Why do TV series creators prefer to remove characters rather than recast them?
Actors playing roles on TV series occasionally leave the series after a while, for various reasons.
I've noticed that, at least in the last few decades, that usually results in the character leaving the series as well (by dying, leaving the city or in different ways). While this makes sense to me for minor characters, it seems to be the same way for main ones. Even if the character was the Chosen One and haven't fulfilled their destiny yet, it seems the creators prefer to find a way to "bend the rules" and have a new Chosen One than cast a new actor to play the same character.
To me, this makes little sense. Even if they can't find a way to explain why the character looks different (such as in Doctor Who) I'd expect it would be easier in most ways to continue filming with a new actor than having to change future scripts to allow an excuse and introduce a new important character. I'd also expect that viewers would easily understand that different actors can portray the same character.
Is there a legal reason for the above? If not, why do creators prefer to go for a more complex solution than a simpler one?
Note: I am aware that the above is not always the case, but it does seem to be more prevalent.
Best Answer
I was going to post this as a comment, but
- Recasting Call: 7 TV Shows That Replaced Big Characters
- Game of Thrones : Recast Characters
- List of television programs in which one character was played by multiple actors
- Also, Rodney's recasting in Iron Man 2 and Bruce Banner's recasting in Avengers.
It's likely a case of confirmation bias, as recasting and putting characters on a bus seem to be equal. Actors for Main Characters do not leave shows that often.
Personally, a recasting is harder to swallow than it is introducing a carbon copy with their own name.
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Why do TV shows reuse actors?
The characters played by those actors appear mostly in 1 episode. So, casting the same person as another character works. The creator of the show doesn't have to look for a new actor to play the role.Why do actors get replaced?
There are numerous reasons why actors have been replaced in movies and TV shows. Some stars step in to play the same character after scheduling conflicts arise and the original actor has to leave. Sometimes the celebrity doesn't agree with the script and leaves of their own accord.Why do characters leave shows?
Sometimes, a character's departure is set in stone and is part of a greater plan from the writers and producers, even if it does come as a shock to viewers. But often, it's because the actor behind the character decided to quit\u2014or they got pushed.What is a recast character?
Recast characters are those who were originally played by one actor, but the role was recast and played by another actor. Stuntmen, body doubles, or different actors playing the same character at different points in their lifetime (i.e., Nell Williams as Young Cersei in Season 5) do not count as "recastings".Top 10 Supporting TV Characters that Stole the Show
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