20 times when fan casting wishes actually came true

Fan casting came true when John Krasinski played Mr. Fantastic in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. He wasn’t on screen for long, but it was still satisfying for fans who’d suggested him for the role. 

Ben Barnes is no stranger to a fantasy role, which is why he was perfect as the Darkling in Shadow and Bone. Fans knew it, too, and they were elated to see him on screen after suggesting he get the part. 

Video game characters result in especially ardent fan casting. When fans found out about The Witcher adaptation, they almost immediately submitted Henry Cavill’s name for the role of Geralt of Rivia. The casting choice resulted in hordes of very happy fans.

After falling in love with Lea Michele’s Rachel Berry on Glee, fans couldn’t help but notice that she resembled Broadway legend Idina Menzel in both looks and talent. Fans wanted the Tony winner to be cast as Rachel’s mother, and she appeared in several episodes of the musical series. 

Fans influenced casting choices even before social media. Longtime X-Men fanatics voiced their desire to see Patrick Stewart play the role of Professor X, and they proved just how well they know the series by participating in a great casting choice. 

Fans weren’t the only ones convinced that Peter Dinklage needed to take on the iconic role of Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones. The author of the book series, George R. R. Martin, wanted Dinklage to be cast, too.  

Casting a child and an adult to play different ages of the same character can be tricky, but fans nailed their suggestion of Jessica Chastain taking on the adult role of Beverly Marsh in It: Chapter Two. And what filmmaker wouldn’t want to have Chastain in their film?

Jessica Chastain wasn’t the only actor to be fan-casted for It: Chapter Two. Bill Hader got the role of Richie Tozier after the online community of fans advocated for him. 

Fans pleaded their case for Rosario Dawson to be cast as Ahsoka Tano on social media. Dawson took note of a tweet and joined in the fan casting, eventually landing the role. That’s one way to find acting work. 

Fans always want very specific actors to make their favorite superheroes come to life. One specific choice many fans wanted to be made was Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. And with enough chatter, the fans got what they wanted. Reynolds has openly discussed how it took 11 years to get Deadpool made, and "the fans got it made." 

Rebooting a legendary series in a new generation is no easy task, especially when it comes to casting. Fans thought that Zachary Quinto was the right person for the role of Spock thanks to his looks and talent, and casting agents agreed. 

Benedict Cumberbatch is one of those actors who’s great in incredibly specific roles. Fans put his name up for Doctor Strange, an incredibly specific role, and Cumberbatch was great in it. 

Serious fans of the Twilight series wanted Robert Pattinson to get the part of Edward Cullen, and he did. Now, it’s hard to imagine literally anyone else playing that role.

There were a few different actresses that fans wanted to see take on the role of Captain Marvel, so the Marvel executives had options when it came to pleasing their ardent fanbase. Ultimately, they went with Brie Larson, much to the delight of those invested in the MCU. 

Fans knew that Temuera Morrison was right for Boba Fett. Casting agents knew. The whole world knew. 

If you want a character to be cool as hell, cast Samuel L. Jackson. Fans wanted Nick Fury to be cool as hell, and that’s why they suggested Jackson for the role. 

Fans who suggested that Donald Glover play The Prowler in a Spider-Man film were pleased to hear and see him not just once, but twice. He first played the role in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and he reprised it for the live-action Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. 

Sometimes, fan casting can lead to disappointment, but that wasn’t the case with Hailee Steinfeld. Fans had long wanted to see her play Kate Bishop, aka Hawkeye, and when she finally got the chance, nearly everyone was pleased with her performance. 

Just look at a picture of Kingpin. There’s literally no one else who could embody the character as naturally as Vincent D’Onofrio. Hence why fans suggested him for the part. 

There’s always going to be some new iteration of The Addams Family. Fans know that, and that’s why they put up Oscar Isaac for the role of Gomez Addams. Isaac brought the iconic character to life in the 2019 animated film, as well as its 2021 sequel.