Appearing in superhero flicks isn’t always easy for stars to pull off. Even acclaimed actors often turn down such projects because of the intense effort that goes into filming. While casual moviegoers often believe that it’s all about putting on the superhero suit and fighting off villains, there’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes.
One of the biggest challenges that often goes unnoticed by audiences, is the change of accent that’s flawlessly done by actors. Oftentimes, fans don’t even realize that superhero stars like Christian Bale had an accent, because of the way they pulled off their onscreen characters. So, here are a few of the most renowned superheroes whom America might have never accepted, had they not changed their accents effortlessly for their roles.
1. Christian Bale
Starting as a child actor in the ’80s, Christian Bale turned into a household name following his appearance in Christopher Nolan’s DC flicks as Batman. Taking on the titular role in The Dark Knight trilogy, the actor catapulted his fame as a billionaire playboy dedicated to fighting crime in a rubber suit.
But while the role turned him into a global icon, Christian Bale had to get rid of his accent. Moviegoers might not realize that Bale is actually British, and therefore he had to inculcate the American tongue for his role as Batman. While DC Comics fans can be a little touchy when it comes to superhero movies, the actor didn’t leave a scope for complaint.
2. Tom Holland
The rising star and young heartthrob Tom Holland is well-known as a British actor who appeared as Spider-Man in MCU. Making his debut in Captain America: Civil War, Holland went on to appear as the web crawler in his solo Spider-Man movies. But while he brought a youthful spunk and renewed energy to the Queens-based superhero, the actor had to use an American accent.
It was indeed a challenging thing for the young star, for he often forgot to use his American accent while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming, as reported by CinemaBlend. But eventually, Holland turned into a fan-favorite Spider-Man, irrespective of all odds.
3. Robert Pattinson
The actor who is famously known for his appearance in the Twilight series, which turned from best-selling books to blockbuster films, Robert Pattinson turned into a household name following his role as Edward Cullen. But while the actor is actually English, he has often appeared in American films. From Twilight to The Batman, Pattinson has gained popularity because of his American role.
Therefore, fans often confuse him for an American actor, for Robert Pattinson has flawlessly inculcated the American accent. But truth be told, the actor had to leave behind his native tongue for his role in Twilight as well as the DC superhero flick The Batman.
4. Margot Robbie
Best known for her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie later starred in the DC films Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey. While most people consider the actress to be American, for how impeccably she speaks in American accents, Robbie is actually an Australian native.
Nailing her roles in a regional American accent and even as a Brooklyn native, Margot Robbie convinced her fans and audiences with her prolific skills. Even while playing the role of Harley Quinn in DC, Robbie took on the American tongue, leaving behind her Aussie accent.
5. Hugh Jackman
Another Aussie in line is the Marvel actor Hugh Jackman who played the role of the adamantium-clawed mutant – Wolverine. Making his Marvel debut with Bryan Singer’s X-Men in 2000, Jackman donned the role for more than a decade. Currently preparing to appear as Wolverine, one last time with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool 3, the actor became synonymous with the Canadian mutant.
While Hugh Jackman is an Australian native, the actor undoubtedly convinced his fans with his Canadian accent throughout his appearances in Marvel. In fact, Jackman was so good at becoming Wolverine with the American tongue, that he had to practice his native Australian accent for Chappie, via DailyMail.
6. Chris Hemsworth
Yet another Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, who stole the show as the Norse God Thor in MCU, flawlessly convinced fans that he’s American. Although in the Marvel movies, Hemsworth didn’t entirely speak in the American tongue, he used a mix of American and whatever Shakespearean space god accent Thor uses.
According to reports, Chris Hemsworth had to get rid of his dominant Australian accent for his role in Marvel and speak in a tone that sounds familiar to Americans. Had he not gotten rid of his native tongue, Marvel fans might have never accepted him as Thor.
7. Idris Elba
Lastly, on our list is the handsome hunk Idris Elba, famously known for playing Heimdall in MCU’s Thor movies. While fans popularly knew him for playing the sword-wielding guardian of the heavenly realm of Asgard, people rarely knew about his nationality. Often considering him American for his roles, fans have mistook the British actor.
Well, sorry to burst the bubble of myth, but Idris Elba is actually an English actor who adapted the American tongue for his role in MCU as well as other projects. While overcoming the challenges of playing a mythical superhero character, Elba had to even work on his accent to make it believable for his audiences. And he did so flawlessly that fans never had the benefit of the doubt.
