Oh, what could have been. My first official "assignment" from WhatCulture is here. Today I'll be picking out which actors'/actresses' careers were "ruined" (i.e. unceremoniously stalled and/or tainted, either temporarily or permanently) by 10 legendary/infamous directors, the films that contributed to their demise, and (if I can find out) where they are now. Bear in mind that when I say "ruined," I don't mean that they stopped working. But I do mean that their careers took directions that, for one reason or another, could have gone or did go a completely different direction than what they originally intended or hoped for. Bear in mind also that this list is in no particular order, and I will undoubtedly have left some of your personal favorites out, and you may not agree with some of my choices. But feel more than free to include them in the comments section below. So, without further ado...
10. Chris O'Donnell - Batman & Robin
The culprit? Joel Schumacher, of course. Now, dear old Joel is more "infamous" than legendary, but had it not been for his appalling crimes against fanboys everywhere he might not even be mentioned on this list. Nevertheless, O'Donnell had all the makings of the next Hollywood heartthrob, assuredly. Alright, he was the Sam Worthington of his day. But while he gets a pass for Batman Forever, in part thanks to his admirable chemistry with Val Kilmer, O'Donnell's career as a film star was effectively shut down thanks to Batnipple. Thank God he's found work on NCIS: LA, or you might not know who I'm talking about at all.