Top Five Casting Decisions: Marvel Cinematic Universe - Movies

Over the years, the MCU has brought in a lot of terrific actors, from big names (like Scarlett Johansson) to new talents (hey, Winston Duke!)  Sometimes, the choices are at once fitting (like Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark,) while others are surprising (like Vin Diesel as Groot!)  I love so many of them, but having set myself the task of narrowing it down to my absolute favorites, this is what I came up with.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor

I’ve always liked Hemsworth as Thor, although the character has definitely come into his own in the last year.  The balance he strikes between noble monarch and lovable meathead really shouldn’t work, but Hemsworth carries it off, and Infinity War in particular offers him just the right tone to play.

Tom Hiddleston as Loki

Impeccable as the god of mischief, Hiddleston is magnetic to watch.  He captures the wheels-within-wheels intelligence and forethought of Loki’s machinations, the charged roil of his feelings (justified or not, you can’t doubt that they feel true for him,) and his sly deviousness.  Intense and compelling, this is most certainly a performance to be remembered.

Chris Evans as Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America

Oh wow, Evans as Steve.  There’s so much honesty in this performance – Steven is a very genuinely-good guy in an uncertain world trying to do his best, and Evans carries that integrity and decency without feeling like a Boy Scout.  Even at moments when Cap’s upstanding-ness is played up for laughs, there’s a knowing quality to it, with Steve well aware that he’s coming off a little corny and being in on the joke.

Tom Holland as Peter Parker a.k.a. Spider-Man

While Spidey was great fun in Civil War and Homecoming is a delightful film, Tom Holland is far and away the best reason that we have a new Spider-Man franchise.  He wonderfully embodies the pluck, bravery, and nervous energy of a quippy teenage superhero and has emerged as one of the new hearts of the MCU.  No matter what happens after Avengers 4, I’m glad he’ll be one of the anchors to carry us into Marvel’s next phase.

Letitia Wright as Shuri

I love Wright’s Shuri so much.  Honestly, I love the whole cast of Black Panther, but I think she’s my favorite.  Her energy is infectious, her humor sparkles, and Wright does a great job bringing Shuri’s enthusiastic love for technology and innovation to life.  You’d be hard-pressed not to adore her in the role.