32 Times A TV Show Or Movie Franchise Recast A Major Role Mid-Run

There are some movie and TV characters who are defined by just one actor, while others could be defined by two or even three. Of course, in an industry dominated by reboots and remakes these days, it is far from unusual to see the same role being handled by multiple performers, but we are specifically referring to roles from the same cinematic franchise or TV series — and in the same continuity, mostly — that had to be recast for one reason or another. Let’s explore this phenomenon by reviewing some of the most notable examples.  

Vivian Banks (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)

For the sitcom’s first three seasons, Janet Hubert starred in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast as Will Smith‘s aunt, Vivian Banks. However, on-set drama between Hubert and Smith led to Daphne Maxwell Reid assuming the role, which Jazz (DJ Jazzy Jeff) would cleverly poke fun at on a couple of different occasions.