10 Gender-Flip Casting That Was Great

Casting the right actor in an important role is one of the most important decisions a movie or TV show can make. How the actor brings the character to life and their chemistry with the other actors is just as important as the story they tell. over the years, The film industry was more open to gender-flipped casting, which sees performers of different genders take on roles originally written for or acted by someone of a particular identity. In some cases, gender-swapped recasts enhance the original movie or TV show, creating exciting opportunities for the story.

Most gender-swapped casting in movies and television involves women stepping in to play roles traditionally portrayed by men. Although there are some exceptions, more often than not, the history of cinema, and art in general, sees that men are given more complex and high-profile roles while female characters are secondary. It’s exciting to see more women being cast in prominent projects and making characters their own, it reminds audiences and filmmakers that What the industry needs is more original roles written expressly for women and gender-nonconforming actors. However, it can still be fun to see gender-swapping play out on screen.

10

Katee Sackhoff as Starbuck – Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009)

The imposing warrior becomes a complex character due to sackoff

The original Battlestar Galactica Only appeared for a single season in 1978, but the 2004 revival proved to be a worthy successor. Although the visual effects needed updating, it was much more than the last one Battlestar Galactica expanded on. Most of the recurring characters in the series were part of the crew of the military ship that represented the last hope of humanity against the Cylons. Starbuck, a lieutenant and later captain of the ship was originally played by a man in 1978, But Katee Sackhoff was the perfect choice to revitalize the role.

Starbuck was played by Dirk Benedict in 1978, but it didn’t take long for the new series to realize that diversity in casting and storytelling was necessary for the new version of the story. Sackhoff brings Starbuck’s character to new levels, as the 2004 iteration gave the role more to do and incorporated storylines about her importance in the crew to find Earth and save the human race. This character is often defined by their abilities and fearsome attitude. however, Sackhoff brings new depth to this archetype.

9

Lucy Liu as Watson – Elementary (2012–2019)

Watson remains Sherlock’s partner in crime in this updated casting choice

There have been many adaptations of the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his iconic crime-solving duo, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. More often than not, two people have always played the roles in the books, but the network crime TV show Elementary Flipped the script by casting Lucy Liu as Watson. She is joined by Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock, and the pair have strong chemistry. However, Watson is often the hero of the day, saving Sherlock from himself and providing valuable insight with her medical expertise.

The new one Young Sherlock TV show has been confirmed, but Watson will not initially be a character in the stories the series is adapting. However, it will incorporate some gender-swapped casting as Natascha McElhone will play Moriarty. This is similar to Elementarylike The series also cast a woman in Moriarty’s role, Natalie Dormer. Liu makes the character of Watson her own in the series, and she holds her own against the changeable Sherlock and aligns with the modern setting of the show.

8

Judy Dench As M – The James Bond franchise

Dench was so iconic in her role, it’s hard to imagine another M in MI6

The first movie that featured Dame Judi Dench in the role of M, the head of MI6, was GoldenWith Pierce Brosnan playing Bond. However, it was even more revolutionary to see her in Casino RoyaleThe first film during Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond, as he is one of the few actors who have kept their role in multiple eras. of course, It would be unfair to waste Dench on just one film, How You Turn as M has become the defining performance of recent Bond iterations.

After Dentz M. was killed in SkyfallRalph Fiennes steps in to take over, But Dench’s absence was felt in both Spectre And No time to dieWhat would be Craig’s final film. Seeing women in prominent positions of power is very important in cinema and even more crucial in a franchise like James Bond. for a long time, Bond Films are defined by their sexism and horrible treatment of women, and while casting Dench didn’t erase that history, it was a step in the right direction.

7

Helen Mirren as Prospera – The Tempest (2010)

Shakespeare adaptations have been known to play with gender in casting for many years

In the Shakespearean age, plays like The storm would not include any female actors on stage, because it was illegal for a woman to act in the theater. Although much has changed since that time, the fact that Shakespeare was already playing with the dynamics of gender in his work lends itself to gender-swapping in modern adaptations. In plays like Twelfth nightShakespeare has the characters pretend to be different genders. However, the 2010 The storm Expands on this by casting Helen Mirren as Prospero, now Prospera.

Mirren steps easily into the traditionally male role, imbuing it with renewed passion and anger. Prospera’s life and titles were ripped from her because of her position like a woman This also deepens the dynamic between Prospera and her daughter, Miranda, who later falls for the son of Prospera’s usurper. There are few actors, regardless of gender, who are as well equipped to take on a film iteration of Shakespeare, and Mirren proves that Prospera is just as compelling as Prospero.

6

Rosalind Russell as Hildy – His Girl Friday (1940)

Romance and wit make Russell the perfect foil for Cary Grant

Although Cary Grant was known for his movies with Katharine Hepburn, his collaboration with Rosalind Russell in His girl Friday is one of the definitive screwball comedies of its time. however, In the original play and early film version, The front pageThe character of Hildy is not Watler’s ex-wife But his friend and ally in the newspaper business, and a man. Fortunately, the story of The front page Works even better with Hildy as a wife because it adds a never-before-seen layer to the relationship.

The fresh dynamic is full of tension and longing between Walter and Hildy and makes the witty dialogue of the screwball even more entertaining. His girl Friday Push boundaries in the way Hildy is characterized as just as talented and important to the newspaper business as Walter. To see a woman in a newsroom was unusual for 1940, but Russell was an amazing choice, because her dominating presence justifies her position. The movie remains a classic of the genre and One of Grant and Russell’s best-remembered works.

5

Parker Posey as Dr. Smith – Lost in Space (2018–2021)

Indie darling Posy takes on the sci-fi genre in this rebooted TV show

When Netflix reboots Lost in space In 2018, the streamer promised that the new story would be different from the 1960s TV series of the same name that it was based on. Not only are better visual effects and interesting new stories included, but a new actor has embodied the role of Dr. Smith. Parker Posey made her name on smaller indie films like Party girl And Best in Show, Typically took on comic roles. However, she was an ideal candidate to take over as Dr. Smtiah on Netflix Lost in space.

In the original show, Dr. Smith was played by Jonathan Harris, and both Harris and Posey brought unique perspectives to the role. ButPosey’s Smith has the added layer of stealing Dr. Smith’s identity While they are still the reason that the Robinsons were sent off course. Although it only lasted three seasons, Lost in space was part of the sci-fi renaissance on television and allowed Posey to expand into further genre work.

4

Tanner Buchanan as Cameron – He’s All That (2021)

Based on the 1990s classic rom-com, he’s all that makes important updates

She’s all thatThe 1999 rom-com starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Lei Cook, served as the inspiration for He’s all thatA gender-bent teen comedy with a similar premise. However, in the latest version, the popular jock guy does not make the shy outcast girl, but just the opposite. Addison Rae plays Padgett, the queen of her high school who falls from grace and takes on Cameron, Tanner Buchanan, as her latest project, convinced that she can rebrand him into prom king material.

most of He’s all that Unfolds the same way as She’s all thatWith Padgett and Cameron growing closer and their connection hitting a rough patch when Cameron finds out he is the source of a bet. While it’s refreshing to see a woman in a position of power in a teen movie, the rom-com still adheres to many of the same tropes as the original. however, Both Rae and Buchanan proved themselves as rising Hollywood stars And worthy successors of the first film legacy.

3

Masali Baduza As Michaela – Bridgerton (2020 – Present)

This change opens new doors for Bridgerton to tell an exciting new love story

Audiences will have to wait a little longer before the next installment of Francesca’s love story unfolds Bridgerton Season 4. Fans of the book know that Francesca marries John Stirling only for him to drive away and for her to make a connection with his cousin, Michael. however, Bridgerton established an important change by changing the character to be Michaela, Played by Masali Baduza. Although they have only recently met, sparks are flying between Francesca and Michael, hinting at good things ahead.

It will still be part of Francesca’s book story which Bridgerton Continues despite the Michaela gender swap, however It’s crucial that Bridgerton Incorporates the LGBTQ+ narrative into the narrative. Although it remains unknown how the show will handle the change, it is already a good plan because the series has been criticized for shying away from including diversity in sexuality and gender in its stories. Francesca revealing her true feelings for Michaela in the coming seasons will be just as lush and romantic as any other love story.

2

Aya Cash As Stormfront – The Boys (2019 – Present)

One of the main antagonists of comics and TV shows has become even more evil

The boys Gender-swaps several characters from the comics, including Stormfront, played by Aya Cash in the show. in the comics, Storefront has the same evil ways and terrifying powers but is a man named Klaus Risinger. See a woman in an antagonistic role in The boys is a refreshing change, as the biggest villain of the series is Homelander, but the secondary villains are just as important to the development of the show. Although she is not as difficult to defeat as Homelander, she opens the eyes of the characters to the true evil of Vogt.

While there are many great female characters in The boys, The story focuses mostly on people, as the title suggests. Making small changes to the gender of more minor roles, like Stormfront, subtly changes the character dynamic in the show, especially since Stormfront has a romantic relationship with Homelander. Making their dynamic a partnership rather than a rivalry added more intrigue to the show. This made their relationship unique since most characters were trying to take Homelander down.

1

Scott Patterson as Luke Danes – Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

If Luke’s character hadn’t changed, Gilmore Girls would be unrecognizable

It is hard to imagine Gilmore Girls Without the great restaurant owner with a heart of gold, Luke Danes. Played by Scott Patterson for all seven seasons and the revival, A year in the life, Luke was Lorelai’s primary love interest and a father figure to Rory Over the years, proving himself to be a good, if flawed, guy many times over. Patterson easily kept up with the lightning-fast quips and pace of Gilmore Girls While he is a grounding force for the titular Gilmores throughout the show.

Amy Sherman-Palladino originally wrote Luke’s character as a woman named Daisy, which would have changed the dynamic of the series completely ( via EW). Gilmore Girls is a rare case in which The TV series was already full of strong and complex female characters, leaving room for an additional male role in Luke. Theoretically Daisy and Lorelai would probably have strong comic chemistry, but since the show rarely incorporated LGBTQ+ characters, none of the romantic tension would have blossomed between them like it did for Luke and Lorelai.