5 Movie Characters Who Improved After Recasting (And 5 Who Didn't)

There weren't many things wrong with Batman Begins. It was a solid origin story with plenty of top-notch casting. One thing that always felt a little out of place was Katie Holmes' performance as Rachel Dawes. As a viewer, it's always a treat when an actor or actress can make one forget they are watching a work of fiction and just get lost in the performance. Watching Rachel in Batman Begins feels like one is watching Katie Holmes playing a role.

Unlike some other entries on this list, there were no struggles over creative control or an untimely death. Holmes was simply more interested in other projects at the time. When Holmes was unavailable for the sequel, Maggie Gyllenhaal was cast to play Rachel in The Dark Knight. By all accounts, it was an amicable decision. Gyllenhaal even received Holmes' "blessing" before taking the part.

This turned out to be a a good move for both Gyllenhaal and the film. Maggie's take on Rachel felt more emotionally investable. She feels a bit more realistic as Harvey Dent's love interest and a tough-as-nails assistant D.A. Gyllenhaal's approach to Rachel made the character's arc, and untimely death in The Dark Knight Rises, all the more impactful.