Cinema

10 stars once seen as controversial choices—now celebrated for their triumphs

From overlooked actors to surprising transformations, these 10 stars defied expectations and turned risky casting decisions into unforgettable performances.

Pedro Herrero

Update: Nov 17th, 2025 12:13 EST

Some casting choices seem almost impossible at first, but sometimes the results are unforgettable. In this article, we look back at 10 actors and actresses who took on roles nobody expected them to succeed in—and ended up surpassing all expectations.

Most of these performers were considered risky choices. Some had hidden talent, others had filmographies that seemed completely unrelated to the part, and a few were practically typecast in very specific roles. Yet each of the 10 actors and actresses below not only stepped out of their comfort zones but delivered performances that earned critical acclaim and, in some cases, major awards.

Bryan Cranston in “Breaking Bad”

By the time “Breaking Bad” premiered in 2008, Bryan Cranston already had an extensive resume in film and television, but for most audiences, he was “the dad from ‘Malcolm in the Middle.’” Now he is Walter White, the chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin, and his performance remains one of the most iconic in TV history.

10 stars once seen as controversial choices—now celebrated for their triumphs — Bryan Cranston as Walter White in "Breaking Bad."

Where to watch ‘Breaking Bad’: Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV

Heath Ledger in “Brokeback Mountain”

Ledger’s resume offered little reason for optimism, filled with teen romantic comedies and forgettable films like “A Knight’s Tale.” Director Ang Lee struggled to find a co-star for Jake Gyllenhaal—Mark Wahlberg even turned the role down, saying, “They’re doing it from the start.” Ledger, however, delivered a performance that would become legendary, foreshadowing his later iconic turn as the Joker in “The Dark Knight.”

Where to watch “Brokeback Mountain”: available on Prime Video, Apple TV

Charlize Theron in “Monster”

Already an established actress, Theron shocked Hollywood by taking on the role of a serial killer. She fully transformed for the part, using prosthetic teeth, heavy makeup, and even gaining weight to embody her character. Her chilling performance earned her the 2004 Academy Award for best actress.

Where to watch “Monster”: available on Prime Video

Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club”

McConaughey had been known for romantic comedies, but “Dallas Buyers Club” marked his career reinvention. Playing Ron Woodroof, a Texas cowboy diagnosed with AIDS who begins smuggling effective medication, McConaughey stunned audiences. This role set the stage for his later acclaimed work in “True Detective,” “Interstellar,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

Where to watch “Dallas Buyers Club”: available on Prime Video, Apple TV

Anne Hathaway in “Les Misérables”

Hathaway’s talent was never in question, but portraying Fantine took her to a new level. At 30, she lost 25 pounds and cut her hair during filming to fully capture the tragic courtesan’s story. Her performance, brief but unforgettable, earned her the Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG awards for best supporting actress.

Where to watch “Les Miserables”: available on Peacock, Prime Video, Apple TV

Rami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Before playing Freddie Mercury, Malek was known for light comedies like “Night at the Museum” and video game roles. At the time, his visibility came mostly from “Mr. Robot” on Prime Video. Malek silenced critics with a transformative performance, winning the Academy Award for best actor and delivering one of the most memorable finales in modern cinema.

Where to watch “Bohemian Rhapsody”: available on Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+

Tom Cruise in “Collateral”

Known for heroes like Ethan Hunt and Maverick, Cruise shocked audiences by playing a hitman in “Collateral.” Under Michael Mann’s direction, Cruise trained extensively with firearms, producing some of the most realistic action sequences in Hollywood. His performance remains a highlight in a long, prolific career.

Where to watch “Collateral”: available on Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, Paramount+

Nicole Kidman in “The Hours”

Kidman immersed herself in the role of Virginia Woolf, using prosthetics, wigs, and working with a coach to capture the writer’s gestures and accent. Her portrayal of Woolf’s battle with bipolar disorder and depression, culminating in a devastating suicide scene, earned her the 2003 Academy Award for best actress.

Where to watch “The Hours”: available on Prime Video, Apple TV

Jim Carrey in “The Truman Show”

Carrey, famous for over-the-top comedies like “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask,” waited a year to commit to “The Truman Show.” The role allowed him to escape typecasting and prove his dramatic chops. The film became a turning point, opening the door for later performances in “Man on the Moon” and darker thrillers like “The Number 23.”

Where to watch “The Truman Show”: available on Prime Video, Apple TV

Kristen Stewart in “Spencer”

While the “Twilight” saga weighed heavily on some of her co-stars, Stewart used it as a stepping stone. Her portrayal of Princess Diana in “Spencer” highlighted the isolation and vulnerability of the British royal, revealing a depth previously unseen in her career.

Where to watch “Spencer”: available on Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV.