Throughout the years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Extended Universe has brought in a solid list of talents actors to play either villain or hero. However, there have been instances where top stars weren't utilized well in the movies they were cast for. Here's a list of talented actors that were wasted in superhero films.
Taylor Kitsch as Gambit in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"
"True Detective" star Taylor Kitsch is a pretty decent actor who played the suave, card-slinging Cajun, Gambit. For the short time that he played the character, Kitsch proved that he could have been a good addition to the "X-Men" universe in the long run. Unfortunately, his character didn't live long in the film. What's worse, while Gambit will be getting his solo movie soon, the character has been recast, wherein Channing Tatum is filling in his shoes.
Hugo Weaving as Red Skull in "Captain America: The First Avenger"
Weaving is one of the most reputable actors in recent time, and that's because he is a really good actor. When he signed on to play Red Skull, a.k.a Captain America's staunch arch-nemesis in the comic books, fans were stoked. But the excitement withered when the character died by the end of the film, which means he won't be able to fight Cap much longer in the MCU.
"It was good to do it and try it out, but to be honest, it's not the sort of film I seek out and really am excited by," Weaving said about "Captain America," as reported by Collider.
Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin in "Iron Man 3"
Kingsley made for a very convincing, terrifying villain in "Iron Man 3," until it was revealed that he was nothing but a ruse. Mandarin is a long-time foe to Iron Man, and in the film he was portrayed as the mysterious villain with terrorist-like vibes. The biggest and most disappointing twist, however, was the fact that the Mandarin was just a drugged-up, washed-up actor from England posing as a terrorist. It was an unnecessary twist, and a great actor as Kingsley most certainly didn't deserve it.
Natalie Portman as Jane Foster in "Thor"
Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress, and MCU is more than lucky to have her. However, the actress was severely underused and reduced to playing the damsel in distress. Although her character is brainy, Portman more than deserved playing a strong female character, such as that version of Jane in the comics where she was worthy enough to even carry Thor's Mjolnir.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Portman said she is done with "Thor" for now, but added that the film "was a great thing to be a part of."