miscast actor
/ˌmɪsˈkæst ˈæktər/
Meaning
This term refers to a performer who has been given a role that does not suit their appearance, personality, voice, or acting style. It is used in film criticism and casual discussions to explain why a character or performance felt unbelievable or out of place. The tone is analytical but can sometimes be critical of the casting director's choices.
Examples
-
Even a great script can't save a movie burdened with a miscast actor in the leading role.
Even a great script can't save a movie burdened with a miscast actor in the leading role.
-
Many fans complained that the miscast actor looked nothing like the character in the original books.
Many fans complained that the miscast actor looked nothing like the character in the original books.
-
She is a brilliant performer, but she was simply a miscast actor in that historical drama.
She is a brilliant performer, but she was simply a miscast actor in that historical drama.
-
A miscast actor can easily ruin the chemistry between the main characters of a romantic comedy.
A miscast actor can easily ruin the chemistry between the main characters of a romantic comedy.
-
The director defended his choice, arguing that the supposedly miscast actor brought a fresh perspective.
The director defended his choice, arguing that the supposedly miscast actor brought a fresh perspective.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ He was a mistake-cast actor for the superhero role.
✓ He was a miscast actor for the superhero role.
The prefix 'mis-' is directly attached to the verb/adjective 'cast' to mean wrongly assigned. 'Mistake-cast' is incorrect.
-
✗ The critics said the main star was miscasted.
✓ The critics said the main star was miscast.
The past participle of 'cast' is 'cast', not 'casted'. Therefore, we say 'miscast actor', not 'miscasted actor'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
The film failed largely because a ___ struggled to deliver a convincing accent.
💡 An actor unsuitable for their assigned role.
Show answer
miscast actor
-
Putting an action star in a delicate period piece felt like a classic case of a ___.
💡 Someone poorly suited for the part.
Show answer
miscast actor