20 iconic pop culture characters that continue to be recast

It seems like every few years, a new face swings into town as our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. We've had a whole multiverse of web-slingers, from Tobey Maguire to Tom Holland. And they've all delivered epic performances. 

How many actors does it take to perfect the Dark Knight's brooding stare? Hollywood is still counting, giving us a new Caped Crusader for nearly every generation.

Shaken, not stirred, and always recast. The tuxedo-clad super-spy has been played by a parade of suave actors, each leaving their own mark on the legendary 007.

This agent of chaos is an actor's dream role, which might be why we've seen so many unforgettable, maniacal portrayals. From campy clown to gritty anarchist, the Joker always gets the last laugh.

Talk about iconic superheroes! The Man of Steel is a tough role to fill, but that hasn't stopped a super-lineup of actors from donning the iconic cape. Each new face brings a fresh take on the ultimate Boy Scout.

Is there any character cooler than Catwoman? It's a role so iconic that countless actresses (hey, Halle Berry!) have sharpened their claws to play Gotham's favorite feline femme fatale.

The game is always afoot when it comes to finding a new Sherlock. This brilliant, eccentric detective has been reimagined numerous times, from classic to modern.

With the power to regenerate, this Time Lord is literally designed to be recast. Every new Doctor brings a fresh personality and a brand-new adventure through time and space.

This tomb-raiding adventurer has leaped from video games to the big screen, with multiple actresses taking on the role. She proves that a thirst for action and a fascination with ancient artifacts never go out of style.

You wouldn't like him when he's angry, but Hollywood sure loves recasting him. The brilliant Bruce Banner and his giant green alter ego have been portrayed by several different actors, including Mark Ruffalo, Eric Bana, and Tatiana Maslany as "She-Hulk."

Who can take a sunrise and sprinkle it with dew? Apparently, several actors can, as the eccentric chocolatier keeps getting reimagined for new audiences with a tour of his fantastic factory.

Whether he has hair or not, Professor Charles Xavier is the powerful psychic heart of the X-Men. We've seen multiple actors guide the next generation of mutants from his signature wheelchair.

Every great hero needs a great villain, and the Master of Magnetism is one of the best. Different actors have explored his tragic backstory, making him a bad guy you can't help but root for.

From analyst to action hero, this CIA operative is a Hollywood staple. There's always a new actor ready to save the world, whether from behind a desk or in the middle of a firefight.

This legendary vampire has been rising from the coffin for over a century, with countless actors sinking their teeth into the role. He's the original creature of the night who just won't stay dead.

Serving up fava beans and a nice Chianti, this brilliant cannibal has been terrifyingly portrayed by more than one actor. He's the sophisticated monster that haunts our nightmares.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is one of modern fiction's most compelling anti-heroes. Her fierce intelligence and punk-rock style have been captured by multiple actresses across different film adaptations.

Flame on! This fiery member of the Fantastic Four has been played by a few different hot-headed actors over the years, including one who went on to become Captain America.

The King of the Monsters has been stomping through cities since the 1950s, evolving in size, shape, and cinematic style. Whether he's a hero or a villain, his roar is always iconic.

There is no fate but what we make, and for Sarah Connor, that means being played by different tough-as-nails actresses. She's the ultimate protector, transforming from a regular person into a hardened warrior.