Even some of the most iconic superhero actors from both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Universe genuinely didn’t believe that they would land their roles. Whether it was feeling out of shape, believing they weren’t famous enough, or ᴀssuming 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 compeтιтors, 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. Both the MCU timeline and DC’s sprawling continuity have been subject to such castings, before each actor proved themselves perfect for their roles.

10

Mark Hamill As The Joker

Batman: The Animated Series

Despite being best known as the heroic Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill’s most enduring performance may be his chilling turn as the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series. But before he landed the gig, he didn’t think he had a chance. As he recalled in an interview with Wired, 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.

9

Robert Pattinson As Batman

The Batman

When Robert Pattinson auditioned for The 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 a Variety interview, 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.”

Adding to his doubts, he had long been pigeonholed as the Twilight heartthrob, making the idea of him playing the Dark Knight seem unlikely to many. Yet, despite his uncertainty, Pattinson won the part and ultimately silenced doubters with his brooding, intense take on Gotham’s protector. His performance in The Batman received widespread acclaim, proving that he was more than capable of stepping into the iconic cowl, despite his initial fears.

8

Henry Cavill As Superman

Man Of Steel

Henry Cavill was not feeling like the Man of Steel when he auditioned for Man of Steel. As he revealed in an interview with IGN, he believed he had zero chance of landing the role because he wasn’t in peak physical condition at the time. Cavill described feeling self-conscious in the Lycra suit, joking that he saw himself as “fat Superman” and ᴀssumed the role would go to someone more physically imposing.

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 delivering one 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.

7

Hugh 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 in Gamespot, 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 was originally 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.

6

Chris 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 compeтιтion was fierce, with numerous actors – including his own younger brother, Liam – auditioning for the part. Initially, Chris didn’t make the cut, and Liam 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 sH๏τ, this time bringing more intensity and confidence to the role (via Wired). 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.

5

Andrew 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’s The Amazing Spider-Man. Speaking with Variety, 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 Webb saw Garfield’s pᴀssion 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.

4

Ryan Reynolds As ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool

ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool

Ryan Reynolds’ journey to becoming ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool was a rollercoaster of doubt, perseverance, and pᴀssion. After the disastrous portrayal of the character in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Reynolds feared he’d never get the chance to do ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool 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 ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool 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, as ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool became a mᴀssive hit, proving that even an actor filled with doubts can become the definitive version of a beloved character.

3

Chris Pratt As Star-Lord

Guardians Of The Galaxy

Chris Pratt’s rise to stardom as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy was 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 (via ᴅᴇᴀᴅline).

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 performance turned Star-Lord into one of the MCU’s most beloved heroes, proving that sometimes, the perfect casting choice comes from an unexpected place.

2

Tom 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 over the seven-month process whether 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 with Variety that 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 ᴀssumed that he had lost the part. However, the actor 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.

1

Mark Ruffalo As Hulk

The Avengers

Mark Ruffalo never expected to play the Hulk in The Avengers, especially after Edward Norton had already established Bruce Banner in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. When Norton departed the role, Ruffalo hesitated to step in, unsure if he was the right fit for such a mᴀssive franchise. He wasn’t the typical action star and was more known for his dramatic performances. As detailed in MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, Marvel liked Ruffalo for the role and was determined to announce a full Avengers line-up at the rapidly approaching San Diego Comic-Con (via CBR).

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, and Ruffalo 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), ᴅᴇᴀᴅline, Variety (Tom Holland) & CBR