Great casting can really make a movie.
For example, a while back I decided to rewatch The Silence of the Lambs. It's an impeccable thriller, taut and suspenseful – even horrifying at points.
But the movie would not have worked without Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins in their roles of Agent Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lecter respectively.
While the actor Brian Cox had played Dr. Lecter in Manhunter to brilliant effect, there's something to be said about the chemistry between the two leads in the former film. It would not have worked–and would probably not be considered as much of a classic–had other actors played those parts.
People shared their thoughts with us after Redditor WizznJizz asked the online community,
"Who was the best casting choice in a movie ever?"
Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lillard as Shaggy. He did such a good job that he's been voicing the character in most Scooby Doo media since Casey Kasem (original voice actor) retired."
duffman1wjes
An excellent choice! Matthew Lillard was born to play that role and he's been brilliant since!
Andre the Giant
"Andre the Giant as Fezzik in The Princess Bride."
"When the movie came out, he got a tape of it. He would invite the other wrestlers to come up to his hotel room, serve them the best food and wine on his own money, and show it... every single night, even if they'd already seen it a hundred times."
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If given the opportunity, I would gladly watch this movie with Andre the Giant a hundred times in a row.
Eli Wallach
"Eli Wallach playing Tuco in The Good The Bad and The Ugly. He was The Ugly, but he was entertaining."
ConsistentBee8275
Such an excellent piece of art. The music! The quality of the writing, both script and plot!
Nathan Lane
"Nathan Lane in The Birdcage. Stole the movie. The "walk like John Wayne" scene is priceless."
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He and Robin Williams are pretty effortless in this one, for sure.
John Malkovich
"John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich. I really don't think they could have found anyone better to play John Malkovich in that."
soldforaspaceship
Now imagine if they hadn't found John Malkovich to play the role of John Malkovich!
Viggo Mortensen
"Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn. I would ride into battle willingly if he was leading. Honorable mentions to the whole cast if I'm being honest. Wonderfully casted movie overall."
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Everything about Viggo being Aragorn is perfect. The fact that he was a last minute change. Went all out in researching/embodying the character despite being short on time.
That Viggo himself is a very outdoorsy, adventurous person. Viggo being an overall awesome humble dude. Its awesome.
Javier Bardem
"Javier Bardam as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men. Wow."
Ponyboy151
He won the Oscar for this and it was well deserved!
Imelda Stanton
"Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge. Never have I hated a character more."
anonkeemosa
Another case of someone being born to play a particular role. She's pretty splendid!
Bruce WIllis
"Bruce Willis in Die Hard."
"The world is full of meat-slab tough-guy action films starring body builders and they cast a sitcom actor. Totally unthinkable and clearly perfect."
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Bruce Willis was indeed perfect and his presence on screen is sure to be missed in light of his recent retirement.
Edward Norton
"Edward Norton in Primal Fear was pretty incredible."
SluggoJones
You're not wrong at all but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how sublime he was in American History X!
There are some brilliant choices out there but how did no one mention Tim Curry as Pennywise the Dancing Clown? Are they all insane?
Have some suggestions of your own? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!
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