Top 10+ Famous Characters Who’ve Been Played by Different Actors – Did Your Favorite Make the List?
- James Bond – Played by Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, and More
- Peter Parker (Spider-Man) – Played by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland
- Doctor Who – Played by Multiple Actors Over the Decades
- Batman – Played by Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson
- The Hulk – Played by Eric Bana, Edward Norton, and Mark Ruffalo
- Dumbledore – Played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon
- The Doctor (Star Trek) – Played by Robert Picardo and Others
- Spider-Man (Animated) – Played by Multiple Voice Actors
James Bond – Played by Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, and More

James Bond, the suave secret agent created by Ian Fleming, is perhaps the most famous character to have been portrayed by various actors. Sean Connery was the first to bring Bond to life in the 1962 film "Dr.
No," setting a standard for charisma and charm. Over the decades, the role has been reimagined by several other actors, including Roger Moore, whose lighter touch brought humor to the character, and Pierce Brosnan, who combined sophistication with action.
Most recently, Daniel Craig introduced a grittier, more intense version of 007. Each actor has left a unique mark on the character, making James Bond one of the most dynamic and enduring figures in cinema history.
Peter Parker (Spider-Man) – Played by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland

Spider-Man, the beloved superhero, has swung onto screens in several forms over the years. Tobey Maguire captured hearts with his earnest, emotional portrayal in Sam Raimi’s early 2000s trilogy.
Following a reboot, Andrew Garfield took over with a witty and more rebellious take in the "Amazing Spider-Man" films. Tom Holland currently embodies Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing a youthful energy and humor that resonates with both new and long-time fans.
Each actor has offered a fresh perspective on Spider-Man, making the web-slinger a character for all ages and generations.
Doctor Who – Played by Multiple Actors Over the Decades

Since its debut in 1963, "Doctor Who" has seen a multitude of actors step into the shoes of the time-traveling alien known as the Doctor. The character's ability to regenerate allows for a new actor to take on the role whenever the Doctor is "mortally wounded." William Hartnell, the first Doctor, portrayed the character with a grandfatherly charm, while Tom Baker's eccentricity became iconic in the 1970s.
In more recent years, David Tennant and Matt Smith have brought their own unique interpretations, each contributing to the Doctor's ever-evolving personality. The continuous reinvention keeps the show fresh and exciting, while maintaining its beloved status in science fiction.
Batman – Played by Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson

The caped crusader of Gotham, Batman, has been portrayed by a variety of actors, each offering their own take on the dark, complex hero. Michael Keaton was the first to don the cape in Tim Burton’s films, bringing a serious yet quirky edge to the character.
Christian Bale redefined Batman with a more grounded, intense approach in Christopher Nolan's acclaimed trilogy. Recently, Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson have added their own interpretations, with Affleck's more seasoned and battle-worn Batman and Pattinson’s younger, detective-driven version.
Each portrayal adds layers to the mythos of Batman, making him an ever-fascinating character to watch.
The Hulk – Played by Eric Bana, Edward Norton, and Mark Ruffalo

The Hulk, the green-skinned alter ego of scientist Bruce Banner, has been portrayed by three different actors in live-action films. Eric Bana took on the role in 2003, bringing a brooding intensity to the character.
Edward Norton's portrayal in 2008’s "The Incredible Hulk" offered a mix of vulnerability and raw power. Mark Ruffalo, who joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with "The Avengers" in 2012, has brought a more humorous and relatable take, endearing him to audiences.
Each actor has provided a distinct interpretation, contributing to the Hulk’s ongoing appeal as a character of both strength and inner conflict.
The Joker – Played by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, Jared Leto, and Joaquin Phoenix

The Joker, Batman's most infamous adversary, has been brought to life by several actors, each offering their own unique spin on the chaotic villain. Cesar Romero's portrayal in the 1960s series was full of campy humor, while Jack Nicholson delivered a sinister, larger-than-life villain in 1989’s "Batman." Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning turn in 2008's "The Dark Knight" portrayed the Joker as a deeply unsettling and anarchic figure.
Jared Leto offered a modern, chaotic rendition in "Suicide Squad," while Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal in "Joker" (2019) was haunting and introspective, earning him an Academy Award. These varied interpretations have kept the Joker a compelling and unpredictable character.
Dumbledore – Played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon

In the "Harry Potter" films, the wise and gentle headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was originally portrayed by Richard Harris, whose portrayal was marked by warmth and a grandfatherly presence. After Harris’s passing, Michael Gambon took over, bringing a more energetic and sometimes mysterious edge to the character.
While Harris embodied the calm wisdom of Dumbledore, Gambon’s version was more dynamic and occasionally unpredictable. Both actors offered distinct performances that contributed to Dumbledore's complexity, making him one of the most beloved figures in the wizarding world.
The Doctor (Star Trek) – Played by Robert Picardo and Others

In the "Star Trek" universe, the role of the Doctor has seen various iterations. Robert Picardo's portrayal in "Star Trek: Voyager" as the holographic doctor was both humorous and insightful, adding depth to the ship's medical staff.
Other actors, like Tim Russ and Kate Mulgrew, have also taken on variations of the Doctor in other series and films, each bringing their own flair. The character's adaptability and technological nature allow for different interpretations, making the Doctor a fascinating part of the "Star Trek" legacy.
Spider-Man (Animated) – Played by Multiple Voice Actors

Beyond live-action, Spider-Man has appeared in numerous animated series and films, each with its own voice actor. Chris Pine’s portrayal in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018) stood out for its alternate universe twist.
Other animated series, like "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" (1994) with Christopher Daniel Barnes, have also captured audiences. The varied voice portrayals in animation allow for a diverse exploration of Spider-Man's character, bringing new dimensions to the beloved superhero.
Sherlock Holmes – Played by Basil Rathbone, Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch, and Others

The legendary detective Sherlock Holmes has been portrayed by numerous actors, each offering their own take on the astute sleuth. Basil Rathbone's portrayal in the 1930s and 40s set the standard for Holmes as a sharp and focused detective.
Robert Downey Jr. brought charisma and action to the character in the Guy Ritchie films, while Benedict Cumberbatch's modern-day Holmes in the BBC series emphasized intellect and emotional complexity.
Each version of Holmes has kept the character relevant and intriguing, proving his timeless appeal.