10 MCU Actors That Exposed the TRUTH About Marvel

10 MCU Actors That Exposed the Truth About Marvel

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were looking at MCU actors who revealed the hard truths about Marvels working conditions, business practices, creative restraints, and overall impact.

Anthony Mackie

Once upon a time, star power alone could market a movie. The past couple of decades have produced fewer actors who can attract audiences through name recognition. As well-cast as MCU movies usually are, audiences are showing up to see the characters rather than the actors playing them. Anthony Mackie echoed this at London Comic-Con in 2018, saying that he isnt a movie star. The Falcon is a movie star. Mackie went on to say, The evolution of the superhero has meant the death of the movie star, touching upon several classic films that wouldnt get made today. While Mackie avoided pinning the blame solely on Marvel, theres no denying that the MCU has played a major part in the problems he listed.

Natalie Portman

Just as Marvel has only given us a handful of female-led superhero movies, representation behind the scenes leaves something to be desired. It appeared Patty Jenkins would become the first woman to direct an MCU movie with Thor: The Dark World. This excited Natalie Portman, who signed on to reprise her role as Jane Foster under the impression that shed be working with Jenkins. Portman had championed Jenkins for the job, reportedly expressing frustration when Marvel went in another direction. This might be partly why Portman didnt return for Thor: Ragnarok, although she would come back for Thor: Love and Thunder. Meanwhile, Jenkins went on to direct Wonder Woman in 2017, two years before a female director got another shot at Marvel.

Dave Bautista

Whatever the future holds for the DCU, Marvel and Disney let a big fish get away in James Gunn. While Gunn returned to give the Guardians of the Galaxy a proper sendoff, the damage was done. Much of the Guardians cast stood by Gunn amid his firing. None were more vocal than Dave Bautista, praising Gunn in a tweet that concluded, Im NOT ok with whats happening to him. Although Gunn came back for a last hurrah, Bautista expressed disappointment with the direction his character went. In recent years, certain Marvel heroes have been criticized for getting too silly. Bautista shared this sentiment about Drax the Destroyer. While Bautista was grateful for the role, getting to move on came as a relief.

Mickey Rourke

For every Thanos, there are a dozen Whiplashs, a completely forgettable villain with little personality and motivations that are hard to connect with. Thats not the character Mickey Rourke sought to play. Speaking with Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau and writer Justin Theroux, Rourke thought hed get to craft a character with layers. According to Rourke, though, Marvel just wanted a one-dimensional bad guy, so most of the performance ended up [on] the floor. Rourkes words can be applied to many of the one-note villains whod follow in his footsteps. Favreau, who still plays Happy Hogan, also seemingly provided an allegory for working with Marvel in his film Chef, which centers on a man revisiting his creative roots after being constrained by his boss.

Christian Bale

This Oscar winner is no stranger to superhero movies, starring in Christopher Nolans Batman trilogy. Where those films tried to incorporate as many practical effects as possible, the MCU has gained a dubious reputation for over-relying on digital technology. When Bale played Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder, he found himself disenchanted by the heavy use of green screen, saying there was a monotony to his on-set experience. He couldnt distinguish one day from the next or even tell the stages apart. While Bale liked the people involved, he learned that green screen acting isnt for him. Unlike some of his past roles, Bale didnt feel the need to go method here, saying it wouldve been a pitiful attempt to do that.

Chris Hemsworth

Of the OG Avengers, Thor arguably did the biggest 180 personality-wise. Although Thor: Ragnarok was praised for its more comedic tone, critics and audiences generally felt the humor went overboard in Love and Thunder. Thor himself shared the same reservations. While Hemsworth had fun making Thors fourth solo adventure, he acknowledged that maybe he got caught up in the improv and the wackiness. Hemsworth also felt like hed become a parody of [himself], admitting that the film was too silly. Hemsworth found it reinvigorating going from Love and Thunder to Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, feeling the latter allowed him to lose [himself] in a character. The same couldnt be said about working with Marvel, where Hemsworth senses he might be replaceable.

Edward Norton

Originating the role of Bruce Banner in the MCU, Edward Norton supposedly wasnt the easiest actor to work with, wanting more creative freedom on The Incredible Hulk. Kevin Feige opted not to bring Norton back, suggesting the Avengers need actors who are team players. Norton found Feiges comment cheap, although he wasnt especially interested in returning anyway. Wanting more diversity in his filmography, Norton felt hed become associated with one character if he continued to play the Hulk. Nortons reservations werent unfounded, as even the most versatile actors have had their other work overshadowed by the MCU. For example, we all know that Mark Ruffalo is the Hulk now, but only true cinephiles can name the four roles that scored him Oscar nominations.

Terrence Howard

When Iron Man entered production, few couldve foretold that itd launch a cinematic universe. With Tony Stark and James Rhodes poised to make multiple appearances beyond the Iron Man films, it appeared Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard were headed for massive paydays. While that was certainly the case for Downey, there was no next time for Howard. After earning at least $3.5 million for the first film, Howard was reportedly supposed to receive as much as $8 million for Iron Man 2. That number was slashed to $1 million, supposedly because of Howards behavior on set. Don Cheadle ultimately accepted the $1 million deal, becoming the new Rhodey. Howard, meanwhile, remains a reminder that even with deep pockets, Marvel can also pinch pennies.

Jeremy Renner

It isnt just one-off actors like Howard whove clashed with Marvel over wages. Nearly a decade after debuting as Clint Barton, Jeremy Renner finally got to take center stage in the Disney+ series Hawkeye. Although there were talks of a second season, Renner walked away when he was reportedly offered half his previous payment. This notably happened after Renner survived a traumatic snowplow accident. While Renner has been recovering, he felt his reduced salary was a reaction to his injuries. To Renner, it was as if the accountants viewed him as only half the Jeremy. Renner was open to the physical challenge, but he said it would take twice the amount of work, which he wasnt going to do for half the money.

Scarlett Johansson

Former Marvel Entertainment CEO Ike Perlmutter was reportedly apprehensive about female-led superhero movies, feeling they wouldnt sell. After dragging their feet for nearly a decade, Marvel at last gave fan favorite Natasha Romanoff a solo movie. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the films release by a year. While there was little Marvel could do about that, Black Widow was controversially given a Premier Access release on Disney+ during its theatrical run. This went against Scarlett Johanssons contract, which stipulated that the film be a theatrical exclusive with a portion of the box office earnings going to her. Johansson took out a lawsuit against Disney, eventually settling. While Johansson didnt hold a grudge against Disney or Marvel, she found the experience to be very unprofessional.

Are there any sad truths about Marvel we missed? Let us know in the comments.