19 Times Hollywood Nailed The Casting In A Superhero Movie

As Stan Lee would say, "Excelsior!"

19. Michael Chiklis as The Thing in Fantastic Four.

20th Century Fox

Say what you want to about the original 2005 Fantastic Four movie, but you can't deny the entire cast was stellar. Michael Chiklis provides a great performance as Ben Grimm/The Thing. He looks and sounds like he leapt right off the pages of your favorite Fantastic Four comic book and onto the big screen. Overall, he was...well...fantastic.

18. Evan Peters as Quicksilver in X-Men: Days of Future Past.

20th Century Fox

Peters shined as the speedy hero and really kept the audience entertained with incredible stunts, such as the slow motion kitchen scene and when he saved the entirety of the X-mansion from an explosion. Although incredibly underutilized, Evan brought charm to this character and fans were delighted to see him pop up in the MCU's new Disney+ show, WandaVision. Let's hope he can continue playing a multiverse version of Pietro in the MCU's future.

17. Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange in Doctor Strange.

Marvel Studios

Benedict Cumberbatch was easily the best choice to bring the Master of the Mystic Arts to life. Cumberbatch was able to capture Strange's origin story of cocky surgeon turned enlightened hero in such a brilliant way. Benedict's performance has landed Doctor Strange in high respect as a powerful force to be reckoned with. Fans will definitely be in for a treat when Cumberbatch returns in not only his own movie, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but also Spider-Man: No Way Home. He is sure to delight as the future Sorcerer Supreme in many Marvel movies to come.

16. Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker in the Spider-Man trilogy.

Sony Pictures

Tobey Maguire's portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man is iconic and inspired a whole generation of movie go-ers. The actor would go on to reprise his role in two other sequels and is rumored to show up in the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home. Let's hope the original web head can swing onto the big screen once more!'

15. Zoe Saldana as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Marvel Studios

Zoe Saldana's Gamora has really stood out as a complex and enjoyable character. She can make audiences laugh with her hilarious interactions with the other Guardians and then deliver an emotional sequence when dealing with Nebula or Thanos. You really get the sense that Gamora is the glue that helps keep the group together. The daughter of the Mad Titan has already appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy 1 & 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is currently in the works and fans are excited to see how Gamora will return.

14. Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Kal-El in Man of Steel.

Warner Bros Pictures

Henry Cavill is a great Superman. When he's on screen, you can't help but be in awe of his performance and believe he really is Earth's protector. He has given a new generation of fans a fantastic version of the Man of Steel. Not to mention, Henry has a true love for the character, even naming his dog "Kal" after the hero's Kryptonian name "Kal-El". While it's unclear whether Cavill will return for future DC movies, it would be a shame if Warner Bros. were to let such a perfect Superman go.

13. Jason Momoa as Aquaman in Justice League.

Warner Bros Pictures

For years, Aquaman has received a bad rap from the public eye. Many people try to make a joke out of the hero as they didn't quite seeing his worth. That is, until Jason Momoa stepped into the role. Momoa's intimidating appearance and tough persona added even more to the character. Jason has portrayed the protector of the deep in various DC movies including in Aquaman, Zack Snyder's Justice League, and briefly in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. With a sequel to his solo movie on the way, fans are eager to see more of Jason as the King of Atlantis.

12. Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in the Avengers series.

Marvel Studios

Elizabeth Olsen is an amazing actress and is in the position to be Marvel Studios' powerhouse going into the future. She first appeared in the end credits scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, teasing both her and her brother Quicksilver. Since then, she has given us so many scene stealing moments from her heartbreaking scene in Infinity War with Vision to almost killing Thanos in Endgame (Kevin Feige confirmed fact). The recent Disney+ series, WandaVision, has really let Elizabeth Olsen show her range with the character and made us fall in love with her performance all over again. It will be super exciting to see what she does in the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness film.

11. Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne in Batman Returns.

Warner Bros Pictures

It's safe to say Michael Keaton was not anyone's first choice to play the caped crusader when the news first broke that a Batman film was being made. Fans flooded Warner Brothers with complaints before they even saw the movie. Looking back on it, we're lucky the studio stuck with their decision because Michael Keaton gave one of the most iconic performances as the Dark Knight and is arguably one of the best versions of Batman.

10. Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff in the Avengers series.

Marvel Studios

Scarlett Johansson has been Marvel's leading lady dating all they way back to her debut in Iron Man 2. She has consistently brought her A-game in every Marvel movie she has appeared in, with huge parts in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Endgame. The former Russian spy turned S.H.I.E.L.D. agent will finally get her own solo movie July 9th, 2021 after many delays. If this truly is the last time we see Scarlett in the MCU, at least we can all agree she was the perfect actress to bring Natasha to life.

9. Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins.

Warner Bros Pictures

The Dark Knight Trilogy is some of the best superhero movies of all time. Award winning actor Christian Bale delivers stellar performances in all three movies in the series. Bale was able to capture the complexity behind the character in a great way. He mastered both sides of the character, nailing both Batman and Bruce Wayne. If Nolan had gone with another actor, I don't think the movies would not have been as successful as they were.

8. Christopher Reeves as Clark Kent/Kal-El in Superman.

Warner Bros Pictures

Christopher Reeves is a perfect Superman that all fans of the hero can enjoy because, not only was he a great Superman, but he was also an amazing Clark Kent. As Clark, he was a bumbling, mild mannered reporter but, as Superman, he was strong and confident. He shared incredible chemistry with his co-star Margot Kidder, who played Lois Lane and had great interactions with Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor. Reeves perfectly embodied the Man of Steel along with his alter ego, taking a high spot on this list and in the audiences' heart.

7. Chris Hemsworth as Thor in the Thor trilogy.

Marvel Studios

It's hard to imagine anyone else portraying the God of Thunder. One of the original members of the Avengers, Chris has showcased the character and his many layers beautifully. The character has been through a lot emotionally and has evolved every step of the way thanks to Hemsworth. His relationship with his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) makes for one of the best on screen duos of all time. It's super exciting to think where Chris Hemsworth will take the character next in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder film.

6. Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson in Deadpool.

Fox Studios

Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool go hand in hand. The actor championed to get a movie made about the Marvel anti-hero for years until his dream finally came to fruition through leaked concept footage. Breaking the fourth wall and making audiences crack up with Deadpool 1 & 2, the anti-hero is soon making his way to the MCU. Ryan's one-of-a-kind sense of humor provides fans with a spot-on portrayal of Wade Wilson. Fans cannot wait for more Deadpool shenanigans in their life. Here's to more hilarious jokes and fourth wall breaks in the future!

5. Gal Gadot as Diana Prince in Wonder Woman.

Warner Bros Pictures

She has provided a strong female role model that kids of all ages can look up to. There is absolutely no one better to play Diana Prince in the DCEU. The actress debuted in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and quickly became a fan favorite. She then went on to star in many other movies including Wonder Woman, Justice League, and Wonder Woman 1984. A third Wonder Woman movie is most likely in the works and we know Gal will continue to crush it!

4. Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa in Black Panther.

Marvel Studios

The late, great Chadwick Boseman truly captured audiences' imagination with his portrayal of the prince turned king of Wakanda. Black Panther was a cultural phenomenon and inspired the world with its groundbreaking representation. His performance was cool, brave, emotional, and something truly special. Sadly, Chadwick passed away, but his career and legacy will live on for eternity. Director Ryan Coogler has even stated that T'Challa will not be recasted in the upcoming Black Panther 2 because of the unique and beautiful mark Boseman has left on the character. In the eyes of the audience, Chadwick will always be the King of Wakanda.

3. Chris Evans as Steve Rogers in the Captain America trilogy.

Marvel Studios

Chris Evans is no stranger to portraying comic book characters on the big screen. Before his MCU days, he played characters in Fantastic Four, Scott Pilgrim and The Losers. It wasn't until he picked up the vibranium shield that he truly hit his stride. Chris has successfully played the star spangled man with a plan since Phase One and has embodied the character perfectly. His three solo movies are arguably some of the strongest in the MCU. Chris brought so much to this role in how Captain America sticks to his morals and stands up for the little guy. To sum up just how great and worthy his character is, he was actually able to wield Mjolnir in Endgame, giving birth to one of the greatest movie moments of all time.

2. Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine in the X-Men trilogies.

20th Century Fox

Fun fact: Hugh shares the Guinness World record for longest career as a live-action Marvel superhero at 16 years, 228 days, along with his X-Men co-star, Sir Patrick Stewart. Jackman really shined with his character with his performance in Logan , which capped off his reign as the hero. The next actor to take up the claws has big shoes to fill, as it seems near impossible to imagine anyone else in the role.

1. And finally, Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in the Iron Man trilogy.

Marvel Studios

Was there ever any doubt? Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man! This role provided RDJ with a complete career renaissance after going through a rough patch in his life. For over 10 years, Robert has portrayed the genius, playboy, billionaire, and philanthropist to audiences' delight. No other actor could have matched his wit and charm as the invincible Iron Man. Everyone's heart was broken to see his fate in Endgame, however Downey has left a legacy with this character that will live on forever. RDJ as Tony Stark/Iron Man will forever be an iconic casting.