Marvel Characters Who Got Recast Between Movies

Highlights

• Replacements are common in Marvel movies, like Ross Marquand taking on Red Skull after Hugo Weaving’s departure.
• Mark Ruffalo stepped in for Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, bringing a different energy to the beloved character.
• Don Cheadle took over the role of James Rhodes from Terrence Howard, who left due to payment disputes.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is constantly expanding, and as such, it’s not surprising that some actors have parted ways or been left behind in favor of a different performer. There have been plenty of Marvel movies over the years when recognizable characters have been replaced with different faces in sequels and spin-offs.

Whether it’s the old Fox universe or the more contemporary Marvel Cinematic Universe, many Marvel movies have tried to continue using a character without drawing attention to a brand-new look, and here are a few notable standouts.

5 Red Skull

Hugo Weaving To Ross Marquand

• Portrayed by Hugo Weaving in Captain America: The First Avenger (2009)
• Portrayed by Ross Marquand in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and What If…? (2021-present)

The Nazi commander, Red Skull, is a thorn in Captain America’s side and serves as the First Avenger’s first major villain in World War 2. He was initially portrayed by Hugo Weaving, best known for his performance as Agent Smith in The Matrix Trilogy. Weaving’s performance of the character gives him an appropriately maniacal edge, especially in the scene where he reveals his own skull, after tearing off the mask of a human face he had worn before.

It’s no surprise that Hugo Weaving didn’t return for future superhero movie installments, as he has never really had positive comments regarding big blockbusters. Consequently, Red Skull was portrayed by Ross Marquand in both films. Marquand might be seen on-screen as Red Skull doing a great Hugo Weaving impression, but he’s also been heard in other performances from Marvel media, like as Charles Xavier in X-Men ’97.

4 Bruce Banner

Mark Ruffalo Replaces Edward Norton

• Portrayed by Edward Norton in The Incredible Hulk (2008)
• Portrayed by Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers and subsequent appearances (2012-present)

Mark Ruffalo was an early choice for the role of Bruce Banner during the production of the first, and to date, the only Hulk film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, he would not play the character until The Avengers in 2012. Instead, the role was originated by Edward Norton, an actor known for previously playing characters who, like Banner, had twisted alter egos.

Banner makes a meta-joke regarding the recast in She-Hulk: Attorney At Law. When mentioning a previous fight with Emil Blonsky aka Abomination, he claims “That fight was so many years ago, I’m a completely different person now — literally.” Ruffalo has been far more committed to Hulk, appearing as the character for over 12 years now, whereas Norton likely didn’t return due to the commitment required of him and the lack of focus on Hulk-solo projects.

3 James Rhodes

Terrence Howard Leaves For Don Cheadle To Claim The Mantle

• Portrayed by Terrence Howard in Iron Man (2008)
• Portrayed by Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2 and subsequent appearances (2010-present)

Terrence Howard portrayed Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes in Iron Man, the first-ever Marvel Cinematic Universe film. However, Howard would not get the chance to don the War Machine armor. That honor instead went to Don Cheadle, who played the character in the various Iron Man and Avengers sequels, among others.

Terrence Howard elected not to return as Rhodey due to payment disputes, which is a common theme among actors in the superhero movie genre. As such, Rhodey’s development was left to the responsibility of Don Cheadle, who has played the role of Tony Stark’s closest friend for over 14 years, with continuing developments.

2 Sabertooth

Tyler Mane Is Replaced By Liev Schreiber (Then Tyler Mane Replaces Liev Schreiber)

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  Portrayed by Tyler Mane in X-Men (2000) and Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

• Portrayed by Liev Schreiber in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Victor Creed, better known as Sabertooth, is characterized in most continuities as an archenemy to Wolverine. He appears on film as an antagonist in 2000’s X-Men, as a member of Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants, played by wrestler-turned-actor, Tyler Mane. The prequel, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, retroactively establishes him as Wolverine’s half-brother. Here, he is instead portrayed by Liev Schreiber, a more recognizable face for the role.

Mane claimed the reason for the recast was due to Schreiber looking more similar to Hugh Jackman. X-Men Origins: Wolverine wasn’t the first time the pair acted as relatives, with Jackman playing Schreiber’s ancestor in the romantic comedy, Kate and Leopold (2001). Funnily enough, Schreiber was then recast by Mane for 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, showcasing a return to the original.

1 Thanos

Josh Brolin Takes Over From Damion Poitier

• Portrayed by Damion Poitier in The Avengers (2012)
• Portrayed by Josh Brolin in Guardians of the Galaxy and subsequent appearances (2014-present)

Thanos was the overarching big bad of the MCU’s Infinity Saga. He made himself known in multiple films prior to Infinity War. However, it’s easy to forget it was not the acclaimed Josh Brolin who originated the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first Thanos performer was actor and stuntman, Damion Poitier. At the end of Avengers, it is Poitier who debuts as the Mad Titan.

Fascinatingly, while Brolin’s portrayal of Thanos makes heavy use of special effects and motion capture technology, Poitier’s take on the character has a much more practical appearance. Poitier wore an actual costume and heavily applied purple makeup to perform as the character for the brief post-credits scene.