5 Simple Reasons Why Marvel Is Hollywood's Biggest Studio

2. The Casting Is Spot-On

Along with continued success in choosing the right directors for their projects, Marvel also have a knack when it comes to casting. Whereas the studio are more than willing to change director to suit their creative vision, the acting talent are generally secured on lengthy multi-picture deals. Unless your name is Terrence Howard or Edward Norton, of course. It's hard to imagine now, but the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man was highly scrutinized when it was first announced due to the actor's well-publicized past battles with alcohol and substance abuse, as well as his numerous stints in rehab. In his blockbuster debut Downey Jr. made Tony Stark his own, creating one of the most popular and iconic movie characters of a generation, making the actor one of the world's biggest movie stars. Chris Evans initially turned down the role of Captain America no less than three times before signing a six-picture deal, worrying that accepting the part would see him typecast. This casting also caused some controversy amongst the fan community as he had already played the Human Torch twice in the Fantastic Four series, but these doubts were quickly dispelled following the release of The First Avenger. Chris Hemsworth was an unknown struggling to break into Hollywood when he was cast as Thor in May 2009, and carried the movie with a blend of physicality, charm and charisma that instantly made him a household name. Similarly, Tom Hiddleston was in the same boat when he was cast as Loki, before going on to become one of the most popular characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Samuel L Jackson signed a nine-picture deal to appear as Nick Fury and deliver exposition as only he can, Scarlett Johansson is a suitably sultry Black Widow, Mark Ruffalo became the definitive big-screen Hulk in an ensemble movie, and Jeremy Renner is... just kind of there as Hawkeye. And let's not forget the glue that holds the MCU together; Clark Gregg's Agent Coulson. Even outside of the main Avengers, the Marvel Cinematic Universe also has recurring roles for Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, Stellan Skarsgard, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. A list of actors that have appeared in previous Marvel movies is also hugely impressive; Jeff Bridges, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Sir Ben Kingsley to name but a small few. Not to mention upcoming appearances by the likes of Robert Redford, Anthony Mackie, Benicio del Toro, Djimon Honsou and Vin Diesel. Wow.