Comic book movies often squander exceptional casting talents in lackluster films, resulting in remarkable performances being underappreciated in otherwise disappointing entries in the genre. Iconic casting choices—like Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man—have significantly enriched their respective franchises, showcasing the fun and charisma of superhero films. However, occasionally we see outstanding cast choices overshadowed by the mediocrity of the films they inhabit.
Over time, many actors in various superhero films can easily fade into obscurity. Some performances are celebrated despite being stranded in films that lack quality or suffer from mismatched tones. Even among the most poorly received comic book adaptations, it’s not uncommon to find at least one redeeming casting decision.
10 Aaron Taylor-Johnson As Kraven
Collar The Hunter
Following the dismal reviews for Sony’s latest Spider-Man spin-off, Kraven The Hunter, one cannot help but acknowledge Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s commendable performance. Critics were quick to dismiss the film as a whole, but Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal of the titular character—snarling and feral yet unexpectedly tender—stood out as a bright spot. His physical transformation for the role, combined with his previous performances as Kick-Ass and Quicksilver, underscores his commitment to the superhero genre.
However, it’s intriguing to contemplate that Taylor-Johnson might have been better suited as a secondary character rather than the leading figure in a standalone film.
9 James Marsden As Cyclops
X-Men
Within the Fox X-Men series, Cyclops, portrayed by James Marsden, is perhaps the most unfairly treated character. With his classic, composed demeanor and striking appearance, Marsden successfully embodies the iconic mutant leader. Unfortunately, the narrative often marginalized Cyclops, reducing him to a secondary role influenced by Wolverine and entangled in a complicated love triangle with Jean Grey.
Recent portrayals in contemporary media have begun to restore Cyclops’s reputation, but Marsden’s performance was consistently undermined by the films’ scripts. The missed opportunity for a solo Cyclops movie remains one of the franchise’s significant regrets, considering Marsden’s capabilities as a leading actor.
8 Ryan Reynolds As Deadpool
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
While the Fox X-Men franchise had its share of successful casting, Ryan Reynolds’ initial portrayal of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine was not one of them. Stripped of his iconic characteristics, this version of Wade Wilson came off as a generic mercenary with fleeting moments of the humor and charm that would later define the character.
Despite this botched debut, Reynolds’ future performances as Deadpool showcased his innate ability to bring the character to life, proving that even poorly executed introductions can pave the way for future successes.
7 Liev Schreiber As Sabretooth
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Liev Schreiber stepped into the role of Sabretooth in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, following Tyler Mane’s previous portrayal. Schreiber’s more nuanced take on the character allowed him to explore a raw and human cruelty that previous adaptations lacked. The film’s opening credits, showcasing the long-standing rivalry with Wolverine, hinted at the depth that Schreiber could bring to the role.
If only Schreiber had been given another chance in a better-scripted film, perhaps his performance could have resonated more profoundly with audiences.
6 Anya Taylor-Joy As Magik
The New Mutants
The Fox cinematic universe’s last installment, The New Mutants, was marketed as a superhero horror film but ultimately faltered despite featuring Anya Taylor-Joy as Magik. Taylor-Joy adeptly captured the complexity of her character, showcasing the ability to traverse between worlds and explore intricate themes. Unfortunately, this standout performance was lost amid an otherwise forgettable ensemble.
5 Ben Affleck As Batman
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice was a surprising highlight following his controversial casting. Affleck depicted an older, hardened version of Batman that drew inspiration from Frank Miller’s work. His performance was welcomed by some, though it faced challenges due to the film’s lackluster structure and narrative support.
Despite the shortcomings of the DCEU films that followed, Affleck emerged as a noteworthy iteration of Batman, earning more appreciation as time allows viewers to reflect upon his unique take on the character.
4 Henry Cavill As Superman
Man of Steel
Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman in the DCEU suffered from a misrepresentation of the character’s core essence. While Cavill’s impressive physique and charisma suit the role, Snyder’s vision turned Superman into a brooding figure, wrestled with existential questions instead of embracing his role as a beacon of hope. Cavill’s moments of heroism across the series shed light on a more optimistic Superman, which sadly was never fully realized in the films.
3 Andrew Garfield As Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Andrew Garfield’s time as Spider-Man is often seen as a missed opportunity, particularly in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which fell short of expectations. Garfield skillfully portrayed a compelling, relatable Peter Parker, showcasing the character’s quips and emotional depth. Despite the film’s overall reception, audiences have come to recognize Garfield as one of the most true-to-comics interpretations of Spider-Man.
His appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home offered a sense of closure for fans, reaffirming his place in the Spider-Man legacy.
2 Viola Davis as Amanda Waller
Suicide Squad
Viola Davis’s introduction as Amanda Waller in Suicide Squad lent the film a level of gravitas amid its chaotic execution. While the movie itself faced significant criticism, Davis’s portrayal of the ruthless government agent remained a standout performance. Her return in subsequent projects further solidified her role in the DCEU, yet it’s unfortunate that her greatest performance lies within a film that many wish to forget.
1 Lana Condor as Jubilee
X-Men: Apocalypse
Lana Condor’s portrayal of Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse represents one of the most significant missed opportunities in superhero films. Jubilee, a beloved character from the original 90s animated series, was poised to be introduced in a manner that resonated with a new audience. However, her scant screen time resulted in her character being overshadowed by others, relegating her to a cameo, despite Condor’s undeniable suitability for the role.
This disconnect between potential and execution illustrates one of the biggest failures in the franchise’s handling of fan-favorite characters.
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