the collaboration between the two for the sequel seemed like a no-brainer.
Buy It Chapter Two on Prime Video
9Patrick Stewart — Professor X (X-Men)
Back whenfilm production first beganon Bryan Singer’s superhero extravaganzaX-Menback in the ’90s, comic book fans and lovers of Wolverine, Storm, and the rest of the mutant gang were determined to see the unparalleledPatrick Stewarttackle the role of X-Men founder Professor Charles Xavier.
Celebrated for his career-defining role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard inStar Trek: The Next Generationand its ensuing films, Stewart seemed like the most obvious choice for the part, and the one fans so desperately wished to see portray the legendary mutant and mentor.
Stewart’s Initial Reservations
Despite mounting calls by his fans for him to pursue the intriguing project, Stewart himself was apprehensive to sign on to yet another film franchise, and felt typecast after the spectacular success ofStar Trek.
However, the seasoned star’s interest grew when he discovered that Singer would be directing the adaptation, and he was convinced by the acclaimed filmmaker to sign on for the role. The decision proved to be a highly lucrative one, as Stewart appeared in eight projects as the wise mutant and has become synonymous with the character.
Stream X-Men on Disney+
8Ryan Reynolds — Deadpool (Deadpool)
It’s hard to fathom anyone other than the magneticRyan Reynoldsplaying the foul-mouthed,sardonic mutant mercenary Deadpool, as the charismatic actor had been attached to a film adaptation as far back as 2004.
With his sarcastic and quick-witted personality, it was a no-brainer for fans of both the star and comic book character that Reynolds was the perfect choice to play the larger-than-life Wade Wilson. Before he was headlining the R-rated blockbusterDeadpooland its exciting sequel, Reynolds made his first appearance as Deadpool in 2009’sX-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Major Movie Magic
Reynolds was determined to see Deadpool (in all his delightfully raunchy glory) receive a proper cinematic adaptation, and he set out to make the film authentic and more faithful to the comic book version of the character.
Fox executive Jeff Katz felt that Reynolds was the only Hollywood actor who could possibly capture the true essence of Deadpool, and he went on to champion Reynolds for the role to Marvel’s Kevin Feige and Avi Arad after seeing him shine in 2004’sBlade: Trinity. The rest, as they say, is history.
Stream Deadpool on Disney+
7Idina Menzel — Shelby Corcoran (Glee)
Legendary Broadway superstarIdina Menzelis revered for her dominating stage presence and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and gifted stage performers of all time.
Her devoted followers andGleeviewers couldn’t help but notice just how much actress Lea Michele resembled the powerful songstress when the musical TV series premiered in 2009, and they were quick to start lobbying for theFrozenstar to portray her character Rachel’s biological mother, Shelby Corcaran.
A Fruitful Fan Campaign
Due to her massive physical resemblance to Michele, Menzel landed a buzz-worthy and memorable recurring role onGleebeginning in 2010 that spanned 12 episodes. The talented ladies sensationally performed a rendition of theLes Misérablesclassic “I Dreamed a Dream” during Menzel’s stint, and she went on to receive a Teen Choice Awards nomination for her impressive work on the show.
When looking back at her time as Rachel Barry’s mother onGleeand her 15-year age gap with Michele,Menzel toldInStylein 2021:
“The scene that was the most memorable [onGlee] was probably singing ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ with Lea Michelle. She was 26, and I probably should’ve been her older sister. But I don’t have a chip on my shoulder about that,” she added sarcastically.
6Stream Glee on Disney+
5Samuel L. Jackson — Nick Fury (The MCU)
Given that he served as direct inspiration for the tough and determined Nick Fury after comic book writer Mark Millar reached out and asked to use the likeness ofSamuel L. Jacksonfor the character in 2002, it should come as a surprise to no one that the decorated star would eventually take on the compelling role.
A major comic books fan himself, the fact that Jackson’s likeness was used led to fans immediately envisioning the dynamic actor as Fury and when it came to casting the character for 2009’sIron Man 2.When Jackson donned the iconic eye patch, the rest was history.
Jackson’s Blockbuster Deal
Jackson made a brief cameo at the end ofIron Manbefore signing on for a whopping nine-picture deal with Marvel Studios in 2009, appearing in eleven films and three TV shows as Nick Fury, most recentlyin 2023’sSecret Invasion.He has gone on to become a constant presence in the MCU, and when asked about his enduring fifteen-plus-year tenure as the tough-as-nails leader, JacksontoldRolling Stone:
“They told me they were giving me a 9-picture deal, and at the time, making nine pictures would’ve taken almost 10, 12 years. I had no idea that it would happen that quickly. I’ve been grateful for the work and the character. I’ve been fortunate to fall into some franchise things over the years, fromJurassic ParktoStar Warsto this.”
Stream Iron Man on Disney+
4Peter Dinklage — Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones)
For eight phenomenal seasons,Peter Dinklagedazzled audiences all across the world with his epic portrayal of the intelligent andhighly-cynical Tyrion Lannisterin the HBO juggernautGame of Thrones.
The youngest child of the powerful Tywin Lannister, Tyrion quickly became one of the fantasy show’s most beloved characters, with Dinklage taking home four Primetime Emmys and a Golden Globe Award for his unforgettable portrayal of the dark-witted outcast.
Dinklage Saves the Day
Dinklage was the very first person cast inGame of Thronesin 2009 and was the showrunners' first and only choice, as theyfelt that the actor’s"core of humanity, covered by a shell of sardonic dry wit, is pretty well in keeping with the character.”
Fans of George R. R. Martin’s seriesA Song of Ice and Firefelt that Dinklage was the perfect performer to tackle the crucial role in the adaptation too, withthe author himself commentingafter his casting: “If he hadn’t accepted the part, oh, boy, I don’t know what we would have done.”
Stream Game of Thrones on Max
3Rosario Dawson — Ahsoka Tano (The Mandalorian & Ahsoka)
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Known for her eclectic film resume and eagerness to tackle any genre and role both big and small,Rosario Dawsonquickly became a top contender by fans to star as the Rebel Alliance spymaster Ahsoka Tano in bothThe MandalorianandAhsoka.
The fearless fighter first appeared in the second season ofThe Mandalorianand was subsequently given her very own series at Disney+ in 2023 withAhsoka, which garnered widespread praise and a swiftsecond-season renewal.
The Tweet That Started It All
Dawson kicked off the passionate fan campaign that led to her taking on the exciting role back in 2017 when she expressed interest in portraying Ahsoka Tano, sharing a fan’s tweet that stated how perfect she would be for the part.
The actress would later go onGood Morning Americawhere she acknowledged the growing push to see her joining theStar Warsfranchise, exclaiming, “It would be amazing!” when asked about the prospect of taking on the character. The campaign paid off, as Dawson was officially cast in March 2020.
Stream Ashoka on Disney+
2Vincent D’Onofrio — Kingpin (Daredevil)
Acting chameleonVincent D’Onofriohas brilliantly portrayed a slew of memorable characters including a bumbling marine recruit, devoted detective, and an alien-posessed farmer, and he embraced his villainous side once again when he starred as the criminal mastermind Kingpin inDaredevil.
The crime series was originally developed by Netflix and featured Charlie Cox in the titular role, and spawned three seasons before it was canceled and ultimately moved to Disney+ after the company regained licensing for the MCU.
Related:Netflix’s First 10 Original Series, Ranked
An Exceptional TV Villain
When news first broke that Netflix and Marvel Studios were gearing up to adapt the comic book character, fans went wild over who would join the project, and D’Onofrio quickly became a major contender for Wilson Fisk A.K.A. Kingpin.
In fact, multiple graphic designers onthe website DeviantArtfancasted the actor in the role two years before he officially joined the series, and he unsurprisingly delivered a stellar performance as the dangerous crime lord. He is set to reprise the role in the upcoming Disney+seriesDaredevil: Born Again.
