Parker Posey to Play Gender-Swapped Dr. Smith in ‘Lost in Space’

The upcoming Netflix remake of classic science fiction TV series “Lost in Space” will star Parker Posy in the role of Dr Smith, which has previously been played by men.

Jonathan Harris played the part in the 1965 original and Gary Oldman took on the role in the 1998 movie version of the story about a family stranded light years from home in a strange alien environment.

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When Parker plays the part in the series due to start streaming in 2018, she will be by no means the first actress to step into a role originally written for a man. Here are some of our favorite leading ladies who did the same – and all with dynamic results.

1 Angelina Jolie in “Salt”

Tom Cruise was originally set to play CIA agent Edwin Salt in the 2010 film “Salt” before he backed out. He was replaced by Angelina Jolie and the script was rewritten for a female lead.

Angelina Jolie in Salt

2 Jane Lynch in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”

Jane Lynch played the role of Paula in Judd Apatow’s “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” According to Vanity Fair, the role was written for a man until Nancy Walls, Steve Carell’s wife, said the script was “too guy-heavy.” With this is mind, Lynch was cast as Carell’s store manager, Paula.

Jane Lynch as Paula in The 40 Year Old Virgin

3 Sandra Bullock in “Our Brand is Crisis”

Jane Bodine is a political consultant during the 2002 Bolivian presidential elections in “Our Brand Is Crisis” (2015). Played by Sandra Bullock, the role of the clever, driven Bodine was originally intended for George Clooney. Bullock told Entertainment Weekly (via People), “About two-and-a-half years ago I just put out the feelers saying, ‘I’m not reading anything I’m excited about. Are there any male roles out there that they don’t mind switching to a female role?'”

Sandra Bullock in Our Brand is Crisis

4 Helen Mirren in “Arthur”

The role of spoiled rich man Arthur’s butler was originally played by John Gielgud, who won an Oscar for the 1981 original film, which had Dudley Moore in the title role. When the movie was remade in 2011, Russell Brand was cast as Arthur and the role of his valet was taken by Helen Mirren. According to the Chicago Tribune, Mirren is a “shape-shifter” who  “has extended her metamorphosing talents to changing the gender” of her characters.

Helen Mirren in Arthur

5 Jodie Foster in “Flightplan”

Foster plays the role of Kyle Pratt in this 2005 mystery thriller. According to People, “the screenplay called for a leading man” but was instead taken by Jodie Foster.

Jodie Foster in Flightplan

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