As a fan of the Marvel Universe and its ever-expanding roster of superheroes, I must say that the casting process for these iconic characters has been nothing short of fascinating. Each actor brings their unique talents and experiences to the table, shaping the characters we know and love in unexpected ways.
Marvel fans assemble, Chris Evans is back.
Five years post his retirement from the eminent Captain America role in “Avengers: End Game”, directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo plan to reprise him, alongside Robert Downey Jr., in “Avengers: Doomsday”, as reported by “The Hollywood Reporter” and “The Wrap”.
Lately, Evans has reappeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring in the movie titled “Deadpool & Wolverine“. Instead of portraying Steve Rogers this time, he reprised his role as Johnny Storm (a.k.a The Human Torch) from the initial “Fantastic Four” films.
As a die-hard fan, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming Doomsday movie, set to premiere in theaters on May 1! Although specifics about Robert Downey Jr.’s role are still under wraps, it’s evident that he won’t be donning the Iron Man suit this time around. Instead, he’ll be taking on the formidable character of Doctor Victor von Doom, the notorious nemesis of the Fantastic Four. And let me tell you, the team for this new version is nothing short of stellar: Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will be stepping into the roles that have left us spellbound in previous adaptations. I can hardly wait!
Needless to say, whether Evans is Captain America or someone else, a return isn’t totally shocking.
He shared during an interview with GQ last September that while he might not rule out similar experiences in the future, he is extremely protective of this one. It holds a special place for him as something he’s incredibly proud of. And as he himself mentioned, sometimes he still can’t believe it actually took place.
Since this franchise holds immense significance for both its stars and the devoted fan base, his comeback would need to be a grand and memorable event.
He added, “I wouldn’t prefer to have a disappointing experience if it seems like they’re just after money, or if it fails to meet my expectations. Or, if it simply feels disconnected from the original.
After all, he closed out his time as Captain America with the most heartfelt message.
He officially completed work on “Avengers 4” on his final day of filming in 2018. It was an incredibly emotional experience, as he expressed on his social media platform at the time, which used to be known as Twitter. Over the past eight years, playing this role has been a great honor for him. He wanted to express his gratitude to everyone involved – those in front of and behind the camera, as well as the audience members who have shared these memorable moments with him. He remains eternally grateful.
To look back on how Chris and his fellow MCU stars were cast for their roles, keep reading…
Known primarily for his role as Jung on the popular Canadian sitcom “Kim’s Convenience”, Simu Liu once donned the Spider-Man suit for kids’ birthday parties during the early stages of his acting career. However, unbeknownst to him at the time, he would eventually become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Shang-Chi. This unexpected turn was confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. Or perhaps it wasn’t such a surprise, since the 32-year-old actor had hinted at this possibility a year earlier with a tweet that read, “Alright @Marvel, ready to chat or what #ShangChi.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Liu recalled receiving the fateful phone call.
Liu recalled that it was July 16th, 2019, around 6:30 in the evening. Fresh from a nap and still in his pajamas, eating shrimp crackers, he received an unexpected call from Burbank, California. On the other end of the line was Kevin Feige, whose magnificent voice announced that Liu’s life was about to undergo a transformative change, which remains vivid in his memory.
Feige, head of Marvel Studios, shared with Rotten Tomatoes that a vast number of actors were initially under consideration for the part. However, Liu emerged as a strong contender towards the end, ultimately impressing everyone who was involved in the selection process.
Feige stated, “He’s authentic through and through.” Introducing a fresh Marvel character isn’t a walk in the park, and there’s always a heavy burden on us as well as the actors. However, Simu has managed to surpass expectations, and I can’t wait for viewers to experience his performance when it premieres in September.
The man who started it all…was basically the last person Marvel wanted to hire to play Tony Stark, a role that now is forever tied to Robert Downey Jr. Director Jon Favreau fought to land Downey, despite his troubled past that included stints in prison and rehab.
Instead of merely opting for the predictable decision, Favreau shared with USA Today, Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, mirrors the actor himself. The most challenging and triumphant moments of his life have been under scrutiny by the public. To surmount hurdles that transcended his career, he had to discover an inner equilibrium. Favreau emphasized that Downey Jr. infuses depth into Stark that goes beyond a typical comic book character grappling with adolescent troubles or unrequited love.
In his commitment to the role, Downey meticulously provided suggestions and requested numerous retakes to ensure a scene was perfectly executed. He admitted, “I’m more dedicated now than I used to be.” “I want to prove to Jon that he was correct in trusting me,” he added. “Any concerns about my past weren’t something he needed to worry about.
The gamble proved extremely fruitful, resulting in the creation of the world’s most prosperous franchise to date, making Downey a highly demanded (and well-compensated) actor in Hollywood, marking an impressive career resurgence.
From my perspective as a lifestyle expert, let me express it this way: “I can’t help but sing praises about him. He’s an exceptional actor with a captivating charm that radiates from within. We felt there was immense potential to bring out the best in this talent, and I’m thrilled to say we were right. Robert Downey Jr. is not just a great actor; he embodies Tony Stark in a way that transcends the screen. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that the Marvel Cinematic Universe wouldn’t be where it is today without him.
Initially, Favreau had only considered Downey for the role of Iron Man, but other potential candidates like Clive Owen, Timothy Olyphant, and Sam Rockwell were also under consideration. Eventually, Rockwell was cast as a primary antagonist in “Iron Man 2”.
People were taken aback when Evans, who had previously been associated with the less-than-impressive Fantastic Four film, was chosen by Marvel to play Captain America in 2011’s The First Avenger and the emotional cornerstone for their Phase 1 series. However, this decision was not made lightly.
Recounting the struggle of selecting Captain America, Feige shared with Vanity Fair, “It seemed nearly impossible. I remember thinking, ‘Will we ever find Captain America? What will become of The Avengers if we can’t? Will the entire project collapse?'” Eventually, after initially overlooking Chris Evans due to his role as Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four series, they gave him a chance. He was presented with concept art and plot details, and over a weekend, he made his decision.
According to Feige, Chris Evans has portrayed Captain America with the same depth and impact that any actor has ever brought to a highly recognized pop-culture figure. Going back to Christopher Reeve’s Superman as the benchmark, Feige believes that Evans is on par. It’s hard for him to imagine anyone else in the role.
Initially, I must confess that I hesitated to embrace the role multiple times, even refusing it a few instances. However, eventually, I couldn’t resist any longer. You see, Jimmy Kimmel, I was petrified! The sheer number of films I would be committing to and my social apprehension within this industry were the primary reasons for my fear.
Indeed, he approached the situation in a truly Channing fashion: “I was declining due to apprehension, truthfully,” Evans admitted. “You shouldn’t act out of fear. You can’t be performing an action because you’re terrified. It eventually struck me that whatever you’re afraid of, confront it head-on.
It’s rumored that some notable figures were in contention for the role of “Cap”, such as Channing Tatum, Garrett Hedlund, Scott Porter, Chace Crawford, and even Dane Cook?
In 2010, the comedian casually shared with MTV that they were heading in to discuss ‘Captain America,’ which was quite exciting. After Superman, he admitted to being particularly fond of Captain America. (A tip? Avoid mentioning a DC superhero as your favorite when aiming for a Marvel movie role!)
Absolutely, John Krasinski shared that he advanced in the auditioning phase and even had an opportunity to put on the costume.
In an interview on Conan, the beloved character from The Office shared his excitement, saying, “I managed to play my part and it meant a lot to me…when they asked me to try out for the role, I even got to wear the costume on set. It was quite intriguing.
Unfortunately, he received a call that the protection would be assigned to Evans on Emily Blunt’s birthday, however, Krasinski managed to handle the news calmly.
Similar to numerous superheroes who preceded her, Brie Larson, a multiple award-winning actress renowned for her exceptional work in the movie “Room”, initially hesitated about accepting such an emblematic role, one that is speculated to be the strongest character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
She openly confessed to The Hollywood Reporter that she initially felt apprehensive about meeting. She thought, “I doubt I can handle or control what comes with a movie like this. I’m too shy and introverted; I might just crumble.” However, as they began discussing the film with her, she found herself saying, “Oh no, this project seems to encapsulate many aspirations of mine.
For Feige, Larson was the perfect choice.
In an interview with Variety, they mentioned that when creating Captain Marvel, it’s important to balance her extraordinary powers, which are unprecedented in our films, by casting someone who is extremely relatable and easy for the audience to connect with. This character should make viewers comfortable enough to watch her soar through the sun and destroy a moon from a spaceship. At the same time, it’s crucial that she possesses human flaws to create a sense of familiarity. Brie Larson is such an individual, making her someone you’ll want to embark on this adventure with.
Following missed opportunities to include Blunt in two earlier roles (details coming up), it’s said that Marvel proposed he step into their superhero team by portraying Carol Danvers, who is half-human and half-Kree.
When asked about the rumors, Blunt stated, “For me, it’s consistently about what I’m contributing and what would captivate both myself and the audience. Thus, if a role is compelling, whether it’s in a big Marvel production or a small indie film, I’d eagerly accept it.
Besides Yvonne Strahovski, who is known for her role in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and Katheryn Winnick, other potential candidates were mentioned.
It was one of Marvel’s most straightforward casting decisions, as revealed by Feige in an interview. Chadwick Boseman, acclaimed for his roles portraying historical figures like Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get On Up, was chosen to become the future ruler of Wakanda.
At a table, we brainstormed the plot for Captain America: Civil War. Nate Moore, our executive producer, proposed introducing Black Panther as an unbiased figure who wouldn’t align with Captain America or Iron Man. As soon as he suggested Chadwick, we all agreed. According to Feige, at a 2018 press conference for the movie, this conversation took place around that time, and we quickly contacted Chadwick over speakerphone.
There were no auditions involved and no significant talks. Instead, it was just a phone call to Chadwick Boseman, who was in Zurich for Get On Up promotion. Feige expressed that Boseman was the sole suitable candidate for the role.
In simpler terms, “The rest is history” means that after Black Panther achieved a remarkable milestone by being nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, it went on to make even more history. This film was the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie to win any awards, and not just one or two, but three! Moreover, it is among the highest-grossing films ever made. Long live Wakanda!
In August 2020, Chadwick Boseman passed away at the age of 43 following a four-year long private struggle with colon cancer. Upon hearing this tragic news, Marvel Studios decided not to replace Boseman in the role of T’Challa for “Black Panther 2.
Initially, Chris Hemsworth was not well-known, yet he secured the highly sought-after part as the Norse deity. However, you might be surprised to learn that it was his younger brother, Liam Hemsworth, who nearly clinched the role instead.
In Chris’ words on Quora, he shared that his initial audition was extremely early in the process and didn’t go smoothly. Later, his younger brother tried out for the role but came very close to getting it. However, the producers decided against him because they felt he was too young at the time, so they reopened the casting call.
He went on to explain, “I was quite enraged when it seemed like my brother had almost landed the role, so I returned with renewed rage. I even had to phone him and inquire, ‘How did the audition go? Offer me some advice,’ fortunately, he did, and as a result, I secured the part. So that particular event turned out to be quite a collaborative family affair, driven by sibling rivalry!
According to a report from Deadline, it was initially decided not to cast Chris (who was 25 at the time), but later he was given another chance, recorded a video audition, and both Feige and director Kenneth Branagh approved him right away.
Apart from the Hemsworth brothers, other potential candidates for the role included Daniel Craig, famously known for playing James Bond; Kevin McKidd, a star on Grey’s Anatomy; professional wrestler Triple-H (Paul Levesque); Charlie Hunnam, who later became famous for Sons of Anarchy; Joel Kinnaman; and Alexander Skarsgaard. Interestingly, Stellan Skarsgard, Alexander’s father, later joined the film’s cast as Dr. Erik Selvig.
Following the unsuccessful audition, Alexander Skarsgaard admitted to MTV, “Indeed, I had several meetings with Kevin [Feige], as well as Kenneth Branagh, and it’s true that there were some discussions, yes.
Prior to portraying Loki, Thor’s brother and the trickster god, who eventually became a fan favorite in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tom Hiddleston was seriously considered for the lead role.
During my first-ever visit to Los Angeles as an actor, I got cast as Thor. After being signed by an agent following a Shakespeare play I performed in London, they invited me to LA and promised to introduce me to the city. I auditioned for numerous roles during that time, including Thor, which was a promising opportunity due to my previous work with Kenneth Branagh. (Hiddleston naturally has blonde hair.)
Although he felt “proud” about the audition, the outcome didn’t turn out as he had originally anticipated. Specifically, he received a callback and was instructed to gain muscle mass (reducing his body fat to just 7%).
Tom Hiddleston shared that both Kevin and Keith directly communicated, saying, “‘Actually, you won’t portray Thor, but we think you’d be great as Loki.’ In a sense, it was an unexpected present—one he has no regrets about whatsoever. He never once pondered, ‘If only I were playing Thor.’
He “rarely” imagined how the audience would react to the character, confessing, “The ideal situation was what happened – but it likely exceeded anything I could have imagined or predicted.
Despite Loki meeting a tragic end in Infinity War, it has been announced that he will be featured in his own television series, titled Loki, streaming on Disney+.
Feige once admitted to being “surprised and happy” by the outpouring of love for Loki.
In a MovieFone Q&A from 2012, he expressed hope that Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki, with its diverse emotions and intense action scenes like the Hulk slamming him into the ground, would continue. Even if you weren’t familiar with the comics or mythology, people, especially women, seemed drawn to Loki. I believe it’s because Tom is visually striking but also because of that mysterious darkness, there’s an allure to him as a rebellious character.
Following Natalie Portman’s departure from the series, Tessa Thompson, known for her role in Creed, joined Thor: Ragnarok as the new female lead, embodying the warrior character Valkyrie from the comics. However, unlike a typical love interest for Thor, Thompson made it clear during her initial discussions with director Taika Waititi about the role, that this was not the case. In fact, it was later confirmed that Valkyrie is the MCU’s first bisexual superhero.
In the early stages, I had numerous discussions with Taika concerning [the role] as you never can tell. Initially, there were talks, even in the media, about her being a love interest. However, it was important for me to portray a character that was independent and self-driven. As I shared with Collider, Marvel and Taika always aimed for Valkyrie to stand on her own and provide something original, strong, and fresh. They have been wise in responding to the demand for more empowering female characters who aren’t solely associated with male counterparts.
Despite a bit of controversy following the announcement of Thompson’s role, since the original character was depicted as white and blonde in the comics, Waititi justified the choice in an interview with Comic Book Resources.
From day one, I’ve been all-in on bringing diversity to our cast, especially when it comes to Vikings – it can be quite a challenge! But inclusivity and broad representation are crucial, so we have to adapt and reimagine. The source material serves as a loose guide, a starting point if you will. After that, it’s about trusting your instincts. You might find yourself saying, “Forget the old ways.” Just because a character was blonde and white in the original comic book, doesn’t define who they are or what their story is about.
He continued, “People forget that. Die-hard fans will say, ‘That’s not really authentic to the comics,’ but as soon as they watch the movie, and they’re involved in the story, and actually what’s happening, everybody forgets. The fact that we even have to keep having this conversation is ridiculous, because we keep forgetting. Unless it’s the topic of the film, it just shouldn’t even be—what do we even care? I think the story is king, and you want the best person for the job. We cast a very broad net, and Tess was the best person.”
Following Marvel’s acquisition of Spidey from Sony and with Andrew Garfield no longer an option, a host of promising young actors found themselves contending for the sought-after part, including Timothée Chalamet, currently adored by many on the internet.
Among the contenders, I recall names like Charlie Rowe, Charlie Plummer, Asa Butterfield, Matthew Lintz, and Dylan O’Brien. However, it was Tom Holland who emerged as the new Peter Parker in Marvel’s circle in 2015, relatively unknown at the time. During their auditions for the movie “Civil War,” which laid the groundwork for the standalone Spidey film, Robert Downey Jr. commented, “Everyone else was impressive, but there was an extra something with Holland.
In a press statement, Tom Rothman, chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group, expressed his conviction that Tom is an exceptional talent among the rising stars he’s worked with in the past. He stated that Tom’s screen tests were particularly remarkable when they were considering actors for the role of Spidey, indicating a promising start to their endeavor.
Indeed, the choice of Tom Holland for Spider-Man was spot-on, as critics hailed him as “the finest portrayal of Spider-Man in film” following the 2017 premiere of Spider-Man: Homecoming. (Apologies to Tobey Maguire and Andrew!)
Has there ever been a more tumultuous role than that of Bruce Banner/the Hulk?
At first, Eric Bana portrayed the grumpy green beast in the 2003 movie titled “Hulk”. Unfortunately, this film didn’t fare well either with critics or at the box office. As a result, Marvel Studios opted for a fresh start, choosing Edward Norton to step into the role for the 2008 production called “The Incredible Hulk”.
The movie performed reasonably well, however, it appeared that Norton wasn’t particularly fond of the demanding shooting and marketing timetable for Marvel Cinematic Universe productions (there were also rumors about creative disagreements).
Marvel announced that they won’t be having Edward Norton reprise his role as Bruce Banner (the Hulk) in “The Avengers” during pre-production. This decision isn’t influenced by financial concerns, but rather the search for an actor who embodies the creative and collaborative energy of our other talented cast members. The Avengers requires actors who excel in ensemble work.
In response, Norton’s team has labeled Marvel’s statement as “offensive” and “unfriendly,” rejecting the accusations, claiming it was a financial move from Marvel instead.
It turned out to be fortunate for Marvel that they selected Mark Ruffalo, as it was discovered that the character functioned more effectively within ensemble productions rather than solo films. During a press conference, Feige commented, “Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of the Hulk really hit the mark and made us all incredibly content.
In a light-hearted remark, Ruffalo once told Vanity Fair that “The Hulk is the Hamlet of my generation. Everyone will have their chance to play it before the final curtain call.
Prior to Scarlett Johansson assuming the part of the initial female Avenger and first appearing as the ex-Russian spy-turned-tough S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Natasha Romanoff in 2010’s “Iron Man 2”, Emily Blunt was initially slated to play the role. Unfortunately, scheduling issues due to her involvement in the 2010 box office flop “Gulliver’s Travels” prevented this from happening (I shall never forget!).
Prior to Scarlett Johansson’s official selection, Eliza Dushku expressed interest in portraying the role, stating on The Howard Stern Show that she believed herself to be a suitable fit for the Black Widow character. She felt that the producers just needed to consider her for the part more seriously. Unfortunately, they did not.
Following her casting as Black Widow, Johansson disclosed in an interview that she dyed her hair red specifically to persuade Marvel Studios that she was their ideal choice for the role.
A year before the production officially kicked off, I found myself in a captivating conversation with none other than Jon and Kevin [Feige]. We delved into the enchanting realm of Marvel’s super heroines, and one name that sparked our imagination was Black Widow. It seemed they were mulling over the possibility of introducing this character to the silver screen, discussing strategies and methods.
However, it wasn’t until “The Avengers” that fans truly became acquainted with Natasha. Initially, director Joss Whedon was apprehensive about potential scheduling issues that might have prevented Scarlett Johansson from reprising her role in the 2012 group blockbuster.
Due to the timing constraints of our shooting plan, there was a period of uncertainty if we could secure Scarlett for the project. However, my joy knew no bounds when she agreed to join us as her presence significantly enriches the movie and provides an intriguing contrast with her male co-stars. Despite sharing little resemblance with her character, Scarlett is incredibly amusing, charming, and adorable off-screen. I wanted her to portray a version of Black Widow that was dramatically different from her persona in Iron Man 2, as we aimed for a darker interpretation. In this film, you’ll catch glimpses of her backstory, which isn’t pleasant. What I appreciate about Scarlett is her meticulous approach to character development and performance, making her an ideal fit for the progression of Black Widow.
At last, Johansson will star in a solo film titled Black Widow, set to premiere in cinemas in July 2021. The release was postponed from its original date because of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Following his stellar portrayal in “The Hurt Locker“, Jeremy Renner was eventually chosen to embody S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Clint Barton, a role he had initially dismissed as just rumors for several months.
According to Renner, Hawkeye could be intriguing. They plan to send him materials about it to check out. He seems to think the creators are impressive for attempting to make superhero films feel more real, rather than just a fantastical tale.
Initially, Renner appeared as an unrecognized extra in the 2011 film Thor, and it was not until The Avengers, released in 2012, that his character Hawkeye was formally introduced. However, the actor later expressed dissatisfaction with the development of his human character’s storyline in the movie.
In the end, it turned out that only 10% of the movie reflected the character I was contracted to portray, as stated to the LA Times. Essentially, my screen time amounts to just two minutes. After which, things suddenly took an unexpected turn. Consequently, there’s not much background information or clarity regarding Clint Barton, better known as Hawkeye, and whether he is still affiliated with S.H.I.E.L.D., leaving many questions unanswered even for me.
Afterward, he commented, “At least I managed to stay part of the film,” he remarked. “And I was thankful for that…there are many actors in that movie. Many significant characters. And my character, I believed, if I could aid in telling the story, then I had fulfilled my duty.
In the following installment, Whedon expanded Hawkeye’s part, unveiling that Clint was married with children as a shocking twist. “I cherished the concept that one superhero concealed a secret, and it was that he was an ordinary man deeply tied to the world, unlike any other superhero,” Whedon expressed on Tumblr. “We trimmed down much of the deception that would have heightened the surprise, but emotionally and thematically, it still resonates strongly for me.
Entering “Avengers: Endgame” after Renner’s non-appearance in “Infinity War”, viewers eagerly anticipated the portrayal of Hawkeye’s transition into the character of Ronin, as depicted in the comic books.
In an interview, Renner shared that he’s excited about the many amazing things they’re accomplishing with the character, and believes everyone will be delighted once they discover the outcome.
Come on, it was Samuel L. Jackson alone who fit the role of Nick Fury perfectly. This is because the character from the Ultimate Marvel Comics comics was actually modeled after him.
In an admission to Business Insider, comic book writer Mark Millar confessed that he and artist Bryan Hitch freely utilized Sam, who was famously known as the coolest man alive, in their work without seeking any form of permission. He explained that back in 2001, when they were putting this project together, the notion that it might one day become a movie seemed implausible, as Marvel was still struggling to recover from bankruptcy at the time.
Jackson ended up signing a nine-picture deal with Marvel and Nick Fury became an important character to organically weave many of the superheroes’ stories together, with the (now) former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. his first appearance in Iron Man‘s post-credits scene, the first one in the MCU…and it ended up becoming an essential moment for the entire franchise even though that wasn’t the original intent behind the quick cameo.
Jon Favreau shared with EW his thoughts behind adding Easter eggs in Iron Man. He felt it would delight fans, especially the post-credit scene featuring Nick Fury, which was a fun addition not originally planned for the script. This character was reimagined as Sam Jackson in the comic book series The Ultimates, and Favreau thought it would be a great nod to the audience. Kevin Feige supported the idea wholeheartedly and helped with the dialogue, carefully selecting words like “a bigger world now, a bigger universe,” and “the Avengers Initiative.” These phrases served as hints for future events, and the intention was to group characters together, although it required many things going right to make that happen. The hope was that those who stayed in the theater after the credits would appreciate these subtle hints most.
Little did he know Feige has major plans.
In the production of “Captain Marvel,” which happens to be his ninth Marvel movie incidentally, the filmmakers employed digital technology to reduce Samuel L. Jackson’s appearance by about two decades. This enabled him to portray Nick Fury during the mid-90s, while simultaneously providing a backstory for the character that fans recognize today.
After his outstanding role in “The Hurt Locker,” Anthony Mackie was chosen to portray Captain America’s latest sidekick in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” This marked the beginning of an enjoyable three-way friendship dynamic with Sebastian Stan’s character, Bucky, as it developed further.
However, during the 2015 Emerald City Comic-Con, it was disclosed that he had originally contacted Marvel about a distinct character instead of the one ultimately portrayed.
Mackie stated that his initial intention for writing something was due to his desire to become the character, Black Panther. Eventually, he received a response, but it pertained to the character of Falcon, which Mackie enthusiastically accepted playing.
He expressed his satisfaction and happiness about going to work with that particular team every day, stating, “I feel fortunate to be Falcon, alongside Captain America.” It’s more enjoyable for him to collaborate in a fantastic film with an exceptional cast instead of letting pride dictate, “I must always be the lead character.
In an interview with Collider, co-director Anthony Russo explained why they chose Anthony Mackie for the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He said, “We were drawn to Anthony Mackie because he has this vibrant energy and sense of fun. In this movie, Captain America is in a very tough emotional state as he’s just woken up in the modern world, and everything he knew is gone. He’s lost everyone, so it’s a very intense psychological place. We felt that Mackie’s upbeat energy would be perfect for helping to pull Cap out of his funk and forming a new friendship.
Following Captain passing his shield to him in “Endgame”, Mackie then took flight to co-star alongside Stan in their Disney+ series titled “Falcon and the Winter Soldier“. The series culminated with Sam taking on the role of Captain America. It’s rumored that Captain America 4, featuring Mackie and penned by Malcolm Spellman, is in development, although Marvel has yet to officially announce its release date.
Prior to portraying Cap’s friend-turned-enemy-turned-friend once more, Sebastian Stan initially tried out for the lead role, which he eventually didn’t get due to a darker quality that Finn Jones felt wasn’t suitable for Steve Rogers, as revealed on Vanity Fair’s Still Watching podcast.
2016 found me truly disheartened when I didn’t snag the role of Captain America, as I confessed to People magazine. The moment that phone rang and they said, “You were fantastic, but this one isn’t meant for you,” still echoes in my mind.
Luckily, another call soon arrived, with the star of “I, Tonya” expressing enthusiasm: “When they contacted me again to suggest another role I should consider, I was thrilled because it meant my opportunities weren’t finished yet.” And that excitement wouldn’t fade anytime soon, as he inked a contract for nine films, similar to Evans.
Currently, Stan is instrumental in bringing the Marvel Cinematic Universe to television, collaborating with Mackie on the series titled “Falcon and the Winter Soldier“.
In 2011, when Elizabeth Olsen emerged from her renowned older twin sisters’ limited spotlight with the independent movie “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” director Joss Whedon recognized that she was the perfect actress for the role of the Russian superheroine. This character possesses the ability to enter people’s minds and has telekinetic powers, which she acquired following experiments by H.Y.D.R.A. in the film.
Initially, she wasn’t completely certain about the purpose of the meeting, confessing to EW, “I encountered Joss Whedon, and I had a vague understanding of the characters we were discussing. No one provided me with details. All I knew was it pertained to the upcoming Avengers film, and they were introducing two fresh characters, and that was the extent of my knowledge.
Prior to Olsen’s selection for the role, there was a widespread speculation that Saoirse Ronan might put on the Scarlet Witch costume. It was even reported that Marvel used her as a reference during the character’s development process. When asked about it, Lady Bird star expressed interest saying, “I have considered it and yes, I would be keen. Absolutely, I would [be interested].” She added, “I admire Joss [Whedon] and his work on those films, particularly the way he handled superheroes. It’s different from what others have done. So, yes, I’d love to be part of it.
By the finale of “Age of Ultron,” Scarlet Witch joins the fresh wave of Avengers. However, she experiences two significant setbacks: the tragic demise of her brother in combat and the disappearance of her Russian accent by the time of “Infinity War.” So, what led to this change?
In an interview on the Happy Sad Podcast, co-director Joe Russo stated the reason they removed Black Widow’s distinctive accent in “Civil War” was twofold: First, at the start of the movie, Black Widow is training her to become a spy. Second, since she has been on the run, limiting identifiable traits like her accent would help avoid detection and blend in, making it harder for others to recognize her.
Works for us!
Initially, Wanda was chosen as the lead for Marvel’s debut on television with the series “WandaVision” premiering on Disney+ in January. This series turned out to be one of the most popular shows of the year. Notably, viewers also had the opportunity to witness Wanda transform into the Scarlet Witch.
Paul Bettany boasts an extensive history within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a fact you might not have realized. This talented British actor provided the voice for JARVIS, Tony Stark’s reliable AI companion, as far back as the initial Iron Man film that set the stage for everything MCU-related. It’s quite likely that JARVIS’ humorous origin story is one of the funniest in the entire Marvel Universe.
In a conversation with GQ, Bettany shared that he received a call from Jon Favreau who said, “I require the voice of a rather impersonal robot, and you immediately came to mind,”. [Laughs] He found it the most amusing thing ever, so he agreed.
In the thrilling film “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel took an uncommon step by selecting Bettany to portray the character known as Vision. You see, JARVIS (may he rest in peace) was transferred into a mechanical form, together with the Mind Stone, leading to the birth of this extraordinary superhero.
According to Bettany, there’s a Marvel rule that prevents actors from portraying more than one character within their universe. However, they made an exception for him since Joss Whedon strongly desired to introduce The Vision into the cinematic world, and he felt that Bettany was the best fit for the role.
So how was the transition from two hours of voice work to physically being on set?
Previously, I’d work for just two hours and receive an absurdly small wage for it, and it felt like I was a pirate stealing a sack of gold at the end of the day, Bettany humorously stated. Now, however, I need to put in the effort and actually do the work.
That stuff ultimately included starring with Elizabeth Olsen in Disney+’s WandaVision.
Known for playing lovable and somewhat dim Andy Dwyer on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, Chris Pratt truly skyrocketed to superstardom with his lead role in Guardians of the Galaxy. Not only did he transition from a goofy sidekick to an engaging leading man, but Pratt also made headlines for his remarkable physical transformation to portray Peter Quill, the leader of a group of space misfits.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, Pratt expressed that the role seemed tailor-made for him from the start. He confidently believed he aced his first audition, but had reservations about his physical suitability since he was still quite large at the time. Despite his intuition that his spirit matched the character perfectly and the dialogue sounded right, he felt he didn’t meet the physical requirements yet.
Initially, director James Gunn had reservations, acknowledging that he wasn’t keen on Chris Pratt at first. At the time, Pratt was overweight, and Gunn thought he was more suited for comedy roles. However, during his audition, just 20 seconds in, Gunn realized, “That’s the man for the job!
Nonetheless, Pratt managed to shed 60 pounds within six months, amusingly sharing his experiences on Instagram. One of his captions read, “Six months without beer. #GOTG A bit arrogant to post this, but my brother made me.” He later graced numerous magazine covers and headlines, all praising his remarkable transformation.
Speaking as a lifestyle expert, I must say it’s truly impressive! The man who brings the humor and quirkiness to Parks and Recreation, yet exhibits raw intensity in Zero Dark Thirty, has an incredible talent for transformation. When the casting news was confirmed, I couldn’t help but express my admiration. With such a wide range, from comedic to dramatic roles, he’s undeniably prepared to shine in Guardians. That’s quite a versatile range he possesses!
Back then during the audition phase, I had no idea that the Marvel team was thinking far ahead. As it turned out, Feige shared, “We always cast for the movie we’re making, but we also keep an eye on the future.” So when they were casting me as Star-Lord, they sought the best fit, yet simultaneously, they said, “We need someone who might one day stand shoulder to shoulder with Robert Downey Jr.” (And indeed, that moment came in Infinity War.)
Initially, Marvel Entertainment had other actors in mind for playing Peter Quill (Guardians of the Galaxy), such as Eddie Redmayne, Joel Edgerton, Jack Huston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Lee Pace. However, it was ultimately Pace who took on the role of the villain Ronan the Accuser. Interestingly, after Chris Pratt, the actor most favored to play Peter Quill was Glenn Howerton from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
As a lifestyle expert, I couldn’t agree more! It’s not just about who could pull off the deadliest woman in the galaxy or the estranged daughter of Thanos; it’s about who embodies these roles with such conviction and skill. And when it comes to that, none other than Zoe Saldana comes to mind. Her action-packed resume, spanning from the epic world of Pandora in Avatar to the final frontier of Star Trek, speaks volumes about her ability to bring complex characters to life.
Initially, discussions centered around employing Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) to portray the green assassin. However, Zaldana chose to undergo four-hour makeup sessions every day as an alternative.
In an interview with Net-a-Porter, Saldana defended fellow Marvel actors against accusations of selling out by making superhero movies. She argued that those who criticize this work are being insensitive to what playing a superhero means to young children. “When you dismiss me,” she explained, “you’re also belittling what that child values in their world.” Saldana expressed pride in her role as a space-dwelling character and portraying green and blue aliens, stating that her main goal is to inspire the younger generation. She recalled feeling excluded from mainstream life when she was young, and these roles help combat that feeling of otherness.
Initially, I must admit that I harbored significant reservations before taking on the role. However, I was reassured when Director James Gunn showed his openness to incorporating my suggestions throughout the project.
In a conversation with bloggers during a roundtable interview, she expressed her feelings about the script, stating, “From Gamora’s perspective, I wasn’t particularly thrilled. They want me in every scene, but I don’t have any dialogue in them.” She continued, “If I’m going to spend 6 months on set, go through 5 hours of makeup every day for 6 days a week just to be a silent observer in every scene, then I might as well be a fly on the wall. I’ll watch all the guys telling jokes and endure close-ups before any lunch break…I’m not interested in that setup.
Furthermore, Gamora played a significant role and became an emotional cornerstone within the series, particularly during the movie “Infinity War.
Initially, Saldana was Marvel’s preferred candidate for a certain role, yet there were other actresses who were reportedly contenders too, such as Olivia Wilde, Gina Carano, and Adrianne Palicki. Notably, Palicki eventually became part of the Marvel TV universe, portraying Bobbi Morse on ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Although Bradley Cooper possesses the qualities typically associated with a main Marvel character, he opted for a less common path in the superhero genre compared to many of his contemporaries.
During his interview on Ellen, Cooper explained that Rocket’s voice sounded like a blend of Gilbert Gottfried and Joe Pesci. Originally, he had planned for a much more serious tone reminiscent of Daniel Day-Lewis in the movie There Will Be Blood.
But some fans might not know Cooper isn’t the one to don the green suit on set to play Rocket. It’s actually Sean Gunn, the brother of director James Gunn, who also plays Ravagers member Kraglin.
In simpler terms, “He is a stand-in actor for motion reference. This means we film all actions Sean performs on set as Rocket. As James Gunn explained on Facebook, I continue to shoot takes of him until the performance is perfected. Then, this performance often serves as the foundation for much of Rocket’s acting.
Previously, it was rumored that Marvel had considered approaching both Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey for the role of the profane character in the Guardians, before securing the director and lead actor of A Star Is Born.
Without a doubt, one of the most beloved figures in the billion-dollar MCU universe is voiced by an actor from another well-known franchise – Fast and Furious’ Vin Diesel. Interestingly, his journey within this franchise started as a joke when the studio reached out to him about a role following his Facebook post suggesting Marvel had “asked for a meeting.
Instead of just saying “I am Groot,” Vin Diesel, who voices Groot, was given different scripts for each instance where Groot speaks. These scripts helped him understand the intent and tone behind Groot’s single line.
James Gunn shared on Instagram that he and Vin Diesel have a unique version of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, where all lines spoken by Groot are written in English, which he referred to as the “Groot Version” of the script.
Despite Groot’s apparent death at the end of the first Guardians of the Galaxy, which led to his rebirth as a small pot plant, Diesel continued to voice Baby Groot.
Gunn explained to EW that our characters undergo minimal processing, but it’s essentially just enhancing Vin’s voice. He can speak in a pitch that’s higher than his usual tone.
Prior to securing a significant role in DC’s Aquaman, Jason Momoa disclosed that he had discussions about playing Drax and even tried out for the part alongside Chris Pratt. However, he ultimately decided to decline the offer.
The “Game of Thrones” actor clarified to Zap2It that the role didn’t quite align with his time because he’s already played characters similar to it, where he said little and was often masked and shirtless. He emphasized that this wasn’t a reflection on the quality of the role, but rather it wasn’t the right fit for him as he wanted something new and challenging. Previously, he had portrayed a character named Ronon on “Stargate: Atlantis” for four years, who was an alien with minimal dialogue and grunting sounds. He felt that he had already experienced this type of role, whether people are familiar with it or not, and desired to explore fresh opportunities.
Marvel ultimately selected WWE star Dave Bautista as their ideal Drax, but he confessed to feeling “terrified” during the audition phase. As Bautista explained to Wired, with each callback, it grew progressively more nerve-wracking and genuine.
In reference to selecting the MMA fighter, Feige mentioned that one factor contributing to Bautista getting the role was his hilarious improvisation and on-screen chemistry with Pratt during auditions.
Landing a place on the motley crew of Guardians of the Galaxy was the realization of his long-cherished dream for him, as Bautista shared with Hero Complex, “I’m still in disbelief that I secured this role. It’s something I desired more than anything else I have yearned for in my life. When I got it, I wept like a small child.
Hey, to spend five hours in make-up every day, you gotta love what you do!
Has there ever been a more exciting casting announcement than when Karen Gillan unveiled her shaved head at Comic-Con in 2013, confirming she would be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nebula, one of the main antagonists in Guardians of the Galaxy, and the sister of Gamora?
Previously well-loved in the genre during her tenure on Doctor Who, Gillan revealed to W Magazine later on, “During the audition for Guardians of the Galaxy, they inquired if I was open to shaving my head. The project sounded intriguing and I was ready for this transformation since my long red hair had always been a distinctive trait for me.
Initially, it was planned for Nebula to perish in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film. However, later on, Gllian expressed surprise and delight to Entertainment Weekly about returning and being part of the team for the subsequent movie, stating, “I was truly taken aback when I found out I’d be coming back. That was incredible! I hadn’t anticipated that at all.
In the climax of “Infinity War”, Nebula managed to outlive her foster father Thanos’ devastating snap, ending up as the sole survivor alongside Tony Stark at the film’s conclusion.
James Dunn referred to Pom Klementieff as ‘simply amazing and incredibly easy to work with,'” she joined the franchise in Vol. 2 as Mantis, the latest member of the team who has the power to manipulate people’s feelings.
“She blew me away,” he continued. “She’s amazing, and I can’t wait to share her with the world.”
In a press release about the selection process, Gunn shared that Marvel evaluated numerous actresses for the role. Ultimately, four actresses were called in for auditions and each one was exceptional. However, Pom Klementieff stood out as she displayed a remarkable ability to convey deep emotions – a crucial aspect of the character given her empathic nature, which essentially serves as her superpower.
As a devotee of that iconic film, I must confess that I experienced quite the jitters during my audition process, to put it mildly. The French actress I’m referring to felt exactly the same way!
In 2012, it brought great joy to many on the internet when the well-liked actor Paul Rudd secured the part of Marvel’s miniature superhero.
In a tremendous sense of relief, we realized that locating the perfect lead actor is crucial for any Marvel Studios production. From the get-go, we were convinced that our chosen individual was none other than Paul. Not only did he accept the role, but his eagerness to contribute matched the enthusiasm of any actor we’ve ever encountered – a clear sign that we had found the ideal candidate for the job.
According to a report by Variety prior to Rudd being cast, another serious contender for the role was Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Already a genre fave thanks to her turn as Kate on ABC’s Lost and Tauriel in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Evangeline Lilly was tapped to play Hope van Dyne in Ant-Man, delivering the telling line at the film’s end: “It’s about damn time.”
2017’s “Ant-Man and The Wasp” marked Evangeline Lilly’s debut as the main character in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. In this movie, her character Hope, assumed the leading role effectively, as she officially succeeded her mother in donning the Wasp suit.
Lilly explained to ESPN, “In the original comics, there were many female partners, a common occurrence. It’s thrilling for me to collaborate with Marvel now, as they bring these characters to life as authentic and well-rounded women.
Lilly isn’t particularly enthusiastic about a solo Wasp film. Instead, she feels that Scott and Hope work better together as a duo. She expressed this by saying, “I don’t really enjoy the idea of splitting them up—unless there was a female-centric Avengers movie…then I’m on board with it!” I agree!
Before Lilly’s selection for the part, there were whispers that both Emma Stone and Rashida Jones had meetings with Marvel regarding the same role. Additionally, it was rumored that Jessica Chastain declined the opportunity due to scheduling issues.
There was a great deal of excitement when there were whispers that Benedict Cumberbatch, famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the show “Sherlock”, might be cast as Doctor Strange, Marvel’s most daring solo project. Unfortunately, scheduling issues initially stood in the way. In an interview with Empire, Cumberbatch admitted, “I truly thought I had to say goodbye to it.
Consider: Joaquin Phoenix, another unexpected yet respected pick, was once linked to Marvel Studios. However, negotiations never led to anything concrete, with Phoenix later hinting at his affinity for such films, stating, “I appreciate these movies sometimes, and I believe they play a role in sustaining the film industry. I have no issues with it whatsoever…Let me phrase this delicately…It seems everyone was content with how things unfolded.” (Perhaps Phoenix had been a DC Comics fan all along, as he later won an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in 2020.)
After conferring with several individuals (apparently including Tom Hardy and Jared Leto), director Scott Derrickson managed to persuade Marvel Studios to delay the start of filming so they could cast their preferred candidate for the famous role of the doctor-turned-sorcerer.
Derrickson expressed that Benedict was a fantastic choice for Doctor Strange due to his unique blend of academic prowess and intelligence. He even suggested that Benedict could excel as a top neurosurgeon in real life, given his intellect and emotional depth as an actor. According to Derrickson, Benedict needed to portray an arrogant neurosurgeon undergoing an emotional transformation, which required him to convincingly convey pain, suffering, disorientation, anger, and ultimately enlightenment. Few actors, in Derrickson’s opinion, could handle such a range of emotions, but Benedict was one of them. Furthermore, Derrickson believed that Benedict would make an excellent action star because he can evoke emotion even during high-action sequences. Harrison Ford serves as the ultimate example of this ability, as audiences remain captivated by his expressions regardless of what he is doing, and Derrickson feels that Benedict shares this quality.
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2024-12-10 19:23