
Famous Actors Who Have Starred In Both Marvel And Dc Movies
Famous Actors Who Have Starred In Both Marvel And Dc Movies
In the grand domain of superhero blockbusters, few things stir the passions of fans more than seeing their beloved actors change universes. As the comic book adaptation continues its relentless forward march through the world of Hollywood, it’s hardly a shock to see top-tier talent crossing the Rubicon between Marvel and DC films.
Whether they’re going up against gods, saving the multiverse, or playing ample lip service to their character’s dark origins, these stars have proven that they can shine in both cinematic worlds. And as a fan of comic book adaptations, you’ll surely appreciate these actors who work hard to earn your devotion.
Ryan Reynolds
Marvel character: Wade Wilson in Deadpool and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
DC Role: Hal Jordan in Green Lantern
An actor transitions from the not-so-well-accepted Green Lantern to the widely adored antihero Deadpool and then makes some jokes about that very same transition. Quite the iconic example of a quality Marvel and DC actor transition, if there ever was one.
Ben Affleck
Marvel role: Matt Murdock in Daredevil (2003)
DC Character: Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League
Despite its lukewarm reception, Ben Affleck‘s Batman far overshadowed his previous superhero role in Daredevil. While both characters are quite different, Affleck’s tortured and brooding take on the Dark Knight was certainly an impressive evolution for the actor. Yet, while Batman was a rather extraordinary achievement for Affleck, it seems that the Arrowverse might have possibly given him a better shot at being a classic comic book character.
Michael Keaton
DC character: Bruce Wayne, who is also Batman. Appears in: Tim Burton’s Batman (1989); Batman, the character’s live-action film debut, was released in 1989. The Flash (2023); however, the character’s role in this film is yet to be seen.
Marvel character: Adrian Toomes (Vulture) in Spider-Man Homecoming.
After years of making only the occasional, offbeat film, Keaton’s return to the kind of mainstream superhero fare that made him famous in the first place has worked wonders for his stature among fans of both Marvel and DC. In his ilk of seriousness, he’s the clear top contender for the kind of revered actor status held by the likes of Anthony Hopkins or Jack Nicholson. From playing a classic Batman to a menacing Vulture, he’s nailed both hero and villain roles.
Zoe Saldana
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame
DC Role: Showed up as Aisha in The Losers (2010)
While The Losers may not be as well-known as other DC properties, it is still part of the DC family. Zoe Saldana cemented her status as an action hero, with both sci-fi and superhero franchises, when she signed on to play deadly Gamora.
J.K. Simmons
J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy and the Marvel Cinematic Universe Jameson [has] Media Jameson’s role in these films is a lot like his role in the comics. He is not a villain in the traditional sense; rather, he is a man with a lot of power, using it in ways that cause a lot of trouble for Spider-Man. Jameson is essentially the media not just a man, but an institution. And he has a big microphone.
DC Character: Commissioner Gordon in Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Very few actors are as ideally cast as J.K. Simmons in his role in Marvel, but he equally imbues Gotham with gravitas as Commissioner Gordon in the DC Universe. He is an equally beloved figure in Marvel and DC Movies.
Josh Brolin
Thanos in the MCU, Cable in Deadpool 2: a Marvel character’s involvement in any Marvel TV show or movie. DC role: Jonah Hex in 2010’s Jonah Hex. Both universes had major roles filled by Josh Brolin.
The role of Jonah Hex, however, did not light up the box office fortunes. By contrast, Brolin’s turn as Thanos has earned acclaim, with many considering it one of the most memorable villain performances in movie history.
Idris Elba
Heimdall in the Thor series and Avengers movies is played by Marvel.
DC Role: Bloodsport in The Suicide Squad (2021)
Idris Elba demonstrated his range when he transitioned from the wise Asgardian Heimdall to the gritty antihero Bloodsport. He imbues every role he plays in Marvel and DC Movies with his strong and charismatic presence. From the wise, seemingly all-knowing Heimdall to the galaxy-ruling villain Ulysses Klaw to the costumed characters who run wild in the streets of Gotham (hey, it could happen!), Elba does not compromise on bringing his best performance to what could be in his movie resume.
Tommy Lee Jones
Batman Forever (1995) features the DC character Two-Face. Col. Chester Phillips is a character in the Marvel cinematic universe, appearing as a pivotal figure in the formation of the super-soldier program that creates Captain America.
Marvel Role: Col. Chester Phillips in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) Both a villain and a hero, Tommy Lee Jones has portrayed roles in superhero cinema that span from one end of the spectrum to the other. A long-standing member of Hollywood’s elite (and with a long-standing elite that you can’t touch), Jones has an awesome catalog of performances, and that includes both the Marvel and DC comic book franchises.
It is always delightful to watch actors traverse the universes of comic book characters, especially when they are able to instantiate something special and unique in each of their roles. These actors have done just that.
Which actor’s crossover was most surprising to you? Tell us in the comments!
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