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Summary
While the studio is far from infallible , it is good to say that Marvel Studios ' be sick decisions seldom miss the mark in theMCU- and everyAvengersactor has a compelling story behind how they were cast . Since it begin in 2008 withIron Man , the MCU is now the biggest dealership in cinematic history , becoming a power plant that would inspire the modern phenomenon of cinematic universes . The player that make up its primal fictitious character are largely to thank for its success , and it is now hard to imagine any other actor portraying thecurrent lineup of Avengers .
The Avengerswas the first team - up movie to debut the other iteration of the titular squad , and it landed with a flourish . The writing was on the rampart since then , andfour Avengers movieslater , the team grew substantially before the heart - wrenching departure of three of its establish member leftthe Avengers ' MCU futurein a confutable state . After having left such a lasting wallop on the MCU and superhero movies in ecumenical , here is how each centre Avenger landed their iconic roles .
Over 17 year and 35 movies , the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies have redefined blockbuster movie house . But how do all the plastic film stack up ?
12MCU Higher-Ups Had To Fight For Robert Downey Jr. As Iron Man
Debuted In Iron Man (2008)
Although he did n’t star in a blockbuster , Robert Downey Jr. ’s pre - MCU career comprises a litany of decisive and financial successes . His biggest function before land the career - defining Tony Stark gig included Charlie Chaplin inChaplin , Harry Lockhart inKiss Kiss , Bang Bang , and Paul Avery inZodiac , which was discharge the class beforeIron Manin 2007 . The role that would set up the MCU in earnest , however , was nearly never to be if not for the eagerness of two Marvel Studios figures in special .
Although Tony Stark is seemingly dead , Robert Downey Jr. could still reprise the role as a variant in the Multiverse Saga .
RDJ ’s patched history remained a sticking point for much of Marvel Studios ' top nerve when Director John Favreau first floated his name . Favreau ’s opinion in Downey Jr. was rooted in the similarities he could see in his life experience and that of Tony Stark , telling Texas radio station100.3 Jack FMthat he had to press to get his preferred casting over the blood line . Then Marvel Studios COO , David Maisel , mirrored this sentiment and facilitate push for Robert Downey Jr. by convincing the board that he was the double-dyed nominee - a belief that is now deliberate a foregone conclusion .
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Cast
Iron Man is the first film in the long - running Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise . Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark , who becomes Iron Man after he is kidnap and discovers terrorist are using weapon developed by Stark Industries . Gwyneth Paltrow asterisk as Tony ’s love involvement Pepper Potts alongside Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan and Jeff Bridges as the villainous Obadiah Stane .
11We All Have Chris Evans' Mother To Thank For The MCU’s First Captain America
Debuted In Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Chris Evans was something of a comical book moving-picture show veteran when he was cast as Steve Rogers , having starred as Johnny Storm / the Human Torch inFantastic FourandFantastic Four : Rise of the Silver Surferin 2005 and 2007 respectively . He also starred as Lucas in 2010’sScott Pilgrim vs. The World , which was an adaptation of theScott Pilgrimgraphic novel series . Despite his experience ( or perhaps because of it),Evans virtually work down the offering of Captain Americaentirely .
Wyatt Russell , Sebastian Stan , and Chris Pratt all auditioned for Captain America before land their roles as John Walker , Bucky Barnes , and Peter Quill , severally .
His prescient concern that adopting the role of the MCU ’s Captain America would sling him into superstardom was parallel with the notion that he would drop off ascendancy over his career after being tied to a multi - movie deal . gratefully , Evans ' mother , Lisa Evans , win over him that taking the character would set him up for life as an actor(viaEsquire ) . Marvel Studios ' tenacity in pursuing Evans for the function pay dividends asCaptain America ’s MCU legacyremains one of the most iconic .
Captain America : The First Avenger come after Steve Rogers , a frail man from Brooklyn transformed into the ace - soldier Captain America during World War II . As he assist the war sweat , Rogers face Red Skull , who assay world domination through a herculean twist for a nefarious organisation .
10Marvel Studios Nearly Missed Out On Chris Hemsworth As Thor
Debuted In Thor (2011)
Of the MCU ’s Big Three , Chris Hemsworth was the least well - known by the sentence he was wander as Thor . Having starred in nearly 200 episodes ofHome and off , he was for sure a recognizable cheek among Australian audiences but had yet to fully fail into Hollywood . This would alter after his agent convince fresh strike Marvel Studios political boss , Kevin Feige , to renege on the studio ’s initial rejection and take another stab with Hemsworth as Thor .
Chris Pratt also say that he auditioned forThor , with the second rejection making him feel like he would never try for a Marvel flick role again .
Several now - vainglorious names had auditioned including Charlie Hunnam and Alexander Skarsgard , with Daniel Craig being outright pop the question the use before he turned it down . Hemsworth was rejected before he could even do a screentest but was given a second chance by Feigebefore blowing the filmmakers away with his aptitude for the role . He now boast the most solo movies of any MCU character reference as well as10 total appearance across the MCU , a number which is likely to increase with the release ofThor 5 .
Custom image by Ollie Bradley
Thor , release in 2011 , introduces Chris Hemsworth as the titular Norse god . banish to Earth by his founder Odin , impersonate by Anthony Hopkins , Thor must live on among humans and pick up humility . As he adapts to his Modern circumstances , a threat from Asgard , led by his brother Loki , endangers Earth .
9Mark Ruffalo Was The First Choice For Hulk
Debuted In The Avengers (2012)
Mark Ruffalo recently gained a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , which is no surprise generate his decorated acting career is plethoric with Academy Award contenders . Ruffalo joined the MCU in 2012 after star inMargaret , Date Night , andShutter Islandin the precede two years . His casting , meanwhile , was specially notable as he come aboard the MCU roster as a recast Bruce Banner , a character reference that was one of the first to introduction in the MCU in 2008’sThe unbelievable Hulk , but portrayed by Edward Norton at the sentence .
Mark Ruffalo ’s casting , therefore , came off of the back of some behind - the - picture reconfiguration , as Norton set forth way with the MCU due to creative differences . Interestingly , Ruffalo wasThe Incredible HulkDirector Louis Leterrier ’s first alternative to portray the Jade Giant , thoughit was reported that he was sidelined for not being famed enough at the clock time with a account of making more intellectual films . His second shot at the role would be one ofthe MCU ’s beneficial cast decisions , though whether he ’ll get to create his own solo movie is looking decidedly incertain .
8Emily Blunt’s Schedule Opened The Door For Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow
Debuted In Iron Man 2 (2010)
Scarlett Johansson was a big name by the time she was puke in the MCU , having starred inLost In Translation , The Island , andThe Prestige , to name just a few Hollywood hits . It is honest to say though that Black Widow was the role that made her globally recognizable , in a standardized United States Department of State of occasion to herThe Avengersco - star , Mark Ruffalo . Despite her fame and talent , however , Johansson was ab initio sidelined in favor of another Hollywood A - Baron Lister .
Emily Blunt was Marvel Studios ' first filling to portray Natasha Romanoff inIron Man 2 , but the actress turned it down due to scheduling concern . Johansson would later tellParadethat being the second pick would serve her develop Natasha Romanoff ’s part , whose deficiency of super - powers weirdly make her stand out among an Avengers card that includes a green giant with boundless strength and a cosmic god . Like many Avengers , her role would help delineate her career before round off it out with a prequel solo movie take after one of the most heart - wrenching dying in the MCU .
The third moving-picture show in the Marvel Cinematic Universe , Iron Man 2 , is an legal action - superhero film that occurs six month after the original film ’s events . After outing himself as the ponderous metal superhero known as Iron Man , Tony Stark plump to great length to avoid demands from the government for his tech . But , unfortunately , the engineering science Tony used to economize his aliveness is beginning to impact his health reciprocally - just in time for a man name Ivan Vanko to make it , who create his version of the Iron Man tech to settle a decades - long score with Howard Stark ’s Word .
Iron Man is the first film in the long-running Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark, who becomes Iron Man after he is kidnapped and discovers terrorists are using weapons developed by Stark Industries. Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Tony’s love interest Pepper Potts alongside Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan and Jeff Bridges as the villainous Obadiah Stane.
7Samuel L. Jackson Preempted His Nick Fury Casting
Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most prolific histrion in Hollywood , get alone in the MCU . His involution start when the MCU itself did , as he appeared in the post - credits scene ofIron Manto inform Tony Stark of the Avengers Initiative before debut in earnest inIron Man 2 . His biggest pre - MCU roles are in some of Hollywood ’s most iconic movies , includingPulp Fiction ’s Jules , Jurassic Park ’s Arnold , and the Star Wars franchise ’s Mace Windu . His wiz condition is something of an outlier in the MCU , which had a riding habit of wander lesser - fuck doer in its early days .
The determination to cast him was set in stone after Marvel make up one’s mind to re - theoretical account Nick Fury to resemble the famous actor in Marvel Comics ' Ultimate Universe .
The decision to stray Jackson was coiffe in stone after Marvel decided to re - mannequin Nick Fury to resemble the famed actor in Marvel Comics ' Ultimate Universe . As a Marvel Comics referee , Jackson noticed this and proceeded to brawl a hope out of Marvel to cast him as the live - action Nick Fury should the character reference ever make it to the with child silver screen . He did , of course , and Marvel made good on its promise . Jackson ’s Fury has now seem in more MCU output than any other part , even playing a cardinal function in its most late motion-picture show , The Marvels .
Samuel L. Jackson ’s Nick Fury has been a staple of the MCU since its start with Iron Man . Here ’s a breakdown of Nick Fury ’s sodding MCU backstory .
6Jeremy Renner Had Certain Reservations About Hawkeye
Jeremy Renner had a respectable calling in Hollywood before debut as Hawkeye in 2011’sThor . His most famous motion picture include28 Weeks Later , The Town , andHurt Locker , and he received Academy Award nomination for the latter two . His MCU debut was in 2011’sThor- though it was uncredited at the clock time - before he would make a splash in 2012’sThe Avengersand receive serious character development inAvengers : Age of Ultron .
The use nearly went toSupernaturalstar , Jensen Ackles , after he was reject for the role of Captain America . After turning down the second opportunity ( citingSupernaturalscheduling concern ) , the role was then offered to Renner . Coincidentally , Renner say in an interview withVarietythat he hold a similar taciturnity to Chris Evans , expressing business organization over sign on for multiple movies . Yet instead of fearing release of control , Renner was more concerned about " outwear tights " into his 50s .
5Iman Vellani Began Acting Professionally With Ms Marvel
Debuted In Ms. Marvel (2022)
Iman Vellani ’s Kamala Khan is the MCU ’s freshest face , with the 21 - year - old actor receive no anterior professional acting experience to her name before landing the role . Nevertheless , she had all the certification required to fulfill the role of the excitable Young Avenger , from her Pakistani heritage to her zealous appreciation for the Avengers . After winning a Saturn and Critics Choice Super Award for each of her two springy - action appearance in the MCU , it is good to say that she has already made an unerasable scratch .
Vellani auditioned for the purpose after being made aware of a puke call by her Aunt , who received it through a WhatsApp forward range of mountains ( viaElite Daily ) . She express her skepticism over what she saw as an irregular casting method but forged ahead regardless , landing the role after winning Ms. Marvel casting managing director over with her self - tape and interview . Vellani ’s appreciation for Marvel Comics and the MCU was so outstanding that it advance her over to studio boss instantly , a sentiment that carry over to Marvel consultation .
Ms. Marvel is an action at law - superhero TV series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe . The show follows Iman Vellani , a 16 - year - previous high school educatee in New Jersey who is a huge fan of superheroes and has difficulty fitting in at schooling . When Iman is gifted a mysterious fallal from her grandfather , she discovers it allows her to utilize cosmic energy and manufacture what she can imagine . Now an accidental superhero , Iman will strain to uprise to the challenge and make a name for herself as Ms. Marvel .
4Tom Holland’s Athleticism Cemented His Spider-Man Casting
Debuted In Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Although the 28 - year - old Tom Holland now portrays a Peter Parker who has reluctantly record full - feather adulthood , he entered the MCU in a standardized mental ability to Iman Vellani . The teen made a name for himself in 2012’sThe Impossibleand caught the eye of Marvel higher - ups . Holland try out for the role inCaptain America : Civil Wargoing up against hundreds of other hopefuls that include Asa Butterfield and Timothée Chalamet .
Holland ’s vernal muscularity and unbounded charisma were a immense plus for Marvel Studios ' head teacher casting director , Sarah Halley Finn , buthis background as a terpsichorean and a gymnast definitively advertise him over the line for the Russo brothers . If not for Holland establish off these skills during his auditory sense ( reportedly rip off a backflip ) , then the iconic Spider - Man actor may have looked in spades dissimilar . Stan Lee even gave his stamp of approval to Holland , take note that the supple actor was the " precise eld and stature " that he picture when create him for Marvel Comics .
Captain America : Civil War rivet on the aftermath of Age of Ultron as international governments legislate to shape superhuman activeness . This divide the Avengers , forming react factions lead by Iron Man and Captain America , culminating in a pregnant engagement between former friend .
Captain America: The First Avenger follows Steve Rogers, a frail man from Brooklyn transformed into the super-soldier Captain America during World War II. As he aids the war effort, Rogers confronts Red Skull, who seeks world domination through a powerful device for a nefarious organization.
3Benedict Cumberbatch Initially Rejected Doctor Strange
Debuted In Doctor Strange (2016)
Arriving in MCU Phase 3 in his self - title motion-picture show , the highly successful MCU was better place to hire a famous face for the fundamental role . Benedict Cumberbatch was already a big name in Hollywood in 2016 , make waves as Sherlock Holmes in the belovedSherlockseries , Alan Turing inThe Imitation Game , and as the part of Smaug in Peter Jackson ’s Hobbit trilogy . When production got underway forDoctor Strange , Cumberbatch was the preferred pick for Director Scott Derrickson .
Doctor Strange play along the journey of a brilliant yet self-important sawbones , portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch , whose life history is derailed . He come up salvation under the tutelage of a mystical magician , learn to rein mystical powers to protect the world from dark force . unloosen in 2016 , the plastic film expands Marvel ’s cinematic universe into the realm of mysticism .
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 third film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man 2, is an action-superhero film that occurs six months after the original film’s events. After outing himself as the heavy metal superhero known as Iron Man, Tony Stark goes to great lengths to avoid demands from the government for his tech. But, unfortunately, the technology Tony used to save his life is beginning to impact his health inversely - just in time for a man named Ivan Vanko to arrive, who creates his version of the Iron Man tech to settle a decades-long score with Howard Stark’s son.
Ms. Marvel is an action-superhero TV series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The show follows Iman Vellani, a 16-year-old high school student in New Jersey who is a huge fan of superheroes and has difficulty fitting in at school. When Iman is gifted a mysterious bangle from her grandfather, she discovers it allows her to utilize cosmic energy and construct what she can imagine. Now an accidental superhero, Iman will try to rise to the challenge and make a name for herself as Ms. Marvel.
Captain America: Civil War focuses on the aftermath of Age of Ultron as international governments legislate to regulate superhuman activity. This divides the Avengers, forming opposing factions led by Iron Man and Captain America, culminating in a significant conflict between former allies.
Doctor Strange follows the journey of a brilliant yet arrogant surgeon, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, whose career is derailed. He finds redemption under the tutelage of a mystical sorcerer, learning to harness mystical powers to protect the world from dark forces. Released in 2016, the film expands Marvel’s cinematic universe into the realm of mysticism.