10 times controversial biopic casting proved everyone wrong

These choices had everyone skeptical — until the performances hit the screen.

If you keep up with movie casting news, you know the biopic era is definitely not slowing down any time soon.
I’m sure by now you’ve seen the Beatles casting discussion all over your feed, but here’s a quick recap. Rumors about a biopic on the legendary band had been floating around for a while, and earlier this week, the actors set to play the Fab Four were finally announced: Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. While fans were excited, some folks online felt like Barry, Joseph, Harris, and Paul weren’t the best picks (yes, there’s four individual movies, but that’s a whole different can of worms). With that said, history shows that controversial casting choices often turn out to be pure magic — and here are 10 perfect examples:

1. Austin Butler as Elvis Presley in Elvis (2022)

Remember how the internet basically imploded after Austin Butler was announced as Elvis? People immediately hopped on the hate train, questioning how a former Disney and Nickelodeon star could portray the King of Rock and Roll. Austin took the role extremely seriously — so much so that he told Screen Daily he “didn’t sleep for two years” and had to be hospitalized after wrapping. He even needed a dialect coach to shed his Elvis accent, he revealed to Stephen Colbert. Despite all the early backlash, Austin’s hard work paid off when he won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, and even received love from Lisa Marie Presley, who championed him for an Oscar.

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2. Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in Spencer (2021)

When Kristen Stewart was cast as Princess Diana, skepticism ran wild, largely because of her Twilight fame. But when the film dropped, Kristen’s portrayal received widespread acclaim. She scored nominations for a Golden Globe, an Academy Award, and a Critics’ Choice Award. Even Diana’s former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, praised Kristen's performance, calling it the most accurate of all the Diana portrayals in recent memory.

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3. Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Originally, Sacha Baron Cohen was meant to play Freddie Mercury, but after he left the project, Rami Malek stepped in — and not without controversy. Some critics questioned his casting based on his Egyptian heritage, but many fans pointed out that Freddie himself, born Farrokh Bulsara, was a person of color. Rami's breathtaking performance led him to win a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a SAG Award, and an Oscar.

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4. Jennifer Lopez as Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in Selena (1997)

The search for the lead role in Selena was one of the largest in movie history, with 21,000 people auditioning. Despite J.Lo standing out, the casting sparked backlash because Jennifer is Puerto Rican and New York–born, while Selena was Mexican-American and Texas-born. However, Selena’s family, heavily involved in the production, backed Jennifer fully — even noting her strikingly similar mannerisms to Selena. After the film's release, J.Lo received massive critical acclaim and earned a Golden Globe nomination.

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5. Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon (1999)

Jim Carrey’s casting as Andy Kaufman caused skepticism, mostly because of the perceived lack of physical resemblance. His intense method acting — staying in character for months — only added fuel to the fire. Despite the mixed reviews for the film, Jim's transformative performance won him his second consecutive Golden Globe and is still considered one of the most talked-about method acting feats.

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6. Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady (2011)

The idea of an American icon like Meryl Streep playing Britain’s first female Prime Minister stirred controversy, especially across the UK. Many were unsure if even Meryl could embody such a polarizing political figure. Yet, her performance was almost universally praised, ultimately earning her a third Academy Award.

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7. Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown (2024)

When Timothée Chalamet was announced to play Bob Dylan, the internet was sharply divided. Even with his reputation as a "serious actor," many felt he wasn't the right fit. However, after the film released — with Bob Dylan himself reportedly giving his blessing — Timothée’s portrayal was hailed as one of the year’s best. He earned multiple award nominations, including an Academy nod, and even wowed audiences with his singing, particularly his rendition of “Blowin’ in the Wind.”

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8. Cate Blanchett as Bob Dylan in I'm Not There (2007)

Before Chalamet took on Dylan, Cate Blanchett did it first — and she faced her fair share of criticism, too. The experimental film had six different actors portraying Dylan’s different personas, and Cate, playing one of them, drew backlash for being a woman in the role. Still, she won an Independent Spirit Award, a Golden Globe, and scored an Oscar nomination, proving any doubts completely wrong.

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9. Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in Walk The Line (2005)

Joaquin Phoenix’s casting as Johnny Cash initially raised eyebrows, with fans concerned if he could do justice to such a beloved figure. Nevertheless, Joaquin’s powerful performance earned him his second Oscar nomination and his first Golden Globe win, solidifying him as one of the greats.

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10. Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof in Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

It’s hard to imagine now, but before Dallas Buyers Club, Matthew McConaughey wasn’t seen as a serious dramatic actor. That all changed with his portrayal of Ron Woodroof, the Texas man who smuggled AIDS medication into the state. Matthew's transformative performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor and completely shifted public perception of his acting range.

Which one of these biopics was your favourite?