10 Beloved Stars Who Played Iconic Characters Only To Be Replaced By Other Actors

We love movies, and the reason we love them so much is because of the relationships we build with the characters. We become invested in them and their stories, and if those characters are portrayed well, we can forget that they're not real.

We laugh with them, cry with them, celebrate their milestones, and grieve for them when they die. It's crazy, but our favorite characters can teach us valuable life lessons and become a significant part of our lives.

However, without the incredibly talented actors who play those characters, that would never happen. In fact, without those actors, the characters we love so dearly may not even register on our radar.

So, what happens when one of our beloved characters is portrayed by more than one actor? Whether different actors play the character at different ages, or perhaps a different actor is cast to portray the exact same character in a newer production, it can be hit or miss as to how we feel about it.

We've put together a list of 10 beloved stars who played iconic characters only to be replaced by other actors. Keep scrolling to see if any of your favorite characters are on the list.

1. Wesley Snipes and Mahershala Ali as Blade

Wesley Snipes played Blade in the Marvel film of the same name. However, in the new adaptation, Mahershala Ali will play the title role.

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2. Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender as Magneto

In X-Men: Days of Future Past, we saw two different actors play the same character at the same time. Michael Fassbender portrayed the younger version of Ian McKellen's Magneto.

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3. Carrie Fisher and Vivien Lyra Blair as Princess Leia

Princess Leia is one of the most memorable characters in the Star Wars franchise. Most famously played by Carrie Fisher, fans were delighted when a young version of Leia was portrayed by Vivien Lyra Blair in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi.

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4. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Evan Peters as Pietro Maximoff

You may remember seeing two different versions of Pietro Maximoff, a.k.a. Quicksilver, in Avengers: Age of Ultron and X-Men: Days of Future Past. The character was played by Evan Peters and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, respectively.

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5. Linda Hamilton and Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor

Sarah Connor is one of the most hardcore female characters in film. Originally played by Linda Hamilton, a younger version was later portrayed by Emilia Clarke in Terminator Genisys.

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6. Margot Robbie and Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn

Viewers loved Margot Robbie's interpretation of Harley Quinn in the Suicide Squad films and Birds of Prey. However, for the upcoming sequel to Joker, director Todd Phillips has decided to go in a different direction and cast Lady Gaga for the role.

So, how does Margot Robbie feel about it? "I think she'll do something incredible with it," the actress said.

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7. Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy as Professor X

James McAvoy played the younger version of Patrick Stewart's Professor X.

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8. Michael Gambon and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore

When we think of Harry Potter's Albus Dumbledore, we think of Michael Gambon. However, in the Fantastic Beasts films, the younger version of the Hogwarts headmaster was portrayed by Jude Law.

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9. Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp, and Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka

Willy Wonka has been portrayed multiple times on film. Originally played by Gene Wilder, the character was also famously portrayed by Johnny Depp in the 2005 version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The role is soon to be reprised once again by Timothée Chalamet. We can't wait to see the brilliant actor's portrayal in the upcoming film, Wonka.

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10. Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch, and Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes has been played by multiple talented actors. Robert Downey Jr. portrayed Sherlock in Guy Ritchie's adaptation of the film, while Benedict Cumberbatch and Henry Cavill also played the famous detective in subsequent versions of the story.

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So, there you have it! Ten beloved stars played iconic characters only to be replaced by other actors.

Were any of your favorites on the list? Are there any characters that you've "lost" because of changes in actors?

We would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.