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

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

A miscast Beanie Feldstein launched the Broadway return of “Funny Girl,” and even those of us predisposed to love her couldn’t help leaving the show shaking our heads in bafflement.

From Los Angeles Times

But any version of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” lives or dies with its central character, and Scott, though miscast agewise, has an uncanny way of making himself blank, of creating a man who isn’t there.

From Seattle Times