In the vast multiverses of DC and Marvel, we often see heroes from one primary universe acting as villains in a parallel one. A prime example is the DC Comics' infamous "Crime Syndicate," which serves as an evil counterpart to the Justice League.
Similarly, in film and television, it's common to find the same actor portraying different characters across Marvel or DC properties. For instance, Brandon Routh played Superman on the big screen and later appeared as The Atom in the TV series "Legends of Tomorrow."
This feature delves into 24 actors who have played two distinct roles within Marvel's film and television productions. See if you can challenge yourself to recall some of them before scrolling down!
24. Hiroyuki Sanada
Renowned Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada gained international recognition after starring in the 2003 film "The Last Samurai." In 2013, Sanada made his Marvel debut in "The Wolverine," where he played the villain Shingen Yashida.
▼ In 2019's "Avengers: Endgame," Sanada portrayed Akihiko, a Yakuza crime lord hunted by Ronin.
23. Peter Dinklage
American actor Peter Dinklage rose to fame for his iconic role as Tyrion Lannister in the hit television series "Game of Thrones," a character often voted as the best in the show by fans.
▼ In 2014's "X-Men: Days of Future Past," Peter played Bolivar Trask, the creator of the Sentinel program.
▼ In 2018's "Avengers: Infinity War," Peter took on the role of Eitri, the dwarf craftsman who forged the Infinity Gauntlet and the legendary axe Stormbreaker.
22. Michelle Yeoh
The acclaimed Malaysian actress, a former beauty queen, built her career in Hong Kong and mainland Chinese cinema before becoming an international star with roles in "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." She was also the first ethnic Chinese artist to be conferred the title of "Datuk" in Malaysia. Michelle Yeoh first appeared in a Marvel film in 2017's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," where she had a cameo as Aleta Ogord. In the latest Marvel film, 2021's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," she played Ying Nan, Shang-Chi's mentor and aunt, and a guardian of Ta Lo.
▼ Michelle Yeoh made a cameo as Aleta Ogord, a member of the Ravagers, in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."
▼ In "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," Michelle Yeoh's character, Ying Nan, had a more substantial role.
21. Patton Oswalt
Patton Oswalt is a stand-up comedian, actor, and screenwriter. He appeared as Hedges, a weapons expert, in the 2004 film "Blade: Trinity." In 2014, he joined the cast of the television series "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." as Billy Koenig, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and member of Coulson's team. In 2021, he lent his voice to the titular character M.O.D.O.K. in Marvel's adult animated comedy "Marvel's M.O.D.O.K."
▼ Billy Koenig from "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."
▼ Patton Oswalt as the voice of MODOK
20. Ray Wise
Ray Wise first gained recognition in 1990 for his starring role in the classic television series "Twin Peaks," and has frequently portrayed powerful figures in various film and television productions. He initially made a cameo appearance as the US Secretary of State in 2011's "X-Men: First Class." Later, he played Hugh Jones, CEO of Roxxon Corporation, in the Marvel TV series "Agent Carter."
▼ Ray Wise as the US Secretary of State in "X-Men: First Class"
▼ Hugh Jones, CEO of Roxxon Corporation, in the Marvel TV series "Agent Carter"
19. Tony Curran
Tony Curran is a Scottish actor best known for his roles in "Underworld: Evolution" and "Doctor Who."
▼ In 2002's "Blade II," Tony portrayed Priest, a member of the vampire team "Bloodpack."
▼ In 2011, Tony appeared as an Agent of Division X in the film "X-Men: First Class."
▼ Tony has played a total of three Marvel characters; his third was Bor, Odin's father, who appeared in 2013's "Thor: The Dark World."
18. Ray Stevenson
Ray Stevenson was an actor from Northern Ireland, known for his roles in the HBO series "Rome" and the film "King Arthur."
▼ In 2008, Ray Stevenson starred as Frank Castle, "The Punisher," in "Punisher: War Zone."
▼ Stevenson portrayed Volstagg, one of Thor's Warriors Three, in "Thor" 1-3, ultimately killed by Hela.
17. Tim Blake Nelson
Beyond his acting career, Tim Blake Nelson is also a screenwriter and director. In 2008, he played Samuel Sterns, also known as "Mr. Blue," in "The Incredible Hulk." The character was hinted to transform into the villain "The Leader," but unfortunately did not reappear in subsequent films.
▼ In the 2015 reboot of "Fantastic Four," Tim played Dr. Allen, a scientist working for the government.
16. Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard is an American actress who has received numerous accolades, including Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Emmy Awards. From 2016 to 2018, she portrayed the villain Mariah Dillard in the NETFLIX series "Marvel's Luke Cage."
▼ In 2016's "Captain America: Civil War," Alfre played a grieving mother who confronted Tony Stark, blaming the Avengers and the Ultron battle for the loss of her son, which prompted a guilt-ridden Tony to lead the signing of the Sokovia Accords.
15. Sam Elliott
Sam Elliott is an American actor known for his frequent portrayals of cowboys and ranchers. In 2018, he earned nominations for Best Supporting Actor at both the Academy Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards for his performance in "A Star Is Born." In Ang Lee's 2003 film "Hulk," Elliott played the iconic General Ross, who relentlessly pursued Bruce Banner.
▼ Later, in 2007's "Ghost Rider," Elliott took on the role of Carter Slade, the "Caretaker," who was also a former Ghost Rider.
14. Kenneth Choi
Kenneth Choi, a second-generation Korean American, is known for his roles in the TV series "Sons of Anarchy" and the film "The Wolf of Wall Street." In 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger," he played Jim Morita, a member of the Howling Commandos, a character frequently referenced in the "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." series.
▼ In 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming," Choi returned to the MCU as Principal Morita, Jim Morita's grandson and the principal of Midtown School of Science and Technology, where Peter Parker attends. His office notably features a photo of his grandfather and the Howling Commandos.
13. Ben Foster
American actor Ben Foster, an Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award nominee, is recognized for his work in films like "Alpha Dog" and "High Fidelity." In 2004's "The Punisher," he played the Punisher's neighbor.
▼ In 2006's "X-Men: The Last Stand," Foster portrayed the mutant Angel. However, the role was recast with Ben Hardy for 2016's "X-Men: Apocalypse."
12. Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca Romijn, an American actress and model, is best known for her role as Mystique in the first three "X-Men" films.
▼ In 2004's "The Punisher," Romijn played Joan, also a neighbor of the Punisher, much like Ben Foster's character mentioned above.
11. Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn, a prominent American actress and model, worked as a television journalist before her acting career, an experience that has influenced many of her subsequent roles. In the 2010 film "Iron Man 2," Munn played reporter Chess Roberts, who was on-site reporting from the Stark Expo.
▼ In 2016's "X-Men: Apocalypse," Munn took on the popular classic X-Men character Psylocke.
10. Kenneth Leung
American actor Kenneth Leung first gained recognition for his role as the villain Sang in the 1998 film "Rush Hour," and has since appeared in numerous well-known productions including "Saw" and "Lost." In 2006, Leung played Quill in "X-Men: The Last Stand."
9. Kate Mara
Kate Mara, an American actress known for her roles in "House of Cards" and "24", made an appearance in 2010's "Iron Man 2". She played a U.S. Marshal who served Tony Stark with a subpoena as he was leaving the Stark Expo presentation.
Mara later starred as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, in the 2015 reboot of "Fantastic Four".
8. Aaron Taylor-Johnson
British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson first gained recognition for starring in "Kick-Ass" before taking on the role of Quicksilver in 2015's "Avengers: Age of Ultron".
While not yet officially in production, Sony's Marvel film universe has officially cast Aaron Taylor-Johnson to star as the classic Spider-Man villain Kraven the Hunter in his own solo movie. (Image is a fan-made concept)
7. Gemma Chan
British-Chinese actress Gemma Chan has appeared in numerous films and TV series, including "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", "Transformers: The Last Knight", and "Crazy Rich Asians". Her initial foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was in 2019's "Captain Marvel", where she played Minn-Erva, a Kree Starforce sniper.
Chan is set to portray Sersi, one of the titular Eternals, in the upcoming film "Eternals", scheduled for release in November 2021.
6. Idris Elba
Idris Elba is a British actor, producer, director, and musician, also known by his DJ moniker, DJ Big Driis. He first garnered significant attention for his compelling performance in the 2002 HBO series "The Wire", leading to roles in acclaimed films such as "American Gangster", "Prometheus", "Pacific Rim", "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom", and "Star Trek Beyond".
Elba portrayed Heimdall, the guardian of Asgard, in "Thor" 1-3.
In 2012's "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance", Elba played Moreau, a member of a monastic order.
5. Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is an American actor who, like Idris Elba, gained recognition for his work in the 2002 HBO series "The Wire". His notable film credits include "Chronicle", "Creed", "Just Mercy", and "Tom Clancy's Without Remorse".
Jordan played Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in the 2015 reboot of "Fantastic Four".
In 2018's "Black Panther", Jordan took on the role of the formidable antagonist, Erik Killmonger.
4. Jon Favreau: From "Happy" to MCU Architect
Jon Favreau, the acclaimed American actor, screenwriter, and director, is widely credited as a pivotal figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's success. He masterfully adapted the "Iron Man" superhero story, launching it into a blockbuster film series. Fans primarily recognize him for his beloved role as Happy Hogan, Tony Stark's loyal driver and friend, a character he reprised across numerous "Iron Man" and "Spider-Man" films.
▼ Before his MCU fame, Favreau also appeared in 2003's "Daredevil," portraying Franklin "Foggy" Nelson, the protagonist Matt Murdock's lawyer and close friend.
3. Ryan Reynolds: The Merc with a Mouth (and More!)
Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, initially known for his comedic roles, actively transformed his physique to tackle more physically demanding characters. In 2009's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," Reynolds first appeared as Wade Wilson, later to be transformed into "Weapon XI / Deadpool."
▼ His passion project, 2016's "Deadpool," garnered widespread critical acclaim and shattered multiple box office records.
▼ A lesser-known fact among fans is Reynolds' role as Hannibal King in 2004's "Blade: Trinity."
2. Chris Evans: From Human Torch to Captain America
Chris Evans first soared into the superhero genre, gaining widespread recognition as the Human Torch in 2005's "Fantastic Four" and its 2007 sequel, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer."
▼ In 2011, Evans took on the titular role in "Captain America: The First Avenger," making him a rare actor to portray two distinct, popular Marvel characters with his own likeness.
1. Josh Brolin: The Mad Titan and Time-Traveling Mutant
American actor Josh Brolin made his film debut in 1985 with "The Goonies." However, dissatisfied with his performance in his second film, "Thrashin'," he stepped away from acting for several years. Between 2000 and 2010, Brolin earned significant critical praise for his portrayals of villainous characters in numerous films, eventually starring in "No Country for Old Men," which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Brolin's journey into the Marvel universe began with voice work, lending his gravitas to the villain Thanos in 2014's "Guardians of the Galaxy" and 2015's "Avengers: Age of Ultron." He officially brought the Mad Titan to life through motion capture and CG in 2018's "Avengers: Infinity War."
▼ In 2018, Brolin also took on the fan-favorite role of Cable, Deadpool's time-traveling mutant ally, in "Deadpool 2."
