Would Replacements Make These Movies Better?

Have you ever wondered how a movie would change if just one of its characters was swapped out for someone from a completely different film? This whimsical exercise isn’t just a thought experiment; it can reveal interesting insights into the dynamics and storytelling of movies. In this article, we explore some imaginative swaps and their potential impacts on classic and beloved films.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi with Lone Starr from Spaceballs

If we were to replace Rey from Star Wars: The Last Jedi with Lone Starr, one of the eccentric characters from Spaceballs, the result would be... well, pretty much the same, but with even more comedic flair. Lone Starr, known for his rapid-fire sarcasm and offbeat demeanor, would bring a unique twist to the story. Instead of dealing with the complex and serious themes of the Last Jedi, Rey's new roles would probably revolve around stealing gadgets and diverting Darth Vader with a well-timed "THE WILD ! ! !" line.

Verbal Kint and the Rebel Alliance

Imagine swapping the main heroes of The Rise of Skywalker with the protagonists of The Usual Suspects. Verbal Kint, along with his colleagues, would find themselves in the middle of a galaxy-wide heist, with the added complexity of deciding whether they are on the side of the Rebellion or the First Order. Kint's brilliant but morally ambiguous nature would likely have him convincing the Rebels that he's not DJ, adding an extra layer of surprise and treachery. Meanwhile, Keaton's wit and charm might lead to a romantic storyline, perhaps even romance with Zorri Bliss. The overall tone of the film would be a wild, unpredictable blend of crime and galactic politics.

Jaws with Lone Starr from Spaceballs

Imagine a Jaws without the shark, populated instead by Lone Starr and his friends. The characters would head out to "capture" the imaginary shark, much like they would "find" an alien abduction on a farm. This scenario would have a distinct Garfield Minus Garfield vibe, where the characters reinforce each other's delusions. The film might resemble The Lighthouse by Robert Eggers but with one or two more characters to help the story move forward.

Bilbo Baggins and Lord of the Rings

Consider the character of Bilbo Baggins, as portrayed by the legendary Ian Holm in The Lord of the Rings films. Imagine how different this Hobbit would be compared to his book counterpart, who is known for his courage and wit. In the film, Baggins is noticeably more irritable and less agreeable, even before the Rivendell scene where he nearly plays Gollum. This version of Bilbo would be more out of his depth, often getting things wrong and relying on his companions to fix his mistakes. His dialogue with Aragorn would be particularly amusing, as the Movie Legolas's presence would offer little value beyond his friendship with Gimli. Aragorn might wonder aloud, "What do your elf eyes see?" to which Baggins would reply, "Sorry, PJ, did you think we'd forget he was an Elf? So what other kind of eyes would he see with? Does he have a spare pair of Hobbit eyes in his pocket for gathering food?"

Conclusion

These thought experiments reveal how different characters can significantly alter the tone and themes of a film. While swapping a character can enhance a movie in unexpected ways, it also highlights the importance of each element in creating a cohesive narrative. Whether you side with the original cast or the proposed replacements, these ideas offer a fun and creative way to explore the intricate worlds of beloved films.