The Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced us to some of the most iconic characters in pop culture – the charm of Tony Stark, the sense of morals of Steve Rogers, and the understated toughness of T’Challa have all been there for a long time. However, there are members of the MCU that not only failed to gain fans’ affection but also were outright hated. Poor writing, miscasting, and just going wrong with these characters are the reasons why most of these heroes were met with more eyerolls than claps. Below are the ten most disliked heroes in the MCU and the reasons why fans could not agree with them.
1. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought to us some of the most fabulous characters that have ever been a part of pop culture – the charm of Tony Stark, the strong sense of morality of Steve Rogers, and the cool, quiet inner strength of T’Challa were all there for us a long time. However, there are members of the MCU that not only lost the love of the fans but to the extent that those characters were hated. The main reasons for these characters to be met with more indifference than applause are poor writing, miscasting, and just going wrong with these characters. Here are 10 of the least liked heroes in the MCU and the reasons why fans could not agree with them.
2. Ava Starr / Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
Ava Starr initially appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp as a phasing anti-hero who was looking for a cure. Her abilities looked amazing, but her motives were mysterious, and her character arc was almost entirely absent. She was a character who wobbled viol the border between antagonist and victim, not making a final decision of one side or the other. Probably, with the arrival of Thunderbolts, she will be able to have another shot, but she will need to put in a lot of work to get us on her side.
3. Bruce Banner (Edward Norton)
Edward Norton’s take was grimmer than grand before Mark Ruffalo gave the Hulk his heart. The Incredible Hulk is still one of the MCU’s most forgettable films, and Norton’s aloof, self-important, and emotionally reserved Banner didn’t do anything to endear it. Toss in off-screen battles with Marvel Studios, and it’s no wonder the role was recast without fan outrage.
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)
Marvel’s Netflix era had its ups and downs, and the low point was undoubtedly Iron Fist. Finn Jones’s Danny Rand was bland and entitled, failing to possess the charm necessary for a solo show. The martial arts weren’t believable, the dialogue was awkward, and viewers immediately flocked to supporting characters like Colleen Wing instead.
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.