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Marvel Studios ' cast forThe Fantastic Fourhas have some backlash , but many actors in pastMarvel Cinematic UniverseandDC Universeprojects have proven viewers ' hurtle vexation wrong . Since superhero level from Marvel and DC Comics began to be adapt into bouncy - action at law , many actors in Hollywood have covet roles in these franchises , especially as their popularity has grown over the years . However , notable thespian have often been stray in unorthodox or unexpected superhero roles , do confusedness and recoil among audiences , but these business organization have regularly been put to rest following characters ' debuts in some iconic and darling superhero projects .
The most recent cause of a studio apartment receiving criticism for casting decisions comes in the wake of Marvel Studios ' confirmation of the maincast for 2025’sThe Fantastic Four . While Vanessa Kirby and Ebon Moss - Bachrach have been celebrated choice for Sue Storm ’s Invisible Woman and Ben Grimm ’s affair , Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn have been controversially cast as Reed Richards ' Mister Fantastic and Johnny Storm ’s Human Torch . Both of these gifted actors will sure as shooting deliver inviolable performances inThe Fantastic Four , however , joining the rank ofMarvel and DC actorswho have examine some viewers ' major cast concerns very wrong .
Superhero franchise have taken over modern movie theatre , allowing actors to toy the same role for many year , and some have engage this to the extreme .
10Mark Ruffalo Was A Surprise Casting As Bruce Banner’s Hulk
Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk Debuted In The Avengers (2012)
Edward Norton debut asBruce Banner ’s Hulk in 2008’sThe Incredible Hulk , but was supplant by Mark Ruffalo from 2012’sThe Avengersonwards . In 2010 , Marvel Studios ' Kevin Feige confirm Norton would n’t be returning asThe Avengersneeded a more collaborative performer as Banner , but many enjoy Norton ’s Hulk , so were defeated to hear of his replacement with Ruffalo . WhileRuffalo ’s MCU journeying may have begin on a slenderly false note , he has become the definitive version of the Hulk sinceThe Avengers , handle to capture the exposure and dichotomy of the character perfectly , so this pick for sure paid off .
9Zendaya Was A Controversial Choice For The MCU’s MJ
Zendaya’s MJ Debuted In Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
In a alteration from Marvel Comics traditional knowledge , popular Spider - Man honey - pastime Mary Jane Watson was transform into Michelle Jones , a.k.a . MJ , in 2017’sSpider - human race : Homecoming , with Zendaya assuming the role . Unfortunately , most of the criticisms aimed at Marvel Studios adopt Zendaya ’s casting were racially lodge , as MJ is white in Marvel Comics , but Zendaya is from African - American descent . In the year since , Zendaya ’s MJ has become one of the most dear element of Tom Holland ’s MCU adventures as Spider - Man , culminate in anemotional leave inNo Way Home , show that sticking religiously to the source material is n’t always the right choice .
Spider - Man : No fashion Home ends with everyone forgetting about Peter Parker , but MJ might still remember their MCU past together after all .
8Gal Gadot Proved Wonder Woman Concerns Wrong
Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman Debuted In Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)
Prior to being cast asDiana Prince , a.k.a . Wonder Woman , in the DCEU’sBatman v Superman : Dawn of Justice , Gal Gadot was comparatively unnamed , though had appeared as Gisele Yashar in theFast and Furiousfranchise since 2009 . Criticisms began to arise after she was cast in May 2013 , take at Gadot ’s then - small-scale build , limited acting experience , or merely that other actors may have been good choices . Nevertheless , Gal Gadot ’s solo debut in 2017’sWonder Womanbecame one of the DCEU ’s most successful and popular installments , and though her carrying into action fizzled out finally , she certainly proved her agnostic very wrong .
7Idris Elba Received Backlash After Being Cast As Heimdall
Idris Elba’s Heimdall Debuted In Thor (2011)
likewise to Zendaya , Idris Elba received a neat raft of racist backlash after being cast asHeimdall , the all - seeing god , in 2011’sThor . In Norse mythology , Heimdall is the " whitest of the god , " which caused many to oppose Elba ’s cast as a ignominious man in the character . Again , many shrouded their open racism as staying true to the Marvel Comics source material , but Elba fought back , mark how"ridiculous"this was . Some even chose to boycottThorbecause of Elba ’s cast , but he still deliver a standout and lover - favorite performance inThor , and continues to limn Heimdall to this day .
6Michael Keaton’s Batman Criticisms Were Completely Unfounded
Michael Keaton’s Batman Debuted In Batman (1989)
Michael Keaton first seem as Bruce Wayne in Tim Burton ’s 1989Batman , but his casting get one of the most major cases of audience backlash , with over 50,000 charge varsity letter being sent to Warner Bros. offices . Since he was known as a comedy actor , Michael Keaton ’s casting inBatmancaused assumptions that Burton would take the projection in a camp direction , which many did n’t desire . Keaton ’s iteration of Batman , however , quickly became one of the most darling versions of the character in resilient - action , and constituted his regaining in 2023’sThe Flash , so this monolithic outcry of concern was certainly unnecessary .
With his functioning inThe Flash , Michael Keaton became the longest - running superhero player of all time , having portrayed Bruce Wayne ’s Batman ( on - and - off ) for 34 twelvemonth .
5Chris Pratt Was The Perfect Choice For Star-Lord
Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord Debuted In Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
Prior to joiningGuardians of the GalaxyasPeter Quill ’s Star - Lord , viewers know of Chris Pratt as the out - of - shape Andy Dwyer fromParks and Recreation . alas , it was Pratt ’s physique that contributed to criticism when he was announced to be Star - Lord back in February 2013 . These concerns were cursorily put to rest whenPratt showed up with a new muscular bod inGuardians of the Galaxy , with his comedic and magnetic personality helping to fully embody the character of Peter Quill . Pratt received further rebound due to his alleged religious affiliation in 2022 , but James Gunn deny to remold Star - Lord .
4Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange Has Become Key To The MCU
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange Debuted In Doctor Strange (2016)
The maturation of Marvel Studios’Doctor Strangewas surrounded with contestation , ranging from the whitewashing of the Ancient One - an Asian character in Marvel Comics , but portrayed by Tilda Swinton inDoctor Strange -to the unorthodox cast of EnglishSherlockstar Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role . Cumberbatch went on to demonstrate his salinity as Doctor Strange , the face of the MCU ’s Masters of the Mystic Arts , becoming one of the most authoritative figures in the Multiverse Saga . However , evenCumberbatch had concerns about wreak Doctor Strange , who he deem a dated and sexist character from Marvel Comics .
3Chris Evans Redeemed His Previous Superhero Role With Captain America
Chris Evans' Captain America Debuted In Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Since debuting in 2011’sCaptain America : The First Avenger , Chris Evans has become synonymous withSteve Rogers ' Captain America , but his initial casting experience a huge amount of literary criticism . Much of this stemmed from the fact he antecedently played Johnny Storm ’s Human Torch in Fox’sFantastic Fourduology , which was hated by many looker . critique was also train at Evans ' form , and the fact he was n’t an unnamed actor when cast , which was a completely unfounded concern . Evans go on to become one of the most darling aspect of the MCU , and was perhaps the perfect selection for Steve Rogers .
Since his departure in 2019 ’s Avengers : Endgame , Chris Evans has been asked many times about his possible riposte to the MCU as Captain America .
2Heath Ledger’s Joker Was Dubbed The Worst Casting Decision Ever
Heath Ledger’s Joker Debuted In The Dark Knight (2008)
1Robert Downey Jr. Was A Risky (But Perfect) Choice For Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man Debuted In Iron Man (2008)
Between 1996 and 2001 , Robert Downey Jr. was hold back several time on drug - touch complaint , causing massive black eye in his calling . His slow resurgence received a boost in September 2006 , however , following his casting asTony Stark ’s Iron Man . Marvel Entertainment opposed Jon Favreau ’s casting choice , but it was Downey Jr. ’s controversial past that Favreau palpate made him perfect . Downey Jr. specify a high standard for actor in theMarvel Cinematic UniverseandDC Universe , becoming one of the most beloved actors in any superhero dealership , so concerns surround Marvel Studios’The Fantastic Fourcast should n’t be taken at face economic value .
