10 Actors Who Land Big Roles Despite Box Office Bombs

Hollywood is a tough place where success and failure often go hand in hand. Some actors become legends through hit films, while others face a string of flops that would sink most careers. Yet, a select few keep scoring major roles no matter how many times their movies tank at the box office.

This article dives into 10 male actors who continue to secure high-profile projects despite their films often failing to deliver financially or critically. From action stars to dramatic leads, these actors defy the odds, proving their star power or industry connections keep them in the game.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage has a career full of highs and lows. He won an Oscar for ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ (1995) and starred in action hits like ‘The Rock’ (1996) and ‘Face/Off’ (1997), but his filmography is littered with flops. Movies like ‘Bangkok Dangerous’ (2006) and ‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’ (2012) bombed, with the latter earning just $51 million domestically against a $57 million budget.

Despite these missteps, Cage keeps landing roles in films like ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ (2022) and ‘Longlegs’ (2024). His willingness to take on diverse projects, from low-budget indies to big-budget duds, and his unique intensity make him a constant presence in Hollywood.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp’s charm as Captain Jack Sparrow in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise (2003-2017) made him a global star. However, films like ‘The Lone Ranger’ (2013), which lost Disney over $150 million, and ‘Transcendence’ (2014), which grossed $23 million against a $100 million budget, were major disappointments.

Depp’s ability to secure roles in projects like ‘Jeanne du Barry’ (2023) stems from his loyal fanbase and past successes. Even with controversies and critical flops, his name still draws attention, keeping him in demand for both indie and blockbuster films.

Taylor Kitsch

Taylor Kitsch rose to fame as Tim Riggins in ‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006-2011), but his film career has been rocky. ‘John Carter’ (2012) was a massive flop, costing Disney up to $370 million while earning $284 million worldwide. ‘Battleship’ (2012) also tanked, grossing $303 million against a $209 million budget.

Kitsch continues to land roles in films like ‘American Assassin’ (2017) and series like ‘The Terminal List’ (2022). His rugged appeal and TV fanbase keep him relevant, even if his big-screen ventures often fall short.

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer seemed poised for stardom after ‘The Social Network’ (2010) and ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ (2015). But ‘The Lone Ranger’ (2013), where he played the title role, was a disaster, losing Disney millions. ‘Free Fire’ (2016) and ‘Death on the Nile’ (2022) also underperformed, with the latter earning $137 million against a $90 million budget.

Despite personal controversies and these flops, Hammer’s early promise and charisma keep him in the conversation for roles, though his recent projects lean smaller, like ‘Hotel Mumbai’ (2018).

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf was a blockbuster darling with ‘Transformers’ (2007-2011), but his post-franchise films struggled. ‘Eagle Eye’ (2008) made money but got mixed reviews, and ‘The Company You Keep’ (2012) barely grossed $5 million worldwide. Even ‘Fury’ (2014), a critical hit, didn’t translate to consistent success.

LaBeouf’s raw talent and willingness to take risks in films like ‘Honey Boy’ (2019) keep directors interested. His unpredictable persona and indie projects ensure he stays in the spotlight, despite mainstream misses.

Clive Owen

Clive Owen shone in ‘Closer’ (2004) and ‘Sin City’ (2005), but his solo leads often falter. ‘King Arthur’ (2004) barely broke even, and films like ‘The International’ (2009) and ‘Duplicity’ (2009) flopped, with the latter earning $40 million domestically against a $60 million budget. ‘Shadow Dancer’ (2012) also tanked.

Owen’s suave presence and critical praise for smaller roles keep him in demand. He lands parts in series like ‘The Knick’ (2014-2015) and films like ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ (2017), proving his staying power.

Adrien Brody

Adrien Brody’s Oscar win for ‘The Pianist’ (2002) marked him as a talent to watch, but flops followed. ‘The Village’ (2004) disappointed critically, and ‘Hollywoodland’ (2006) and ‘Splice’ (2009) were box office duds, with the latter grossing just $17 million domestically on a $30 million budget.

Brody’s intense performances and willingness to tackle diverse roles, like in ‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013-2022), keep him relevant. He continues to score parts in films like ‘Blonde’ (2022), showing his flops haven’t dimmed his appeal.

Mike Myers

Mike Myers dominated comedy with ‘Austin Powers’ (1997-2002) and ‘Shrek’ (2001-2010), but his live-action leads often flop. ‘The Cat in the Hat’ (2003) grossed $101 million domestically but was panned, and ‘The Love Guru’ (2008) earned $32 million against a $62 million budget, winning Razzies.

Myers’ franchise success and comedic legacy ensure he still gets offers, though he focuses more on voice work and cameos, like in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018). His iconic roles keep his name alive despite solo struggles.

Chris O’Donnell

Chris O’Donnell was a rising star in ‘Scent of a Woman’ (1992) and ‘Batman Forever’ (1995), but ‘Batman & Robin’ (1997) derailed him. The film, costing $125 million, was a critical disaster, grossing $107 million domestically. Later films like ‘The Chamber’ (1996) also flopped.

O’Donnell bounced back with steady TV work, notably ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ (2009-2023). His boyish charm and reliability keep him in supporting roles, even if his big-screen leads haven’t panned out.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy ruled the ‘80s with ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ (1984) and ‘Coming to America’ (1988), but his career hit rough patches. ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ (2002) was a notorious flop, grossing $7 million against a $100 million budget. ‘A Thousand Words’ (2012) also bombed, earning $18 million domestically.

Murphy’s comedic genius and recent successes like ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ (2019) and ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ (2024) show he’s still a draw. His charisma ensures studios keep betting on him, despite past failures.

Which actor’s comeback surprised you most, or is there another star who keeps landing roles despite flops? Drop your thoughts in the comments!