9 Actors Who Transformed Their Characters For The Better Through Their Decisions
Creating a successful movie is a challenging feat. It takes the efforts of hundreds of people from all kinds of backgrounds and roles to make a single film.
Directors and producers are the leading players, but actors have significant influence and can contribute to the creative process. For example, they may have thoughts on how their dialogue should be delivered or ideas on how to improve a scene.
The actors can adjust even minor details like costume choices to bring the movie to life. The behind-the-scenes collaboration between the cast and crew makes a movie truly special.
Everyone brings their creative ideas to the table and works together to make the movie the best it can be. Directors and producers may have the final say, but actors’ input is essential to making a movie memorable.
Through their hard work and dedication, the cast and crew can create something that people will enjoy worldwide. Superstars often have a certain level of influence regarding the projects they are involved in.
They can often speak up and make requests fulfilled by the creative team, as their decisions are usually seen as being in the best interests of the character and the story. However, their ambitions sometimes get out of hand and lead to an end product that puts the movie’s success at risk.
Here is a list of nine actors whose decisions positively changed their characters. They range from big blockbuster movies to smaller independent films, and each of them demonstrates how an actor’s creative input can make a big difference.
1. Robert Pattinson Almost Got Canned From “Twilight” For Being Too Serious
Robert Pattinson was determined to portray Edward Cullen as angsty and severe, and he clashed with producers so much that it almost cost him his job. Eventually, they reached a compromise, and the character became a combination of everyone's ideas.
Courtesy of Summit Entertainment2. Johnny Depp Was Almost Fired From “Pirates of the Caribbean” For Acting Too ‘Drunk’ And ‘Gay’
At first, Michael Eisner, former CEO of Disney, questioned if Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow was more similar to a drunken person or a homosexual man. An executive then rang Depp, asking, “What’s the f*ck are you doing? “
He replied jokingly, "Well, don't you know all my characters are gay?". This response almost got him fired, yet Depp's performance of Jack Sparrow went on to become an iconic nautical figure.
Walt Disney Studios3. “Peggy Sue Got Married” But Nicolas Cage Almost Got Fired
Nicolas Cage almost didn't get the role of Charlie Bodell in "Peggy Sue Got Married," as everyone, including director Francis Ford Coppola, was not a fan of his voice. Despite this, he convinced the director to let him do it, and the movie received much praise.
TriStar Pictures4. Crispin Glover Preferred His Villain To Be A Mute In Charlie’s Angels Because He Didn’t Like His Dialogue
Crispin Glover initially refused to utter any of his character's dialogue, believing it to be too poor, and instead proposed that he should be a mute villain. McG, the director of the movie, accepted his suggestion, and Glover was cast without saying a single line.
Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle / Columbia Pictures and co-producers5. Jason Isaacs requested a different look for Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter saga
Jason Isaacs significantly influenced Father Malfoy's character design in the movies. He refused to wear the pinstripe suit and short hair with black and white locks that were initially suggested, instead proposing the idea of a long white wig and a more flashy wizarding outfit. It is remarkable that he understood the character so well and made such an impact.
WARNER BROS. PICTURES / Album / EAST NEWS6. Jack Nicholson Pretty Much Bogarted “The Departed” – And Everyone Won An Oscar Because Of It
Despite Jack Nicholson's demands to take on the role of Frank Costello in "The Departed," including a refusal to wear a Red Sox hat due to the character being a diehard Boston fan, as well as a request for a "sensitive" scene, he ultimately accepted the part. The film went on to win an Oscar.
Warner Bros.7. Angelina Jolie Killed Her Own Character In “Wanted”
One of the things that made the story great was a massive alteration to the ending. Angelina Jolie starred as Fox, an assassin employed by a secretive, unethical organization. Jolie proposed that after taking out the bad guys, her character should end her own life to break the killing cycle. She was right in pushing for this change.
Universal Pictures
8. Al Pacino Made “The Godfather” Great, But The Studio Tried To Stop Him
Al Pacino's presence in "The Godfather" is essential. He brought to life the role of Michael Corleone, a war hero with a family shrouded in controversy. Pacino pushed for a quiet and modest character, going against the studio’s wishes, which wanted him to be a more aggressive and stereotypical gangster.
They even tried to let him go three times. Thankfully, Paramount Pictures came to their senses when they saw the now-iconic scene where Michael shoots Sollozzo.
Paramount Pictures
9. Shrek’s Scottish Accent Is All Thanks To Mike Myers
After voicing Shrek in the four films, Mike Myers was unhappy with his Canadian accent and requested to re-record his voice with a Scottish accent. Although the decision was costly, costing the production around 4 million dollars, it was the correct choice.
Shrek / DreamWorks Animation and co-producers
Great actors often don't follow the script or direction exactly as it's written, and instead, they take it to the next level. By adding their own personal touch to the role, it can often enhance the production and bring the character to life in a way that wasn't originally intended.
This can be anything from subtle changes in line delivery to more commanding physical performances. In doing so, great actors can add a unique flavor to their chosen roles, making them stand out amongst the rest.
