8 Shocking Superhero Actor Switches You Probably Missed!

In many superhero series, actors change for the same roles quite frequently. This is noticeable even outside of major universe revamps. For instance, in Marvel and DC films, there have been several instances where actors were replaced without much fanfare from the audience. Regardless if it’s a major or minor role being recast, movies make an effort to keep the character consistent, though their success in doing so can vary. With the upcoming release of Captain America: Brave New World in theaters, it serves as an ideal moment to revisit some lesser-known actor switches that occurred within the realm of superhero films.

People might not remember these eight times when actors were quietly swapped out in superhero flicks.

William Hurt/Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross in the MCU

The latest change in the superhero series, titled “Captain America: Brave New World,” features Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. Previously, this character was played by William Hurt, who passed away in 2022. Hurt’s portrayal of Ross can be seen in 2008‘s “The Incredible Hulk,” 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” and 2021’s “Black Widow.”

Following the premiere of “Brave New World”, Ford has garnered much acclaim for his first role as Ross, who transforms into Red Hulk in the film. Emulating the grimness that Hurt brought to the ex-army officer and former U.S. Secretary of State, Ford demonstrated he was more than capable of the challenge. At this point, it’s unclear if Ford will reprise his role as Ross/Red Hulk in the MCU post “Brave New World”, but fans would probably be thrilled for his return.

Terrence Howard/Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine in the MCU

Initially portrayed by Terrence Howard as James Rhodes/War Machine in 2008’s “Iron Man”, the role was later taken over by Don Cheadle in “Iron Man 2” after Howard left due to contract disagreements with Marvel. Since then, Cheadle has starred in eight more Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including the latest “Secret Invasion” (2023). There have been plans for an “Armor Wars” project centered around Rhodey, but its progress has stalled for some time now.

Generally speaking, Don Cheadle is best known for his depiction of War Machine, a character that Howard initially played in Iron Man. However, when revisiting the first film, it’s unexpected to find Howard in the role due to Cheadle’s later portrayal. Cheadle has brought a genuine and strong performance to War Machine, making him one of the underappreciated actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Katie Holmes/Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes in DC’s Dark Knight Trilogy

In Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, the journey began with the release of the 2005 film “Batman Begins,” featuring Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes. However, for the 2008 movie “The Dark Knight,” the character of Rachel was taken over by Maggie Gyllenhaal, as she stepped into the role for the second installment of the trilogy. Katie Holmes decided not to reprise her role as Rachel in “The Dark Knight” and instead accepted the lead part in the 2008 film “Mad Money.

Out of both actors who played Rachel, Gyllenhaal’s interpretation is more striking. The enduring acclaim of “The Dark Knight” as one of the greatest Batman movies and top comic book films overall contributes significantly to Gyllenhaal being recognized for his role as Rachel. Moreover, the heart-wrenching demise of Rachel in “The Dark Knight” left audiences stunned and emotional, making Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of the character a poignant and lasting impression for DC and Batman enthusiasts.

Hugo Weaving/Ross Marquand as Red Skull in the MCU

As a passionate film enthusiast, I had the privilege of bringing Hugo Weaving’s character, Johann Schmidt, also known as the Red Skull, to life in the 2011 blockbuster, “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Later on, in “Avengers: Infinity War” and its sequel, “Endgame,” a character resembling the Red Skull, dubbed the Stonekeeper, made an appearance, safeguarding the Soul Stone on Vormir. Ross Marquand was roped in to voice a CGI version of the Red Skull for these films, but his screen time remained minimal. However, due to certain contractual disagreements with Marvel, I decided not to return as the Red Skull in the Avengers movies.

In my critique, I must commend Hugo Weaving for his chilling portrayal of the Red Skull on the silver screen. His performance was strikingly authentic, embodying the menacing comic book villain to perfection. Though brief, his tenure as the character significantly impacted the narrative, especially in Thanos’ and the Avengers’ missions to amass the Infinity Stones. The memorable scenes at Vormir, where both Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) met their end, have left an indelible mark on Marvel Cinematic Universe enthusiasts. Since his last appearance in Endgame, there’s been speculation as to whether Weaving, Marquand, or a new performer might reprise the role should Marvel choose to delve deeper into Red Skull’s storyline.

Edward Norton/Mark Ruffalo as Hulk in the MCU

In 2008, Edward Norton portrayed Bruce Banner/the Hulk in “The Incredible Hulk,” which was the second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Fans were surprised when a sequel didn’t happen and Mark Ruffalo took over the role in “The Avengers” that same year. The change was due to creative disagreements between Norton and Marvel Studios about how to develop the Hulk character within the franchise. Since then, Ruffalo has made nine appearances across his 13-year tenure in the MCU, but he hasn’t gotten a standalone movie yet.

Initially, Norton played a pivotal role in bringing Banner and the Hulk into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Ruffalo has since become a key figure within the franchise, skillfully balancing humor and dramatic depth as a supporting character across multiple Avengers films and other titles. The interplay of Banner and the Hulk personas by Ruffalo is nothing short of impressive. As for his future in upcoming MCU projects, it remains uncertain, but fans find it challenging to envision a world without the Hulk’s presence.

Emma Fuhrmann/Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang in the MCU

In the movie “Avengers: Endgame,” Emma Fuhrmann played the teenage version of Cassie Lang, taking over from Abby Ryder Fortson who portrayed the character as a child in “Ant-Man” (2015) and “Ant-Man and the Wasp” (2018). However, in 2023’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” Kathryn Newton stepped into the role of Cassie Lang, with Fuhrmann being replaced. Director Peyton Reed made this decision to cast a more recognized actor for the part. Impressed by Newton’s previous performances, Reed believed she would be an excellent match alongside Paul Rudd, reprising his role as Scott Lang/Ant-Man.

As a devoted fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I’ve noticed that Cassie’s character arc isn’t exactly seamless due to three different actors portraying her at various stages. However, both Fuhrmann and Newton infused their performances with an appealing blend of wit and charm that made each iteration memorable. It seems like Emma Newton might be the one reprising her role whenever Cassie appears again in the MCU. While specifics are yet to be revealed, it’s a strong possibility that we’ll see Newton alongside Rudd in either Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, and potentially even in Ant-Man 4.

Josh Dallas/Zachary Levi as Fandral in the MCU

In the year 2011, Josh Dallas portrayed the minor character of Fandral, an ally of Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth), in the movie “Thor”. However, due to scheduling issues with his work on the TV show “Once Upon a Time”, Dallas couldn’t reprise his role in “Thor: The Dark World” (2013). Instead, Zachary Levi took over as Fandral. Later, Levi appeared as Fandral again in “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) and most recently in “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022).

Because Fandral was a less prominent character in the MCU, swapping Dallas with Levi went smoothly since viewers barely acknowledged the change. With just a few appearances, Levi has effectively taken over the role and fits seamlessly into the comedic aspects of the Thor films. Although it’s undecided if Levi will portray Fandral again in Thor 5, as long as Thor remains central to the franchise, it’s probable that Fandral’s presence within the MCU will persist.

John Turturro/Mark Strong in DC’s The Batman Franchise

Matt Reeves’ 2022 film “The Batman” started a new series focusing on the title character, with John Turturro playing the villainous mob boss Carmine Falcone who was killed at the end of the movie. However, in the 2024 spinoff series titled “The Penguin,” actor Mark Strong replaced Turturro as Carmine and appeared in flashback scenes alongside his daughter Sofia (played by Cristin Milioti). Turturro declined reprising his role as Carmine due to the portrayal of violence against women in “The Penguin.

Despite having limited appearance in “The Penguin”, Strong convincingly captured the essence of Carmine that stands tall against Turturro’s portrayal. The acting prowess of “The Batman” star as the gangster remains unparalleled, yet the change in actors between the two productions is seamless. Switching actors can potentially disrupt a character and negatively impact a movie, but both Strong and Turturro skillfully depicted Carmine’s hidden toughness and ruthlessness.

Captain America: A Bold, New Journey” is currently showing in cinemas near you. Meanwhile, the Marvel Cinematic Universe makes its comeback on Disney+ with the debut of “Daredevil Reborn” on March 4th.

2025-02-19 03:41