Superhero movies have become some of the biggest cultural phenomena in modern cinema, bringing actors into the limelight long before they became well-known performers. Both theMarvel Cinematic UniverseandDC Universehave been instrumental in shaping the comic book genre, offering opportunities for emerging talent to appear in blockbuster films. While many actors gained fame for their iconic superhero portrayals, some had early and often overlooked roles in these universes before becoming household names.
The MCU and DCU have served as platforms for actors to demonstrate their talents, even in minor roles. From the beginnings ofthe MCU timelinewith films likeThe Incredible Hulkto the earlier entries inthe DCU timelinesuch asBatman Forever, several now-famous actors made small but memorable appearances that helped pave the way for their careers. These performances remind how these cinematic universes often serve as stepping stones for Hollywood’s biggest stars.
10Jenna Ortega In Iron Man 3
As The Vice-President’s Daughter
Before she became a horror darling inWednesdayand theScreammovies,Jenna Ortega appeared briefly inIron Man 3. She played the Vice President’s daughter, who has an amputated leg. Though her role was small, herpresence added an emotional layer to the Vice President’s arc, as he secretly worked with the villain Aldrich Killian to find a cure for his daughter using Extremis technology.
This early appearance marked Ortega’s growing presence in Hollywood, even as a child actor. Her brief screen timeshowed a sense of vulnerability and sweetness that differs from her later rolessignificantly. Ortega assumed a more stern persona for several of her more famous role, notably inWednesday.Spotting Ortega inIron Man 3is a reminder of how far she’s come from her humble beginnings in the MCU.
9Glen Powell In The Dark Knight Rises
As A Stock Trader
Prior to flying high inTop Gun: Maverick, Glen Powell had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role inThe Dark Knight Rises(2012). Powell played a young stockbroker held hostage by Bane during the attack on the Gotham Stock Exchange. Powell’s character is best remembered for being knocked out by Bane during the scene. His character wasa minor casualty of Bane’s larger plan, but it was an early taste of blockbuster cinema for Powell.
While this role inThe Dark Knight Risesdidn’t make Powell a star overnight, it positioned him as anactor capable of blending into high-stakes, ensemble-driven projects. He later rose to fame with charismatic roles inHidden FiguresandTop Gun: Maverick, proving he could hold his own in major films. Powell is also notable for appearing in the romantic comedyanyone but Youand the disaster movieTwisters.
8Ty Burrell In The Incredible Hulk
As Leonard Samson
Long before he became the loveable goofy dad Phil Dunphy inModern Family, Ty Burrell played Leonard Samson inThe Incredible Hulk. Samson, a minor character in the movie, was Betty Ross’s boyfriend, creating tension between her and Bruce Banner. In the comics, Leonard is known as Doc Samson,one of the Hulk’s closest allieswho has his own gamma-induced superpowers.
This has led many to speculate that Burrell could return to the MCU in a more fleshed-out role, much like Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns inCaptain America: Brave New World.While Burrell didn’t get much time to shine inThe Incredible Hulk, his portrayal hinted at his versatility, balancing drama and subtle humor. It’s intriguing to see him in a more serious role before he became synonymous with comedic brilliance. His presence in the MCU, albeit short-lived, was a stepping stone to his later success in television.
7Octavia Spencer In Spider-Man
As The Wrestling Receptionist
Before her Oscar-winning turn in The Help, Octavia Spencer appeared in Sam Raimi’sSpider-Man(2002). Spencer played the receptionist who signed up Peter Parker for the underground wrestling match where he first tested his powers. Spencer is notable for underestimating Spider-Man, even calling him“small fry.”Octavia Spencer’s role was brief butplayed on many of her greatest strengths, including her commanding presence, her dry wit, and her sassy demeanor.
Though Spencer’s role was brief, her delivery stood out even in a small moment. This cameoexemplifies how talented actors can elevate even the smallest roles. It’s a fun precursor to her celebrated performances in dramas such asHidden FiguresandThe Shape of Water, both of which earned her Oscar nominations. She previously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress forThe Help.
6Rebel Wilson In Ghost Rider
As A Goth Witness
Rebel Wilson is known for her comedic prowess in movies likePitch Perfect. Years earlier, Wilson had a minor role inGhost Rider(2007). Rebel Wilson appeared as a goth-style bystander who recounts a terrifying encounter with Ghost Rider to a reporter. Wilson describes the hero, noting specifically that he had a flaming skull for a head. Wilson’squirky delivery was ideal to play the witness, whom news reporters refused to believe because of her wild story.
Wilson’s performance stood out in her short scene, providing a brief moment of levity in the dark supernatural film. This cameomarked one of her first on-screen appearances in Hollywood. It’s fascinating to see how her natural comedic instincts were already evident, setting the stage for her later success in comedy movies such asBridesmaidsandSenior Year.
5Jenna Coleman In Captain America: The First Avenger
As Connie
Jenna Coleman is beloved for her role as Clara Oswald, a companion inDoctor Whofor the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctor. Before this, Coleman had a small but memorable role inCaptain America: The First Avenger. Coleman played Connie, one of Bucky Barnes’s dates whovisited the Stark Expo with Steve Rogers. She later reappears as a nurse and tries to seduce Captain America.
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Jenna Coleman’s brief role exuded charm and energy, capturing attention even in a crowded scene. While her character was small, it’s a delightful Easter egg for those who later fell in love with her work in British television. Her appearance in the MCU demonstrates how evenminor roles can serve as stepping stones for rising stars. Coleman has seen a lot of success in subsequent roles, includingThe SandmanandVictoria.
4Zoë Kravitz In X-Men: First Class
As Angel
Before her breakout roles inBig Little Liesand as Catwoman inThe Batman, Zoë Kravitz appeared inX-Men: First Classas Angel Salvadore. Kravitz’s Angel was memorably introduced during the strip club scene, when Xavier and Eric are scouring the world for mutants. Her characterdefected to the villain’s side, joining Sebastian Shaw’s Hellfire Club.
Kravitz’s role demonstrated her cool, edgy presence, hinting at the magnetic performances she would deliver later in her career. Her portrayal of Angel stood out in the ensemble cast, making her one of the more memorable characters despite limited screen time. This role was anearly example of her ability to bring depth to morally complex figures. It was a perfect precursor to the morally complex Selina Kyle, whom Kravitz was widely praised for embodying in Matt Reeves’The Batman.
3David Harbour In Suicide Squad
As Dexter Tolliver
Prior to becoming famous for playing Sheriff Hopper inStranger Thingsor the Red Guardian inBlack Widow, David Harbour had a minor role inSuicide Squad(2016). David Harbour played Dexter Tolliver, a government official inviolved in the formation of the titular Suicide Squad. Dexter Tolliver appearedduring the iconic bar scene opposite Amanda Wallerand later in the office when the team members are officially introduced.
Harbour’s role was momentary but effective, lending gravitas to the political debates surrounding Task Force X. His commanding presence hinted at the star power he would later unleash in bigger projects. It’s a fun detail to revisit, seeingHarbour’s early connection to the superhero genre before his major roles. It’s notably less bombastic than his other roles, particularly Red Guardian, who returns to theMCU inThunderbolts*.
2Jon Favreau In Batman Forever
As A Wayne Enterprises Employee
Jon Favreau is nowa household name for his work in the MCU, both as a director and playing Happy Hogan. Favreau is also celebrated for his work onThe Mandalorianand otherStar Warsshows. Earlier in his career, Faveau had a tiny role inBatman Forever(1995). He appeared as Bruce Wayne’s assistant, though he went entirely uncredited. Faveau can be spotted in the scenes when Bruce Wayne visits the business.
Favreau first appears on the far right when Bruce is walking through the lab, and then again later on the far left when Bruce is watching the CCTV of Ed Nigma killing Fred Stickley. Favreau’s small part is a fascinating footnote in his career,especially considering his later role as Happy Hogan and his contributions to superhero cinema. It’s a reminder of his humble beginnings in Hollywood before he became a visionary director and actor in his own right.
1Doug Jones In Batman Returns
As The Thin Clown
Doug Jones is celebrated for his creature performances inPan’s LabyrinthandThe Shape of Water. Often hidden under impressive prosthetics and make-up, Jones hada rare appearance as a humaninBatman Returns(1992). Jones played the Thin Clown from Penguin’s Red Triangle gang. He is most memorable for fighting Batman in the thrillingBatman Returnsopening scene and placing the Bat Mobile-controlling device on Batman’s trusty steed.
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Doug Jones’s uncanny physicality and expressive movements made even this small role inBatman Returnsmemorable. His presence inBatman Returnsforeshadowed his future as a go-to actor for fantastical and eerie characters. It’s a fun nod to his career beginnings for fans of his later acclaimed work in numerous Guillermo Del Toro movies, including the comic book movieHellboy, both of which earned Jones immense critical acclaim.
Iron Man 3
Cast
Iron Man 3 pits genius-billionaire-playboy-philanthropist Tony Stark (Iron Man) against the Mandarin, an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his world destroyed by his mysterious antagonist, he embarks on a dangerous quest to find those responsible. His journey will test his character at every turn. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him and determine whether or not the suit makes the man or if Tony himself is the hero.
The Dark Knight Rises
The Dark Knight Rises follows Batman as he returns to Gotham City eight years after the death of Harvey Dent. Now pursued by law enforcement, he faces new challenges from Selina Kyle and Bane, a formidable terrorist leader who threatens the city’s safety, compelling Batman to defend a city that sees him as a foe.
The Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk (1977): In this film, scientist David Banner suffers a gamma radiation overdose, triggering a transformation into a giant, muscular green creature whenever he becomes angry. This condition compels him to undertake a journey to understand and control his monstrous alter ego.
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the first film in Sam Raimi’s trilogy starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker. Released in 2002, the film introduced superhero fans to a live-action Norman Osborn, played by Willem Dafoe, who is transformed into his villainous alter ego, Green Goblin, after being forced out of Oscorp Industries. At the same time, Peter Parker is grappling with his newfound abilities as the iconic wall-crawler.
Ghost Rider
Mark Steven Johnson’s Ghost Rider precedes the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by one year. Starring Nicolas Cage as the titular Marvel anti-hero, the 2007 movie takes Johnny Blaze’s origin story to the big screen with a supporting cast composed of the likes of Eva Mendes as Ghost Rider’s love interest Roxanne Simpson, Peter Fonda as the demon Mephistopheles, Wes Bentley as the villain Blackheart, and Sam Elliot as the previous wielder of the Spirit of Vengeance.
Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America: The First Avenger follows Steve Rogers, a frail man from Brooklyn transformed into the super-soldier Captain America during World War II. As he aids the war effort, Rogers confronts Red Skull, who seeks world domination through a powerful device for a nefarious organization.
X-Men: First Class
X-Men: First Class explores the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, who later become Professor X and Magneto. Set during the early days of their friendship, the film depicts their collaborative efforts with other mutants to avert a significant global threat.
Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad team is made up of villains, captured and kept in a secret prison, and offered reduced sentences if they participate in dangerous missions. In the tradition of continuity within DCEU films, the event comes in the wake of Superman’s death and the seclusion of Batman after the events that occurred in Batman V Superman. Agency head Amanda Waller, played by award-winning actress Viola Davis, is the one striking deals with the inmates of Belle Reve Prison. Heading “Task Force X” is Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag, alongside Will Smith’s Deadshot, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang, Jay Hernandez’s El Diablo, Adewale Akinnuoye’s Killer Croc, and Adam Beach’s Slipknot. Karen Fukuhara’s Katana also joins the mission to keep Rick safe from the villains. Jared Leto (Joker) and Ben Affleck (Batman) have smaller roles in David Ayer’sSuicide Squad, as does Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress.
Batman Forever
After Tim Burton’s plans for a third Batman film fell through, director Joel Schumacher took over the franchise with 1995’s Batman Forever. Replacing Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer stars as Bruce Wayne opposite to Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones, who play The Riddler and Two-Face, respectively. Batman Forever also marks the first time Robin appears on the big screen since Burt Ward reprised his Boy Wonder role in 1966’s Batman: The Movie.
Batman Returns
Batman Returns sees the return of Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne after his victory over the Joker. This time, the Dark Knight faces a new threat in the form of The Penguin, an outcast who wants revenge on Gotham City. Featuring Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman, and Christopher Walken as Max Schreck, Batman Returns is Tim Burton’s second and final movie based on the iconic DC comics character.
