I agree with MCU fans that Avengers: Endgame shouldn’t have wasted one incredible actor in a minor role. Over the years, Marvel Studios has sometimes cast superstar actors in MCU roles that turn out to be disappointing, lackluster, or short-lived. Avengers: Endgame’s huge character roster, comprising most of the then-current heroes of the MCU, meant that any new inclusions in the Russo brothers’ 2019 movie were sidelined. Unfortunately, this means that several brilliant actors weren’t done justice in Endgame, and Marvel fans, including myself, are still bitter about one, in particular.
Some actors have practically been born to appear in action and superhero franchises such as the MCU timeline, but this doesn’t always equate to significant roles. In fact, Marvel Studios’ casting of great actors in minor roles has become an all-too-regular occurrence. I would have loved to have seen characters such as Christopher Eccleston’s Malekith, James Spader’s Ultron, Hugo Weaving’s Red Skull, and Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio have larger roles in the MCU, and Avengers: Endgame added yet another acclaimed actor to this list.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s Acting History Proves He’s A Dream MCU Casting
Japanese actor, producer, and martial artist Hiroyuki Sanada first established himself as an action star in Japanese and Hong Kong movies, before making the move to dramatic acting in Hollywood. Striking this balance made him a clear candidate for a role in the MCU, as he has proven time and again his ability to deliver vulnerable and emotional moments, as well as high-octane and intense action sequences. Marvel fans may recognize Sanada as Shingen Yashida from 2013’s The Wolverine, which saw him go toe-to-toe with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine as the original Silver Samurai.
Alongside his role in The Wolverine, I have been most impressed by Sanada’s performances in The Last Samurai, Westworld, Lost, Extant, and, more recently, John Wick: Chapter 4 and Shōgun. Despite my personal favorites, Sanada’s almost-six-decade-long career has seen him showcase many powerful moments, putting his fighting experience and martial arts skills to the test. However, Marvel Studios seemed to forget this fact when bringing Hiroyuki Sanada into the MCU, as Avengers: Endgame completely fumbled his introduction.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s Endgame Role Didn’t Show Off His Full Talents In The MCU
After being unable to appear in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum due to an Achilles tendon injury, Hiroyuki Sanada joined the cast of Avengers: Endgame as Akihiko, adapted from a member of Marvel Comics’ Shogun Reapers. I’ve counted, and Sanada was only on-screen in Endgame for 77 seconds, which was hardly enough time for the actor to demonstrate his impressive talents. Of course, Akihiko did get the chance to go up against Clint Barton’s Ronin, but the former Avenger quickly dispatched the Yakuza member, ending Sanada’s MCU career moments after it began.
I was seriously disappointed that Hiroyuki Sanada wasn’t given a bigger role in the MCU, especially since his remarkable action career makes him uniquely qualified for a superhero role. Other Marvel fans, including AllFatherMedia, have expressed concerns about this wasted character, too, while other notable actors such as Christian Bale, Christopher Eccleston, and Mads Mikkelsen have also been included among these underused stars. I would love to see Sanada return to the MCU somehow, perhaps exploring his Avengers: Endgame character’s backstory, though this is unfortunately unlikely to happen.
