In the world of superhero cinema, sagas from the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) and DCU (DC Extended Universe) have garnered immense attention and financial success. However, not every film in the genre has been a triumph, and several actors have unfortunately found themselves part of multiple underwhelming projects. While the MCU is often credited with elevating the superhero genre to new heights, it has been home to a few defeats, both critically and at the box office.
Some actors attribute these duds to mere blips in their otherwise successful careers, yet a handful have faced the disappointment of starring in more than one lackluster superhero film. This can often be chalked up to poor writing, ineffective direction, or numerous production hurdles rather than the actors’ performances. Here’s a look at eight actors who have experienced the letdowns of superhero films not once, but twice.
8.
Michael Keaton
Morbius (2022), The Flash (2023)
Michael Keaton, a seasoned actor with a legacy marked by groundbreaking performances, faced setbacks in superhero films recently. After playing a pivotal role in shaping the superhero landscape with Tim Burton’s Batman, Keaton’s return to the genre in two disappointing films diluted his legacy. His portrayal of Adrian Toomes, the Vulture, in Spider-Man: Homecoming drew acclaim, but when he returned for a cameo in the dismal Morbius, the film’s critical backlash overshadowed his presence.
In 2023, he donned the Batman cape and cowl once again for The Flash, a film many anticipated due to his iconic status. Unfortunately, despite his star power, the movie was met with harsh critiques, leading to a disappointing box office performance. Although fans cherished his appearances, the films failed to match the high expectations surrounding Keaton’s return.
7.
Scarlett Johansson
Iron Man 2 (2010), The Spirit (2008)
Scarlett Johansson emerged as a vital part of the MCU, yet her superhero career is marked by disappointments. Her introduction as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 was highlighted as a misfire, plagued with issues from script deficiencies to uneven performances. Despite Johansson’s commendable portrayal, Iron Man 2 is often noted for failing to meet franchise standards.
Prior to her MCU success, Johansson starred in The Spirit, which was met with severe criticism and is often cited as one of the genre’s nadirs. Unfortunately, her engagements in these two films serve as reminders of superhero film failures that stand out against her otherwise illustrious career.
6.
Josh Brolin
Jonah Hex (2010), Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)
Josh Brolin, a highly regarded actor, has also tasted bitterness in the superhero arena. His role in 2010’s Jonah Hex, a comic-based film featuring a dismal reception both critically and financially, firmly established him among those let down by the genre. Despite a solid cast, the film failed to capture audiences and managed to tank at the box office.
Subsequently, Brolin starred in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For in 2014, a sequel that didn’t meet the high standards of its predecessor. Though he found tremendous success portraying Thanos in later MCU films, his earlier misfortunes reveal the unpredictable nature of superhero projects.
5.
Danny Huston
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), The Crow (2024)
While Danny Huston’s contributions to film are diverse, his ventures into the superhero genre have disappointed. His role as William Stryker in X-Men Origins: Wolverine left audiences feeling unfulfilled due to the film’s overall shortcomings.
Huston experienced another letdown with the much-anticipated The Crow in 2024, a film that failed to recapture the magic of its iconic predecessor and fell flat with critics. These experiences mark him as another talented actor let down by lackluster superhero adaptations.
4.
Frances Conroy
Catwoman (2004), Joker: Madness of Two (2024)
Frances Conroy has enjoyed substantial success in television but has also ventured into film. Her involvement in the critically reviled Catwoman is a stark reminder of the genre’s pitfalls. The film, infamous for its poor writing and execution, is often dubbed one of the worst superhero films ever.
More recently, Conroy’s appearance in Joker: Folie à Deux utilized archive footage from its predecessor, positioning her again amidst criticisms surrounding the franchise’s direction. Despite Conroy’s undeniable talent, her experiences within superhero cinema have been notably underwhelming.
3.
Tim Blake Nelson
The Incredible Hulk (2008), Fantastic Four (2015)
Tim Blake Nelson has graced many esteemed projects throughout his career, yet his contributions to superhero films have been less than stellar. In 2008, he appeared in The Incredible Hulk, where his character, Samuel Sterns, went largely underdeveloped and left fans wanting more.
His follow-up role in 2015’s Fantastic Four brought further disappointment when the film bombed critically and commercially. Though he may return to the superhero realm in the future, Nelson has encountered significant setbacks in his earlier roles.
2.
Jared Leto
Morbius (2022), Suicide Squad (2016)
Jared Leto is a talented actor whose journey in the superhero genre has been marred by critical failure. His portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad faced considerable backlash, resulting in disappointment among audiences, while his presence in Morbius led to further disillusionment due to the film’s negative reviews.
These involvements showcase Leto’s struggle to find success within the superhero realm, demonstrating how even a celebrated actor can be let down by underperforming adaptations.
1.
Ryan Reynolds
Green Lantern (2011), RIPD (2013)
Ryan Reynolds is often regarded as one of the most charismatic actors in Hollywood, yet he has faced notable disappointments in the superhero genre. His portrayal of Hal Jordan in Green Lantern was widely criticized, contributing to its status as one of DC’s most derided films.
Following this, Reynolds appeared in R.I.P.D., another poorly received superhero adaptation that underperformed at the box office. While Reynolds has found redemption through the success of the Deadpool franchise, his experiences in these earlier flops serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of superhero films.
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