In Hollywood, an actor’s career can sometimes be defined by one bad role. While some manage to bounce back, others are not so lucky. Here are ten films that had a significant hand in derailing the careers of their leading actors:
- Elizabeth Berkley – Showgirls (1995)
After gaining fame as Jessie Spano in Saved by the Bell, Elizabeth Berkley hoped to break into film with Showgirls. Unfortunately, her performance in the NC-17 rated film was widely criticized, and the movie itself was a box office and critical failure. Berkley’s over-the-top acting, coupled with the film’s controversial content, essentially ended her chances at a successful movie career. While Showgirls has since become a cult classic, Berkley never recovered from its initial reception.
- Taylor Kitsch – John Carter (2012)
After his successful run on Friday Night Lights, Taylor Kitsch seemed poised for stardom. However, John Carter, a big-budget sci-fi epic, was a box office disaster. The film’s poor marketing and bloated budget sank Kitsch’s leading-man potential. The same year, he also starred in Battleship, another flop. These back-to-back failures derailed his trajectory as a major star, though Kitsch has continued to act in smaller roles.
- Mike Myers – The Love Guru (2008)
After dominating the box office with hits like Austin Powers and Shrek, Mike Myers suffered a major career blow with The Love Guru. The film was panned by critics for its crass humor and outdated jokes. The Love Guru not only flopped at the box office but also marked the end of Myers’ reign as one of Hollywood’s top comedic actors. After the film’s release, Myers largely stepped away from the limelight, only returning occasionally for smaller projects.
- John Travolta – Battlefield Earth (2000)
After a successful career resurgence with Pulp Fiction, John Travolta gambled on Battlefield Earth, a film based on a novel by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The film was a disaster, receiving scathing reviews and failing at the box office. Travolta’s over-the-top performance in this widely mocked film did significant damage to his career, and while he has continued acting, the film forever tarnished his image in Hollywood.
- Dana Carvey – The Master of Disguise (2002)
After becoming a beloved comedic actor through Saturday Night Live and Wayne’s World, Dana Carvey’s career took a nosedive with The Master of Disguise. The film was universally panned for its juvenile humor and nonsensical plot, and Carvey’s comedic appeal took a hit. His career never fully recovered from the film’s failure, and he has since taken on smaller roles, rarely returning to the prominence he once enjoyed.
- Taylor Lautner – Abduction (2011)
Following his success in the Twilight saga, Taylor Lautner attempted to transition into action films with Abduction. Unfortunately, the film was a critical and commercial flop, and Lautner’s performance was widely criticized as stiff and lacking charisma. After Abduction, Lautner struggled to find substantial roles outside of the Twilight franchise, and his career momentum stalled.
- C. Thomas Howell – Soul Man (1986)
C. Thomas Howell was a rising star in the 1980s, with successful roles in The Outsiders and Red Dawn. However, Soul Man severely damaged his career. The film, in which Howell’s character wears blackface to receive a scholarship, was heavily criticized for its offensive premise. The backlash was significant, and Howell’s opportunities in Hollywood dried up after the film’s release.
- Katherine Heigl – Knocked Up (2007)
Katherine Heigl was riding high after her roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Knocked Up. However, her public criticism of Knocked Up as sexist, combined with reports that she was difficult to work with, led to her rapid fall from grace. Heigl’s decision to not submit herself for Emmy consideration for Grey’s Anatomy further soured her reputation in the industry, and her once-promising film career quickly faded.
- Brandon Routh – Superman Returns (2006)
Brandon Routh seemed to be on the verge of superstardom when he was cast as Superman in Superman Returns. However, despite initial hype, the film underperformed both critically and commercially. Routh’s portrayal, though not the main reason for the film’s failure, didn’t elevate him to the heights expected of a new Superman. Afterward, Routh struggled to find leading roles in major films, though he has continued working in television and supporting roles.
- Jamie Kennedy – Son of the Mask (2005)
Jamie Kennedy had a successful run in comedies and the Scream franchise, but Son of the Mask was a critical and box office disaster that effectively ended his career as a comedic lead. The film, a sequel to The Mask, was criticized for its weak plot and over-the-top performances, with Kennedy’s portrayal at the center of the criticism. After this film, Kennedy’s career stalled, and he never regained his former momentum.
These films not only hurt the careers of the actors involved but also serve as cautionary tales of how one bad project can change the trajectory of a Hollywood star’s life. Some managed to rebound in smaller roles, but for many, their careers were never the same.
