9 Actors Who Transformed Their Characters For The Better Through Their Decisions
Superstars often have a certain level of influence regarding the projects they are involved in.
Some actors don’t just “play” the role, they fight for it, tweak it, and sometimes nearly torpedo their own careers in the process. Robert Pattinson showed up with a very specific vision of Edward Cullen, and it got so intense that producers almost canned him for being too serious.
Then you’ve got Johnny Depp, who walked into “Pirates of the Caribbean” with Jack Sparrow energy that had executives squinting like, “Is this drunk… or something else?” Add Nicolas Cage worrying everyone with his voice on “Peggy Sue Got Married,” Crispin Glover refusing to speak a word in “Charlie’s Angels,” and Jason Isaacs pushing Lucius Malfoy’s look in “Harry Potter,” and you get a wild pattern: decisions that made everyone argue, then somehow made the characters iconic.
Here’s the full story of how their stubborn calls shaped the characters we still quote today.
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 whether Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow was more similar to that of a drunken person or a homosexual man. An executive then called Depp, asking, “What 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 as 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 Pictures
4. 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-producers
5. Jason Isaacs Requested a Different Look for Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter Saga
Jason Isaacs significantly influenced Lucius 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 NEWS
6. 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 to push 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, amounting to around 4 million dollars, it was the correct choice.
Shrek / DreamWorks Animation and co-producers
Pattinson’s “too serious” Edward Cullen argument set the tone, because the producers were ready to cut him loose before they even found a compromise.
It’s a lot like Mark’s friend refusing to lend money during a financial crisis.
And when Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow jokes landed wrong with Disney execs, it turned one comment into a near-firing moment.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Cage’s voice problem on “Peggy Sue Got Married” was so divisive that even Francis Ford Coppola was not on board until Cage convinced him to try it his way.
Then Crispin Glover took it even further by going mute on “Charlie’s Angels,” and Jason Isaacs followed up by redesigning Lucius Malfoy’s whole vibe, down to the wig.
Great actors often don't follow the script or direction exactly as it's written; instead, they take it to the next level. By adding their own personal touch to the role, they can 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 among the rest.
Those “bad ideas” were the exact decisions that made the characters stick.
For another friendship breaking point, see whether OP chose a pet sitter over a struggling friend.
