We explore 10 instances where actors daringly broke free from their typecast roles, only to encounter disappointing outcomes.
Adam Sandler in the Cobbler (2014)
Adam Sandler is known for his comedic roles in movies like Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and 50 First Dates. However, he tried to branch out into drama with The Cobbler, a movie about a shoe repairman who can magically transform into anyone whose shoes he wears. The movie was a critical and commercial flop, with a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a $24 million loss at the box office. Sandler’s performance was criticized as bland and unconvincing, and the movie was accused of being tone-deaf and offensive.
Jennifer Aniston in the Bounty Hunter (2010)
Jennifer Aniston is one of the most popular romantic comedy stars, thanks to her iconic role as Rachel Green on Friends and movies like The Break-Up, Marley & Me, and Horrible Bosses. However, she failed to impress in The Bounty Hunter, a movie where she plays an investigative reporter who is chased by her ex-husband, a bounty hunter played by Gerard Butler. The movie was panned by critics and audiences alike, with a 12% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a $67 million loss at the box office.
Johnny Depp in Mortdecai (2015)
Johnny Depp is one of the most versatile and eccentric actors in Hollywood, who has played memorable characters like Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, and Willy Wonka. However, he missed the mark with Mortdecai, a movie where he plays a quirky art dealer who gets involved in a global conspiracy involving a stolen painting. The movie was a disaster, with a 12% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a $47 million loss at the box office.
Halle Berry in Catwoman (2004)
Halle Berry is an Oscar-winning actress who has starred in movies like Monster’s Ball, Die Another Day, and X-Men. However, she made a huge mistake with Catwoman, a movie where she plays a woman who gains cat-like abilities after being resurrected by a mystical cat. The movie was a catastrophe, with a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a $40 million loss at the box office.
Will Smith in After Earth (2013)
Will Smith is one of the most charismatic and successful actors in Hollywood, who has starred in blockbuster movies like Independence Day, Men in Black, and Bad Boys. However, he failed to deliver in After Earth, a movie where he plays a father who crash-lands on a post-apocalyptic Earth with his son, played by his real-life son Jaden Smith. The movie was a flop, with an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a $27 million loss at the box office.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the ultimate action hero, with iconic roles like Terminator, Predator, and Conan the Barbarian. But in 1996, he decided to star in Jingle All the Way, a family comedy about a father who tries to get his son the hottest toy for Christmas. The movie was panned by critics and audiences alike, who found it cheesy, unfunny, and unrealistic.
Ben Affleck in Gigli (2003)
Ben Affleck is an acclaimed actor and director who has starred in movies like Good Will Hunting, Argo, and Gone Girl. But in 2003, he starred in Gigli, a romantic comedy where he played a mobster who falls in love with a lesbian hitwoman. The movie was a disaster, with critics calling it one of the worst movies ever made. The movie had a terrible plot, awful dialogue, and zero chemistry between the leads.
Nicolas Cage in the Wicker Man (2006)
Nicolas Cage is known for his eccentric and unpredictable choices of roles, ranging from action movies like Face/Off and Con Air to dramas like Leaving Las Vegas and Adaptation. But in 2006, he starred in one of the worst movies of his career: The Wicker Man, a remake of the 1973 cult classic horror film about a policeman who investigates a mysterious island where pagan rituals are practiced. The movie was a disaster, with critics slamming the nonsensical plot, the poor acting, and the laughable scenes.
John Travolta in Battlefield Earth (2000)
John Travolta is a legendary actor who has starred in classics like Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Pulp Fiction. But in 2000, he made a huge mistake by starring in Battlefield Earth, a sci-fi movie based on the novel by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The movie was a disaster, with critics calling it one of the worst movies ever made. The movie had a ridiculous plot, terrible special effects, and awful dialogue. Travolta’s performance was also panned for being hammy and ridiculous. He played an alien villain with dreadlocks, a nose ring, and a weird accent.
Eddie Murphy in Norbit (2007)
Eddie Murphy is one of the most successful comedy actors of all time, with hits like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Shrek. But in 2007, he starred in Norbit, a comedy where he played three different roles: a nerdy orphan, his obese and abusive wife, and an Asian orphanage owner. The movie was a disaster, with critics slamming it for being crude, offensive, and unfunny.
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