By the end of 2022, the world has seen the release of ten live-action Disney remakes, not including spinoffs like Maleficent and Cruel. While these aren’t always as widely celebrated by fans as their box office returns seem to suggest, one element that keeps potential audiences interested in each new announcement is the live-action casting of familiar animated characters. Johnny Depp like the Mad Hatter, tom hank like Geppetto, Will Smith like genius. These have all been met with varying degrees of enthusiasm, and the phenomenon is not exclusive to Disney properties. Recently, when Luis Guzman was announced as Netflix’s Gomez Addams, many expressed shock and disapproval, viewing the character as a Raul Julia or one Tim Curry type. However, one only has to go back to the original incarnation (the 2D cartoon character) to see that Guzman was the perfect fit. After the success of Tim Burtonit is Wednesdayand Jenna OrtegaIn particular, it’s time to look at other anime characters who received the perfect live-action casting when their source material was adapted.
John Goodman as Fred Flintstone (The Flintstones)
It seems that anyone new to the 1994 live-action The Flintstones the film relishes the fact that John Goodman was cast in the lead role. At the time, Goodman was best known for Roseanesome small roles like in Barton Fink, and various voice-over work, making this cast even more impressive than what now seems like an obvious choice. This film is filled with a fantastic cast of familiar characters (Elizabeth Perkins like Wilma Rick Moranis like Barney, and Rosie O’Donnell like Betty) to the introduction of new characters (like Kyle McLachlan like Cliff Vandercave and Halle Berry under the hilarious name “Sharon Stone“). Yabba-dabba-doo!
Hank Azaria as Gargamel (The Smurfs)
While the various Smurfs in 2011 The Smurfs are voiced by seemingly everyone, since the end Anton Yelchin to the regulars of comedy BJ Novak and Fred Armisenthe only animated character to get a makeover in this film is the badass villain Gargamel. The simpsons” Moe’s own, Chief Wiggum, Apu (the list goes on) is no stranger to bringing hand-drawn characters to life, but in this film, Hank Azaria gets to dress in full prostheses and chew up landscapes. His performance is not only faithful to the source material, but in some cases steals the show, becoming arguably the best part of this family film.
Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl (Popeye)
The same year as Shelly Duvall appeared next Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrickadaptation of Stephen Kingit is the brilliantshe appeared in popeye. 1980 was a big year for Duvall, who was previously known for more down-to-earth roles like in Woody Allenit is Annie Hall. Here, however, she appeared alongside a heavily prosthetic man Robin Williams under the direction of yet another American author, Robert Altman. It says a lot that Duvall was the spitting image of the cartoon Olive Oyl in terms of performance and looks, but to stand out from Williams in such a role is a feat to be hailed.
Jim Carrey as the Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas took a short Dr Seuss story and made it into a 26-minute cartoon. Ron Howardin 2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas took a 26-minute cartoon and made a larger-than-life 105-minute epic. Everything went up to eleven in this adaptation, from the music to the production design, and it came as no surprise to anyone that jim carreyThe performance of more than reached the animated heights of the original cartoon. Character actors Jeffrey Drum, Christine Baransky and Molly Shannon to complete the cast of ‘Who’s, but it’s Carrey’s evil green grudge machine who takes the cake…and the presents!
Breckin Meyer as Jon Arbuckle (Garfield: The Movie)
The big casting announcement of 2004 Garfield: the movie was this comedy legend Bill Murray would lend its voice to the feline that hates Mondays. Although Murray was a perfect fit for the role, he would later go on to joke around in the film. zombieland this Garfield was his only regret in life. The film earned a subtitled sequel The story of two kittens. From the live cast of the film however, Breckin–Meyerbest known at the time for his roles in clueless, European travel, and rat race, was a pleasant surprise. One of the few cartoon characters who doesn’t demand an over-the-top performance, Jon Arbuckle is a straight, level-headed man to comic relief from Garfield and has the ability to play the fool opposite his love interest Liz, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Isabela Merced as Dora the Explorer (Dora and the Lost City of Gold)
In 2019 popular children’s cartoon Dora the Explorer has been adapted for the big screen, and its story has been enlarged to look like an epic adventure reminiscent IndianaJones and the Unexplored Games. Dora herself was aged and played by Isabelle Merced, who perfectly navigated the difficult task of acting opposite CGI characters like Boots the Monkey. The film received generally positive reviews from fans and critics alike, thanks in large part to the performance and casting of its titular hero.
Matthew Lillard as Shaggy (Scooby-Doo)
So what makes a great piece of live-action animation casting? Is it someone who reproduces the original performance perfectly? In that case, why not hire the original voice actor? Again, stray too far from the source material and it no longer represents what was before. This brings me to one of the most popular examples of live casting for animated characters.
The cast of james gunnfrom 2002 scooby-doo film and its sequel is truly a sight to behold. Not only the casting director Mary Vernieu recruiting the members of Mystery Incorporated as if they were straight out of the animated series, but she also supported the film’s marketing department by hiring actors known for the thrilling teenage horror movement of the 90s. Sarah Michelle Gellar was known for a multitude of scary stories, buffy the vampire slayer at Cry 2. She also starred in Kevin Williamsonit is I know what you did last summer with her current husband (and scooby-dooit’s Fred) Freddie Prinze Jr.
Linda Cardellini was cast perfectly as Velma after rising to fame for another meddling role in Judd Apatowit is freaks and geeks. Cardellini could have just as easily made this list herself for her fantastic performance that transcended the exact impression. And last but not least is Thirteen ghosts and Screamit is Matthew Lillard who wowed audiences of all ages as Shaggy. The roughly 32-year-old actor didn’t quite look like young Norville “Shaggy” Rogers, but rather embodied him. His voice, mannerisms and down-to-earth portrayal of Shaggy made this a performance for the ages, even earning him the voice-over role in scooby-doo cartoons that followed.
Anime TV Characters Who Got The Perfect Live-Action Cast – CNET – ApparelGeek