Have you ever watched a movie or a TV show and absolutely fallen in love with the supporting cast? This happens even when the main character is incredible. By the end of the film, we’re left wondering what it would be like if someone else was the main character, or hoping the supporting cast gets their own show or movie.
Not all main characters are likable. They can be so frustrating, that you want someone to take over.
So, what characters should have received the spotlight? Which supporting cast member lives rent-free in your head? A popular choice by many is anybody other than Bella Swan in the Twilight franchise. Even Kristen Stewart agrees (the actress who played Bella in all films.) Anyone would have made a better choice. Fans of the franchise still want to know more about characters like Jasper, Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett. Some people would have even preferred the films to be about Bella’s dad, Charlie.
To compile a list of supporting characters that should have been the lead, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of entertainment, lifestyle, and film sources including websites and magazines. Some of these sources include Screen Rant, IMDb, and Rotten Tomatoes.
Are you ready to discover unique supporting characters? Keep reading, you may even agree with some of these. After this article on supporting characters that deserve to be the lead, check out the most hated movie characters of all time.
Warren Peace
- Movie: “Sky High” (2005)
- Director: Mike Mitchell
- Actor: Steven Strait
Will Stronghold is the main character of “Sky High,” but should have he been? Many viewers gravitated towards a different character, one that had more personality and charm, Warren Peace. Warren Peace was nicer and genuinely interested in Layla, while Will ignored her. Either Warren Peace should have gotten his own movie or starred as the protagonist, getting the girl in the end. Will was a boring and unforgettable character.
Ronald Noland
- Movie: “Predators” (2010)
- Director: Nimród Antal
- Actor: Laurence Fishburne
“Predators,” released in 2010, is a fun movie. It was successful at the box office, earning $127.2 million. Although there is nothing wrong with the main characters of the movie, there is something so incredible about watching Ronald’s character, that he stole the spotlight. Imagine watching a movie from the perspective of Ronald Noland.
Alice Cullen
- Movie: “Twilight” (2008)
- Director: Catherine Hardwicke
- Actor: Ashley Greene
The Twilight movies are unforgettable. They took the world by storm during the late 2000s and early 2010s. A decade later people are still debating over Team Jacob and Team Edward. But a character way more interesting than Bella was Alice Cullen. Her haircut was adorable and her relationship with Jasper was interesting! Honestly, though, any character could have received more time on the screen.
Astrid Leong-Teo
- Movie: “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Actor: Gemma Chan
Very few things should change in “Crazy Rich Asians.” The main characters were charming and had a beautiful connection, but one supporting cast member stood out and could have been the protagonist, Astrid Leong-Teo. Astrid stood out as a headstrong, but hurt woman finding out her husband wasn’t being faithful and blaming it on their class and financial differences. We would’ve loved to see how she would handle this situation after the credits rolled.
Michaela Banes
- Movie: “Transformers” (2007)
- Director: Michael Bay
- Actor: Megan Fox
“Transformers” was released on July 3, 2007, in the United States and was an immediate hit. Although the film is still enjoyable, some fans of the franchise argue that Megan Fox’s character should have been the main lead. Mikaela Banes is a unique and interesting character with experience working on cars.
Mercedes Jones
- TV Show: “Glee” (2009 – 2015)
- Creators: Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy
- Actor: Amber Riley
This list of supporting characters that deserve to be the lead isn’t limited to movies. The series “Glee” mainly follows Rachel, but there was another character that could have easily gotten more time on camera. Mercedes Jones is a strong character with probably the best voice in the show. She is confident, loyal, and kind, while Rachel is considered annoying by many.
Kano
- Movie: “Mortal Kombat” (2021)
- Director: Simon McQuoid
- Actor: Josh Lawson
“Mortal Kombat” was released in 2021, and despite excitement and moderate success at the box office, the film’s reviews are mixed. The audience score, for instance, is 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the Tomatometer is at 55%. Maybe the movie would have done better if the main character was Kano. He’s a hilarious antagonist with iconic lines. Here is one of his best lines, “There I was trying to shove this guy’s nuts down his throat. And all I kept thinking about for me mum for Christmas?”
Emily Charlton
- Movie: “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006)
- Director: David Frankel
- Actor: Emily Blunt
Some of the most memorable characters from “The Devil Wears Prada” aren’t main characters including Nigel Kipling and Emily Charlton. Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton killed her role. A movie with just Emily Charlton would be everything.
The Black Knight
- Movie: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)
- Director: Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones
- Actor: John Cleese
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is an iconic movie that still holds up strong. This 1975 comedy is hysterical. There are so many memorable scenes and characters, but one, although short-lived deserves more of a spotlight. The Black Knight with his calm and fierce attitude (and missing limbs) could have his own movie.
Lucius Best/Frozone
- Movie: “The Incredibles” (2004)
- Director: Brad Bird
- Actor: Samuel L. Jackson
Did you know Frozone from “The Incredibles” is voiced by Samuel L. Jackson? This supporting character deserved to be the lead. They were hilarious and their presence left more questions than answers. It would be fun watching Frozone, also known as Lucius Best, interacting with his family more and living a ‘normal’ and super life.
Latrell Spencer
- Movie: “White Chicks” (2004)
- Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans
- Actor: Terry Crews
Even if you’ve never seen the movie “White Chicks,” you’ve probably seen the scene where Latrell Spencer starts singing “And I need you…” Terry Crews seems to have had a lot of fun with bringing this character to life. He could have easily been the main character.
Sue Storm
- Movie: “Fantastic Four” (2015)
- Director: Josh Trank
- Actor: Kate Mara
“Fantastic Four,” released in 2015, did not do well. It bombed at theaters and still holds low ratings. The characters were hard to root for with minimal personality and many of the scenes were shot with dark lighting, forcing viewers to try and focus. Currently, the film has an audience score on Rotten Tomatoes of 18%. Maybe it would have done better if Sue Storm was the lead as opposed to Reed Richards.
Cosmo Brown
- Movie: “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)
- Director: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen
- Actor: Donald O’Connor
One of the most charismatic characters in the film, “Singin’ in the Rain,” is Cosmo Brown. Although the movie was released over six decades ago in 1952, it’s a favorite for many and a cultural icon. There is nothing wrong with Don, the main character, but Cosmo steals the show.
Inigo Montoya
- Movie: “The Princess Bride” (1987)
- Director: Rob Reiner
- Actor: Mandy Patinkin
“The Princess Bride” is practically a perfect movie. The characters are all fantastic and the cast did an excellent job bringing them to life. While there is nothing wrong with the charming and romantic Westley (Dread Pirate Roberts), who can forget Inigo Montoya? Many fans of this classic film would have loved to see the story of the swordsman looking for revenge. Instead of starring as the main, Inigo Montoya could use his movie or even series.
Bonnie Bennett
- TV Series: “The Vampire Diaries” (2009 – 2017)
- Producer: Julie Plec
- Actor: Kat Graham
Bonnie Bennett doesn’t get enough love on the series, “The Vampire Diaries.” She is a strong witch who is figuring herself out and is loyal to her best friend, Elena. The main character of the series is mainly Elena as she battles between her love for the two Stefan brothers. Her character is boring though. Some people would rather see the same situation but with a talented witch like Bonnie. She deserved better in the show.
Sandra Kaluiokalani
- TV Series: “Superstore” (2015–2021)
- Producer: Justin Spitzer
- Actor: Kaliko Kauahi
“Superstore” is the perfect TV show to watch when all you want to do is turn your brain off and laugh. The characters interact well perfectly and their lines are hilarious. This includes Sandra Kaluiokalani’s lines. She could have easily been the lead in the show. Sandra is also the ultimate fangirl, watching as her fellow coworkers fall in love and rooting for them!
Janet
- TV Series: “The Good Place” (2016 – 2020)
- Creator: Michael Schur
- Actor: D’Arcy Carden
Janet is a supporting character in “The Good Place,” that grows in importance as the show continues. Eleanor was a fantastic character, but Janet could have killed it! There are so many questions as to how Janet works and why she develops a personality and emotions, despite not being human. Even Michael would have been a great lead.
Luis
- Movie: The Ant-Man Movies
- Director: Peyton Reed
- Actor: Michael Peña
In the Ant-Man movies, a specific and hilarious supporting character deserved to be the lead. While saying this, there is nothing wrong with Scott Lang. He is just as funny and charismatic on screen, but Luis’s storytelling and one-liners are unforgettable.
Luna Lovegood
- Movie: The Harry Potter Franchise
- Directors: Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates
- Actor: Evanna Lynch
The Harry Potter franchise is beloved by millions of people worldwide. Despite this, there are some fans and critics who wonder what the movies and books would have been like if they revolved around another character, like Luna Lovegood. She was the adorable oddball with a kind heart and left an impression on many. Even Hermione would have been an interesting lead.
Andre Harris
- TV Series: “Victorious”
- Creator: Dan Schneider
- Actor: Leon Thomas III
Last but not least on our list of supporting characters that deserve to be the lead is Andre Harris from the show, “Victorious.” This hilarious teen comedy/coming-of-age series has many incredible characters to choose from, but Andre stands out. He is phenomenal at creating music and is a great friend. His home life is also interesting as seen in the scenes with his grandma. It would have been fun seeing him develop his music and fall in love. A lot of people shipped Andre with Tori, the main character of the show.
After reading this article, and if you’re still interested in reading about characters, check out more articles. Here we have the most likable TV characters of the ’60s.