Finding the right actors is one of the most important aspects of adapting a book into a visual medium. Casting directors have the unenviable task of finding someone who can give the type of performance that is right for the movie while not poking one of the angriest bears of all: fan expectations.
Readers develop a distinct idea of what they would expect a character to be like, and finding the right actor who fits that mental image can be tricky. Sometimes, movies and TV shows knock it out of the park when it comes to casting. Whether it's actors who fit their book counterparts to a T or a unique take on a character that elevates the source material, these moments of great casting stand out as the highlight of adaptations.
10 Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins Put The Silence Of The Lambs On The Map
The film adaptation of The Silence of the Lambs is so famous that some viewers might not even know it was originally based on a book by Thomas Harris. This is partly due to the stunning lead performances by Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, which eclipse most aspects of the film.
Hopkins's take on Hannibal Lecter perfectly captures the menace hiding just beneath the thin veneer of class Lecter puts on. Likewise, Foster's performance adeptly communicates Clarice Starling's frustration with the patriarchal culture within law enforcement. The best part of The Silence of the Lambs is watching these two great performers interacting, each trying to get what they need from the other in a subtle battle of wits.
9 Sean Bean Started Game Of Thrones Off Right
When it came time to cast the hard-headed patriarch of the Stark family, HBO's Game of Thrones made the wise decision to cast Sean Bean. Not only did Bean do a perfect job portraying Ned's personality, but he was also the perfect marketing tool for the show.
By casting Sean Bean, Game of Thrones immediately reminded audiences of another beloved fantasy adaptation, Lord of the Rings. However, Bean's performance showed that he was more than just a big name, but also the perfect person to portray Ned's mix of fatherly kindness and stubborn pride.
8 Tom Felton Was Great At Both Sides Of Malfoy
For as much as Daniel Radcliffe looked like the perfect Harry Potter, he came off a bit too sweet and shy to capture Harry's angst and rebellious nature. On the other hand, Tom Felton was the perfect choice for Harry's foil, Draco Malfoy.
From the first Harry Potter movie, Felton flawlessly switches between Malfoy's sneering arrogance and whimpering cowardice. Especially in the later movies, Felton did such a great job communicating Draco's deep insecurities that many fans sympathized with him more than they ever did in the books.
7 Cate Blanchett Brought Power And Grace To Galadriel
Narration at the start of a film is essential to get right. The first words the audience hears need to communicate the film's tone, and cheesy narration can take audiences out of a movie before it even starts. Cate Blanchett's beautiful oral history of Middle-earth was critical to the success of The Lord of the Rings franchise.
Blanchett's Galadriel shines on screen even more than she does off. Despite her kind and youthful appearance, audiences get a sense of presence and power from Galadriel through Blanchett's non-verbal acting skills. Her monologue to Frodo after being tempted by the ring also proves that she can sometimes be fierce and even a little scary.
6 Pablo Schreiber Took Mad Sweeney From Glorified Extra To Main Character
In Neil Gaiman's novel American Gods, the supposed leprechaun Mad Sweeney is a bit part. However, when the character was given a much more significant role in the Starz adaptation, Pablo Schreiber had his work cut out for him.
Schreiber was tasked with basing his performance on two brief scenes with Mad Sweeney in the book, something he pulled off brilliantly. Schreiber took the foul-mouthed leprechaun from a minor obstacle to one of the show's emotional centers by instilling a deep empathy in viewers. It should be noted that Schreiber's chemistry with co-star Emily Browning did a lot to enhance this performance.
5 Morgan Freeman Was The Perfect Prison Friend
It probably comes as no surprise that Morgan Freeman nailed a role that required a lot of narration. Freeman proves why his voice is so legendary as Red in The Shawshank Redemption.
The Shawshank Redemption tasks Freeman with narrating some incredibly heavy moments. However, he rises to the occasion by giving these topics appropriate weight. On-screen, Freeman sells the friendship between Red and Andy, leaving no question why Andy would trust him with such an important task after his release.
4 Rooney Mara Respected Lisbeth Salander's Experience
Lisbeth Salander is a very complex character for an actor to portray. In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth experiences abuse at the hands of her psychiatrist, and actors in the role must understand and respect the type of trauma that Lisbeth is living with.
Rooney Mara gave a brilliant performance as Lisbeth. Mara clearly took the role very seriously and did her best to respectfully portray someone who has experienced the type of thing Lisbeth has. When she takes charge, she is believably intimidating while still showing the hurt that has led her to get revenge on the man who wronged her.
3 Michael Sheen And David Tennant Are Perfect Foils In Good Omens
Choosing actors isn't always enough to ensure an actor is perfect for an individual role. It is also important that each actor has good chemistry with their co-stars, especially when the story focuses heavily on a relationship between two characters. Good Omens is a perfect example of this casting done perfectly.
Michael Sheen does a brilliant job showing the pleasure Aziraphale gets out of life and his anxieties over getting in trouble with his heavenly bosses. On the other hand, David Tennant oozes cool confidence as Crowley, and audiences can feel the hellfire burning in him when he needs to get intense. The two play off each other very well on screen, making audiences genuinely feel like the two have been friends for thousands of years.
2 Denzel Washington Expertly Displayed Troy Maxson's Complex Emotions
Fences, adapted from the August Wilson play, takes place in one principle location with a very simple plot. Therefore, the movie necessitates great performances to engage its audience. The 2016 adaptation has plenty of great performances, including ones from Viola Davis, Jovan Adepo, and Russell Hornsby. However, Denzel Washington steals the show as Troy Maxson.
Troy Maxson is a well-meaning father who wants the best for his son, Cory, but his unlucky past has led him to be jaded. Denzel sells Troy's internal struggle, visibly showing his frustration about not being able to communicate properly with his family. Troy is an easy character for audiences to hate, and it takes a great actor like Washington to really earn their sympathy and understanding.
1 Kirby Howell-Baptiste Is The Sandman's Perfect Death
Neil Gaiman adaptations seem to be very lucky regarding their cast. The latest example is Kirby Howell-Baptiste's casting as Death in Netflix's The Sandman adaptation.
The Sandman's Death is kind and compassionate, and Howell-Baptiste absolutely nails this. She also does a great job convincing audiences that she is an Endless being who has been alive for years, selling Death's wisdom and sense of presence along with her kindness. Howell-Baptiste proves that a character doesn't have to look like their book counterpart to be the best casting choice.