Never forget that Batman was once Daredevil and Deadpool was once The Green Lantern.
When Ben Affleck was announced as taking the role of Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice, many comic book fans rolled their eyes. It wasn’t necessarily because they disliked Affleck, it was more because there was still a bad taste in their mouths from 2003’s Daredevil. But as Ryan Reynolds proved earlier this year, redemption in the world of superhero movies is entirely possible and these actors have certainly repented for their past comic book sins.
Ben Affleck: Daredevil to Batman
Ben Affleck in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
The character of Daredevil is currently enjoying a resurgence thanks to the acclaimed Netflix series of the same name. But one reason why fans are so happy to see Daredevil get his outing on the small screen, is because his 2003 big screen debut sucked so much.
While the film did well at the box office, taking over $179 million worldwide, fans weren't so happy. It also came at a bad time for Affleck, who went on to win the Razzie award for worst actor of 2003, thanks to Daredevil, Gigli and Paycheck.
In 2015 Affleck himself admitted the movie wasn’t great, saying: “Daredevil didn’t work, at all. If I wanted to go viral I would be less polite.” Of course now Affleck is Batman, making his debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice and steadily on the path to superhero redemption. He’ll also be appearing as Batman in the upcoming Justice League movie, due out in 2017.
Ryan Reynolds: The Green Lantern to Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool
For Ryan Reynolds Deadpool was the ultimate passion project and his shot at redemption after 2011’s The Green Lantern. Reynolds is well aware of how badly The Green Lantern was received, even including some subtle digs at the movie (and his costume) in Deadpool. The film was panned by critics and performed poorly at the box office, taking just $220 million against a production budget of $200 million.
But earlier this year Reynolds became the poster boy for superhero redemption when Deadpool broke box office records and became a hit with fans and critics. The film was so successful that a sequel has already been announced, erasing any bad memories of The Green Lantern and his CGI suit.
Chris Evans: The Human Torch to Captain America
Chris Evans as Captain America
When Chris Evans was announced as Captain America many fans exclaimed ‘but he’s already the Human Torch!’ But ever since Evans’ made his debut as Captain America in 2011, his run as the Human Torch has become largely forgotten by superhero fans.
While Evans’ himself wasn’t criticised for his performance in both Fantastic Four movies, they were largely panned by critics. Even Evans admitted it wasn’t a career highlight and said it led him to questioning wether he should take the role of Captain America.
"Those Fantastic Four movies… how do you say this correctly? This is where interviews get tricky,” Evans said in 2014. "If you're going to get locked up in a long-term contract, you've got to make sure the movies you're making are movies you'll be proud of. With a lot of movies I've made, I've had something to question.”
Nicolas Cage Ghost Rider to Big Daddy
Nicolas Cage in Kick-Ass
Nicolas Cage loves comic book character Ghost Rider so much, he even has a Ghost Rider tribute tattoo, which he had to have covered up for his portrayal of the motorcycle riding hero in 2007. But as much love as Cage has for Ghost Rider, it sadly didn't translate into a good movie.
Ghost Rider wasn’t well received by critics and fans were left wishing Cage had just never bothered. But in 2010 Cage got the chance to star in a good superhero movie, when he played Big Daddy in Kick Ass. The movie was well received by both critics and comic book fans and has gained a large cult following. However in 2012 Cage risked loosing his superhero redemption when he made Ghost Rider sequel Spirit of Vengeance. So when it comes to comic book movies it looks like it’s one step forward and then two steps back for Cage.
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