40 actors who were replaced by other stars to play the same character

Kirsten AcunaNov 11, 2020, 03:40 IST

Warner Bros. will recast Johnny Depp's role in the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise.Warner Bros.

Insider rounded up actors who have taken over each other's roles on TV and in film.
Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, and Maggie Gyllenhaal have all taken over prominent superhero movie roles.
Most recently, Johnny Depp's character will be recast in the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise after losing a libel suit against publishers of the UK newspaper, The Sun, which referred to him as a "wife-beater."

There are numerous reasons why actors have been replaced in movies and TV shows.

Some stars step in to play the same character after scheduling conflicts arise and the original actor has to leave. Sometimes the celebrity doesn't agree with the script and leaves of their own accord. Other times, set drama results in an actor being fired and a new character is introduced.

Keep reading to see 40 examples of actors stepping in for each other for various TV and film projects.

Anjelica Oswald contributed to a previous version of this story.

When Annette Bening dropped out of the role of Catwoman in "Batman Returns," Michelle Pfeiffer took over.

Could you have seen Annette Bening as Catwoman? Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images, Warner Bros. Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Chadwick Boseman briefly played a role on ABC's former soap opera, "All My Children." Michael B. Jordan then took on the part.

Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan both played Reggie Porter, who later took on the name Reggie Montgomery on "All My Children." ABC

Olivia Colman was announced as Claire Foy's replacement on "The Crown."

Claire Foy and Olivia Colman. Netflix and Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

Also on "Game of Thrones," sellsword and Daenerys Targaryen's lover Daario Naharis was played by Ed Skrein on season three and replaced by Michiel Huisman for seasons four through six.

Ed Skrein and Michiel Huisman. HBO

Also on "Game of Thrones," sellsword and Daenerys Targaryen's lover Daario Naharis was played by Ed Skrein on season three and replaced by Michiel Huisman for seasons four through six.

On "Game of Thrones," Gregor Clegane, otherwise known as The Mountain, has been played by three different actors during the show's seven seasons.

Conan Stevens, Ian Whyte, and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. HBO

Rebecca "Becky" Conner-Healy, Roseanne's oldest daughter on "Roseanne," went through some changes as the actress changed back-and-forth a few times.

Lecy Goranson and Sarah Chalke. ABC

"Riverdale's" Reggie Mantle was played by Ross Butler on season one and Charles Melton on season two.

Ross Butler and Charles Melton. The CW and Dean Buscher/The CW

James Kent on "True Blood" was played by Luke Grimes on season six and Nathan Parsons on season seven.

Luke Grimes and Nathan Parsons. HBO

Katie Holmes played Rachel Dawes, Batman's friend and love interest in "Batman Begins," but didn't return for the sequel. She was replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal in "The Dark Knight."

Katie Holmes and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Warner Bros. Pictures

Katie Holmes played Rachel Dawes, Batman's friend and love interest in "Batman Begins," but didn't return for the sequel. She was replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal in "The Dark Knight."

Terrence Howard played Iron Man's friend James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the first "Iron Man" movie, but didn't return for the sequel and was replaced by Don Cheadle.

Terrence Howard and Don Cheadle. Disney

Eric Bana was Bruce Banner in 2003's "Hulk," but was replaced by Edward Norton in the 2008 reboot "The Incredible Hulk." Mark Ruffalo has played the green superhero since "The Avengers."

Eric Bana, Edward Norton, and Mark Ruffalo. Universal Pictures and Disney

Eric Bana was Bruce Banner in 2003's "Hulk," but was replaced by Edward Norton in the 2008 reboot "The Incredible Hulk." Mark Ruffalo has played the green superhero since "The Avengers."

Hugo Weaving played Johann Schmidt in "Captain America: The First Avenger." After his character became the Red Skull, he didn't return for the role.

"TWD" star Ross Marquand took over the role of Red Skull in "Avengers: Endgame." Marvel Studios

"Once Upon a Time" aged up Henry Mills by 10 years for season seven, so Andrew J. West stepped in for Jared S. Gilmore.

Jared S. Gilmore and Andrew J. West. ABC

Rachelle Lefevre played Victoria in the first two "Twilight" films, but was replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard in the third.

Rachelle Lefevre and Bryce Dallas Howard. Summit Entertainment

Richard Harris played Albus Dumbledore for the first two "Harry Potter" films before Michael Gambon took over.

Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Warner Bros. Pictures

Eric Forman's older sister Laurie was played by Lisa Robin Kelly for most of her time on "That '70s Show," but she was replaced with Christina Moore on season six.

Lisa Robin Kelly and Christina Moore. Fox

"Doctor Who" is on its 13th incarnation of its titular character. Jodie Whittaker was announced as the first female doctor in 2017 and replaces Peter Capaldi.

Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker. BBC

Pam's mom on "The Office" was played by two separate actresses seasons apart.

Shannon Cochran and Linda Purl as Pam's mom. NBC

Trudy Monk, Adrian's beloved wife on "Monk," was played by Stellina Rusich through the first two seasons but was cast as Melora Hardin from season three on.

Stellina Rusich and Melora Hardin. USA

Janet Hubert-Whitten played the first Vivian Banks on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" but was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid after season three.

Janet Hubert-Whitten and Daphne Maxwell Reid. NBC

Nick Jonas guest starred as Ryan Vogelson on "Last Man Standing" during season one, but his character was recast on season two with Jordan Masterson taking over.

Nick Jonas and Jordan Masterson. ABC

"Hannibal" recast Mason Verger between seasons two and three with Joe Anderson replacing Michael Pitt.

Michael Pitt and Joe Anderson. NBC

Jake T. Austin played Jesus Adams Foster on "The Fosters," but Noah Centineo replaced him on season three.

Jake T. Austin and Noah Centineo. Freeform

The character Capheus "Van Damme" Onyango on Netlfix's "Sense8" was recast between seasons one and two.

Aml Ameen and Toby Onwumere. Netflix

Rachel Weisz played Evie in "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns," but was replaced by Maria Bello in "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor."

Rachel Weisz and Maria Bello. Universal Pictures

Mae Whitman is known for playing Ann on "Arrested Development, but Alessandra Torresani played the character for her first appearance on season one.

Alessandra Torresani and Mae Whitman. Netflix

Kaitlin Cooper on "The O.C." was first played by a young Shailene Woodley before being replaced by Willa Holland.

Shailene Woodley and Willa Holland. Fox

Jerry Seinfeld's dad Morty was played by Phil Bruns on an episode of season one, but Barney Martin replaced him for every other appearance.

Phil Bruns and Barney Martin. NBC

Erinn Hayes played Donna Gable on "Kevin Can Wait," but her character was killed off after season one and Leah Remini became the new female lead.

Erinn Hayes and Leah Remini. Jeffrey Neira and Jeff Neumann/CBS

After eight seasons, Charlie Sheen's character was killed off of "Two and a Half Men" and Ashton Kutcher stepped in for the show's final season.

Charlie Sheen and Ashton Kutcher. CBS

Shannen Doherty left "Beverly Hills, 90210" after four seasons and was replaced by Tiffani Thiessen as the new villain.

Shannen Doherty and Tiffani Thiessen. Fox

Shannen Doherty also starred on "Charmed," but the actress left after three seasons and Rose McGowan joined the cast for five seasons.

Shannen Doherty and Rose McGowan. The WB

Skyler Astin is joining the cast of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" as Greg, who was played by Santino Fantana on the first two seasons.

Santino Fontana as Greg and Skyler Astin. The CW and Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Nathalie Kelley played Cristal on The CW's "Dynasty" reboot but her character was recast for the second season with Ana Brenda Contreras.

Nathalie Kelley as Cristal and Ana Brenda Contreras. The CW and Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Laura Benanti played Kara’s biological mother Alura Zor-El for the first two seasons of "Supergirl" but was replaced by Erica Durance for the third.

Laura Benanti and Erica Durance. The CW

Twins Chloe and Sophia Garcia-Frizzi played a young Judith Grimes on "The Walking Dead." When the show jumped forward six years, Cailey Fleming took over the role.

Cailey Fleming turned Judith into a fan-favorite on "TWD." Jackson Lee Davis, Jace Downs/AMC

Samantha Morton originally voiced the AI in "Her" before Scarlet Johansson re-recorded the role.

Samantha Morton originally voiced the lead female voice in "Her." Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Entertainment, Dan MacMedan/Getty Images

Colin Firth was the original voice of the lovable bear Paddington before Ben Whishaw took over the role.

Colin Firth stepped down from the role in 2014. Myung-Gu/Getty Images, Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Kevin Spacey was removed from Ridley Scott's finished movie, "All the Money in the World," and quickly replaced with Christopher Plummer.

Then 58-year-old Spacey was quickly replaced by the then 88-year-old veteran. TriStar Pictures

Finally, Johnny Depp will be replaced in the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise by a yet-to-be-named actor.

Johnny Depp played dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Warner Bros.

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40 actors who were replaced by other stars to play the same character

When Annette Bening dropped out of the role of Catwoman in "Batman Returns," Michelle Pfeiffer took over.

Chadwick Boseman briefly played a role on ABC's former soap opera, "All My Children." Michael B. Jordan then took on the part.

Olivia Colman was announced as Claire Foy's replacement on "The Crown."

Also on "Game of Thrones," sellsword and Daenerys Targaryen's lover Daario Naharis was played by Ed Skrein on season three and replaced by Michiel Huisman for seasons four through six.

On "Game of Thrones," Gregor Clegane, otherwise known as The Mountain, has been played by three different actors during the show's seven seasons.

Rebecca "Becky" Conner-Healy, Roseanne's oldest daughter on "Roseanne," went through some changes as the actress changed back-and-forth a few times.

"Riverdale's" Reggie Mantle was played by Ross Butler on season one and Charles Melton on season two.

James Kent on "True Blood" was played by Luke Grimes on season six and Nathan Parsons on season seven.

Katie Holmes played Rachel Dawes, Batman's friend and love interest in "Batman Begins," but didn't return for the sequel. She was replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal in "The Dark Knight."

Terrence Howard played Iron Man's friend James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the first "Iron Man" movie, but didn't return for the sequel and was replaced by Don Cheadle.

Eric Bana was Bruce Banner in 2003's "Hulk," but was replaced by Edward Norton in the 2008 reboot "The Incredible Hulk." Mark Ruffalo has played the green superhero since "The Avengers."

Hugo Weaving played Johann Schmidt in "Captain America: The First Avenger." After his character became the Red Skull, he didn't return for the role.

"Once Upon a Time" aged up Henry Mills by 10 years for season seven, so Andrew J. West stepped in for Jared S. Gilmore.

Rachelle Lefevre played Victoria in the first two "Twilight" films, but was replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard in the third.

Richard Harris played Albus Dumbledore for the first two "Harry Potter" films before Michael Gambon took over.

Eric Forman's older sister Laurie was played by Lisa Robin Kelly for most of her time on "That '70s Show," but she was replaced with Christina Moore on season six.

"Doctor Who" is on its 13th incarnation of its titular character. Jodie Whittaker was announced as the first female doctor in 2017 and replaces Peter Capaldi.

Pam's mom on "The Office" was played by two separate actresses seasons apart.

Trudy Monk, Adrian's beloved wife on "Monk," was played by Stellina Rusich through the first two seasons but was cast as Melora Hardin from season three on.

Janet Hubert-Whitten played the first Vivian Banks on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" but was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid after season three.

Nick Jonas guest starred as Ryan Vogelson on "Last Man Standing" during season one, but his character was recast on season two with Jordan Masterson taking over.

"Hannibal" recast Mason Verger between seasons two and three with Joe Anderson replacing Michael Pitt.

Jake T. Austin played Jesus Adams Foster on "The Fosters," but Noah Centineo replaced him on season three.

The character Capheus "Van Damme" Onyango on Netlfix's "Sense8" was recast between seasons one and two.

Rachel Weisz played Evie in "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns," but was replaced by Maria Bello in "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor."

Mae Whitman is known for playing Ann on "Arrested Development, but Alessandra Torresani played the character for her first appearance on season one.

Kaitlin Cooper on "The O.C." was first played by a young Shailene Woodley before being replaced by Willa Holland.

Jerry Seinfeld's dad Morty was played by Phil Bruns on an episode of season one, but Barney Martin replaced him for every other appearance.

Erinn Hayes played Donna Gable on "Kevin Can Wait," but her character was killed off after season one and Leah Remini became the new female lead.

After eight seasons, Charlie Sheen's character was killed off of "Two and a Half Men" and Ashton Kutcher stepped in for the show's final season.

Shannen Doherty left "Beverly Hills, 90210" after four seasons and was replaced by Tiffani Thiessen as the new villain.

Shannen Doherty also starred on "Charmed," but the actress left after three seasons and Rose McGowan joined the cast for five seasons.

Skyler Astin is joining the cast of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" as Greg, who was played by Santino Fantana on the first two seasons.

Nathalie Kelley played Cristal on The CW's "Dynasty" reboot but her character was recast for the second season with Ana Brenda Contreras.

Laura Benanti played Kara’s biological mother Alura Zor-El for the first two seasons of "Supergirl" but was replaced by Erica Durance for the third.

Twins Chloe and Sophia Garcia-Frizzi played a young Judith Grimes on "The Walking Dead." When the show jumped forward six years, Cailey Fleming took over the role.

Samantha Morton originally voiced the AI in "Her" before Scarlet Johansson re-recorded the role.

Colin Firth was the original voice of the lovable bear Paddington before Ben Whishaw took over the role.

Kevin Spacey was removed from Ridley Scott's finished movie, "All the Money in the World," and quickly replaced with Christopher Plummer.

Finally, Johnny Depp will be replaced in the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise by a yet-to-be-named actor.