Avenger Actors, Assemble!
Taking the world by storm, Marvel Studios became one of the biggest franchises in cinematic history. Garnering billions of dollars at the box office thanks to their action-packed, universe-building movies, everyone quickly became a fan of superhero films. But honestly, as much as the writing, CGI, and directing all play a big part, the biggest thanks to their success has to go to the actors. Thanks to these 20 amazing actors who brought their characters to life, we can't imagine anyone else in the role.
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1. Chris Evans - Captain America
As one of the pivotal leaders in the Avengers movies, Chris Evans certainly dominated the screen with his charismatic presence and strong beliefs as Captain America. After playing the role for a solid nine years or so, he finally said goodbye much to many fans' dismay. However, we're sure he will forever live on as Cap in the hearts of every Marvel fan.
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2. Robert Downey Jr. - Iron Man
As the man who started it all, Marvel would not be where they are today without Robert Downey Jr. Thanks to his fantastic performance as the most beloved superhero, Iron Man, he was able to bring this unique world to life. Making audiences fall in love with his arrogant, larger-than-life personality from the very start, we'll never be able to replace Downey in this role.
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3. Tom Holland - Spider-man
We know Tobey Maguire first brought this superhero to life, but we'd argue, after seeing Tom Holland in the role, we can't imagine anyone else being a better fit. Not only did he nail the accent, he looks the perfect age for a comic accurate Peter Parker. He brings a good balance of young innocence and superhero charisma to the character too!
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4. Tom Hiddleston - Loki
After hearing about how dedicated Tom Hiddleston is to the role of Loki, we definitely think they picked the right actor to play him. Not only does he look great as the character, it's clear he studied Loki well and understands his personality and beliefs. And after years of seeing Hiddleston in the role, it'd be hard to ever imagine someone else playing him.
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5. Chris Hemsworth - Thor
And who else would be on this list next than Loki's (arguably more famous) brother, Thor? Considered to be one of the OG Avengers, Chris Hemsworth is another actor that helped kickstart Marvel to where it is today. While his good looks and muscular build definitely had a part to play, we'd argue what fans appreciated most was his lovable and humorous personality that became more evident in Thor: Ragnarok.
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6. Samuel L. Jackson - Nick Fury
Cool, calm, and full of swagger, who else would have been better to play Nick Fury than Samuel L. Jackson? While we already knew how talented of an actor he was, we were incredibly surprised by how perfect he was for the role of Fury. Making him a likable yet strong leader, he definitely did a convincing job.
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7. Ryan Reynolds - Deadpool
Many people online will say Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool are basically the same person. Witty, hilarious, sarcastic, we imagine Reynolds doesn't have to do much acting to bring this character to life on the screen. Since his first appearance back in 2016, fans have loved this red and black suited character, with many thanks to the actor who plays him.
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8. Hugh Jackman - Wolverine
Out of all the X-Men, none stood out more than Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. It's almost as if he was born to play the character! With his arrogant, intense personality, Jackman was somehow able to make him such a likable character that everyone rooted for. He really helped make comic book movies cool.
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9. Scarlet Johansson - Black Widow
Let's give some love to the ladies too! As one of the OG Avengers and one of the first superheroes to grace Marvel's collection of films, Scarlet Johansson has been there from the very beginning. Thanks to her impressive performance as the stunning and sly Black Widow, she brought sexy and cool to on screen superheroes.
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10. Elizabeth Olsen - Scarlet Witch
After seeing Elizabeth Olsen star in her own TV series, we fully believe no one else could play the role better than her. Especially after we got to see her for the first time in her iconic costume! She perfectly blurs the line between villain and hero, expertly acting out the conflicted emotions she feels from her troubled past.
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11. Benedict Cumberbatch - Doctor Strange
Who knew Benedict Cumberbatch could nail the role of a conceited doctor turned wizard? Well, the man can play just about anything. The first time we saw him as Doctor Strange, we knew that Marvel had done it right. Fans immediately fell in love with his performance, making it hard for us to ever believe other actors were once up for consideration.
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12. Chris Pratt - Star Lord
Thanks to his ability to balance hilarious comedy with emotional drama, Chris Pratt made Star Lord a cool superhero even when people knew nothing about the Guardians of the Galaxy to begin with. Fans absolutely adored how relatable and realistic he made the character, making it easy to root for him. We genuinely don't know who else would be able to nail Star Lord as well as Pratt did.
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13. Charlie Cox - Daredevil
Although Daredevil is only now getting his first show with Marvel Studios, Charlie Cox certainly impressed audiences with his Netflix series. Many fans online will say he's one of the best superhero casting jobs ever done thanks to his unbelievable performance. Daredevil is a complicated character that isn't easy to play, but somehow, Cox is able to make it seem effortless.
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14. Chadwick Boseman - Black Panther
R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman. Forever our Black Panther, we seriously respect Marvel's decision not to recast. Because in all honesty, who could play this regal, respectable superhero better than Boseman did? Becoming a role model to many people across the country, we'll forever remember him as our iconic superhero, both on screen and in life.
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15. Danai Gurira - Okoye
As Black Panther's right hand woman, Okoye became a fan favorite for every Marvel fan. She's strong, honorable, and so dedicated to her country. And to be honest, none of that would've been possible without Danai Gurira's convincing performance. She breathes life into this character in a way that makes her feel real. And as a character not many people were familiar with, it's seriously impressive how she made everyone fall in love with her.
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16. Jeremy Renner - Hawkeye
Didn't think we'd add Hawkeye onto this list did you? Of course we had to! As one of the OG members who started it all, Jeremy Renner deserves a spot on this list. Although many claim he isn't the "coolest" superhero out there, it's been amazing seeing the transformation of his character from the first Avengers movie to the last. It's all thanks to Renner's acting.
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17. Mark Ruffalo - Hulk
And of course, next on this list has to be Mark Ruffalo, the final OG Avenger playing the role of Hulk. Although he's often CGI'd in, when he's in the form of Bruce Banner, he does an excellent job with it. And given that we've already seen Edward Norton in the role too, we know for a fact that Mark Ruffalo is the one who stole our hearts.
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18. Patrick Stewart - Charles Xavier
While Patrick Stewart has had a long and acclaimed acting career, for comic book fans, none stood out more than his performance as Charles Xavier. Not only did he share a likeness for the comic character, his ability to bring this mutant to life on screen was well-received. Before Marvel Studios and the Avengers became a thing, we have Patrick Stewart and the X-Men to thank!
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19. Don Cheadle - War Machine
You want to know how we're sure Don Cheadle is the best fit for War Machine? That's because the role was initially given to Terrence Howard! But after getting to see both performances, we're certain Don Cheadle was born for the role. It's because despite how little screentime he gets, he's still able to do such great things with the time he has.
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20. Anthony Mackie - Falcon
Although he's now our new Captain America, we want to spend this time praising Anthony Mackie's work as Falcon. Though he swooped in out of nowhere in the second Captain America film, since then, he's made a permanent mark on every comic book fan's heart. People seriously love his sense of justice, hard work ethic, and ability to keep up with all the other heroes. Mackie certainly gives the character a nice human touch.
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