The "new" Rodrick actor in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film series, specifically for the fourth installment, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017), is Charlie Wright. He took on the role of Rodrick Heffley, replacing the actor from the previous films.
Charlie Wright's Portrayal of Rodrick
Charlie Wright stepped into the role of Greg Heffley's older brother, Rodrick, for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul. This film marked a significant cast change for the live-action franchise, with all the main characters being recast.
The "NotMyRodrick" Controversy
Wright's casting, in particular, sparked considerable debate and negative reactions among long-time fans of the series. Many viewers expressed strong disapproval of the new actor portraying Rodrick, leading to the viral "NotMyRodrick meme". This meme highlighted the audience's difficulty in accepting a different face for a beloved character they had grown accustomed to from the earlier films.
The public outcry was significant, with fans widely sharing their disappointment across social media platforms. The backlash was so intense that Charlie Wright later commented on the experience, stating that the negative reception to his portrayal of Rodrick significantly impacted his acting career.
Key Details of the Recasting
To provide a clear overview, here's a summary of Charlie Wright's role as Rodrick:
| Actor | Film(s) | Role | Notable Aspects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Wright | Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017) | Rodrick Heffley | - Replaced previous actor for the fourth film. |
| - Faced widespread "NotMyRodrick meme" backlash. | |||
| - Stated the negative reception impacted his career. |
The transition to a new cast for The Long Haul was met with mixed reactions overall, but Charlie Wright's portrayal of Rodrick remains one of the most discussed aspects of the film due to the strong fan response.
