Miscast Actors/Actresses.

AGAA4 whole-heartedly agree. In the books Reacher is 6ft+ and a really big man who has problems finding clothing to fit him, then they cast Tom Cruise to play the part. don't get me wrong I do like Tom, I think Top Gun is my favourite film but definitely NOT as Jack Reacher

Thank you, Calendargirl.

OhMother that’s so funny ?. (Clint Eastwood playing the part of a hearth rug!) Hilarious!

It really annoys me when books are made into films and TV series and the main character looks nothing like he/she is described in the book. If the author goes into such detail and effort to describe a character, what right does the film maker have to mess around with that. I love M C Beaton's Agatha Raisin books. The way the main character looks is a hugely important part of the way she behaves and thinks (I think Dawn French when she lost some weight would have been perfect) and yet they used a small, pretty, blonde, Scottish actress to play her. Absolutely wrong! I couldn't watch it.

I am aware that she won awards - but Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown. She became more of a caricature with each episode; I found it almost unwatchable.

A few films have been made recently about women who have been famous in history, namely Mary Anning and Clarisse Cliffe. Both are famous for what they did and not for their great beauty and yet both have been portrayed by beautiful actresses , one of them being the ubiquitous Lily James. Is it not acceptable in the eyes of the film industry to be talented and successful but plain? Are there no plain actresses out there who are exceptionally good, but will never get the "must be beautiful" roles, who would have loved to be given a chance? Let's have more realism when telling biographical stories.

Yes?

I have to agree about Agatha Raisin. I think Brenda Blethyn could have played her a few years ago. I thought Viggo was perfect as Aragorn, perhaps it helped that I'd never seen him before. Matthew Macfadyan was perfect as Darcy, the arrogance hiding the vulnerability. Gwyneth Paltrow usually infuriates me but I loved her as Emma.

Peasblossom Wasn’t that Robert Redford?

Yes, it was Edith. Calendargirl put me right.

Either will do?

Whingingmom I agree about Gillian Anderson as Maggie Thatcher. I felt she overplayed it a bit and it grated on my nerves but maybe it’s because I couldn’t stand Thatcher.

Talking of being miss cast in some roles , I find that many women’s voices really irritate me, especially the American ones.

I love the Roy Grace books & was thrilled to hear they were coming to tv. I was a bit sceptical about John Simm playing him but was pleasantly surprised. However, I'm sorry to say that although the actor playing Branson wore the right stylish, expensive clothes, he was nowhere near as attractive as he is described in the books! I've read all 27 DCI Banks books but I can't bear Stephen Tomkinson so I haven't watched any of the series. He's just not right! Much as I enjoy watching Nathaniel Parker as Inspector Linley, in the books he was described as being very blond .

Edith, I have the same problem with female presenters, both radio and TV, I find their voices whiny. I always have to switch off.

I saw the thread title and instantly thought of Ryan O’Neal in Thornbirds. He wasn’t the dark and brooding sexy priest in my head when I read the book.
I suppose that stuck in my head as one of life’s great disappointments.

I thought Olivia Coleman played Olivia Coleman in The Crown and Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher was more of a female impersonator than an actress.

Hugh Grant just plays Hugh Grant in whatever he is in!

Rowan Atkinson - Maigret
(too small)
Hayden Christensen - Star Wars
(hadn't yet done any acting. It showed.)
Shaun Evans - Endeavour
(wrong voice)
Stephen Tomkinson - DCI Banks
(everything)

John Thaw as Morse he was brilliant but nothing like the description in the books,same goes for Lewis

joan simms could never be replaced as miss marple

Yes CarrieAnn

In the books, Lewis was Welsh, burly build, middle aged, and was a grandfather.

I think it must be difficult to find someone who is perfect for the part in looks and ability.
Personally I think Shaun Evans plays Endeavour well.
I didn’t like Olivia Coleman’s rendition of the Queen in the first couple of episodes but I think she has improved. They are certainly portraying the Queen as cold.
I was concerned at Jenna Coleman playing Victoria she is too pretty. But I think she has portrayed Victoria’s character so well and done such a good job I have forgiven her for being pretty.
I also remember thinking that Ruth Wilson was far too tall to play Jane Eyre but she was so good that it is my favourite version.

I do think Mel Gibson casting himself as William Wallace in Braveheart was a mistake.

John Hannah playing Rebus- totally wrong, Ken Stott was a vast improvement in the role, much closer to the man I imagined when I read the books

Emma Watson as Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

Luca Zingaretti isn't much like the description of Montalbano in the books. But who could possibly complain about him?