Drastic actions are taken when the face behind a character seems out of place. Creative teams usually recast actors and actresses to fix the problem at hand. Sometimes it happens days before production starts — on rare occasions, in the middle of filming. Even good actors and actresses get replaced when the feeling isn’t quite right. Reasons can vary from drastic ones to more minor, petty ones.
Sometimes, the vibe just isn’t there. If the chemistry in the movies or TV series isn’t there, characters could be recast at the snap of a finger. Sometimes, the decision is the correct one, other times — it is the wrong one. Even iconic movie characters are victims of recasting. For example, the classic Back to the Future cast had several changes, some of which happened before the second movie production started and involved the main characters we have come to universally love.
We have compiled the most famous recasting decisions in movies and TV shows. With the list below, you can find out how recasting Game of Thrones characters came to reality and much more. If you think the recasting decision was correct, upvote it. If you had another actor or actress in mind for the role, share it with a comment below.
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#21 Alessandra Torresani As Ann Veal In "Arrested Development", Replaced By Mae Whitman
These days, Mae Whitman might be the face that best suits Ann Veal's character. In the first season, Alessandra Torresani played the character. The recasting was planned from the very start of the series in order to make the character more forgettable. Ironically, Mae Whitman did such a good job that she got the role full-time.
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38points
#22 Lisa Robin Kelly As Lori In "That '70s Show", Replaced By Christina Moore
Lisa departed That '70s Show after medical problems created some personal problems. In 2012, she admitted to having a drinking issue upon leaving That '70s Show, telling ABC News that she was "guilty of a drinking problem." Christine Moore came to replace her as the character of Lori.
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38points
#23 Rachelle Lefevre As Victoria In "Twilight", Replaced By Bryce Dallas Howard
Rachelle Lefevre wanted to portray Victoria in Twilight so much that she wrote several letters to Catherine Hardwicke, director of the first movie. Sadly, after two entries into the series, Bryce Dallas Howard, another talented actress, came to portray the character of Victoria. Both actresses seem glad to have the chance and play this character.
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34points
#24 Tom Ellis As Robin Hood In "Once Upon A Time", Replaced By Sean Maguire
The production was obliged to replace Tom since, at the time, he couldn't commit to portraying Robin Hood and had other obligations to complete. Sean Maguire got the role of Robin Hood, and as far as the public knows, there is no cold blood between Tom Ellis and the production executives.
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33points
#25 Parker Bagley As Jason Dilaurentis In "Pretty Little Liars", Replaced By Drew Van Acker
Just as Jason's narrative on Pretty Little Liars started to become bigger and more significant, Drew got hired to deliver the much-needed drama for the character. The role became so large, the fans practically demanded for the character to be recast. Notably, Jason returned to Rosewood during Season 2 and began dating Aria.
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29points
#26 Aimee Richardson As Myrcella Baratheon In "Game Of Thrones", Replaced By Nell Tiger Free
Like her character, Aimee Richardson also heard some surprising, sad news. During San Diego Comic-Con, she got the news of being fired and laughed it off, posting on social media “Princess for hire.” When Nell Tiger Free took up the role, she reacted calmly and admitted that she was humbled.
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25points
#27 Jane Levy As Mandy Milkovich In "Shameless", Replaced By Emma Greenwell
Sometimes, the recasting happens because a better opportunity arises for the actor or actress, thus a decision is made to leave a good role for a greater one. In 2011, Jane left Shameless to play Tessa Altman on the incredibly underestimated yet brilliant television series Suburgatory. In her place came Emma Greenwell, who did a pretty good job.
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25points
#28 Shannon Cochran As Helene Beesly In "The Office", Replaced By Linda Purl
Pam’s mom in The Office is a minor character, with two different actresses portraying her. Shannon Cochran was the original face of Pam’s mom, but because she was touring a theater at the time of her scenes, Linda Purl came into the series. Purl nailed her scenes, creating some legendary moments in the process.
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24points
#29 Laura Benanti As Kara's Mom In "Supergirl", Replaced By Erica Durance
Since Laura was from New York City, she couldn't continue portraying Alura Zor-El, since the second season saw production in Vancouver. Erica Durance, who portrayed Lois in Smallville, was given the part of Kara's mother, hiring another actress who had already portrayed Lois Lane in another show.
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22points
#30 David Michael Scott As Beric Dondarrion In "Game Of Thrones", Replaced By Richard Dormer
Since Beric Dondarrion was a minor character in the first season, David Michael Scott was cast to portray the loyal lord. With the character becoming more vital to the story overall, Richard Dormer came in to act as the head of house Dondarrion. It was a minor recasting that only a few fans noticed.
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19points
