miscast

[ mis-kast, -kahst ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·cast, mis·cast·ing.

1. to assign an unsuitable role to (an actor):

   Tom was miscast as Romeo.

2. to allot (a role) to an unsuitable actor.
3. to select unsuitable actors for (a play, motion picture, or the like).

miscast

/ ˌmɪsˈkɑːst /

verb

1. to cast badly
2. often passive
   1. to cast (a role or the roles) in (a play, film, etc) inappropriately

      Falstaff was certainly miscast

   2. to assign an inappropriate role to

      he was miscast as Othello

Word History and Origins

Origin of miscast¹

1925–30; mis- ¹ + cast (in sense “to select or assign actors”)

Example Sentences

I think Jimmy Stewart is miscast in “Vertigo,” and I think Hitchcock felt that as well, that he was too old for the part.

From Salon

Alas, the top-billed Garfield is miscast here.

From Salon

He’s a fine actor, he’s just badly miscast.

From Los Angeles Times

Additional Bobs on the ballot likely would have caused confusion and miscast votes.

From Seattle Times

González isn’t miscast as English spy Marjorie Stewart because she’s playing the kind of actress who would play Stewart opposite Dalton.

From Los Angeles Times