From Worst to First: 8 Best TV and Film Character Transformations
From Worst to First: 8 Best Outcast Transformations in TV and Film
Sometimes the most inspiring characters are the ones who change the most, improving themselves through hard work, training and sheer determination. They end up heroes, but they didn't start out that way.
On the new Sundance Channel original series DREAM SCHOOL, students get a second chance to take control of their lives and become their own heroes -- with a little help from some celebrity teachers like Oliver Stone, Jesse Jackson and Soledad O'Brien.
Here are our very favorite outcast transformations from the small and big screens. And don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM8. Neville Longbottom, HARRY POTTER
Bumbling and ridiculed as a youngster, Neville (Matthew Lewis) -- who is raised by his grandmother after his parents are tortured into insanity by Death Eaters -- is basically good at just one (unsexy) thing: Herbology. But his bravery, depth of character and practiced skill transform him into a crucial defender of Hogwarts.
Don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures7. "Prez" (Roland Pryzbylewski), The Wire
Cops don't get much worse than Prez (Jim True-Frost), a Baltimore detective who is lackadaisical at best and grossly incompetent at worst. As soon as he finds some police work he's actually good at, he makes a fatal mistake: accidentally shooting and killing an undercover officer. But that life-shattering event makes him reassess, leave the force and become the kind of inspiring teacher who changes kids' lives.
Don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: HBO6. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
When Wesley (Alexis Denisof) was first introduced as an adversarial replacement for Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) as Buffy's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) Watcher, he was just plain annoying: pretentious, untrustworthy and useless in a fight. By the time he shows up on the spinoff Angel , though, he's changed into a freelance demon hunter who, in time, proves himself adept and much beloved.
Don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox5. Will Hunting, GOOD WILL HUNTING
Repressed mathematical genius Will (Matt Damon) is squandering his talent working as a janitor, keeping loved ones at bay and getting into fist fights until faced with a choice: Go to jail or go into therapy with Sean (Robin Williams). He learns to open up and starts to face his fears -- and accept his own potential.
Don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: Miramax Pictures4. Erin Brockovich, ERIN BROCKOVICH
Few transformations are as inspiring as the real-life one of a cuss-happy single mom who becomes an unlikely legal advocate. Erin (played by Julia Roberts) insinuates herself into her lawyer's practice after losing her own case, starts asking questions about a series of unexplained illnesses in a small town and ends up winning big for them and reinventing herself along the way.
Don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures3. Peggy Olsen, Mad Men
When Peggy (Elisabeth Moss) first appears at Sterling Cooper as an awkward, insecure secretary, we catch just a glimmer of her potential. But her intelligence and determination shine through as she progresses from assistant to gifted copywriter to sought-after advertising creative. Her arc is downright awe-inspiring -- especially given the "disadvantage" of her gender during the era.
Don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels/AMC2. Ayra Stark, Game of Thrones
As a noblewoman-in-training, Arya (Maisie Williams) was truly awful, greatly preferring the company and skills of her brothers. But she dedicates herself to her sword training and then, faced with having to fend for herself, becomes a tough, fearless little "boy" and ultimately a powerful symbol of survival.
Don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: HBO1. Luke Skywalker, STAR WARS
Raised by his aging aunt and uncle on a desert planet, Luke (Mark Hamill) longs to become a pilot but is consigned to working at their moisture farm until Obi-Wan Kenobi reveals his true heritage and destiny. Initially reluctant, Luke dedicates himself to hard-core training and eventually becomes a Jedi master, leading the rebellion against the Empire and proving himself both great and good.
Don't miss more incredible transformations on Sundance Channel's original series DREAM SCHOOL, premiering Monday, October 7 at 10P.
Photo Credit: Krause, Johansen – © LucasFilm.Ltd
