Same Role, Different Actor

[Mr. DS]

Just wondering how many instances we can come up with of this happening in a film.   To clarify, an actor plays a part in one film then in the sequel they are replaced by another person. 

Patricia Arquette was replaced by Tuesday Knight in NOES 4

[Sleepyskull]

Rachel Weisz was replaced by Maria Bello in The Mummy series.

In the 2nd Mortal Kombat film Christopher Lambert was replaced by James Remar.

[Rev. Powell]

Sometimes, an actor is replaced in the very same film with a different actor playing the same role...

Heath Ledger died before the filming of THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS was complete and was replaced in the role by three different actors: Colin Farrell, Johnny Depp, and Jude Law.  

Bela Lugosi died and was replaced by Ed Wood's chiropractor in PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE.

Kathy Showers quit during the filming of ROBO-CHIC and was replaced by another actress (I'm sure Peter Johnson could tell us more...)

[JaseSF]

Well certain continuing characters have been played by many different actors - Doctor Who, Professor Quatermass, James Bond - but I don't think that's what you meant here, was it? Well different actors/actresses play the kids in the National Lampoon Vacation films.

[Chainsawmidget]

Do remakes count?

[Jim H]

Jason Voorhees has been played by different actors (stuntman generally) in parts 1-6, Kane Hodder in 7-10, Kirzinger in Freddy VS Jason, and Derek Mears in the remake.

[The Burgomaster]

Jackie Gleason and Mac Davis taking on the Paul Newman and Robert Redford roles in THE STING II.

[Silverlady]

In the HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, Alec Baldwin played the role of Jack Ryan. Harrison Ford took over the role of Jack Ryan in CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER and PATRIOT GAMES.

[3mnkids]

The Role of Rachel played originally by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins and replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal in The Dark Knight.

A huge improvement.   

[10,000 Volt Ghost]

Most of the cast from the rocky horror picture show returned for the sequel but playing different characters. Even though the sequel had some of the same characters who were then played by different actors.

[Mr. DS]

Do remakes count?

I would try to leave those out.

The Role of Rachel played originally by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins and replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal in The Dark Knight.

A huge improvement.   

Errrr...well its about time we disagreed on something.     Maggie's face is just...well...to put it simply nausiating.

Speaking of Batman, the Tim Burton flicks with Michael Keaton which turned into Val Kilmer which turned into George Clooney.  Thats an easy one though.

[10,000 Volt Ghost]

I liked Val Kilmer as Batman/Bruce Wayne.

Clooney and that whole movie was a joke though.

[Flick James]

I'm surprised nobody brought up the character of Rachel Dawes, played by Katies Holmes in Batman Begins, and by Maggie Gyllenhaal in The Dark Knight.

Now for a vintage example. Jack Lemmon played the role of Ensign Pulver in the 1955 film Mister Roberts, while the vastly inferior 1964 sequel, Ensign Pulver, had Robert Walker playing the role.

[JaseSF]

Dr. Cornelius from the Planet of the Apes films was played mainly by Roddy McDowall but McDowall was replaced by David Watson in Beneath the Planet of the Apes.

[Sleepyskull]

In the first Hellboy Doug Jones portrayed Abe Sapien, but David Hyde Pierce provided the voice. However in the sequel Doug Jones still portrayed him, but provided the voice as well.