"Dear Evan Hansen" was released 2 years ago in September 2021. The film received generally positive reviews for capturing the source material's raw emotions, but it was primarily criticized for its questionable casting.
Ben Platt reprised his role in the film after originating the role from the Tony-winning musical.
In retrospect, fans of the musical have taken their sentiments on social media in celebration of the film's 2nd year anniversary since its release.
Ben Platt Ruined The 'Dear Evan Hansen' Movie?
Twitter/X's Film Updates shared on the platform that the "Dear Evan Hansen" film celebrated its 2nd year anniversary on Sept. 25, 2023.
The comment section on the post garnered mixed comments, but the general consensus was that if Ben Platt wasn't cast, it would have been a better one.
"i really believe that this movie would've been 10x better if they cast andrew barth feldman as evan and they didn't cut disappear," a fan alleged.
Notably, Ben Platt originated the role on Broadway in 2016, a role on which he earned a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. The musical also went on to earn five additional Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
"Yeah while Ben Platt killed it on Broadway, he should have been nowhere near this movie," another user commented.
Fans have pointed out that if Andrew Barth Feldman had been cast in the role, the film would've been better.
Feldman replaced Taylor Trensch in 2018, shortly after winning that year's Jimmy Awards.
Feldman, 19 at the time, a much younger choice for the film role, would've reflected the actual age of the characters, compared to a 28-year-old Ben Platt.
"I couldn't even get through the whole thing cause Ben just stood out like a sore thumb so much. Like great voice but my god they should've went with Andrew," one tweeted.
'Dear Evan Hansen' Movie Cuts
Apart from Ben Platt taking on the role, many also shared that the cuts on the film from the musical overshadowed the poor casting.
"I mean the cuts made angrier than the casting. Why would you make a complex but entertaining work into a depressing, slow, and boring work that now highlights the more problematic elements?" one said.
Notably, several musical numbers like "Anybody Have a Map?" "Disappear" and "To Break In A Glove," were removed from the film adaptation. Also, Julianne Moore, who does not sing, was cast for a singing role.
"Platt wasnt the biggest problem - it was removing the desperate heart of the show by eliminating MAP and GOOD FOR YOU and casting a non-singer for his mother. (As well as the terrible new ending and needless song)," another echoed.
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