Recasting the 7 Original Avengers As Other Marvel Characters (Including Another Hero for Robert Downey Jr.)

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A consistent strength of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is its excellent casting choices. While not every movie or show pleases everyone, fans generally agree that the actors perfectly fit their roles, whether they’re playing heroes like the Avengers or Defenders, or villains. This is especially true for actors like Charlie Cox and Krysten Ritter, who were so well-received in their parts that Marvel integrated them fully into the main MCU, and attempts to recast them have always felt off.

With this year’s Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel is doing something unusual: bringing Robert Downey Jr. back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but as a completely new character – Victor von Doom. While there will likely be a story explanation for why the actor who played Iron Man is taking on a new role, it opens the door for other MCU actors to showcase their range and potentially play different characters in the future. Here’s a look at other Marvel characters the original Avengers cast members could convincingly portray, not to say the current actors aren’t well-suited, but that their colleagues could have easily filled those roles as well.

7) Mark Ruffalo as Ben Urich

Mark Ruffalo is well-known for playing the Hulk, but he truly excels at portraying relatable, working-class characters who stand up for what’s right. This makes him a perfect fit for the role of Ben Urich, a key supporting character from the Daredevil comics. While Ruffalo often plays the powerful Hulk, Urich would allow him to showcase a grittier, more grounded side that he doesn’t often get to explore as Bruce Banner. Casting Ruffalo as Urich would be a great way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to finally give this important, non-superpowered character the attention he deserves.

6) Chris Hemsworth as Sentry

Chris Hemsworth certainly looks the part of The Sentry, with the right physique and hair. But beyond appearances, the role would be a great fit for him. The Sentry is a complex character in Marvel comics, known for its self-awareness and commentary on superhero stories. Playing The Sentry – or his alter ego, The Void – would give Hemsworth a chance to showcase a lot of depth as an actor and even playfully acknowledge the tropes of the superhero genre. Unfortunately, the Marvel Cinematic Universe seems to be taking The Sentry in a different direction than the comics, so this remains a missed opportunity.

5) Scarlett Johansson as Hellcat

While many red-haired female characters exist in Marvel, Scarlett Johansson would be a particularly great fit as Patsy Walker, also known as Hellcat. Interestingly, Patsy’s comic book journey mirrors Johansson’s own career. Both started with lighter, teen-focused projects – Patsy in a rom-com series and Johansson in films like Ghost World. Over time, Patsy evolved from an ordinary character into a fully-fledged superhero with compelling storylines, even facing a trip to hell and becoming an Avenger. Marvel has successfully developed Patsy into a complex and unique hero, and Johansson has the talent to bring that same depth to the role.

4) Jeremy Renner as Cyclops

Early in his career, Jeremy Renner was considered a potential star for major franchises like Mission: Impossible and Bourne. While those roles didn’t materialize, Renner has become a more skilled actor, evident in his portrayal of Hawkeye, which he transformed from a minor character into a beloved one. Because of this growth, Renner would have been a fantastic Cyclops in any film adaptation. He embodies the qualities of the mutant leader and could convincingly pull off the iconic visor look – a challenge many actors would face.

3) Samuel L. Jackson as Blue Marvel

Samuel L. Jackson is famous for playing Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he could bring something new to a different role. While Fury has impressive powers – including super strength, speed, energy control, and flight – their full extent hasn’t been explored, and in the comics, he’s as strong as characters like The Hulk. Plus, he’s a brilliant scientist, comparable to Reed Richards, making him one of Marvel’s most powerful characters overall. This combination of intelligence and strength would allow Jackson to move away from the spy-focused plots of Nick Fury and explore a different kind of hero. Luckily, the character Blue Marvel hasn’t appeared in the MCU yet, which could open the door for Jackson to take on this powerful role if he steps away from Nick Fury.

2) Chris Evans as Nova

Chris Evans is ahead of Robert Downey Jr. when it comes to playing multiple Marvel characters – he’s not only Captain America, but also the Human Torch. With appearances in Avengers: Endgame, Deadpool & Wolverine, and the upcoming Doomsday, Evans is already juggling these roles. This raises the question: why not add a third? The Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t introduced the character Richard Rider (Nova) yet, and Evans would be a great fit. Rider’s storyline, where he loses his powers, regrets it, and wants them back, mirrors the experience of an actor known for playing superheroes taking on new roles. Alternatively, this storyline could be part of Steve Rogers’ journey in Doomsday, meaning Evans might portray it without needing to play a completely new character – though he’d be perfect as Nova.

1) RDJ as Quintin Quire

Robert Downey Jr. is known for delivering witty lines with a confident, slightly mischievous charm – he often plays the smartest person in any situation, but always remains likable. These same qualities are strikingly present in the Marvel character Quintin Quire, also known as Kid Omega. Quire is an incredibly powerful telepath, but his immense abilities are hampered by his arrogance and tendency to be emotionally detached. Essentially, it’s a role that would have been perfect for Downey to play.

Despite Robert Downey Jr. being ideal for the role at any age, he likely won’t play Quintin Quire in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is because the character has remained perpetually young in the comics. If Quire appears in the MCU, it would have to be with a younger actor. Though, a creative solution could involve cloning Downey and having a younger clone take on the part in the future.

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2026-01-30 23:43