Avengers Exodus: Why Marvel’s Biggest Stars Are Fleeing Disney for DC

In a stunning shift shaking the superhero cinematic universe, several of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) most iconic actors have reportedly ended their long-standing partnerships with Disney, opting instead to join forces with DC Comics under Warner Bros.

Discovery’s fresh leadership.

This mass departure is not merely about money but marks a profound fracture in loyalty, creative freedom, and respect between Disney and the very stars who helped build the MCU into a billion-dollar empire.

Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, and even Mark Ruffalo—half of the original Avengers lineup—are said to be among those disillusioned stars moving away from Disney’s increasingly corporate and cost-cutting culture.

Their defection signals a possible end to Marvel’s golden era and the rise of a new creative powerhouse at DC, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, who are offering these talents not just better pay but greater creative control and partnership.

The saga began publicly with Scarlett Johansson’s highly publicized lawsuit against Disney over the release strategy of Black Widow, which was simultaneously launched in theaters and on Disney Plus.

This move allegedly cost her tens of millions in backend bonuses, sparking a wave of sympathy and industry support but also exposing Disney’s harsh business tactics.

Johansson’s battle highlighted a growing trend of Disney undervaluing its talent and prioritizing streaming metrics over artistic integrity and fair compensation.

Behind the scenes, Disney’s CEO Bob Iger has faced backlash for dismissive comments during the 2023 writers and actors strike, calling labor demands “unrealistic” amidst a climate of growing frustration among creative professionals.

Sources reveal that Disney’s executives believed they held all the cards, assuming actors needed Disney more than Disney needed them—a miscalculation that is now evident as stars quietly decline contract renewals with offers slashed by 30 to 60 percent.

Chris Hemsworth’s experience encapsulates this tension.

The actor, who brought Thor to life with humor and heart, was reportedly offered a contract for future solo projects that drastically cut his backend deal and tied his earnings to Disney Plus subscriber milestones rather than box office success.

This shift from traditional revenue models to streaming-based incentives frustrated Hemsworth deeply, prompting him to explore opportunities with DC, where he is rumored to be in talks for a major anti-hero role, possibly Lobo or Green Lantern.

Jeremy Renner’s story is perhaps the most poignant.

After surviving a near-fatal snowplow accident and months of grueling rehabilitation, Renner was shocked to receive an offer from Disney for Hawkeye Season 2 that paid him half of what he earned previously.

He wasn’t asking for a raise—just fair compensation.

When Disney refused, Renner walked away, publicly calling out the company’s disrespect.

His candidness sparked widespread outrage and became a symbol of the broader mistreatment of Marvel talent.

The exodus is not limited to actors.

VFX artists, screenwriters, and directors have also voiced concerns over toxic working conditions, excessive workloads, and a lack of creative freedom.

Chloe Zhao’s experience directing Eternals—a film heavily altered in post-production against her vision—reflects a studio culture that stifles innovation and prioritizes control over artistry.

In stark contrast, DC under James Gunn and Peter Safran is positioning itself as a creative sanctuary.

Gunn, known for fostering collaborative and family-like environments, is actively courting disillusioned Marvel stars and their trusted collaborators, offering them producer credits, story input, and a chance to reinvent their careers.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s ambitious 10-year roadmap includes recasting iconic roles and developing darker, more nuanced stories that appeal to fans craving authenticity.

Elizabeth Olsen, who played a central role in the Emmy-winning Wanda Vision yet was reportedly paid less than co-star Paul Bettany and sidelined due to budget cuts, is also rumored to be in talks with Warner Bros., signaling that DC’s appeal extends beyond just the Avengers core.

Mark Ruffalo, the longtime Bruce Banner/Hulk, has quietly distanced himself from Marvel projects, focusing instead on independent, socially conscious films.

Insiders suggest he has signed a preliminary deal with DC to star in a miniseries exploring mental illness and heroism—a project far removed from Marvel’s glossy spectacle.

Disney’s troubles extend beyond talent relations.

The company’s market value has dropped significantly since its post-pandemic rebound, and its content has faced fan fatigue and criticism for lackluster storytelling and overreliance on CGI spectacle.

Disney’s handling of controversies—from the Snow White remake backlash to the mishandling of labor disputes and poor treatment of creative staff—has further eroded public trust.

Despite emergency calls to talent agents and promises of equitable partnerships, Disney’s reputation has taken a hit.

The company’s CEO Bob Iger, once hailed as a visionary leader, now faces mounting criticism for prioritizing profits over people and for the company’s increasing reliance on AI-driven content production and cost-cutting measures that undermine artistic quality.

The Marvel stars’ migration to DC is more than a studio rivalry—it’s a cultural shift in Hollywood’s blockbuster landscape.

It reflects a growing demand among artists for respect, creative autonomy, and fair compensation.

DC’s strategy of empowering creators and embracing riskier, more diverse storytelling is resonating with both talent and audiences hungry for fresh narratives.

As Warner Bros. Discovery prepares to unleash a Justice League reboot featuring former Marvel stars, the industry watches closely.

This unprecedented crossover of talent could redefine superhero cinema and mark the beginning of a new era.

For Disney and Marvel, the challenge is clear: rebuild trust, value creativity, and adapt to a changing entertainment ecosystem—or risk losing the very stars who made them legendary.

The revolution has begun, and the MCU’s reign may be nearing its end.

The question now is: will Disney listen, or will it watch its empire crumble as DC rises?