Halle Berry OUT of Avengers?! 😱

Halle Berry‘s Storm may pass on the new Avengers movie.

As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but notice that the Oscar-winning actress seems to have hinted at not being involved in Marvel’s forthcoming sequel, “Avengers: Doomsday”. A while after Disney’s studio officially announced that some of her co-stars from the early 2000’s X-Men film series would return for this project, by sharing images of numerous directors’ chairs labeled with cast members’ names, she made it clear that her name wouldn’t be on one of those chairs.

In a recorded conversation, the 58-year-old said to Black Girl Nerds, “You’ll have to keep being patient because it won’t appear right away.

topMob News attempted to contact Marvel Studios and Disney’s film studio, but has yet to receive a response.

In a declaration made on March 26th, Marvel has revealed that actors Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Kelsey Grammer (The Beast), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), and James Marsden (Cyclops) will join the cast of “Avengers: Doomsday,” slated for release in 2026, marking their involvement in the fifth installment of the Avengers film series.

In the upcoming film, Robert Downey Jr., known for his portrayal of Iron Man in the Avengers series, is set to make an appearance as Doctor Victor von Doom, a villainous character. This news was revealed during the 2024 San Diego Comic Con event held last July.

In addition to the main cast, the following Marvel Universe actors will also appear in the new movie: Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Anthony Mackie (the latest Captain America), Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier), and Chris Hemsworth (Thor). They are also set to act alongside Berry in another upcoming production.

In the upcoming superhero movie, David Harbour (Red Guardian), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Letitia Wright (the new Black Panther), Winston Duke as M’Baku, Wyatt Russell (U.S. Agent), and Tenoch Huerta Mejia (Namor the Submariner) are all set to return in their respective roles.

Here’s a forecast for the new Avengers movie: Halle Berry‘s Storm is unlikely to pass through.

After Marvel revealed that some of her co-stars from the early 2000s’ X-Men movie series would return for 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, as indicated by photos showing directors’ chairs labeled with cast members’ names, Berry stated that she wouldn’t be included in this group.

The 58-year-old stated during a live interview at CinemaCon 2025, “You’ll need to remain patient, it won’t appear immediately.

We’ve attempted to contact both Marvel Studios and the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures for their response, but we haven’t received any feedback yet.

Previously seen in the X-Men trilogy from the early 2000s and reprising her role in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Berry has expressed interest in taking on roles in Avengers: Doomsday, the upcoming fifth installment of the Avengers film series, as well as its subsequent film, Avengers: Secret War.

She shared with ComicBookMovie.com during a September 2024 interview, while chuckling, “You just never know what might happen. We’ll see!

According to Marvel’s March 26 declaration, acting greats like Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Kelsey Grammer (The Beast), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler) and James Marsden (Cyclops) have been confirmed to appear in the upcoming film, “Avengers: Doomsday”.

Apart from Chris Evans, the confirmed cast members of the upcoming film also feature Tom Hiddleston, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, and Chris Hemsworth. These notable figures from the Marvel Universe – Loki, Ant-Man, the new Captain America, The Winter Soldier, and Thor respectively – will be seen alongside Halle Berry in the forthcoming thriller “Crime 101”.

In the upcoming movie “Doomsday,” it’s been announced that Robert Downey Jr., known for his role as Iron Man in previous Avengers films, will take on the character of the supervillain Doctor Victor von Doom. Furthermore, Marvel has revealed that he is also set to reprise his role as Iron Man in “Avengers: Secret Wars” which is scheduled for release in 2027.

It appears that, apart from Berry, another name missing from the marquee is Chris Evans, who himself has stated that he won’t be returning to his Captain America role.

In a recent conversation with Esquire, I made it clear that the claims about my comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe are not accurate. Truth be told, I’m enjoying my peaceful retirement to the fullest!

Look back at how Marvel cast your favorite superheroes in the first place…

Known primarily for his role on the popular Canadian sitcom “Kim’s Convenience,” Simu Liu once donned a Spider-Man costume for children’s birthday parties during his early acting days. However, he may not have anticipated that he would eventually become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Shang-Chi. This casting news was shared at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019. Or perhaps he had an inkling, since the 32-year-old actor had tweeted a year prior, “Hey @Marvel, ready to chat or what about #ShangChi.

In a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Liu recalled receiving the fateful phone call.

On the 16th of July, 2019, around 6:30 in the evening, Liu had just awakened from a nap and was casually munching on shrimp crackers while his dog dozed in their apartment. Suddenly, an unrecognized call came from Burbank, California. The moment he heard Kevin Feige’s magnificent, resonant voice on the other end, promising that his life would be irrevocably altered, was particularly striking.

As a seasoned lifestyle aficionado, I can share an intriguing tidbit from behind the scenes of Marvel’s cinematic universe. Marvel Studios President, Feige, confided to Rotten Tomatoes that our beloved Shang-Chi, Liu, was not among the initial multitude of candidates considered for the role. Instead, he emerged late in the casting process and ultimately won over everyone with his exceptional talent.

Feige expressed, “He’s authentic through and through. It’s never simple when we introduce a fresh Marvel character, and there’s always immense pressure, not only on us but also the actors. However, Simu has managed to exceed our expectations in a manner that I can’t wait for viewers to witness come September.

Initially, the individual who launched it all was not Marvel’s first choice for the role of Tony Stark, a part now indelibly linked with Robert Downey Jr.. However, Director Jon Favreau persistently worked to secure Downey, despite his checkered past which involved imprisonment and rehabilitation.

In an interview with USA Today, Favreau stated that Robert wasn’t content with merely making a conventional choice. The most significant ups and downs of Robert’s life have been under scrutiny by the public. To conquer challenges that transcended his professional life, he needed to find equilibrium within himself. This is similar to Tony Stark, Favreau pointed out, highlighting the depth that Robert brings to the character, going beyond a typical comic book hero grappling with teenage troubles or love issues.

In the new role, Downey made sure to give his best performance by providing suggestions and asking for additional takes to perfect a scene. He stated, “I’m more conscientious now than I used to be.” He wanted to prove to Jon that he was correct in placing trust in him. Any doubts about his personal life were not concerns for him.

The gamble proved incredibly profitable, resulting in the creation of the world’s most successful franchise, catapulting Downey to become one of Hollywood’s most desired (and best compensated) actors, marking a spectacular resurgence in his career.

Kevin Feige, Marvel’s head, couldn’t help but praise Robert Downey Jr., saying, “He’s exceptionally gifted, an exceptional actor. His unique charm and captivating presence were something we believed could be utilized in a remarkable manner.” He continued, “We recognized his acting skills and his incredible charisma, knowing he would bring Tony Stark to life in a breathtaking fashion. I’ve stated it before, and I’ll say it again: the Marvel Cinematic Universe owes its existence to Robert Downey Jr.

Initially, Favreau had only considered Downey for the role of Iron Man, but there were other actors under consideration such as Clive Owen, Timothy Olyphant, and Sam Rockwell. Eventually, Rockwell was cast as one of the main antagonists in “Iron Man 2”.

Some found it unexpected when Evans, who had previously been associated with the mediocre “Fantastic Four” film at age 29, was chosen by Marvel to play Captain America in 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger,” and the emotional linchpin for their Phase 1 series. However, the selection was not a simple decision.

Recounting the difficulty of choosing Captain America, Feige shared with Vanity Fair, “I found myself questioning, ‘Will we ever find Captain America? If not, how will The Avengers continue? Will the whole project collapse?'” Eventually, they considered Chris Evans, whom they had previously overlooked due to his role as Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four franchise. After presenting him with the artwork and explaining the movie’s plot, he spent a weekend pondering over it before making his decision.

According to Feige, Chris Evans has portrayed Captain America with the same level of excellence as any actor has ever depicted a highly recognized pop-culture icon. He considers Christopher Reeve’s Superman as the benchmark, and he believes that Evans is on par. It’s hard for him to imagine anyone else in the role.

Initially, Evans expressed some reservations about accepting the role and even declined it several times before finally agreeing. As he confessed to Jimmy Kimmel, the overwhelming number of films he’d be committed to and his personal “anxiety with the social aspects of this industry” were significant reasons for his hesitation.

Indeed, he approached the situation with characteristic panache, saying, “I initially declined due to apprehension, but now I realize,” Evans explained. “You shouldn’t act out of fear. You should never be doing something because you’re afraid. It eventually dawned on me that if you’re scared of something, face it head-on.

It’s said that some well-known figures were linked to the role of Cap, such as Channing Tatum, Garrett Hedlund, Scott Porter, Chace Crawford, and Dane Cook?!

In 2010, the comedian revealed to MTV that he was about to meet with ‘Captain America,’ which was quite exciting for him. He added that after Superman, Captain America was his preferred superhero. (A hint: It might not be wise to express a preference for a DC superhero when aiming for a Marvel movie role!)

John Krasinski shared that he advanced in the audition process to even get a chance to wear the costume.

The Office fan favorite shared that he felt it was significant when he was asked to test and was allowed to wear the suit. He found himself on a set, which made the experience quite intriguing for him, as he mentioned on Conan.

Similar to numerous preceding superheroes, Brie Larson, a laureate of the Oscar for her remarkable debut in “Room”, initially hesitated about accepting such a legendary part, which is famously depicted as the strongest character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

She openly confessed to The Hollywood Reporter that she initially hesitated to meet. “I felt, ‘I don’t believe I can handle or contain what comes with a movie like that.’ Being an introvert, I feared I might crumble,” she said. However, as they began discussing the film with her, she found herself thinking, “Oh no, this seems to be the perfect blend of all my aspirations!

For Feige, Larson was the perfect choice.

In an interview with Variety, they explained that when introducing Captain Marvel, who possesses extraordinary abilities unlike any other character in our movies, it’s essential to find someone equally human and relatable. This individual should form a connection with the audience, making them eager to watch her soar through the sun and dislodge a moon from a spaceship. However, it’s also important that she has recognizable flaws and is someone you’d want to join on this adventure. Brie is exactly that person.

As a lifestyle expert, I must admit, it’s always a bit disappointing when opportunities to collaborate with talented individuals slip away. In this case, I found myself missing out on partnering Emily Blunt in two past roles (details forthcoming). However, the universe seems to have a way of making things right, as Marvel is now reportedly extending an invitation to the enchanting star of “Mary Poppins Returns” to step into their superhero realm by embodying the part-human/part-Kree character, Carol Danvers.

In her conversation with ScreenCrush, Blunt expressed that her focus has always been on what she contributes and what would captivate both herself and the audience. She stated, “If it’s an exceptional role, whether it’s in a Marvel film or a small-scale production, I am open to it.

Additionally, it was said that other actresses vying for the role were Yvonne Strahovski from “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Katheryn Winnick.

It was one of Marvel’s most straightforward casting decisions, as revealed in an interview by Feige. The role of the future ruler of Wakanda was offered to Chadwick Boseman, who had previously garnered praise for his portrayals of historical figures such as Jackie Robinson in the film 42 and James Brown in Get On Up.

At a table, we brainstormed the plot for Captain America: Civil War. Our executive producer, Nate Moore, proposed incorporating Black Panther as he sought an unbiased character who wouldn’t align with either Captain America or Iron Man. As soon as we said it, everyone agreed, “Chadwick” was the man for the job. According to Feige at a 2018 press conference, this idea stuck in my mind, and I recall that we immediately put him on speakerphone for a call afterwards.

There wasn’t any audition process or complex negotiations. Instead, Chadwick Boseman, who was in Zurich promoting Get On Up, received a simple phone call. Feige stated, “It’s often said in situations like this, but he was the only suitable candidate.

After that point, it turned into a historic event. In fact, “Black Panther” made history by becoming the initial superhero movie nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. Moreover, it was the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film to win any awards, not just three, and it stands among the top-grossing movies ever made. Long live Wakanda!

In August 2020, Chadwick Boseman passed away at the age of 43 following a four-year-long, private battle with colon cancer. Upon hearing this sad news, Marvel Studios decided not to replace the role of T’Challa in Black Panther 2.

Initially, Chris Hemsworth was an obscure choice for the iconic part of the Norse deity, but it turns out that his younger brother, Liam Hemsworth, nearly clinched the role instead.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share a behind-the-scenes tale that Chris himself once disclosed on Quora. You see, in the thrilling early stages of something extraordinary, I was given an audition opportunity that didn’t quite hit the mark. However, my little brother, who seemed destined for stardom, almost snagged the role! Alas, it wasn’t meant to be because they felt he was a bit too young at the time. Consequently, they reopened the casting call. What an exciting rollercoaster ride that was!

He went on to explain, “I became extremely upset when it seemed like my brother had almost secured the role, so I returned with renewed anger. Fortunately, I needed to ask him for advice after the audition, which he kindly provided. And thanks to that helpful exchange, I managed to land the part myself. So, you could say there was a bit of sibling competition involved in this family affair!

According to a report from Deadline, the initial decision by the casting director was to overlook Chris (aged 25 at that time). However, later he was reconsidered, recorded a screen test, and Feige and director Kenneth Branagh approved him promptly following the audition.

Apart from the Hemsworth brothers, other contenders for the role included James Bond actor Daniel Craig, star of Grey’s Anatomy Kevin McKidd, WWE’s Triple H, Charlie Hunnam (before his days on Sons of Anarchy), Joel Kinnaman, Alexander Skarsgaard, and the relatively unknown Joel Kinnaman. Interestingly, Stellan Skarsgard, who later played Dr. Erik Selvig in the film, is Alexander Skarsgaard’s father.

Following his unsuccessful audition for the part, Alexander Skarsgaard shared with MTV that he had indeed met with Kevin Feige on several occasions and the director, Kenneth Branagh. There’s no denying that fact, yes.

Initially, Tom Hiddleston was strongly considered for the main character’s role before he masterfully transformed Loki, Thor’s brother and trickster god, into a fan favorite in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

During my initial visit to Los Angeles as an actor, I was given a chance to play Thor. An agent had signed me following a Shakespeare performance in London, and they suggested I come to LA to get acquainted with the city. I auditioned for various roles, including Thor, since I had prior experience working with Kenneth Branagh, who was also involved in the project. This role presented a possible chance for me because of our shared history in theater.

Although he felt “proud” of the audition, and eventually received a callback following advice to build more muscle (achieving a 7% body fat level!), it didn’t turn out as he had originally anticipated.

Tom Hiddleston stated that both Kevin and Keith contacted him directly, expressing they wanted him to portray Loki instead of Thor. Essentially, it was a fortunate turn of events, one he has no regrets about whatsoever. He’s never once pondered, “If only I were playing Thor.

He had absolutely no inkling about the reaction fans would have towards the character, acknowledging that “the ideal outcome was more than likely exceeded; it was likely much greater than anything I could ever have imagined.

Following Natalie Portman’s departure from the series, Tessa Thompson joined the cast of Thor: Ragnarok as the new female lead, embodying the warrior character Valkyrie, based on the comics. However, her role was not limited to being a love interest for Thor, which Thompson herself emphasized when she was first offered the part by director Taika Waititi. It was later disclosed that this character represents the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first bisexual superhero.

In the initial discussions with Taika, we explored various aspects of [the part] extensively as one never knows. At first, there were speculations in the media about her being a love interest, but I wanted a character who was independent and self-driven. However, Marvel and Taika from the beginning envisioned Valkyrie as a standalone character, providing something robust, innovative, and fresh. They seem to have made an intelligent decision by catering to fans’ demand for more empowered female characters who aren’t solely tied to male protagonists.

As a lifestyle expert, I find it fascinating to delve into the world of film adaptations, and I must say, I stand behind director Taika Waititi’s choice regarding the casting of Thor: Ragnarok. While some criticism was raised when Chris Hemsworth was announced as the new Thor, given that the character was white and blonde in the comics, Waititi has defended his decision in a recent interview with Comic Book Resources. He explained that adaptations often require change to resonate with contemporary audiences, and I believe he makes a valid point.

From the outset, our aim was to create a diverse cast, but it can be challenging when dealing with Vikings. We wanted to promote inclusivity and offer a wider range of representations. To achieve this, we needed to look at the original source as a flexible guide. Then, we should trust our instincts and think, “What if none of that really matters?” Just because the character was blonde and white in the original work doesn’t mean it defines who they are.

He added, “It seems people often overlook this fact. Devoted fans might argue, ‘This isn’t true to the original comics,’ but once they immerse themselves in the film’s narrative and follow the unfolding events, they tend to forget. The persistence of this discussion is almost laughable, considering how easily we all forget. Unless the topic pertains directly to the movie, it hardly matters. In my opinion, the story should be the focus, and the ideal candidate should be chosen. We cast a wide search, and Tess was the most suitable choice.

Following Marvel’s acquisition of Spidey from Sony and with Andrew Garfield no longer in contention, many promising young actors found themselves vying for the sought-after part. Even Timothée Chalamet, who is currently popular on the internet as the dream boyfriend, was among those considered.

Other candidates in contention were Charlie Rowe, Charlie Plummer, Asa Butterfield, Matthew Lintz, and Dylan O’Brien. However, Marvel selected Tom Holland as their new Peter Parker in 2015 who, at the time, was relatively unknown. When these finalists were called to audition with Downey for “Civil War,” which laid the groundwork for the solo Spider-Man film, Robert Downey Jr. commented, “Everyone else was competent, but there was an extra factor [with Holland].

In a press statement, Tom Rothman, the chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group, expressed his conviction that Tom Holland, who he has worked with, possesses exceptional talent similar to those who became superstars. He stated that the screen tests of several young actors for the role of Spidey were impressive, but Tom’s stood out remarkably, indicating a promising start for the project.

Indeed, the selection of Holland was spot on, as critics hailed him as “the superior Spider-Man” following the 2017 release of Spider-Man: Homecoming. (Apologies to Tobey Maguire and Andrew!)

Has there ever been a more tumultuous role than that of the Hulk?

In the realm of blockbuster movies back in 2003, I had the thrill of embodying the grumpy green colossus in the film titled “Hulk.” Unfortunately, this cinematic endeavor didn’t quite resonate with audiences and critics alike. However, Marvel Studios, always forward-thinking, decided to give the character a fresh start, and in 2008, Edward Norton stepped into the role for “The Incredible Hulk.

The movie performed reasonably well, yet it seemed that Norton wasn’t particularly fond of the demanding shooting and marketing schedule in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There have been rumors of artistic disagreements as well.

Marvel announced that they will not be casting Edward Norton to reprise his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk in “The Avengers” during pre-production. This decision is not financially motivated, but rather seeks an actor who can capture the creativity and collaborative essence that defines our other esteemed cast members. The Avengers requires actors who excel in ensemble work.

In a turn of events, Norton’s team has labeled a statement as inappropriate and unkind, rejecting the accusations, asserting that Marvel’s move was primarily driven by financial considerations.

Luckily, Marvel selected an ideal candidate in Mark Ruffalo, and it turned out that the character was more suited for ensemble productions rather than solo films. In fact, as stated by Feige during a press conference, “Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of the Hulk set many things straight, resulting in great satisfaction among us all.

In a playful remark, Ruffalo once told Vanity Fair that “The Hulk” is this generation’s equivalent of “Hamlet.” Everyone will have a chance to portray it before the final act.

Prior to Scarlett Johansson assuming the part of the initial female Avenger, appearing as the ex-Russian spy turned fierce S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Natasha Romanoff in 2010’s “Iron Man 2”, it was actually Emily Blunt who was planned to star. Unfortunately, scheduling issues due to the 2010 box office flop “Gulliver’s Travels” arose and prevented this from happening (a grudge never forgotten!).

Prior to Scarlett Johansson’s official casting, Eliza Dushku advocated for the role, expressing on The Howard Stern Show that she was a great fit for the Black Widow character and that they simply needed to consider her for it. Regrettably, they opted not to.

Following her successful casting as the Black Widow, Johansson confessed in an interview that she dyed her hair red specifically to persuade Marvel Studios that she was the right choice for the character.

Approximately a year before filming began, I had conversations with Jon Feige and another person, Kevin [Feige], about some Marvel Universe superheroes. Among them was Black Widow. At that time, they seemed to be considering incorporating the character into the movie, discussing various aspects of how it could fit in.

When I met Jon again for the second time, I actually had red hair. My desire to change my hair color and my hope that Jon would appreciate the change were both factors behind this decision.

However, it wasn’t until “The Avengers” that fans truly became acquainted with Natasha. Despite this, director Joss Whedon had initial apprehensions about scheduling conflicts potentially preventing Johansson from reprising her role in the 2012 team-up movie.

As a lifestyle expert, I can share my excitement when we managed to secure Scarlett for our production. Initially, there was uncertainty due to scheduling conflicts, but seeing her sign on was a joyous moment. She brings an extraordinary depth to our film that beautifully contrasts with her male co-stars.

Contrary to her character’s complex and dark nature, Scarlett is the very antithesis. Her humor, charm, and adorable demeanor make her a delight to work with. I wanted her to embody the opposite of her character’s personality for Black Widow to take on a darker persona. This was particularly important since we aimed to present a grittier version of Black Widow compared to her portrayal in Iron Man 2.

In this film, you’ll catch glimpses of her character’s troubled past, and it isn’t a pretty sight. One of the reasons I admire Scarlett is her meticulous approach to character development. She’s extremely precise with how she portrays her characters, which made for a seamless evolution of Black Widow in our storyline.

At long last, Johansson will star in a solo film titled “Black Widow,” set to premiere in theaters in July 2021. The release was pushed back from its original date due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Following his stellar act in the movie “The Hurt Locker”, it wasn’t until much later that Jeremy Renner accepted the part as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Clint Barton, despite dismissing such speculations for months prior.

In a conversation with Empire, Jeremy Renner hinted that Hawkeye could be intriguing. He mentioned receiving materials about it, curious to find out more. What struck him was the effort being made to make these superhero films feel grounded and less like pure fantasy.

Initially, Renner appeared in an unacknowledged brief role in the 2011 film Thor, and it was not until The Avengers (released in 2012) that his character Hawkeye was officially introduced. However, the actor later expressed his dissatisfaction with the development of the human character’s storyline in the movie.

By the close of the film, I found myself vastly different from the character I initially agreed to portray, according to my comments to the LA Times. I’m only on-screen for a brief two minutes before things take an unexpected turn, resulting in insufficient development and confusion about Clint Barton’s background or allegiance to S.H.I.E.L.D., leaving many questions unanswered, even for myself.

He further mentioned, “I’m grateful that I remained part of the film. You see, there are many characters in that movie, significant ones at that. If my role contributed to the narrative, then I believe I fulfilled my purpose.

In the following installment, Whedon expanded Hawkeye’s part significantly, introducing the unexpected disclosure that Clint was married with children. Joss Whedon shared on Tumblr, “I adored the concept that one of the Avengers harbored a secret, and that it was his ordinary life that tied him to the world in a manner no other Avenger did.” Unfortunately, we trimmed down much of the suspenseful build-up that would have heightened the surprise, but the emotional impact and thematic resonance remain strong for me.

Approaching “The Avengers: Endgame” after Renner’s absence in “Infinity War”, fans eagerly anticipated witnessing Hawkeye’s evolution into the comic book character, Ronin, and his potential dark transformation.

In an interview, I couldn’t help but gush about the extraordinary journeys we’re crafting for this cherished character of mine. I truly believe fans are going to be thrilled with the surprises that lie ahead!

Hey there! Can we get Samuel L. Jackson on board, please? I’m convinced that no one else but him can embody Nick Fury to perfection. You see, the character from the Ultimate Marvel Comics series was actually modeled after him – it’s like fate has brought us this match made in comic book heaven!

In an open conversation with Business Insider, comic book writer Mark Millar confessed that he and artist Bryan Hitch freely utilized Sam, who is known as the coolest man alive, without seeking any kind of authorization. He added that it was the year 2001, a time when the notion that this work might one day become a movie seemed implausible, as Marvel was still struggling to recover from bankruptcy at the time.

Eventually, Jackson agreed to a nine-movie contract with Marvel Studios. Nick Fury was instrumental in connecting many of the superheroes’ narratives, and he made his debut as the former head of S.H.I.E.L.D. in an after-credits scene of Iron Man, marking the first appearance of a character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This unexpected cameo later became a pivotal moment for the entire franchise, despite not initially being part of the plan when it was added to the movie.

Jon Favreau shared with EW that adding Easter eggs to the movie was something fun they decided on. Nick Fury being played by Sam Jackson was an idea they found amusing because in the comic book series “The Ultimates,” Fury was recast as Jackson, and this would be a nice nod to fans. The post-credit scene wasn’t part of the original script but was suggested later on. They were careful with the dialogue, using phrases like ‘You’re part of a bigger world now, a bigger universe,’ and ‘the Avengers Initiative,’ to hint at future events. They also planned to bring these characters together, but many things needed to fall into place for that to happen. The post-credit scene was a way to express their intentions and to reward the dedicated fans who would stay till the end of the movie.

Little did he know Feige has major plans.

In the movie “Captain Marvel,” the filmmakers utilized digital technology to make Samuel L. Jackson appear about 20 years younger, enabling him to portray Nick Fury during the mid-’90s. This film also functions as a sort of origin story for the character that fans are familiar with today.

Following his outstanding portrayal in the movie “The Hurt Locker“, Anthony Mackie was chosen to take on the role of 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, later in the story.

However, during the 2015 Emerald City Comic-Con, it was disclosed that he had initially contacted Marvel about a different character instead.

Mackie stated that his initial intention for writing was to become the character Black Panter, however, they eventually reached out to him, but not for that role. Instead, they offered him the part of Falcon, a role which he was overjoyed to accept.

He expressed his joy by saying, “I am extremely pleased and happy to work alongside those people every day, feeling fortunate to play Falcon, standing beside Captain America.” It’s much more rewarding for me to be part of a fantastic movie production with an exceptional team, rather than focusing on personal ego, thinking ‘I must always be the main character.’

In an interview with Collider, co-director Anthony Russo expressed why they chose Anthony Mackie for the role, stating, “We were drawn to Anthony Mackie for this character because he has a vibrant energy and a sense of humor. Captain America, in this film, is in a very challenging emotional and psychological state as he wakes up in the modern world after being away for some time, and he’s lost everyone close to him. We felt that Mackie’s cheerful demeanor would be the perfect counterbalance to help lift Cap out of his despair.

Following the momentous event in Endgame where Cap handed me the shield, I soared into a new adventure, starring alongside Stan in our very own Disney+ series, Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The storyline culminated with me taking on the mantle of Captain America.

Prior to being chosen as Captain America’s friend-turned-enemy-turned-friend once more, Sebastian Stan initially tried out for the main role. On the Vanity Fair‘s Still Watching podcast, it was revealed that they perceived a more ominous quality in Stan that didn’t align perfectly with Steve Rogers’ character.

Back in 2016, I couldn’t help but feel crestfallen when I missed out on the role of Captain America. Who wouldn’t be? I received a call, and they said, “You did an excellent job, but this time, it’s not for you.

Luckily, another call arrived promptly, with the actress from “I, Tonya” expressing her enthusiasm, “When they contacted me again to share about another role I might consider, I was thrilled because it meant my chances weren’t exhausted yet.” And that excitement wouldn’t fade soon, as he sealed a 9-movie contract, much like Evans did.

Now, it’s worth noting that Stan has played a crucial role in bringing the Marvel Cinematic Universe to television, collaborating with Mackie on the series titled “Falcon and the Winter Soldier“.

In 2011, with Elizabeth Olsen shining brightly out of her renowned older twin sisters’ shadows in the independent movie “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” filmmaker Joss Whedon recognized her as the ideal actress for his project featuring a Russian superheroine capable of entering people’s minds and possessing telekinetic powers, following her transformation under H.Y.D.R.A.’s experiments in the movie.

Initially, she wasn’t entirely clear about the purpose of the meeting as she stated to EW, “I met up with Joss and had a general idea of the characters we were discussing. No one explicitly informed me. All I knew was it involved the next Avengers movie, and they were introducing two new characters, and that was the extent of my knowledge.

Prior to Olsen’s casting, there were widespread whispers suggesting that Saoirse Ronan could have taken on the role of Scarlet Witch. It is said that Marvel even employed her as a model during the character’s development stages.

By the finale of Age of Ultron, Scarlet Witch became a member of the latest group of Avengers. However, she experiences two significant setbacks: the tragic death of her brother in combat and the disappearance of her Russian accent, which was no longer noticeable by Infinity War.

In 2021, Wanda marked Marvel’s debut on television with the series “WandaVision,” where fans were thrilled to witness the transformation of the character into the Scarlet Witch.

Paul Bettany has a rich history spanning the Marvel Cinematic Universe that might not be immediately apparent. Hailing from Britain, he lent his voice to JARVIS, Tony Stark’s loyal AI companion in the initial Iron Man film, which marked the beginning of this cinematic universe. This origin story is arguably one of the funniest in the entire MCU.

According to Bettany, he received a call from Jon Favreau who said, “I require the voice of a robot without much personality, and you immediately came to mind,” as Bettany told GQ. [Laughs] I found it the most amusing thing ever, so I agreed.

In “The Avengers: Age of Ultron”, Marvel took an uncommon step by choosing Bettany to play Vision. This is because JARVIS (rest in peace) was transferred into a robotic form, together with the Mind Stone, to bring about the creation of this superhero.

According to Bettany, there’s a Marvel rule that prohibits actors from portraying more than one character within their universe. However, they made an exception for him because Joss Whedon strongly desired for both The Vision and Bettany to be part of the films. So, they somewhat flexed the rules in his case.

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 amount in return, which made me feel like a pirate escaping with a satchel full of gold at the end of the day, Bettany quipped. However, now, I have to genuinely put in effort and time instead.

That stuff ultimately included starring with Elizabeth Olsen in Disney+’s WandaVision.

Known for his endearing portrayal of Andy Dwyer on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”, it was Chris Pratt’s starring role in “Guardians of the Galaxy” that catapulted him to global stardom. Beyond his transition from comical sidekick to captivating leading actor, Pratt made headlines with a remarkable physical transformation, taking on the lead role as Peter Quill in the eccentric space adventuring team.

In an interview with The Huffington Post, Pratt confessed that from the beginning, it seemed like the role was tailor-made for him. During his first audition, he felt confident that he aced it. However, he worried about not meeting the physical requirements because at that time, he was still quite large. He believed that the character’s spirit was a match for his own, and he felt the dialogue suited him well, but he wasn’t sure if he looked the part just yet.

Initially, director James Gunn shared similar reservations, acknowledging that he wasn’t keen on Chris at first. Chris was heavier then, and Gunn perceived him as more of a comedian, doubting if he was suitable for the role. However, during his audition, just 20 seconds in, Gunn exclaimed, “That’s the guy!

Nevertheless, Pratt managed to shed approximately 60 pounds within six months, humorously recounting his experience on Instagram (“Six months without beer. #GOTG A bit arrogant to post this, but my brother made me” was the caption for one of his gym photos). Eventually, he gained numerous magazine covers and headlines praising his remarkable transformation.

Feige expressed his admiration for the actor’s versatility, stating, “He transitions brilliantly from being comedically awkward and endearing in ‘Parks and Recreation,’ to powerfully intense in ‘Zero Dark Thirty.’ It’s quite remarkable. With his diverse acting abilities, he’ll certainly need them for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ That’s a wide range indeed.

Back in the audition phase, it wasn’t apparent to Pratt that the Marvel crew was thinking far ahead. As Feige explained, “We audition and cast for the film we’re currently making, but we also consider the future. So when we were casting Chris Pratt, our goal was to find the perfect Star-Lord, yet simultaneously, we thought, ‘We need someone who could potentially go head-to-head with Robert Downey Jr.’ (Which happened in Infinity War).

Initially, Marvel considered several actors like Eddie Redmayne, Joel Edgerton, Jack Huston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Lee Pace for the role of Peter Quill (Star-Lord), but eventually, Pace landed the part of the villain Ronan the Accuser. However, Glenn Howerton, a star from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” was another strong contender for the role after Chris Pratt.

There’s no one more fitting for the role of the deadliest woman in the galaxy, who is also the estranged daughter of Thanos, than the talented actress Zoe Saldana. With her extensive background in action roles, showcased in films like Avatar and Star Trek, she truly stands out.

Initially, discussions centered around employing CGI for the green assassin’s character, but Zaldana ultimately decided on undergoing daily four-hour makeup applications instead.

In an interview with Net-a-Porter, Saldana defended Marvel actors against accusations that they’re selling out by making superhero movies. She argued that these critics should understand the impact playing a superhero has on young children: “When you criticize me for this role, you’re actually attacking what that child values in their world.” She expressed great pride in her work in space and portraying alien characters, stating that she aims to inspire the younger generation. Recalling her own childhood feelings of exclusion, she said, “I remember feeling left out when I was young because I wasn’t considered part of the mainstream. Now, as an actress, I feel honored to be a part of something that makes children who might feel ‘other’ feel included.

Nonetheless, Saldana harbored significant reservations prior to the official agreement, expressing that director James Gunn was fully supportive of all her suggestions.

In a chat with bloggers during a roundtable discussion, she expressed her disappointment about the script from Gamora’s perspective. She felt underutilized since she was expected to appear in every scene, but didn’t have any lines. So, she questioned why she should spend six months on set, endure five hours of makeup daily, five days a week, if her role was merely an unspoken observer in every scene. Moreover, she found it frustrating that before any break for lunch, they would shoot her close-ups. In essence, she didn’t see the point of doing all this work if her role wasn’t going to be more substantial or engaging.

Moreover, Gamora emerged as an emotional cornerstone within the series, significantly contributing to key events in “Infinity War”.

Initially, Saldana was Marvel’s preferred candidate for a specific role, but there were also other actresses reportedly in contention such as Olivia Wilde, Gina Carano, and Adrianne Palicki. Notably, Palicki eventually became part of the Marvel TV world, playing Bobbi Morse on ABC’s ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’

Saldana was initially Marvel’s top pick for a role, but there were other actresses like Olivia Wilde, Gina Carano, and Adrianne Palicki who were also in the running. Interestingly, Palicki eventually found her place in the Marvel TV universe as Bobbi Morse on ABC’s ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’

Instead of choosing the conventional path as a Marvel main character, Bradley Cooper opted for a less common approach to playing a superhero, distinguishing himself from many of his contemporaries in the field.

During his interview on Ellen, Cooper explained that Rocket’s voice sounded like a mix between Gilbert Gottfried and Joe Pesci. Originally, he had planned to give the character a much more serious tone, similar to Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood.

However, it may be unclear to some fans that Cooper isn’t the one wearing the green suit on set as Rocket. Instead, it’s Sean Gunn, the sibling of director James Gunn, who portrays Rocket as well as Kraglin, a member of the Ravagers.

In simpler terms, he is an actor who serves as a reference for motion, particularly for the character Rocket in filming scenes on set. As James Gunn put it on Facebook, “We record everything Sean does for Rocket, until we get the desired performance right. We then use that performance as a foundation for most of Rocket’s acting.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d share this tidbit: “Previously, Marvel was said to have considered some heavyweight comedians like Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey for lending their voices to the potty-mouthed Guardian character. However, they ultimately chose another route.

Vin Diesel, who is well-known for his roles in the Fast and Furious franchise, is one of the beloved characters in the massive MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) series. Interestingly, he was approached for this role after a playful prank – it was the studio who contacted him about the part, following a Facebook post where he humorously claimed that Marvel had asked for a meeting with him.

In contrast, though Groot is known for repeating just one phrase, “I am Groot,” Vin Diesel, his voice actor, was provided with distinct scripts to convey the specific meaning and tone behind every instance when Groot speaks.

James Gunn, in a past Instagram post, shared a glimpse of an exclusive version of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 script, dubbed the “Groot Version.” In this unique copy, all lines spoken by Groot are written in English.

Despite Groot’s apparent demise at the conclusion of the initial Guardians of the Galaxy movie, leaving him as a small potted plant, Diesel continued to provide the voice for the rejuvenated Baby Groot.

As I shared with Entertainment Weekly, the processing we perform on select characters is minimal. Essentially, it’s predominantly about amplifying Vin’s voice, enabling him to speak at a pitch higher than his usual tone.

Prior to securing a significant role in DC’s Aquaman, it was disclosed that Jason Momoa had discussions about portraying Drax and even attempted an audition alongside Chris Pratt. However, he ultimately decided to decline the opportunity.

The Games of Thrones actor clarified to Zap2It that the role didn’t quite align with his time due to him often playing silent, heavily-costumed characters without shirts on, which he had already extensively portrayed, such as in Stargate: Atlantis where he played Ronon for four years. He explained that while it wasn’t a poor role, it simply didn’t feel right for him, as he desired to explore new and different character opportunities.

Marvel eventually hit the jackpot with WWE star Dave Bautista as their Drax, although he confessed to being “scared” during the audition phase. As Bautista explained to Wired, “With each callback, it grew increasingly nerve-racking and felt more tangible.

In regards to selecting the MMA fighter for the role, Feige stated that one factor contributing to Bautista getting the part was the exceptional chemistry and improvisation he displayed during their auditions and rehearsals with Pratt.

Getting chosen for the unconventional Guardians of the Galaxy team was a long-cherished dream for him, as Bautista shared with Hero Complex, “I’m still in disbelief that I landed this role. It’s something I desired more than anything else in my life. When I got it, I wept like a tiny baby.

Hey, to spend five hours in make-up every day, you gotta love what you do!

Have I ever been more ecstatic about a casting announcement than when Karen Gillan confidently revealed at Comic-Con 2013 that she had shaved her head, signaling her entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nebula, one of the formidable antagonists in Guardians of the Galaxy and sister to Gamora? I’m still riding that wave of excitement!

Previously well-loved in the genre during her tenure on Doctor Who, Gillan shared with W Magazine later on that during the audition for Guardians of the Galaxy, they asked if she was open to shaving her head. Finding the project intriguing and welcoming the change, she agreed. Her long red hair had always been a distinctive trait for her.

Initially, it was planned for Nebula to perish in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film; however, later, Gillan expressed surprise and delight when she was brought back and included as a team member in the subsequent movie, stating, “I was truly taken aback when I found out I’d be returning for the next installment. That was incredible! I certainly didn’t anticipate that.

In the climax of “Infinity War”, Nebula managed to outlive her adoptive father Thanos’ devastating snap, ending up as one of the last remaining heroes alongside Tony Stark.

James Dunn referred to Pom Klementieff as “the most fantastic and effortlessly charming individual I’ve ever worked with” when he spoke about her joining the franchise in Vol. 2, where she played Mantis, the latest member of the team who possesses the unique ability to manipulate others’ emotions.

“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 casting choice, Gunn explained that Marvel considered numerous actresses for this part. Four actresses underwent screen tests, all of whom were exceptional. However, Pom Klementieff stood out as she excelled in portraying intense emotions – a crucial aspect of the character. Her ability to empathize deeply with others is her unique strength, much like an empath would have.

Enthusiastically attached to the initial film, the French actor openly confessed that she was quite anxious during her tryouts, almost to the point of being overwhelmed.

In 2012, the cherished Hollywood actor Paul Rudd was cast as the tiny superhero from Marvel Comics, causing a wave of excitement on the internet.

Feige expressed a tremendous sense of relief because discovering the perfect leading actor is crucial for any Marvel Studios film. We sensed from early on that Paul was indeed the ideal choice. Not only did he agree to take on the role, but his eagerness and enthusiasm about the work exceeded that of any other actor we’ve ever met – confirming that we had found our perfect fit.

According to Variety’s report before the announcement of Rudd’s casting, another actor who was strongly in contention for the role was none other than Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Previously well-liked due to her roles as Kate on ABC’s Lost and Tauriel in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Evangeline Lilly was chosen for the part of Hope van Dyne in Ant-Man. At the movie’s conclusion, she delivered the significant line, “It’s high time.

In 2017, Evangeline Lilly made history as the first woman to star in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film with “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” as her character Hope effectively assumed the leading position by inheriting the Wasp role from her mother.

Lilly shared with ESPN, “We often saw many female partners [in the original comics]. It’s thrilling for me to collaborate with Marvel now, as they are developing strong, well-rounded female characters for these roles.

Lilly isn’t very keen on a solo Wasp film. Instead, she feels that Scott and Hope work best as a team. She expressed this by saying, “I’m not particularly fond of the idea of splitting them up—unless it was for an all-female Avengers movie…then I’d be on board.” I completely agree!

Prior to Lilly’s selection, there were rumors swirling that both Emma Stone and Rashida Jones had meetings with Marvel regarding the role. Additionally, it was said that Jessica Chastain declined the part because of scheduling issues.

There was a significant buzz when whispers circulated that Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the series ‘Sherlock’, was the top contender to embody Doctor Strange, Marvel’s most daring solo venture. Unfortunately, scheduling issues initially thwarted the possibility. Later, Benedict admitted to Empire magazine, “I truly believed I had to let it go.

Joaquin Phoenix, an unconventional yet esteemed candidate, was reportedly discussed for a Marvel role. However, negotiations didn’t lead to any concrete outcomes, and Phoenix later expressed his thoughts somewhat ambiguously, stating, “I appreciate those films sometimes, and I believe they play a significant role in sustaining the film industry…I’m trying to find the right words here…It seems everyone was content with how things unfolded.” (Phoenix might have been a DC Comics enthusiast all along, as he later won an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in 2020.)

Following discussions with several individuals (reportedly featuring Tom Hardy and Jared Leto), Director Scott Derrickson successfully persuaded Marvel Studios to delay filming so they could hire their top pick for the famous role of the doctor-turned-sorcerer.

In Derrickson’s words to Vanity Fair, Benedict was a fantastic choice as Doctor Strange due to his unique blend of academic knowledge and intellectual prowess. He seems capable of excelling in a career as a top neurosurgeon. What sets him apart is not only his intelligence but also the depth, range, and emotions he brings to his acting. As Derrickson explains, Benedict had to portray an arrogant neurosurgeon undergoing an emotional transformation, experiencing pain, suffering, disorientation, anger, and ultimately enlightenment. There aren’t many actors who can convincingly embody such a complex journey, but Benedict is one of them. Derrickson believed that he would make an excellent action star because he can evoke emotions from the audience even during high-action scenes – much like Harrison Ford does, whose facial expressions never fail to captivate audiences regardless of what he’s doing, as viewers connect with the feelings he conveys. Benedict shares this ability to keep audiences engaged emotionally.

2025-04-04 02:22

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