7. Hayden Christensen in Star Wars: Episodes II & III (2002–2005)

Anakin Skywalker was supposed to make Hayden Christensen a legend. Instead, it made him a lightning rod. The clunky dialogue didn’t help, and critics pounced. His next major project, Jumper, also tanked.

He stepped away for years, doing smaller films and farming (literally). But when he returned to Star Wars in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka, the fans were ready to welcome him back. Time heals, fandoms mature, and sometimes the best comeback is to embrace the role that once haunted you.

8. Topher Grace in Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Grace jumped from That ’70s Show into blockbuster territory as Venom — and got caught in the chaos of Spider-Man 3. Despite huge box office numbers, fans hated how overcrowded it was and blamed the film’s villain overload.

After that, the big-studio offers dried up. Grace shifted to character acting and smaller, quirkier projects. His career didn’t crash so much as veer off onto a quieter, steadier road.

9. Jesse Eisenberg in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Fresh off The Social Network and an Oscar nod, Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor seemed like a perfect fit. But Batman v Superman’s chaotic tone and divisive reception made his performance one of the most criticized elements.

Some called it “next-level terrible”; others found it fascinating but misjudged. Eisenberg later admitted the backlash hurt his career. Still, he pivoted smoothly — writing plays, directing indie films, and choosing art over blockbusters. Sometimes the best recovery is redefining what success means.