The Marvel Cinematic Universe has given the world some of the best characters of pop culture—Iron Man’s wit, Captain America’s ethical values, and Black Panther’s quiet power all made an impact. However, not only that these characters weren’t all liked by everyone, but the MCU also has a pretty long list of the least liked superheroes. This is because of a combination of factors, including bad writing, miscasting, and missed opportunities, resulting in these characters drawing more sighs than applause. Below, we present the top 10 MCU characters hated the most and the reasons why their fans refused to accept them.
1. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman)
Jane Foster should have been the standout. A talented scientist-turned-superhero, played by Oscar-winning Natalie Portman—what could go wrong? But her appearance in Thor: The Dark World was a narrative afterthought, and Love and Thunder didn’t invest her journey into becoming Mighty Thor with the emotional investment it deserved. Flashing with possibility, Jane’s trajectory petered out instead of taking flight, and her absence in Ragnarok just served to reinforce how little she was missed.
2. Ava Starr / Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
Ava Starr was first seen in Ant-Man and the Wasp as a phasing anti-hero seeking a cure. Her powers were visually stunning, but her intentions were unclear, and the character development was virtually non-existent. She teetered on the line between villain and victim, never quite deciding on one side or the other. With Thunderbolts approaching, she might get another opportunity—but she will have much to do to convince us.
3. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton)
Compared to Mark Ruffalo, the viewpoint of Edward Norton was more bleak and restrictive. Still, The Incredible Hulk remains one of the least memorable movies of the MCU, and Norton’s detached, pompous, and emotionally guarded Banner character had no fans. If you add disputes that took place behind the scenes with Marvel Studios to that, then you will understand why the character was changed with no negative reaction from the public.
4. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas)
Hank Pym added vintage gravitas to the Ant-Man movies at first, but by Quantumania, the character was dead weight. Even Michael Douglas conceded he was ready for the character to retire. As the stakes rose throughout the multiverse, Pym’s presence was more of a plot necessity than a worthwhile addition.
5. Korg (Taika Waititi)
Korg was an unexpected delight in Thor: Ragnarok—a charming, relaxed rock alien with impeccable comedic sense. But Love and Thunder cashed in big on the joke, making Korg a scene-stealer whose nonstop commentary shortchanged the film’s emotional moments. What was initially a breath of fresh air soon became too much, proving that even popular humor can wear out its welcome.
6. Ralph Bohner (Evan Peters)
WandaVision got everyone hyped when Evan Peters showed up, apparently bridging the X-Men and MCU. But the punchline—that he was merely some dude named Ralph Bohner—fell flat. What might have been a crossover-changing move became an infuriating bait-and-switch, squandering Peters’ acting chops and hype from fans in an instant.
7. Sersi (Gemma Chan)
Sersi, the frontwoman of Eternal, was supposed to keep the film’s space mythology rooted in emotional depth, but her performance was starchy and lackluster. Although Eternals had so much to cover, Sersi was a soothing presence in a part that required commanding warmth and gravitas. With no sequel on the horizon, a redemption seems in doubt.
8. Danny Rand / Iron Fist (Finn Jones)
It went up and down with the Netflix era of Marvel, and the lowest point was probably Iron Fist. The Iron Fist of Finn Jones was bland, and the total was a lack of charm necessary for a single show. The fights were not impressive, the dialogues were awkward, and the audience went to the side characters, such as Colleen Win, instead of the main one.
9. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt)
Peter Quill went from lovable rogue to public enemy #1 after Infinity War, when his emotional outburst cost the Avengers their best shot at stopping Thanos. While Guardians Vol. 3 gave him a redemptive arc, many fans still haven’t forgiven him. Quill remains a divisive figure—part of Marvel’s heart, but also one of its biggest missteps.
10. John Walker (Wyatt Russell)
On The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, John Walker’s grab for Captain America’s shield was a slap in the face to Steve Rogers’ honor. Wyatt Russell infused him with intensity and depth, but the character’s arrogance and impulsiveness made him unlikable the moment he appeared. He’s set to come back in Thunderbolts, but to many fans, Walker’s still the embodiment of all the things no hero should ever be.
For each Iron Man or Black Panther, there are misfires that the MCU has had. These heroes weren’t necessarily fated to fail from the beginning—they had promise. But somewhere along the way, between quickened storylines, tonal inconsistencies, and lost emotional moments, they fell into Marvel’s hall of shame. But the MCU is always ready for a redemption arc—so who knows? Even the most reviled hero could get one more chance at winning us over.