12 Actors Who Never Wanted To Be In The MCU, And 15 More Who Were Very Eager To Join The Franchise

The MCU has become one of the biggest movie franchises ever, and that kind of success tends to pull in every kind of actor, from the eager to the reluctant. Some stars see capes, contracts, and blockbuster paychecks, while others see long shoots, strict routines, and a lot of pressure.

This roundup looks at both sides of that divide. A few actors wanted nothing to do with Marvel, whether because they disliked superhero films, the workload, or the image that came with the role. Others were more than happy to jump in, or even hoped to land a part after missing out the first time.

Here’s who passed on the franchise, and who was ready to suit up.

The MCU has featured some of the biggest Hollywood names donning superhero suits.

However, not every actor is interested in playing a comic book character.

Disney+ / Via giphy.com

For every actor who would refuse a role in the franchise, there is another who would seize the opportunity without hesitation.

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Here are the actors who don't want to take part in a Marvel movie.

1. Emily Blunt isn't fond of superhero movies.

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2. John Cho doesn't like the workout and dieting part required by such movies. He also has an issue with what he calls "indentured-servitude contracts."

If you play, you know, Condorman, you’re young, you’re just in from Ohio or whatever, you’re signing a 15-year contract, and they have the option to make three or four. That’s the weird thing about it.Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images

3. Timothée Chalamet, who auditioned for the role of Spider-Man, was given some acting advice.

No hard drugs — and no superhero movies.

He recalls.

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4. Amanda Seyfried may love watching Marvel movies, but she doesn't want to don the suit.

This was something she realized after doing stunts for Pan.

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5. Matthew McConaughey wanted to be the Hulk, but Marvel refused.

They approached him about playing a part in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 a few years later, but he declined the offer, stating that he didn't like the feeling of being an amendment.

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6. Reese Witherspoon isn't too interested in superhero films.

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7. For Jon Hamm, it was the right decision to turn down the offer.

You are signed on for not only the movie that you are signed on for…but at least two more that you haven’t read, and you have no idea what they are going to be, along with all the crossover ones you are going to have to do.Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

8. Jennifer Aniston thinks that Marvel movies are "diminishing" cinema.

Her statement drew flak from fans of the franchise.

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9. Jason Statham doesn't like the fact that anyone can do the films.

He criticized the films for heavily depending on stunt doubles, green screens, and large budgets.

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Kaley Cuoco’s tense “Charmed” moment with an A-list actress who overlooked her on set is the same kind of pressure.

10. To Rose McGowan, superhero movies are tentpole films.

Where are the human stories?...I want intelligence, daring work that drives society forward. I want a mirror, not every cliché regurgitated ad nauseam.

She posts on Instagram.

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11. Josh Hartnett doesn't want to be labeled as Superman and the like.

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12. Sean Penn didn't like that Marvel movies claimed a lot of time from talented actors.

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These are the stars who are eager to land a Marvel role.

Marvel

13. John Krasinski thinks that it's awesome to be part of the franchise.

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14. Nhut Le would love to be a different version of the Ancient One in Doctor Strange.

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15. Method Man is ready anytime.

You know, I’m ready, man. Come on, Marvel. Come on, Russo brothers, I’m here.

He says in an Insider interview.

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16. Janelle Monáe has always been vocal about her dreams to play Storm.

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17. Halle Berry wants to revisit the superhero role.

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18. Lana Condor also wants to revisit her role as Jubilee.

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19. Norman Reedus wants to be Ghost Rider in case there's a remake.

The Ghost Rider conversation has been coming up for years, and yeah, tell them to put me in it.Astrid Stawiarz / Getty Images

20. Jessica Chastain turned down a Marvel role because she wanted to do a superhero role instead of a human one.

Photo Credit: Doane Gregory / 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection

21. Eddie Redmayne would love to play a "sort of weird English baddie."

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22. Alison Brie has yet to land a role, but she has been auditioning to play a Marvel character.

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23. Kevin Smith wants to be Willie Lumpkin, the mailman played by the late Stan Lee.

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24. Ryan Hurst opened up about his desire to take the role of Sentry in an Instagram post.

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25. Channing Tatum may be traumatized to the point of being unable to watch Marvel films after Gambit was canceled.

But he still wants to play the character given the chance in the future.

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26. Jason Momoa may have turned down playing Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy, but he is open to playing Wolverine.

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27. For Keanu Reeves, landing a Marvel role would be an honor.

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It's no secret that the Marvel Cinematic Universe boosted the careers of many actors. However, there are still stars who would never think twice and would decline the role in a heartbeat. They have their own reasons for doing so. Some are not keen on what comes with playing the part, while others are simply not interested.

For another “too much” Hollywood moment, see how the biggest stars wanted Earth to swallow them whole in chaotic stunts.