Summary- Check out how Stars from Hollywood have transitioned between Marvel and DC, contributing their skills to both worlds as villains, heroes, and everything in between. Actors like Chris Evans and Idris Elba demonstrated their versatility by giving standout performances on both sides.
You know how actors often wish they could be in a superhero movie on both Marvel and DC? Well, some have actually been in both! It’s pretty wild. Granted, Marvel and DC are completely different, but these actors appeared in both, and the performances they gave were exceptional. People seem to enjoy them regardless of which universe in which they perform. So here are ten actors who switched from one universe to the other and delivered exceptional performances.
10. Chris Evans
Chris Evans? Yes, Captain America to just about everyone on the planet. But before he was Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes in the Marvel movies, he was also the Human Torch in those Fantastic Four movies. And he even appeared in a DC thing called The Losers as Jensen, a funny techie guy. The Losers isn’t really applicable, as it didn’t do much, but still, that’s another superhero credit for him. The most madness is a mindless, funny man to captain from Captain America. The fact that he was in both Marvel and DC films shows how great he is and how he can change his superhero personality but still be great.
9. David Dastmalchian
You don’t really notice David Dastmalchian’s name, but the sort of roles he fills are instantly familiar to anyone who knows the Marvel and DC universes. He’s the awkward, slightly creepy henchman from The Dark Knight, the one we tend to forget about but remember for some reason. Then he’s Kurt in Ant-Man, also a memorable but forgettable team member number two, cranking the comic relief. The way Dastmalchian re-entered DC as Polka-Dot Man in The Suicide Squad was totally unexpected by everybody. There, the actor made a laughable character one of the most pitiable with his seemingly impossible turn. Through his work, Dastmalchian keeps in mind that a troubled, empathetic actor can evoke even the glance of the smallest character as a fully fleshed-out human being.
8. Willem Dafoe
The first Spider-Man Dafoe’s extremely exaggerated and brilliant Norman Osborn/Green Goblin singlehandedly made every other Marvel bad guy go to bed without a fight. That creepy smile and how he switched between personalities? Terrifying. Years later, he showed up in the DC world as Vulko in Aquaman, this super trustworthy advisor from Atlantis. Even though the two roles were totally different – a psycho businessman versus a smart teacher – Dafoe crushed it either way. Being able to play these characters in two totally separate superhero worlds just goes to show that he’s got range and why comic fans of all ages love him.
7. Michael Keaton
In Tim Burton’s outstanding 1989 work, Michael Keaton’s Batman replaced how the big screen treated a character, as he brought the Dark Knight to a place that was relevant in comics. Years after his signature role, he once again showed his flexibility in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” as a vulture, or Adrian Toomes, in the Marvel film. Away from being a two-dimensional villain, Keon changed the vulture into a trusted person with authentic purposes. So, whether he’s a masked hero or a complicated villain, Keaton shows just how talented he is. Now that there’s talk about him maybe playing Batman again in the DC universe, Keaton keeps messing with our expectations about comic book heroes and villains.
6. Ben Affleck
Back in the day, Ben Affleck tried his hand at superheroes as Daredevil (2003), playing Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer who fights crime. People had mixed feelings about the movie. Later, he got another chance with DC as Batman. He played the Dark Knight as older, tired from fighting, and kind of gloomy, like in Batman v Superman and Justice League. Not everyone liked this darker Batman, but Affleck gave the role some weight and real feeling. Going from Marvel’s red-suited hero to DC’s Batman shows how much he’s grown as an actor – and that he’s not afraid to take chances in either world.
5. Halle Berry
Halle Berry completely crushed it as Storm in the early X-Men films—you know, the weather-controlling team leader? She really helped those films feel like they mattered even back then. But then, she jumped ship to DC as Catwoman, and it didn’t go so hot. That movie, from 2004, was either poorly received by fans or at the box office, despite Berry putting her heart and soul into it. Still cool though, since she is one of the few stars who has made an impact in both Marvel and DC. Whether ruling over mutants or stalking the streets of Gotham, Berry always did something interesting with her performances. You have to give her credit for taking the good and the bad that comes with the genre.
4. Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy hit the ground running in the DC world as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, giving a scary good performance as Batman’s super strong and smart enemy. He nailed the part with a voice that stood out and a presence that made you shiver. Later on, Hardy jumped over to Marvel, acting as both Eddie Brock and the alien symbiote in Venom. In this tale of a flawed hero, Hardy had the opportunity to flaunt his comedic aspect, his fury, and even a bit of his fragility. These were two very dramatic and complex characters with diverse facets, and, thus, Hardy demonstrated his talent for playing those who are not defined as good or bad and who are from the dark side of their worlds.
3. Ryan Reynolds
Okay, so Ryan Reynolds’ first shot at superheroes wasn’t great. Remember his Green Lantern gig for DC? Ouch, that got bad reviews. But guess what? He bounced back big time! He jumped over to Marvel and totally transformed himself into Deadpool. Reynolds nailed it as the sarcastic, wisecracking mercenary. I mean, Deadpool became a huge hit! His comedic timing was perfect. His cheeky humour and breaking the fourth wall? Gold! People loved him so much that they wanted him to stay in the MCU. Therefore, after that unfortunate DC affair, Rynongs proved that there is a need to find only the right role to change the game completely and make something luxurious.
2. J.K. Simmons
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films have J.K. Simmons, Editor J. Jona Jameson’s brilliant shouting version. When Simmons appeared in the MCU, it was a rare moment of fan euphoria. And opposite a ripped and ridiculous Jason Momoa as Aquaman in the DC movie Justice League, Simmons lent some serious gravitas to the picture as Gotham’s badass police commander with his own hefty dose of bravado. Regardless of how minor his roles, Simmons consistently breathes vivacity into his comic book characters, evincing their essence with his nuanced performances on screen. Whether he is shouting at Peter Parker or assisting Batman, Simmons always works well in the universe. Having Simmons act in both Marvel and DC movies gives the audience the opportunity to enjoy the best of dramas and comedies.
1. Idris Elba
Idris Elba established herself as a powerful presence in Marvel’s Thor Franchise, playing the role of Heimdall, the all-seeing guardian of the Bifröst. His commanding voice and heroic attitude made him a fan favourite. No one to type for, Elba flipped into DC and played the gritty role of BloodSport in the Suicide Squad (2021). This anti-protagonist had a completely different vibe, which shows Elba’s versatile acting chops. Whether promoting Asgardian powers or struggling with Stars, Elba added authenticity and intensity to both roles. His uninterrupted connection between the two universes proves his strength as one of the most dynamic artists of Hollywood.
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Final Thoughts
Whenever actors switch from DC to Marvel, it is a significant event — the following ten actors did exactly that! Some of them are exceedingly well-known because of such shifts. Throughout their careers, they have portrayed both heroes and villains and have also taken on the roles of comedic side characters. Each of the actors has contributed their unique talents to the two universes. While fans of various comics battle with each other, their talents and performances not only find a meeting point between the studios but also lift up and inspire everyone.
Written by Nidhi Singh
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