10 Movie Performances That Proved People Wrong

When it comes time to finally bring a project to life on the big screen, fans of the source material and/or seasoned critics have been known to abruptly let their feelings be known should the eventual casting decisions made by the folks behind the movie not live up to previous expectations.

Now, we're not saying that this sudden backlash is always completely out of order as there have been occasions when a die-hard fanbase or incensed reviewers' negative responses to a certain actor taking up a role have been more than justified in the end; Jessie Eisenberg as Lex Luthor was never going to work out for the best, sadly.

But, with that being said, those calling for a thespian to be sent packing before they've even had a chance to show off what they can bring to a character have also been frequently left with egg well and truly on their face once the finished turn bursts into theatres around the world.

From seemingly one-dimensional comedy stars pulling a dramatic rabbit out of the hat, to certain performers proving that unwanted change-ups can sometimes deliver, here are the fantastic actor performances that forced critics to swallow their words.

When will Batman fans learn, eh?

Just a few years removed from Heath Ledger's Joker casting being initially blasted as one of the worst decisions in the history of cinema, the DC diehards were at it again, this time focusing their outrage at the choice of Ben Affleck as the latest star to don the iconic Batsuit.

To be fair to those vocal protesters, Affleck's last turn in the genre didn't exactly set the world on fire, with 2003's lacklustre Daredevil adaptation quickly finding itself being disowned by the actor himself. Yet, his output in the years since taking up the Matt Murdock mantle, Affleck had more than proved his worth as a dramatic performer and definitely possessed the chops to bring a more weathered and battle-hardened Bat to life.

And that's precisely what he did when Zack Snyder's Batman V Superman finally arrived on our screens in 2016, with Affleck's turn being singled out as one of the few universally praised elements of the bloated picture.

Things may not have worked out in the long run for Batfleck, but at least he made those originally offended by his attachment to Bruce Wayne look like fools in hindsight.