If you want to make a filmmaker shudder, just say these four words: book-to-film adaptation.
That’s because there are many parts involved in getting it right. You want to please the author, the book’s fanbase, and the studio.
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But one way directors nail this is by casting the right people for the roles. Trust us: it makes all the difference.
Here are book-to-movie castings that deserve a 10/10.
Bill Skarsgård – Pennywise in *IT*
If you thought the original IT Pennywise was terrifying, think again. Skarsgård brought a new level of horror to the reboot.
He even added his own flair to the character by introducing a demonic smile that he’s been doing since he was a kid.
Ian McKellan – Gandalf in *Lord of the Rings*
Wizard hat’s off to actors Sean Connery and Christopher Plummer for declining the role of Gandalf the Grey.
This left Ian McKellen next in line to play his unbelievable portrayal of the wizard.
Daniel Radcliffe – Harry in *Harry Potter*
From the moment we saw a young awkward Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , we almost recognized him as the boy from the book cover.
The Boy Who Lived was hiding in Fulham London where he was cast as Harry as an early teen.
Judy Garland – Dorthy in *The Wizard of Oz*
It’s hard to imagine anyone else under the rainbow than the then-16-year-old star. She had the singing voice, the charm, and the bright-eyed innocence.
Given this, it’s crazy to think that the role was almost given to Shirley Temple.
Sean Bean – Ned Stark in *Game of Thrones*
After many recastings of the show and attempted pilots, it was Sean Bean’s portrayal of Ned Stark that assured producers they had something great.
Even the book’s writer, George R. R. Martin agreed, as he saw his book come to life while watching Ned and Arya together.
Anjelica Huston – Grand High Witch in *The Witches*
As The Grand High Witch, Huston brought the same chill down our spine that we got while reading the book.
When Anne Hathaway took over the role for the revival, she praised Anjelica, saying that her “performance is magnificent.”
Woody Harrelson – Haymitch in *The Hunger Games*
After turning down the role twice, Harrelson finally caved into playing the iconic Haymitch.
It’s a good thing he did since he nailed the performance of the “chronically buzzed” character. He made him more than a supporting character.
Elijah Wood – Frodo in *Lord of the Rings*
![Image credit: [New Line Cinema]https://www.fanpop.com/clubs/frodo/images/3103010/title/screencaps-screencap)](https://static.diply.com/j2KWCAGqWptE2HnmUl9e.jpg)
With those red cheeks and bright eyes, Elijah’s acting wasn’t the only thing that was near-identical to the book.
Despite the franchise being massive, he told The Guardian that the experience “felt intimate and small” giving Elijah the room to be the unforgettable Frodo Baggins.
Ralph Macchio – Johnny in *The Outsiders*
While he’s most known for his performance in The Karate Kid , Macchio’s heart-wrenching performance as a young Johnny left audiences stunned.
He was able to outshine his fellow cast members, including Tom Cruise and Patrick Swayze.
Peter Dinklage – Tyrion in *Game of Thrones*
With his charisma and confidence, it was like Peter jumped straight from the pages of the Game of Thrones’ books and onto the screen.
This made his Emmy win for Best Supporting Actor even more deserved.
Michael Duncan – John in *The Green Mile
At seven feet and 350 pounds, John Coffey was a massive inmate in The Green Mile . At first, Duncan was told that he wasn’t big enough for the role.
But in the end, he managed to step into those big shoes and was even nominated for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2000.
Robert Pattinson – Edward in *Twilight*
Pattinson had a taste for magic as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter . But it wasn’t until he starred as Edward Cullen in Twilight that he really became a Hollywood star.
He was brooding, charming, and gorgeous — three things that made tween girls scream “Team Edward”!
Anthony Hopkins – Hannibal in *Silence of the Lambs*
When we think of Hannibal Lector, it’s hard for Anthony Hopkins to not pop into mind.
Thanks to his incredible performance as the serial killer, Hopkins’ calm, well-spoken voice lingers every time we read the book.
Viggo Mortenson – Aragorn in *Lord of the Rings*
![Image credit: [New Line Cinema]https://de.fanpop.com/clubs/lord-of-the-rings/images/2505657/title/two-towers-screencaps-screencap)](https://static.diply.com/EUSXvQVVypo5cCcRmYWf.jpg)
Like Aragorn, Viggo never thought of himself as the lead man in Lord of the Rings .
But he pulled it off with his sense of calmness and riveting performance that had audiences rooting for him.
Meryl Streep – Miranda in *The Devil Wears Prada*
Like a true pro, Streep was in character before filming even began. The film’s screenwriter, Aline Brosh McKenna, told Vanity Fair that she was petrified from their first conversation.
She said that the actress “was terrifying” as Miranda Priestly with her piercing stare.
Morgan Freeman – Ellis in *The Shawshank Redemption*
Morgan Freeman earned his third Oscar nomination with his role as Ellis “Red” Redding in the film.
He was captivating both on-screen and as the narrator of the film. During a Vanity Fair interview, the actor tooted his own horn, saying, “About everywhere you go, people say, ‘The Shawshank Redemption—greatest movie I ever saw.”
Sean Aston – Samwise Gangee in *The Lord of the Rings*
When the actor starred as the heroic Bob in Stranger Things , we were reminded of the fact that he’s born to play such brave, loveable characters.
He pulled this off so well as Sam in LOTR , making us root for him so hard.
Emma Watson – Hermoine in *Harry Potter*
When Watson made a first appearance on the train with her bushy brown hair and brown eyes, it was as if a spell had been cast to make the character jump straight from the pages.
Emma captured everything Hermione is: smart, classy, and, well, a know-it-all.
Imelda Staunton – Dolores in *Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix*
If you love to hate Dolores Umbridge, then you can thank actress Imelda Staunton for that.
Like the book described , she brought out her “personality like poisoned honey.” She also matched the character’s physical description.
