Are You Feeling Superhero Fatigue?
The multiverse has spoken, and it's saying "enough" already! Superheroes used to feel like a rare treat, but now they're everywhere! Hogging movie screens, dropping endless reboots, and making sure no city skyline ever stays intact. Some of these caped crusaders have been around so long that even their origin stories are tired. So, let's look at 20 heroes who could seriously use a little less screen time.
1. Spider-Man
With great power comes great oversaturation. Spider-Man has appeared in over 10 live-action films since 2002, including reboots and crossovers. Does Peter Parker really need another multiverse adventure? Maybe it's time for Spidey to swing into the background.
Road Trip with Raj on Unsplash
2. Batman
Despite being the world’s greatest detective, Batman has solved the case of "reboots and reappearances" one too many times. To date, Batman has had more than 10 feature films, numerous animated series, and an ever-growing roster of comic arcs.
3. Superman
Superman’s “Man of Steel” persona has been both beloved and overexposed. While his 1938 debut in Action Comics set the stage for superheroes everywhere, recent years have seen Superman struggle with his saturation level. From countless reboots to TV series, this icon might benefit from a little less limelight in future projects.
4. Iron Man
Iron Man became an unmovable force after the MCU's 2008 Iron Man success. Tony Stark's arc culminated in Avengers: Endgame, but his constant appearances across the MCU have made him nearly impossible to ignore. With over 10 movies, it might be time for Stark to hang up the suit.
5. Captain America
Captain America’s patriotism has been splashed across nearly every Avengers film since 2011. His shield has seen battle after battle, but his time in the MCU is beginning to show its age. After fighting through multiple phases and films, how much more can Steve Rogers stand out in a world full of super soldiers?
6. Wonder Woman
Though Wonder Woman made a major comeback with her 2017 movie, her recurring presence in films, TV shows, and comics can now feel like an endless stream. The Amazonian warrior’s history stretches back to the 1940s, yet after several reboots and adaptations, her appearances might be starting to blur.
7. The Flash
Fast and flashy, The Flash zoomed his way into the public eye with the 2014 TV show. However, with his frequent appearances in animated series and DC films, Barry Allen's speedsters are becoming a little too frequent. Is there room for another speedster in the DC world, or should The Flash slow down?
Ryan Quick from Greenbelt, MD, USA on Wikimedia
8. Aquaman
When Jason Momoa's Aquaman hit the big screen, he practically made the oceans boil. From being an underdog in the comic world to starring in an epic 2018 film, Aquaman’s media presence has surged like a tidal wave. Still, after his comic runs, you’ve got to wonder—can we get a break from the splash?
9. Hulk
You might want to brace yourself for another rampage. Hulk’s been smashing across the big screen since The Incredible Hulk (2008), and his green fury has filled up both Avengers films and solo outings. After all the smash-ups and emotional turmoil, it feels like Hulk might be overdue for a break.
10. Wolverine
With claws out and attitude sharper than ever, Wolverine’s gruff persona is one of the most iconic in the X-Men franchise. Yet after 17 years of Hugh Jackman’s portrayal and countless spin-offs, Logan’s gritty adventures are beginning to feel a little...overdone.
11. Thor
Thor’s constant evolution from a stoic god of thunder to a more comedic figure in Thor: Ragnarok has made him one of the most adaptable heroes in the MCU. But after appearing in nearly every Avengers film and his solo movies, Thor’s once-refreshing presence now feels more like an expectation than a surprise.
12. Green Lantern
Green Lantern's popularity has been all over the place. After the 2011 Green Lantern film flop, you might think the character would take a break. However, Hal and the Green Lantern Corps still make appearances in both comics and animated films, keeping the character alive in the DC universe.
13. Deadpool
Breaking the fourth wall? We have been there and laughed at that. Deadpool's irreverent humor and insane antics made him an instant hit, but after two films and countless appearances in comics, it's beginning to feel like a familiar act. Perhaps Deadpool needs a timeout.
14. Black Panther
T'Challa's rise to superhero stardom with Black Panther (2018) brought a cultural revolution. While his legacy is powerful, Black Panther's consistent inclusion in every major MCU event risks diluting his significance. The kingdom of Wakanda's too much exposure can weaken the specialness of the character.
William Tung from USA on Wikimedia
15. Green Arrow
Green Arrow’s streetwise, no-nonsense crimefighting once felt like a breath of fresh air in a world of capes and cosmic threats. Fast forward through Arrow’s epic run, a dozen crossovers, and countless brooding stares, and Oliver Queen’s act is starting to feel…well, a little played out.
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
16. Scarlet Witch
Reality-warping powers and a tragic backstory made Wanda Maximoff one of Marvel’s most compelling characters. WandaVision and Multiverse of Madness dug deep into her complexities. However, with each new appearance, her powers risk becoming less of a mystery and more of a convenient plot shortcut.
Annette Wamser from Elk Grove, USA on Wikimedia
17. Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange, the sorcerer supreme, has been waving his magic wand in nearly every corner of the MCU. While his spells are impressive, it’s hard not to wonder if the multiverse might need a little break from this mystical hero. A brief hiatus might be in order.
18. Mr. Fantastic
Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, has been stretched past his limit—literally. The real problem? Writers keep falling back on him as the ultimate "fix-it" guy. Need a multiversal portal? Reed builds it overnight. Facing an unstoppable cosmic threat? He’s got a last-minute gadget to neutralize it.
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
19. Groot
Once a lovable sidekick, now an overused mascot—Groot has gone from a fun addition to a repetitive, borderline gimmicky character Marvel can't stop shoving into everything. Baby Groot became a walking merchandise factory, popping up in everything from movies to TV shows to video games and even Groot shorts.
20. Hawkeye
Hawkeye, the underdog archer who has spent years proving you don’t need superpowers to save the day, could probably use a vacation. He’s always in the background, taking down enemies with precision, but let’s face it—he might be overdue for some downtime. Who knew a bow and arrow could become so... well, predictable?
