The casting in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is typically stellar, largely thanks to the efforts of casting director Sarah Halley Finn. We’ve been treated to wonderful portrayals like Chris Evans as Captain America and Tom Hiddleston as Loki. However, even the most talented casting directors miss the mark occasionally, resulting in some less than ideal choices within the MCU.
Here’s a ranking of the 10 most disappointing castings in the MCU.
10. Christopher Eccleston as Malekith
Christopher Eccleston is an accomplished actor, known for his iconic role in Doctor Who. However, his portrayal of Malekith in Thor: The Dark World left much to be desired. Eccleston’s discomfort with the role’s heavy prosthetics was evident, making his performance lackluster and forgettable, and ultimately positioning Malekith as one of the weakest villains in the MCU.
9. Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang
While Kathryn Newton isn’t a bad fit for Cassie Lang, her casting raised eyebrows since Emma Fuhrmann previously portrayed the character. The decision to cast Newton seemed driven by the desire for a more recognizable name rather than a fresh approach. Ultimately, she couldn’t elevate Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania from its chaotic narrative.
8. Olivia Colman as Sonya Falsworth
The decision to cast the legendary Oscar winner Olivia Colman in Secret Invasion was a huge coup, but her character was drastically underutilized. This miniseries has garnered significant backlash, widely regarded as one of Marvel’s worst works, leaving viewers disappointed that Colman didn’t have a more meaningful role.
7. Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster
The casting of Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster sparked controversy among fans of the character from the comics. While gender-swapping was not the issue, the disconnection between Kurylenko’s appearance and the iconic character didn’t sit well with many. There’s still hope that her upcoming appearance in Thunderbolts might revive interest in the character.
6. Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius
Marvel has historically struggled with the development of substantial villains, and Mads Mikkelsen’s Kaecilius exemplifies this flaw. His contribution in Doctor Strange felt underwhelming, with many unable to recall specific moments that showcased his character’s depth beyond simply looking impressive. A missed opportunity for such a talented actor.
5. Mickey Rourke as Ivan Vanko
Mickey Rourke’s dedication to his role as Ivan Vanko/Whiplash in Iron Man 2 was noteworthy, as he even immersed himself in a Russian prison to prepare. Unfortunately, his vision for the character clashed with the film’s direction, leading to a lack of character development and, ultimately, Rourke’s frustration with the MCU legacy of Vanko as an uninspiring villain.
4. William Jackson Harper as Quaz
William Jackson Harper’s casting in Quantumania initially sparked excitement among fans who speculated on his character’s identity, with some hoping he would don the role of Reed Richards. Instead, he ended up as a minor character lacking depth and significance, which was quite disappointing for those anticipating more from his appearance.
3. Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff
Elizabeth Olsen’s talent shines as she developed Wanda Maximoff into a beloved character in the MCU. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that her character has faced criticism for being whitewashed, given that the comics portray Wanda as Jewish and Romani, raising questions about representation within the franchise.
2. Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One
While the gender change for the Ancient One sparked little controversy, the alteration of his ethnicity from a Tibetan man to a white woman prompted significant backlash. This decision angered many fans, and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige later acknowledged this misstep as a significant error.
1. Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom
Although Robert Downey Jr. was brilliantly cast as Iron Man, the notion of him portraying Doctor Doom introduces unnecessary complexity to the MCU and perpetuates the issue of whitewashing, as Doom’s character is intended to be Romani. This casting choice stands out as a glaring misstep from Marvel.
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