10 Actors Who Turned Down Marvel Movies (And Regret It)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has reshaped Hollywood, turning comic book heroes into global icons and boosting actors’ careers to new heights. From Iron Man to Black Panther, these films have drawn in massive audiences and created unforgettable characters.

Not every actor jumped at the chance to join the MCU, though. Some turned down roles for various reasons, only to later regret missing out on the franchise’s success. Here are ten stars who passed on Marvel opportunities and later wished they had taken the leap.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt was a top pick for Black Widow in ‘Iron Man 2’ (2010) and Peggy Carter in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011). She had to pass on both due to a contract with Fox, which locked her into filming ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ instead.

The decision stung, as Blunt later shared her disappointment, noting how much she valued choosing roles that meant something to her. Missing out on Black Widow, a key Avenger, and Peggy Carter, a fan-favorite, left her wondering what could have been.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams was offered the role of Pepper Potts in ‘Iron Man’ (2008) during a break from acting after hits like ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Notebook’. She turned it down to step back from Hollywood’s spotlight.

Years later, McAdams admitted feeling some guilt for not seizing the opportunity, though she believed Gwyneth Paltrow was perfect for Pepper. She eventually joined the MCU as Christine Palmer in ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016), but the earlier miss lingered.

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried was considered for Gamora in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014) but passed, doubting the film’s potential. She worried a talking tree and raccoon wouldn’t draw crowds, a choice she later called a mistake.

The film’s massive success and Zoe Saldana’s iconic performance as Gamora made Seyfried rethink her decision. She also hesitated about the intense transformation required to play the green-skinned assassin.

Jensen Ackles

Jensen Ackles auditioned for Captain America in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011) but lost to Chris Evans. Marvel liked him enough to offer Hawkeye in ‘The Avengers’ (2012), but he declined due to his ‘Supernatural’ (2005-2020) commitments.

Ackles later hinted that passing on Hawkeye might not have been the best call, given the MCU’s rise. The role could have opened doors to bigger projects beyond his TV success.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan was in talks to play Scarlet Witch in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015) and expressed interest in working with Joss Whedon. Scheduling conflicts or other priorities led her to pass on the role.

Ronan later suggested she might have missed a unique opportunity, as Scarlet Witch became a central MCU figure. Her career thrived with films like ‘Lady Bird’, but the Marvel what-if stayed with her.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise was attached to ‘Iron Man’ (2008) during its long development in the 1990s. He stepped away, reportedly wanting changes to the suit’s design to show more of his face.

Cruise later acknowledged the regret of missing Tony Stark, a role that revitalized Robert Downey Jr.’s career. The film’s success as the MCU’s foundation made his decision a tough one to revisit.

Matthew McConaughey

Marvel eyed Matthew McConaughey for Ego in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017), but he declined, feeling the role was just a flashy add-on for a big name. He wanted parts with more depth.

After the film’s success and Kurt Russell’s memorable performance, McConaughey admitted he might have underestimated the role’s impact. His career was soaring, but the MCU’s pull left a mark.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa was offered Drax in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014) but turned it down, feeling it was too similar to his past action-heavy, shirtless roles. He wanted to show a different side with ‘Road to Paloma’.

Momoa later reflected on missing Drax, a role Dave Bautista made iconic. While he found success as Aquaman, the chance to join the MCU’s cosmic crew gnawed at him.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix was close to signing on as Doctor Strange in ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016) and even considered playing Hulk earlier. He walked away, preferring character-driven projects over blockbuster spectacle.

Phoenix later said he was happy with how things turned out but admitted the Doctor Strange role tempted him. The film’s critical and commercial success made him second-guess his choice.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo was recently approached to replace Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. He declined, likely wary of the role’s uncertain future after Marvel shifted focus to Doctor Doom.

With Kang’s diminished role in upcoming films like ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, Domingo’s choice might not sting much. Still, he later mused about the missed chance to shape a major MCU villain.

Which MCU role do you think one of these actors would have nailed, or is there another star who passed on Marvel you’d add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!