5 Actors Who Regretted Being On Superhero Shows (And 15 Who Adored Them)

While superhero shows have been around for decades, their popularity has greatly increased with the success of Marvel's MCU series and DC's Arrowverse.

With this success, one would think every actor would jump at the chance to take part in a show. However, we must remember that even though being part of the world of superheroes can be fun, it is also a lot of hard work.

Some actors have fun with their roles, whether being fans of the comics their shows are based on or simply falling in love with their character and trying to ensure they leave a lasting impact on fans.

This has led to many actors' roles on superhero shows being their definitive character for audiences, such as Stephen Amell's Green Arrow or Adam West's Batman.

Others, however, run into issues during their series' run, such as grueling schedules, behind-the-scenes controversies, and the struggle of finding a new role after being cast as the same character for so long.

Plus, superhero shows, like the countless movies actors have also got involved with, can be hits or misses. For every Smallville and Jessica Jones, there is a Birds of Prey and Inhumans not too far away.

In the end, superhero shows are like any other TV show (except with the addition of masks and superpowers): they can make or break any actor's career and give them good or bad memories of their role.

With that said, here are the 5 Actors Who Regretted Being On Superhero Shows (And 15 Who Adored Them).

20 Adored: Sarah Michelle Gellar - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

What could've ended with the forgettable 1992 movie starring Kristy Swanson, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise ended up spawning one of the most beloved series of all time, thanks to the direction of Joss Whedon and acting talent of Sarah Michelle Gellar.

While the recent announcement of a reboot may excite some fans, there's no denying whomever takes up the role of Buffy Summers next has some pretty big shoes to fill.

When discussing said reboot with The Huffington Post, Gellar talked about her doubts of a new incarnation and her love of the original series.

"We had seven amazing seasons," she said. "And it still lives on in fan fiction and comic books and graphic novels, and I think that's really cool that it can live on in that immortal way."

19 Adored: Nafessa Williams - Black Lightning

While actor Cress Williams may play the main hero in The CW's newest superhero show, actress Nafessa Williams is no stranger to praise for her role as Thunder, receiving a Teen Choice Award nomination for breakout role.

Besides being Black Lightning's daughter and partner, Anissa Pierce is also making headlines as a lesbian African-American superhero, a fact which Williams was happy to discuss with The Verge.

"We all need representation," she said. "That's why I feel like it's important for young black lesbians to see themselves and be confident in themselves, to walk boldly in their sexuality."

She also discussed abandoning a law career to pursue television, a move that clearly seems to have worked out well for her.

18 Regretted: David Yost - Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Being a Power Ranger is a dream most kids have had, especially in the '90s. When Mighty Morphin Power Rangers first debuted in 1993, children went crazy over the costumes, fight scenes, and, of course, the Zords.

However, actor David Yost, made famous for his portrayal of original Blue Ranger Billy Cranston, revealed his decision to leave the series after its Zeo season was not because he didn't want to keep being a Ranger, but because of constant harassment from other crew members about his orientation.

Yost told No Pink Spandex in 2010 that he was called derogatory terms multiple times.

This resulted in Yost attempting to change his orientation through conversion therapy.

However, he eventually accepted his orientation and, despite his troubles with the show, has continued to appear at fan conventions and has discussed interest in a reunion movie.

17 Adored: Ryan Gosling - Young Hercules

Besides his acting talent, Ryan Gosling is well-known for his good looks. Perhaps this is why in his earlier years he was cast as Hercules.

A prequel to the popular series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (starring Kevin Sorbo), Young Hercules ran for one season in the late '90s.

While this may seem forgettable to some, when Gosling was asked during an interview with reporter Jake Hamilton about a role he is extremely proud of and feels deserves more recognition, he replied, "My work on Young Hercules."

When describing the experience, Gosling added, "I had a fake tan [and] leather pants. I was fighting imaginary monsters - they weren't really there, but I was acting like they were there."

If Disney ever adds a Hercules remake to its long list of live-action adaptations, perhaps this is a role Gosling would enjoy revisiting.

16 Adored: Hayden Panettiere - Heroes

Before the various Marvel and DC superhero shows of today were introduced to television audiences, NBC's Heroes served as one of the main insights into a superhero universe.

One of the most popular characters on the show was cheerleader Claire Bennet, portrayed by actress Hayden Panettiere, who had the power to rapidly regenerate her cells.

Staying on the show through its entire run, Panettiere clearly loved the role, as evidenced in an interview with Alloy during one of the show's earlier seasons, where she called it "an incredible experience."

"When I go to work and see our little sound stage and sets where we goof around, it's hard to think that 15 million people are watching what we're doing," she said.

15 Regretted: Willa Holland - Arrow

There's no denying the impact of The CW's Arrow.

Receiving an adoring fanbase and spawning an entire television universe, the series has taken the format of superhero shows to a new level.

However, despite the show holding on to most of its major characters (including Oliver, Felicity, and John) for six seasons (and counting), the show has dropped a few main characters over the years, with some returning and some not.

Actress Willa Holland's Thea Queen (also known as Speedy) was certainly a character fans were sad to see go.

Following Holland's departure after the sixth season, showrunner Marc Guggenheim told TV Line he had been made aware of Holland's desire to leave the show during the fourth season.

Costar Stephen Amell later said he respected her decision "to move on with her career."

14 Adored: James Avery - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

When making a list of the greatest animated superhero shows of all time, it would be a sin not to include the classic 1987-96 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Launching the heroes in a half-shell to stardom, the cartoon made sure no kid (or parent) would be forgetting their names.

What would the turtles be without their arch-nemesis, the Shredder? Though represented through multiple incarnations over the years, the one many fans continue to associate with the character is the one voiced by Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star James Avery.

"[Voicing Shredder] was a non-pressured, fun thing with very talented, funny people, and it was just a great experience," Avery said in a YouTube interview.

Though Avery passed away in 2013, his legacy as Shredder will continue to live on in the hearts of fans.

13 Adored: Matt Ryan - Constantine

While shows set in the Arrowverse do well with ratings and audience approval, there was one show that never got a chance to truly shine: Constantine.

Cancelled after only one season despite receiving positive reviews, Constantine featured actor Matt Ryan as the famed DC supernatural detective.

Both Ryan's and The CW's love for the character has resulted in appearances on Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow (which soon made him a series regular).

"It's great to have gotten to revisit this character in all the different mediums that I have, and on all the different shows," Ryan told Syfy Wire.

Not one to be tied down to one adventure, Ryan's Constantine has also appeared outside of the Arrowverse in the animated film Justice League Dark and it spin-off web series Constantine: City of Demons.

12 Adored: Krysten Ritter - Jessica Jones

If Daredevil showed audiences that Marvel can make great shows connected to the MCU, Jessica Jones only reaffirmed that fact.

Dealing with dark topics like rape and PTSD, the show has garnered critical for both of its seasons and has already been picked up for a third, which is due largely to actress Krysten Ritter's standout performance as Jones.

In fact, Ritter fought hard to get cast as Jones, as revealed in a Q&A at Comicpalooza.

"I felt like Jessica was this role that does everything, and she's so well rounded, and we see all the different sides of her, like us," she said. "We all have so many different sides, so I wanted to be able to play that."

11 Regretted: George Reeves - The Adventures of Superman

While not the first actor to don the iconic red and blue outfit (that would be Kirk Alyn, who played the Man of Steel in two serials released in 1948 and 1950), actor George Reeves is thought of by many today as the first standout actor to play Superman.

First playing the role in the 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men (imagine that title in DC's current film roster), Reeves shot to television fame in the '50s hit The Adventures of Superman.

However, while doing the show, Reeves had trouble finding other roles. Despite taking his status as a role model seriously, Reeves ended up disliking the role, at one point calling his outfit a "monkey suit," according to Time.

Before a seventh season could come to fruition, Reeves tragically died of a gunshot wound to the head at the age of 45.

10 Adored: Iwan Rheon - Misfits

Recently, actor Iwan Rheon has gained audiences' attention with his roles on various series, including Ramsay Bolton on Game of Thrones and, to a lesser extent, Maximus on Inhumans.

However, from 2009 to 2011, Rheon received recognition (and sympathy) for his role as Simon Bellamy, a shy outcast with the power of invisibility.

Going through mental hospitalization, conviction of attempted arson, and manipulation by Peter into becoming the hero Superhoody, Simon was involved in various storylines for the show's first three seasons.

Despite not returning for the later seasons, Rheon told Den of Geek that he loved Bellamy's character progression through the series.

He particularly enjoyed "slowly building [Simon's] confidence until he became who he was destined to be."

However, Rheon said he felt the end for Bellamy "was really rushed," and he would've enjoyed returning to the role in a Misfits film.

9 Adored: David Coburn - Captain Planet and the Planeteers

Having cartoons deal with social or environmental issues may not seem strange today, but back in the '90s, Captain Planet and the Planeteers did this like nothing else on TV.

Known for its important messages about environmentalism (and celebrity voice roles), the adventures of superhero Captain Planet and his Planeteers have not been forgotten.

This is why David Coburn, who was chosen over actor Tom Cruise to voice Captain Planet, views the role in high esteem.

"Captain Planet is the greatest job I ever had as an actor," he said in an interview with Heat Vision. "It's the only job I've ever had that did any real good for anybody."

Coburn recently reprised the role in an episode of Cartoon Network's OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, and he hopes to have a role in Leonardo DiCaprio's upcoming adaptation.

8 Adored: Charlie Cox - Daredevil

After the 2003 Daredevil film achieved less-than-desirable results, it was up to the MCU to do the blind lawyer and superhero justice (pardon the pun).

With its first two seasons receiving positive reviews, it looks like justice has been served (again, sorry).

However, the Primetime Emmy-nominated series would certainly not be the same without lead actor Charlie Cox.

Cox told The Guardian that he loves the role of Matt Murdock, despite not being a fan of the superhero genre or the show's violent content.

Cox has since gone on to reprise his role in the Defenders series and will don the iconic red costume again when Daredevil returns for its third season (whenever that may be).

7 Adored: Mark Hamill - Batman: The Animated Series

Think about the Joker talking. Whose voice does he have?

Most likely, it's Mark Hamill, who, beginning in the '90s, took his fame from playing iconic Star Wars hero Luke Skywalker and smushed a pie in its face to begin a new important part of his career.

Another of the most beloved animated superhero shows of all time, Batman: The Animated Series shined on TV with its brooding atmosphere, clever stories, and, of course, iconic villains.

Of course, the standout villain in Batman's rogues gallery is undoubtedly Hamill's Annie Award-nominated Joker, whom Hamill loves so much that he has continued to voice the character in various spin-off cartoons, animated films, and video games to this day.

Earlier this year, Hamill remarked on Twitter how voicing the Joker is "the gift that keeps on giving!" We couldn't agree more.

6 Regretted: Bruce Lee - The Green Hornet

The late, great actor Bruce Lee is well-known for his leading film roles, but superhero fans will remember there was a time when he played a sidekick.

In the '60s action series The Green Hornet, Lee played Kato, the titular hero's partner and aide.

However, Lee's popularity soared due to his authentic onscreen kung-fu, which led to costar Van Williams attempt to convince producers to give Lee more lines and scenes.

According to Newsweek, an issue occurred when during a crossover with Batman, Lee was scripted to lose in a fight with Robin.

Lee became furious and walked off the set, which led to the fight being rewritten to end in a draw.

However, his problems did not stop there, as Lee discovered his extreme popularity in Hong Kong the hard way, with fans constantly hounding him and addressing him as "Kato."

5 Adored: Hayley Atwell - Agent Carter

Actress Hayley Atwell has certainly made a name for herself in the MCU, appearing so far in four films (and the One-Shot "Agent Carter") as Captain America's original love interest Peggy Carter.

Her popularity proved so great that a series centered on Carter was soon ordered for ABC, which, despite being cancelled after two seasons, has gained a cult following and is seen by many as a series that ended too soon.

Thankfully, Atwell is on board if Carter makes any more film or TV appearances (as long as it's "an appropriate development" for the character).

"I feel very privileged to be part of something that people really love and that entertains them," Atwell told IGN.

4 Adored: Lynda Carter - Wonder Woman

Today, many DC fans picture actress Gal Gadot when thinking of Diana Prince. However, for fans in the late '70s, actress Lynda Carter took center stage (sorry, Cathy Lee Crosby).

For three seasons, Carter spun, lassoed, and soared (using an invisible plane, of course) into the hearts of millions as a female icon

"I guess if there's ever a role that was meant for me, it was Wonder Woman," Carter told Variety shortly before receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this year.

Carter is also friends with Gadot and Wonder Woman movie director Patty Jenkins.

We'll keep our fingers crossed that she'll have a role in Wonder Woman 1984, or at least a reprisal for an animated film.

3 Regretted: Burt Ward - Batman

Before DC's Dark Knight became known for his dark and gritty escapades, the dynamic duo of actors Adam West and Burt Ward brought Batman and Robin to television for hours of campy, bat-tastic fun for all ages.

However, to make a show fun, there is usually some hard work behind the scenes. Nobody knew this better than Ward.

Ward told Daily Express that because his stuntman looked nothing like him, he had to handle most of his own stunts, which led to him being thrown from the Batmobile and getting second-degree burns (to name a few instances).

Combining that with an uncomfortable outfit and a missed role in The Graduate, Ward certainly didn't have it easy.

Despite this, Ward said he doesn't regret being Robin and continues to attend conventions (and recently reprised the role in two animated films).

2 Adored: Stephen Amell - Arrow

As stated before, Arrow is a large part of today's superhero show craze.

However, like with any adaptation, a show can only successful with a dedicated fanbase behind it.

In a Washington Post interview, actor Stephen Amell said the reason the show has remained successful is that fans "can tell we give a [expletive]."

"They can tell we're protective over the script," he said.

Besides making appearances at conventions and in other Arrowverse shows, Amell has also been known to go through his social media and read posts from fans, as well as live-tweet during episode airings and encourage the creation of Arrow-related memes.

With such love and dedication for the role, maybe Amell will get his wish for Arrow to become "the best superhero comic book show of all time."

1 Adored: Michael Rosenbaum - Smallville

For the first seven seasons of the hit WB/CW series, Michael Rosenbaum astonished audiences with his portrayal of a young Lex Luthor, who, before becoming the Man of Steel's arch-enemy, was best friends with Clark Kent in the town of Smallville.

However, destiny soon takes its toll on the two friends as they are driven further apart as the show goes on.

After the end of Season 7, Rosenbaum penned a meaningful letter to fans, stating it was "time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career."

"Smallville will always be a part of me," he also wrote. "I will definitely miss the greatest crew in the world, and the wonderful cast that has been like a family to me."

He would later return to the show for the series finale.

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Can you think of any other actors who adored or regretted their roles on superhero TV shows? Let us know in the comments!

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