Comic book movies It can often be quite controversial when it comes to casting, with fan uproar often being unleashed on up-and-coming superhero actors, despite only sometimes being justified. The reception of a casting announcement can have huge implications on the success of a given comic book movie, sometimes depending on a single incredible superhero cast. Public outcry from fans can sometimes be indicative of a poor performance, but in many cases, hesitations about certain actors taking on comic book roles turn out to be completely unfounded.
Actors can be considered unsuitable for superhero roles for a variety of reasons. Some casting choices may see actors acting against type or stepping into a big-budget superhero film despite little to no experience in blockbusters or action films. Regardless of whether their gambles end up paying off or not, movie studios often take huge risks with controversial casting decisions for their prized comic book IPs.
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Heath Ledger’s Joker
The Dark Knight
It’s hard to imagine a performance as critically praised as Heath Ledger’s Joker being questioned in hindsight of the end result. Heath Ledger’s chilling take on the Clown Prince of Crime is easily the best live-action Joker, at once funny, scary, and deliciously unhinged. Winning an Oscar for Ledger, there are few superhero performances as gregariously successful as his take on The Joker, drawing admiration from even the most prestigious film critics.
That being said, Heath Ledger was far from a popular casting decision before the film was released. It’s important to realize that Heath Ledger was best known for being an on-screen romantic heartthrob in films like Brokeback Mountain, Sweetand 10 things I hate about you. Fortunately, Christopher Nolan took a chance on the actor for the second film in his trilogy, resulting in one of the greatest film villain performances of all time.
9
Iron Man by Robert Downey Jr.
Iron Man
Another legendary comic book movie performance that’s hard to imagine as controversial today, the decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man wasn’t an easy one for Marvel Studios. In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. had several critical successes but was not considered a franchise protagonist, best known as a member of the so-called “Brat Pack” for coming-of-age films. as Strange Science and Back to school. Not only that, but the tumultuous and very public issues in his private life represented something of a PR risk for the Marvel brand.
However, Robert Downey Jr. killed it as Tony Stark, using his experience to create a sarcastic yet lovable personality that would carry the MCU for years to come. If it weren’t for your casting Iron Man, it’s impossible to say whether the franchise would ever have become the industry giant it is today. It’s a good thing that John Favreau’s vision for Iron Man included Robert Downey Jr.
8
Jared Leto’s Joker
Suicide Squad
Another cinematic Joker, Jared Leto was another controversial candidate, especially as the next live-action performer to follow Heath Ledger’s brilliant version of the character. Even today, Jared Leto is best known for his work on meditative dramas like Dallas Buyers Club and dark cult films like Fight Club or American Psycho. Adding fuel to the fire was the poorly received first look at his Joker makeup, which many fans criticized for its hilariously over-the-top edginess, not to mention Leto’s bizarre behavior with his Suicide Squad co-stars while acting as the Joker.
Largely edited from the story of Suicide Squad, Jared Leto’s Joker felt strange and off-putting rather than intimidating or cool. In this case, critical backlash toward the casting persisted after the film’s release, dismissing Leto’s quirky mannerisms as being too much of an effort. Even though he managed a brief scene to redeem his performance in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Jared Leto certainly didn’t leave a strong legacy as the Joker in the DCEU.
7
Lex Luthor by Jesse Eisenberg
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Jared Leto’s Joker wasn’t the only DCEU villain who fell short of audiences’ already low expectations. Jesse Eisenberg was incredulous when he was cast as Lex Luthor, Superman’s infamous corporate nemesis. This was largely due to their ubiquity as soft-spoken, nerdy characters, with their roles in films such as Zombieland or The social network falling far outside the realm of the personality normally associated with the ruthless supervillain.
After the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Many fears about Eisenberg’s take on the character were soon justified. Instead of a meek and controlling CEO, Lex Luthor was a quirky millennial brat prone to long tirades about gods and men. Eisenberg didn’t even shave his head for the role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, showing a disregard for a DC antagonist not seen since Cesar Romero refused to shave his mustache for the Joker in Adam West’s film Batman. In the end, Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor was more like a cartoonish, evil version of his Mark Zuckerberg performance.
6
Ben Affleck’s Batman
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
In fact, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was a film filled with controversial casting choices. Ben Affleck’s casting as Batman has raised many eyebrows, considering the ill fate of his last appearance as a cowl-wearing superhero in the critically reviled film. Reckless. Even if Affleck had outlived his public perception since GigliFew had any hope that his second attempt at portraying a crime-fighting vigilante would succeed.
Surprisingly, Ben Affleck wasn’t too bad as Batman, presenting a unique take on an older, more weathered Dark Knight who had a fierce will to kill not seen in other live-action Batmans. He may not have become the most beloved actor to don the iconic cape and cowl, but he certainly held his own in an otherwise choppy superhero film, providing a gritty humanity to the action. For all the problems the DCEU may have had, Ben Affleck as Batman certainly wasn’t one of them, doing the best he could with the limited material he was given.
5
Batman by Michael Keaton
Batman (1989)
Ben Affleck isn’t the only Hollywood actor to be a shocking choice for the role of Batman. Tim Burton Batman promised to reinvent the character in the public eye, moving away from the campy fun of Adam West’s version and taking on a darker tone more reminiscent of the actual comics. This was a confusing goal for some when combined with the casting of Michael Keaton as Batman, considering Keaton was a comedy darling best known for films like Lord mother and Night Shift – A far cry from the dark vigilante that was promised.
Of course, Micheal Keaton’s original take on a comic-accurate Batman is still one of his best to date. Even decades later, Michael Keaton’s Batman is a cinematic icon, proven by his recent return to the role in 2023. The Flash. Although he still carried echoes of his comedic talent as Batman, especially when working as Bruce Wayne, Micheal Keaton proved he could carry himself as the Caped Crusader.
4
Zendaya’s MJ
Spider-Man: Homecoming
It’s hard to understate how highly anticipated Tom Holland’s first solo Spider-Man film was as a result of the warm reception to his introduction to the MCU in Captain America: Civil War. It’s no wonder those who closely follow the comic book movie news circuit were alarmed to see Disney Channel’s Zendaya fame cast as “MJ”, ostensibly referring to Mary Jane, Spider-Man’s classic love interest. Many complained that Zendaya didn’t have the look of Mary Jane, usually portrayed as an outspoken, fiery redhead with a heart of gold.
Hilariously, the Marvel Cinematic Universe flipped the script due to fan outrage, revealing that “MJ” was not Mary Jane, but Michelle Jones, an original play on Peter Parker’s typical romantic partner. Zendaya’s skill in the role soon made the question of her real name a moot point, instantly creating chemistry with Spider-Man that carried over into real life with the eventual blossoming of Zendaya and Tom Holland’s relationship. It’s hard to even remember the initial controversy after Zendaya’s ubiquity with the character.
3
The Kingpin by Michael Clarke Duncan
Reckless
While the controversy over Zendaya’s race was hidden in the insistence that Mary Jane should be a redhead, the same couldn’t be said for the casting of Michael Clarke Duncan in the role of Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, in 2003. Reckless. The idea of race-swapping characters was much less accepted in the early 2000s, with major controversy arising from the fact that Michael Clarke Duncan’s ethnicity did not match that of the Kingpin in the comics. Not only that, but Duncan was best known as a gentle giant in The Green Mile, being a hard sell as a ruthless gangster.
2003 Reckless had a lot of problems, but Michael Clarke Duncan’s performance in Kingpin certainly wasn’t one of them. The actor’s enormous stature and intimidating aura did wonders against Ben Affleck’s Matt Murdock, standing out as a positive despite the film’s best attempts. Even though he’s since been overshadowed by Vincent D’Onofrio, Michael Clarke Duncan deserves more credit as an intimidating and grounded comic book villain.
2
Topher Grace Poison
Spider-Man 3
Of the three villains that occupy Sam Raimi’s busy cast Spider-Man 3, Venom was by far the most anticipated. However, the decision to cast Topher Grace, of all people, as Eddie Brock was one that confused even the most die-hard fans of the films thus far. Topher Grace was, and unfortunately still is, best known for the cast of That show from the 70s, where his character is far from being a threatening personality.
Unfortunately, the reluctance to accept Grace as one of Spider-Man’s most important villains soon proved to be well-founded. Topher Grace’s silly and envious athlete was far from being the comical Eddie Brock Venom that hopefuls expected, leaving a lot to be desired as perhaps the weakest villain of the three antagonists that make up Spider-Man 3. With Tom Hardy’s take on the lethal protector in his own film trilogy, there’s no comparison between the two live-action Venoms in terms of quality.
1
Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk
The Avengers
The nascent Marvel Cinematic Universe found itself in a sticky situation when Edward Norton dropped the role of Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, after the 2008 release. The Incredible Hulk. With only vague creative differences being cited as the reason for Norton’s departure, winning over new fans with a revamp would be no easy task. This was doubly true for Mark Ruffalo, whose casting announcement sparked confusion as the actor was merely an indie darling in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The children are fine.
Despite his lack of blockbuster experience, Ruffalo was more than capable of holding his own against the stacked cast of The Avengers, fitting in perfectly as the silent scientist among a team of loud eccentrics. MCU viewers soon became accustomed to Ruffalo’s emotional proficiency and affinity for his father’s humor, leaving a lasting impression as a worthy founding Avenger. Even if later comic book movies in the MCU turned the Hulk into yet another supporting idiot, Ruffalo’s performance still remains well-received.