15 Most Ridiculously Absurd Casting Calls Of The 21st Century

4. Gary Oldman - Tiptoes (2003)

Hollywood has a representation problem. Well, in truth, Hollywood has several representation problems what with the whitewashing and the diversity issues and the sexism accusations and such. But it also has an issue with casting actors of short stature. Beyond Peter Dinklage and Warwick Davis (and other actors used in stunt and costume roles), there's always been a bit of a reluctance to cast short actors in serious roles.

Unbelievably, in 2003, Matthew Bright cast Oscar-winner Gary Oldman - a character actor of huge repute and a great method man - as the twin of Matthew McConaughey who was born into a family of dwarves (McConaughey's Steven was the only "normal-sized" son of that family).

That's right, not only was Oldman cast as a dwarf, he was cast as the TWIN brother of McConaughey. Ludicrous on two huge accounts.

Did It Work?

No. The film was roundly criticised for insensitivity and though Oldman is typically dependable, this came in his fallow period and it's not exactly one either him or McConaughey will shout about on their CV. The suggestion that the pair could be twins at all is just about the most ridiculous thing ever.