Why Do People Hate Cobie Smulders?

Cobie Smulders is a Canadian actress and model best known for her roles as Robin Scherbatsky in the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” and as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

While Smulders has many fans and is generally well-liked, some people have expressed dislike or criticism of the actress over the years. This article will explore some of the potential reasons why certain viewers may not be fond of Smulders or her acting abilities.

Character Robin Sparked Divisive Reactions

Smulders starred as Robin Scherbatsky for all nine seasons of “How I Met Your Mother” from 2005-2014. While many fans loved Robin’s character, others had more divisive reactions and critiqued her personality and relationship choices:

Robin Was Often Self-Centered and Egotistical

Some people found Robin to be too self-centered or egotistical at times. For example, she frequently put her career above relationships, she reveled in telling embarrassing stories about her friends, and she often made situations about herself rather than being supportive.

Inability to Settle Down Frustrated Viewers

Additionally, many viewers grew frustrated with Robin’s inability to commit to romantic relationships or settle down over nine seasons. Her on-again, off-again dynamic with Ted and Barney tested fans’ patience.

Ending Up With Ted Felt Unsatisfying to Some

Finally, Robin ultimately ending up with Ted in the series finale after years of breaking his heart and chasing other men left some fans feeling unsatisfied. This ending negated much of her character growth for some viewers.

Perceptions She Lacks Emotional Range or Depth

Another common criticism of Cobie Smulders is that she lacks emotional range or depth in her acting abilities. Some viewers feel she plays very similar characters and struggles to show new colors:

Dry, Sarcastic Persona Comes Across One-Note

Both Robin and Maria Hill share dry, sarcastic personalities and similar comic timing. While this can be enjoyable, some feel Smulders only excels at this one type of character.

Doesn’t Evoke Strong Emotions from Audiences

Additionally, critics argue Smulders doesn’t evoke strong emotional connections from audiences – whether tears in dramatic roles or belly laughs in comedies. Her performances can come across more flat or wooden as a result.

Action Performances Are Stiff and Unconvincing

In action fare like the Marvel films, Smulders also occasionally seems stiff delivering fight choreography or reacting to CGI sequences. So some fans don’t find her totally convincing in these roles.

Assertions Her Success Is Only Due to Favorable Connections

A more cynical criticism is that Cobie Smulders’ success and opportunities come more from favorable connections in Hollywood rather than her acting ability or talent alone:

Relationship with Taran Killam Raised Questions

For example, Smulders began dating “Saturday Night Live” cast member Taran Killam shortly after breaking out on a CBS sitcom filmed on the same studio lot. This timing caused some to question if she rose to fame on her talent or through an influential relationship.

Playing Down Her Modeling Past Comes Across as Deceitful

Additionally, the decision to initially downplay her extensive modeling past and present herself as an untested “newcomer” actress also felt deceitful or cunning to some observers.

Rumors Swirl About Industry Mentorship from Kevin Feige

There are also rumors that Marvel President Kevin Feige serves as an influential mentor for Smulders’ career. If true, this would provide her invaluable guidance and likely lead to more opportunities than the average actress receives in a cutthroat industry.

Perception She Lacks the X-Factor of a Leading Lady

Finally, some critics would argue Cobie Smulders is missing that special “X factor” to be a truly A-list, leading actress. She doesn’t command the screen or captivate audiences in the way that marks an undeniable star:

Tabloid Interest in Her Remains Lukewarm

While working steadily, Smulders doesn’t generate overwhelming public interest or tabloid attention like contemporaries such as Scarlett Johansson or Zoe Saldana. This hints some feel she lacks that extra charisma to truly “break through.”

Film Success Remains Tied to Ensemble Projects

Though featured in numerous films, her appearances remain mostly tied to ensemble projects like the Marvel movies where she is not the undisputed lead. She has yet to carry a major studio film solely on her own.

Name Doesn’t Drive Projects or Ticket Sales

Ultimately, Smulders’ name alone doesn’t yet drive financing for projects or motivate substantial ticket sales. Some argue this reflects that she exists more as a replaceable cog rather than an indispensable star in the Hollywood machine.

Addressing Key Criticisms and Perceptions

When assessing some common criticisms of Cobie Smulders, there are a few key counterpoints worth raising:

     

Criticism	Counterpoint
Lacks emotional range	Displayed more dramatic chops in smaller indie films like Unexpected and The Intervention
Got opportunities from favoritism	Consistently worked in TV and film for nearly 20 years showing drive
Can’t carry films as a lead	Proved a capable leader in ensemble and guest star roles

So while some criticisms carry valid concerns, Smulders has shown consistent dedication to improving her craft over a nearly 20-year career. As she expands into producing and continues maturing as an actress, only time will tell if she can achieve that elusive leading lady status.

Conclusion

In evaluating why any celebrity may face dislike or criticism from the public, often complex factors come into play around relatability, overexposure, perceived authenticity, and more. For Cobie Smulders, much of the critique around her acting comes down to the subjective question of what qualities define a “movie star” caliber of talent.

While Smulders displays versatility, discipline, and continual growth in her craft, some argue she lacks that extra spark to truly magnetize audiences on-screen. But fans still connect with her dry humor and grounded personality developed over an almost 20-year acting career.

As Smulders expands into producing and supports new voices telling grounded stories, she may deliberately avoid chasing the conventional trappings of fame. And focus instead on creating meaningful work without regard for achieving leading lady status.

Ultimately her ambitions and priorities as an artist remain hers alone to define – outside factors like level of popularity, tabloid notoriety, or number of starring vehicles may fail to capture her creative goals. So those judging Smulders’ talents based solely on these external measures are perhaps asking the wrong questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cobie Smulders well-liked overall?

Generally Cobie Smulders remains well-liked by most fans and entertainment journalists. She avoids major scandals or controversies off-screen. Critics mainly focus their commentaries on her acting abilities rather than her personality or public image.

Why do some fans dislike her character Robin Scherbatsky?

A portion of fans disliked Robin in “How I Met Your Mother” for traits like self-centeredness, commitment issues, and ultimately ending up with Ted. They felt this portrayed poor growth.

Does Smulders get negative press coverage often?

Not particularly – Smulders flies relatively under the radar. Most coverage remains neutral or positive. She lacks the paparazzi attention or gossip column rumors associated with major stars.

Is Smulders respected within Hollywood?

Observers note discipline and dedication through her extensive career. Major directors like Joss Whedon and Kevin Feige also praise her talents. So the industry holds her in high regard.

What do critics say is missing from her acting?

Critics claim subtle deficiencies hold Smulders back from being an A-list talent – whether emotional depth, compelling screen presence, or that elusive “X factor.” But restraint also marks her acting style.