Top 10 recast roles that turned out to be downgrades

10. Andy Whitfield to Liam McIntyre – Spartacus

For the first season of this stylized historical epic, the gladiator-turn-rebel was played by Andy Whitfield. Sadly, though, he passed away shortly after due to cancer. The creators needed a recast lead, and they found one in Liam McIntyre, who played the hero for the remainder of the show.

This is when Spartacus was leading an army of gladiators, and McIntyre definitely channels the power and passion that you’d expect. He projects well; he’s physically believable as a fighter, and he moves like a man in charge.

In short, he has the militaristic persona of someone commanding such a massive force. What’s more, is that he carries an animalistic ferocity that differentiates him from the more prim-and-proper Roman leaders.

That being said, while he was trying to convince you that “I am Spartacus,” Whitfield simply was Spartacus, easily proving himself the more charismatic of the two. His version is still a slave, so he has to internalize his hatred while observing and outthinking his enemies.

He gets that across and more through his nuanced expressions, conveying so much with his eyes, body language, and minimal-yet-meaningful dialogue. He always looks like someone with a plan, someone whom you believe would inspire followers.

On top of that, his quieter intensity also made the emotional moments more poignant since much of the passion is beneath the surface. This makes him all-around more interesting to watch.

Moreover, it makes his successor look like a blunt instrument in comparison, even during those scenes where he too has to contemplate his next move or sell an emotion without words. When Whitfield is onscreen, I look at him first. When McIntyre is onscreen, I look at Gannicus or Crixus.