Even some of the most iconic superhero actors from both theMarvel Cinematic Universeand theDC Universegenuinely didn’t believe that they would land their roles. Whether it was feeling out of shape, believing they weren’t famous enough, or assuming a casting leak had ruined their chances, these actors had little faith in their own superhero potential. Yet, when the time came, they not only won the roles but completely redefined them.
Superhero casting is a high-stakes game. Actors often audition alongside dozens of competitors, some of whom seem to fit the part more naturally based on looks, reputation, or past roles. Even those with talent and experience aren’t always convinced they have what it takes to embody these larger-than-life characters. The pressure is immense, as landing a superhero role means taking on a fan-favorite character with decades of history and expectations. Boththe MCU timelineandDC’s sprawling continuityhave been subject to such castings, before each actor proved themselves perfect for their roles.
10Mark Hamill As The Joker
Batman: The Animated Series
Despite being best known as the heroic Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill’smost enduring performancemay be his chilling turn as the Joker inBatman: The Animated Series. But before he landed the gig, he didn’t think he had a chance. As he recalled in an interview withWired, he was certain Warner Bros. would never cast Luke Skywalker as the Joker. Around 1:30 minutes into the interview, Hamill exclaimed,“I can’t get the part, so who cares?!”
Hamill was so convinced he wouldn’t be cast that he felt free to take risks in his performance, throwing himself into the character without fear. Ironically, this bold approach secured him the job, and his version of the Joker – maniacal, sinister, yet darkly funny –became the definitive voice of the character for decades. Even today, audiences and other actors alike hold Hamill’s Joker in the highest regard, proving that sometimes, self-doubt is no match for raw talent.
9Robert Pattinson As Batman
The Batman
When Robert Pattinson auditioned forThe Batman, he was convinced he had already lost the role. According to the actor, he thought that early leaks about his screen test had ruined his chances. In aVarietyinterview, Pattinson explained how he was terrified when reports surfaced that he was in contention, fearing that Warner Bros. would reconsider or go in a different direction, saying“I sort of thought that had blown up the whole thing.”
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Adding to his doubts, he had long been pigeonholed as theTwilightheartthrob, making the idea of him playing the Dark Knight seem unlikely to many. Yet, despite his uncertainty, Pattinson won the part andultimately silenced doubters with his brooding, intense takeon Gotham’s protector. His performance inThe Batmanreceived widespread acclaim, proving that he was more than capable of stepping into the iconic cowl, despite his initial fears.
8Henry Cavill As Superman
Man Of Steel
Henry Cavill was not feeling like the Man of Steel when he auditioned forMan of Steel. As he revealed in an interview withIGN, he believed he had zero chance of landing the role because he wasn’t in peak physical condition at the time. Cavill describedfeeling self-conscious in the Lycra suit, joking that he saw himself as“fat Superman”and assumed the role would go to someone more physically imposing.
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However, his screen test – despite his self-doubt – convinced director Zack Snyder that Cavill was the perfect choice. Once he secured the part, Cavill underwent an intense fitness transformation, ultimately deliveringone of the most physically impressive Superman performances ever. His portrayal combined charm, strength, and emotional depth, cementing him as one of the most beloved versions of the character, despite his early fears of not being“fit”enough for the role.
7Hugh Jackman As Wolverine
X-Men (2000)
Hugh Jackman may be synonymous with Wolverine now, but back in 1999, he was sure he wouldn’t get the part. As detailed inGamespot, Jackman recalled his nerves during the audition process, revealing that he had no confidence he would be cast. At the time, he wasn’t the first choice – Dougray Scott had originally been set to play Logan but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Jackman was relatively unknown in Hollywood and wasoriginally deemed too tall for Wolverine.
Jackman read lines for director Bryan Singer and writer Tom DeSanto, noting the tension in the room. Leaving, Jackman felt dejected,though was treated to a steak dinner by Kevin Feige– future president of Marvel Studios. After returning to Australia, Jackman learned that he had been cast and went on to define Wolverine for over two decades, becoming one of the longest-running and most beloved superhero actors in history.
6Chris Hemsworth As Thor
Thor
Before wielding Mjolnir, Chris Hemsworth wasn’t a household name, and even he doubted his chances of landing the role of Thor. The competition was fierce, with numerous actors – including his own younger brother, Liam – auditioning for the part. Initially, Chris didn’t make the cut, andLiam advanced further in the casting process. Feeling discouraged, he thought the opportunity had slipped away.
However, when Liam was deemed too young, Hemsworth was given another shot, this time bringing more intensity and confidence to the role (viaWired). Director Kenneth Branagh saw something special in his performance, and the rest is history.Hemsworth fully committed to the character, bulking up significantly and embracing the grandeur of the Asgardian god. Despite his initial doubts, he became one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most iconic figures, blending charisma, humor, and power in a way few could have expected.
5Andrew Garfield As Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man
Andrew Garfield, a lifelong Spider-Man fan, initially feared he was too old to play the high school-aged Peter Parker when auditioning for 2012’sThe Amazing Spider-Man. Speaking withVariety,Garfield suggested that at 25 or 26,he felt he might not be believable as a teenager, and his expectations were low. Garfield notes,“I did the first audition and thought that’s that. I’m too old.”Advised by his acting coach to persevere, Garfield remembers continuing the audition process but “Treat this like it doesn’t f***ing matter.”
This newfound mindset proved triumphant. Garfield’s deep admiration for the character and natural acting ability carried him throughout. Director Marc Webbsaw Garfield’s passion and authenticity, believing he could capture both Peter’s struggles and Spider-Man’s humor. When he ultimately landed the role, Garfield was overwhelmed with emotion, realizing he would get to bring his childhood hero to life.
4Ryan Reynolds As Deadpool
Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds’ journey to becoming Deadpool was a rollercoaster of doubt, perseverance, and passion. After the disastrous portrayal of the character inX-Men Origins: Wolverine, Reynolds feared he’d never get the chance to do Deadpool justice.Studios were hesitant to greenlight an R-rated superhero movie, and Reynolds himself worried that his dream of playing the Merc with a Mouth the right way might never come to fruition.
However, when test footage leaked online in 2014, fan demand exploded, convincing 20th Century Fox to take a chance on a proper Deadpool film. Reynolds threw himself into the role, championing the project and ensuring that the character was as faithful to the comics as possible. His hard work paid off, asDeadpoolbecame a massive hit, proving that even an actor filled with doubts canbecome the definitive version of a beloved character.
3Chris Pratt As Star-Lord
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Chris Pratt’s rise to stardom as Star-Lord inGuardians of the Galaxywas anything but smooth. Before landing the role, Pratt faced numerous rejections for superhero parts, auditioning for every possible Marvel role he could find. After repeatedly losing these,Pratt became convinced he would never appear in a superhero movie. He almost gave up auditioning altogether, convinced he wasn’t the right fit for an action-heavy blockbuster (viaDeadline).
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However, when he read for Star-Lord, something clicked. Director James Gunn saw Pratt’s natural charm, humor, and depth, recognizing that he was perfect for the role – even when Pratt himself wasn’t sure. Despite initial skepticism from viewers, Pratt underwent an intense physical transformation and embraced the character’s roguish personality. His performanceturned Star-Lord into one of the MCU’s most beloved heroes, proving that sometimes, the perfect casting choice comes from an unexpected place.
2Tom Holland As Spider-Man
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Tom Holland’s journey to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU was filled with uncertainty. Competing against thousands of hopefuls, Holland went through multiple auditions and screen tests, often questioning overthe seven-month processwhether he was making the right impression. The secrecy surrounding the casting process made the experience even more nerve-wracking, as he didn’t know how close he was to landing the part.
Holland revealed in an interview withVarietythat he resigned himself to failure when he stumbled upon the MCU’s announcement of Spider-Man’s casting. Having not heard anything from Marvel, he assumed that he had lost the part. However, theactor Marvel unveiled as Spider-Man was indeed Holland, they had just neglected to inform him. Holland has since been celebrated for perfectly balancing the characteristics of Peter Parker and Spider-Man and is one of the MCU’s biggest strengths.
1Mark Ruffalo As Hulk
The Avengers
Mark Ruffalo never expected to play the Hulk inThe Avengers, especially after Edward Norton had already established Bruce Banner in 2008’sThe Incredible Hulk. When Norton departed the role, Ruffalo hesitated to step in, unsure if he was the right fit for such a massive franchise. He wasn’t the typical action star and was more known for his dramatic performances. As detailed inMCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, Marvel liked Ruffalo for the role and wasdetermined to announce a full Avengers line-up at the rapidly approaching San Diego Comic-Con(viaCBR).
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Contract negotiations went right up until the night before SDCC, with Ruffalo reportedly told:“Look out your window at five o’clock in the morning. If there is a car there, you got the part. If there’s not, just go back to bed.”Of course, Marvel did indeed send a car, andRuffalo won audiences over with his nuanced, emotionally grounded performance, despite believing he’d lost the role.
Sources:Wired (Mark Hamill),Variety (Robert Pattinson),IGN,Gamespot,Wired (Chris Hemsworth),Variety (Andrew Garfield),Deadline,Variety (Tom Holland)&CBR
Cast
The Batman follows a young Bruce Wayne as he investigates a sadistic serial killer targeting key political figures in Gotham. As he delves deeper, he is confronted by the city’s hidden corruption and questions surrounding his own family’s legacy.
Man of Steel
Man of Steel is a 2013 reboot of the Superman franchise, directed by Zack Snyder. Henry Cavill stars as Clark Kent, who discovers his extraterrestrial origins and extraordinary powers.
X-Men
X-Men, released in 2000, introduces Wolverine and Rogue as they join Professor Xavier’s private academy for mutants. The resident superhero team, the X-Men, led by Xavier, confronts a terrorist organization of mutants with similar abilities, highlighting the ongoing conflict between humans and mutants.
Thor, released in 2011, introduces Chris Hemsworth as the titular Norse god. Banished to Earth by his father Odin, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, Thor must live among humans and learn humility. As he adapts to his new circumstances, a threat from Asgard, led by his brother Loki, endangers Earth.
The Merc With The Mouth gets his very own film in Deadpool, an action-adventure comedy movie starring Ryan Reynolds as the titular hero. When mercenary Wade Wilson discovers he has an aggressive type of cancer that threatens to cut his life short, he decides to take a shady offer from a businessman who promises to cure him. Tortured and left for dead, the treatment makes Wade immortal - and a little bit twisted - as he seeks out his tormentors for revenge.
Spider-Man: Homecoming follows Peter Parker after the events of Captain America: Civil War as he navigates high school challenges and battles the emergence of a new villain, the Vulture. With mentorship from Tony Stark, Peter strives to prove himself while balancing his responsibilities as Spider-Man and a student.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring Chris Pratt as Peter Quill. Abducted from Earth as a child, Quill navigates intergalactic adventures, becoming entwined in a conflict centered on a powerful orb coveted by Ronan the Accuser.
The Avengers
The sixth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Avengers is an action superhero film that sees the heroes assembled across the franchise face off with a deadly galactic threat. With the arrival of Thor’s brother, Loki, heroes such as Captain America, The Hulk, Iron Man, and Black Widow are brought together to stop him from unleashing an alien race upon earth.
In Andrew Garfield’s first film as the iconic Marvel superhero, Peter Parker gains his powers and his alter ego as Spider-Man. Meanwhile, the Lizard is a growing threat, and Spider-Man must use his newfound abilities to save the day.
