How important is physical representation of characters on screen

[Speedball]

To me it really depends on whether there's a source material and how important it is that a character is represented. If the character is a Joe Any-man then it's not important. But if they're given a description and they are not cast as that look then it can really detract or alter the story.

The Airbender and Earthsea movies are two good examples of poor casting choices. I never watched the cartoon and haven't yet read the books but the fans of both sure were hopping mad at how Hollywood literally whitewashed the characters. I'd be disappointed too.

For Airbender, it was the white washing, and the poor acting.

For Earthsea, it wasn't so much white-washing, but more of a complete eff-up of the story. They tried to merge the stories of three different books that happen at three different points in Ged's life.
And calling him Ged completely eff-ups the way magic works in their world. In the book, no one calls him Ged, very few people know that name. It's his true name, if someone calls him that, they have power over him. Everyone calls him Sparrowhawk. Casting Shawn Ashmore wasn't the worst thing that happened to that miniseries.
There is an Studio Ghibli film called Tales from Earthsea that is much better and a little more true to the books. It still combines two books though, and the world of Earthsea is not how I imagined it at all.

 

[THANOSRULES]

While one can say the "representation" of batman was never a problem, just goes to show you what can be done with good production and an actor's commitment.

 

[The Dark Defender]

I think Wolverine's height is kind of important to his character. He's the "runt". It's not just an important visual characteristic, it's tied into his personality and his concept. He's a Wolverine. Wolverines, the animal, are small creatures but are known to have no fear and will attack other animals many times their size. That's who Logan is. That's why he's "Wolverine" Just like Spider-Man needs to be a lean guy instead of a huge dude like Thor. That being said, it didn't bother me much in the movies, I got used to it. I think a short Wolverine would've been cooler, but oh well. They probably couldn't have gotten someone 5'3 like Logan is, but I think anything 5'7 and under would've seem alright. Tom Cruise is 5'7 he's considered one of the shorter actors, but he still makes a good action star and leading man. I don't mind characters straying from appearance that much if it's not that important to the character. But I think they should at least make the effort. For instance Val Kilmer as a blonde Batman was always kinda weird to me, haha.

I felt exactly the same about Wolverine, he's meant to be the smallest guy in the fight with the most fight in him...in the movies he's a fairly big guy that can barely hold his own in a fight with a fellow mutant. He's terrible for a number of reasons, the height thing isn't the only problem, but it's on the list.

I don't have any problem with Jackman as an actor, but he's never been or will be Wolverine to me.

 

[THANOSRULES]

clive owen would make a better wolverine

 

[The Dark Defender]

I actually thought of Jackie Earl Haley.

He's pretty tiny and has that rough look to him.

 

[Teelie]

For Airbender, it was the white washing, and the poor acting.

For Earthsea, it wasn't so much white-washing, but more of a complete eff-up of the story. They tried to merge the stories of three different books that happen at three different points in Ged's life.
And calling him Ged completely eff-ups the way magic works in their world. In the book, no one calls him Ged, very few people know that name. It's his true name, if someone calls him that, they have power over him. Everyone calls him Sparrowhawk. Casting Shawn Ashmore wasn't the worst thing that happened to that miniseries.
There is an Studio Ghibli film called Tales from Earthsea that is much better and a little more true to the books. It still combines two books though, and the world of Earthsea is not how I imagined it at all.

Earthsea I heard straight from the author's mouth how upset she was with the casting. I haven't read the books so I couldn't comment on how badly they mangled them but the rest sounds no better. Then again it was Sci Fi (now SyFy) so it doesn't surprise me they ruined the book adaptation.