17 Pairs of Actors Who Played the Same Characters at Different Ages and Proved That Perfect Casting Really Does Exist

It often happens that a movie needs to tell the story of a character starting from their youth or childhood. In this case, makeup can’t help, so several actors need to be cast. And it’s not just the appearance, but also the behavior that needs to be acted out. This is a difficult task, and these roles often become breakthroughs for young actors. But of course, big stars can also be cast.

We at Bright Side decided to remember movies and series where different actors and actresses played the same character at a different age.

1. Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando

Both actors won an Oscar for the role of Vito Corleone in The Godfather. It’s the only time in history when 2 actors won separate Oscars for the same character. Brando won Best Actor and De Niro won Best Supporting Actor.

2. Elle Fanning and Cate Blanchett

The director from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button used makeup and CGI only for the main character, portrayed by Brad Pitt. But his love, Daisy, was portrayed by Elle Fanning and Cate Blanchett. Elle was only 10 years old at the time.

3. Thomas Sangster and James Franco

In 2006, Thomas Sangster, who is popular today, appeared in the role of Tristan in Tristan & Isolde. Thomas was only 16 years old. The older Tristan was portrayed by James Franco.

4. Mayim Bialik and Bette Midler

It turns out that Mayim Bialik, who became famous for playing the role of Amy in The Big Bang Theory, started her movie career a long time ago. In 1988, she was in Beaches with Bette Midler. Bialik played C.C. in childhood. The resemblance is uncanny.

5. Robert Pattinson and Hal Holbrook

Both actors portrayed the role of veteran Jacob in Water for Elephants. Hal Holbrook was amazed at Robert Pattinson because he looked exactly like Holbrook did in his youth.

6. Jennifer Lawrence and Charlize Theron

In the 2008 drama The Burning Plain, 18-year-old Jennifer Lawrence appeared on screen as a teenager and then Charlize Theron portrayed the same character but 10 years later.

7. Jaeden Martell and James McAvoy

In 2017, the first part of It was released, where the main roles were played by young actors. And 2 years later, the sequel was released with older characters, and more experienced stars portrayed them. For example, the adult Bill Denbrough was played by James McAvoy. By the way, many critics said the casting in this film was impeccable.

8. Sophia Lillis and Jessica Chastain

The choice of Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain for the role of adult Beverly Marsh from It was also a great decision.

9. Rachel McAdams and Gena Rowlands

In the drama, The Notebook, the main character in her elderly years was perfectly portrayed by the famous Gena Rowlands. And young Allie was played by Rachel McAdams. The story goes that she practically had no time for preparation because she was given the script just the day before, but she played the role really well.

10. Ryan Gosling and James Garner

In the same film, the older version of Noah, the love interest of Allie, was played by actor James Garner. By the way, Ryan Gosling was not a popular actor yet when The Notebook was produced. According to the director, he wanted the actor who played the young Noah to be not famous and not very handsome.

11. Kit Connon and Taron Egerton

In the biography drama Rocketman, Taron Egerton was excellent in the role of Elton John. It was really important to find a teenager that would look similar to Taron, who could portray the legendary musician as a child. Young actor Kit Connor did a great job.

12. Juan Minujín and Jonathan Pryce

In The Two Popes, Juan Minujín and Jonathan Pryce faced a difficult task: to portray Jorge Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis in 2013. Judging by the high ratings, both actors were great.

13. Kate Winslet and Gloria Stuart

The role of Rose DeWitt Bukater from Titanic were portrayed by Kate Winslet and Gloria Stuart. Both actresses were nominated for an Oscar for their work. Unfortunately, neither of them got it.

14. Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones

In Men in Black 3, Josh Brolin portrayed the young Agent K. In one of his interviews, Josh said it was difficult for him because he felt a big responsibility and wanted to portray the legendary agent perfectly.

15. Martin Freeman and Ian Holm

Both actors played Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings franchise and in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

16. Lily James and Meryl Streep

In 2008, musical Маmmа Mia! was released where the role of Donna was played by Meryl Streep. 10 years later, a sequel was made where a young Donna was played by British actress Lily James.

17. James Walters and Gary Oldman

The charismatic Sirius Black, Harry Potter’s godfather, was portrayed by Gary Oldman. Perhaps only the most attentive viewers noticed the young Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He appears in professor Snape’s memories accompanied by James Potter. The young Black was played by James Walters.

In your opinion, which of these duos portrayed the same characters the best? Maybe, you have another example to share?