10 Risky MCU Casting Decisions That Completely Paid Off

Summary

• Marvel has taken risks with some of its casting decisions, but many of these actors, like Benedict Cumberbatch and Samuel L. Jackson, were already proven talents before joining the universe. They continue to bank on proven talent, with Mahershala Ali set to join as Blade.
• Despite initial doubts, most of the MCU's casting decisions have paid off. Chris Pratt wasn't yet a proven action star before Guardians of the Galaxy, but he brought his humor and action skills to the role of Star-Lord.
• Marvel took a chance on newcomers like Iman Vellani, who made her acting debut in Ms. Marvel. Chris Hemsworth, known for few roles before Thor, has proven himself as both a comedic and dramatic actor.

The MCU has nailed most of its casting decisions, but that doesn't mean the studio hasn't taken risks with some of its choices. Many of the MCU's brightest stars have become Hollywood icons, but many of these actors were relatively unknown or experienced dips in their careers before becoming superheroes. Some actors were certified gold, such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldaña, or Samuel L. Jackson. These actors had already proven themselves before Marvel made them essential parts of the universe. Marvel is banking even more on proven talent, including Mahershala Ali, who is set to join the universe as Blade.
Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Captain America are all classic Marvel characters that comic book readers wanted to see brought to life faithfully. Fortunately, most of these risks have paid off for Marvel, despite initial doubts. Though some concerns may seem silly in hindsight, these 10 MCU casting decisions were anything but a sure thing.