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10 Actors Who Were In Superhero Movies Before They Were Famous

November 20, 2024

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 the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Universe have 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 of the MCU timeline with films like The Incredible Hulk to the earlier entries in the DCU timeline such as Batman 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.

10 Jenna Ortega In Iron Man 3

As The Vice-President’s Daughter

Before she became a horror darling in Wednesday and the Scream movies, Jenna Ortega appeared briefly in Iron Man 3. She played the Vice President’s daughter, who has an amputated leg. Though her role was small, her presence 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 time showed a sense of vulnerability and sweetness that differs from her later roles significantly. Ortega assumed a more stern persona for several of her more famous role, notably in Wednesday. Spotting Ortega in Iron Man 3 is a reminder of how far she’s come from her humble beginnings in the MCU.

9 Glen Powell In The Dark Knight Rises

As A Stock Trader

Prior to flying high in Top Gun: Maverick, Glen Powell had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role in The 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 was a minor casualty of Bane’s larger plan, but it was an early taste of blockbuster cinema for Powell.

While this role in The Dark Knight Rises didn’t make Powell a star overnight, it positioned him as an actor capable of blending into high-stakes, ensemble-driven projects. He later rose to fame with charismatic roles in Hidden Figures and Top Gun: Maverick, proving he could hold his own in major films. Powell is also notable for appearing in the romantic comedy anyone but You and the disaster movie Twisters.

8 Ty Burrell In The Incredible Hulk

As Leonard Samson

Long before he became the loveable goofy dad Phil Dunphy in Modern Family, Ty Burrell played Leonard Samson in The 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 allies who 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 in Captain America: Brave New World. While Burrell didn’t get much time to shine in The 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.

7 Octavia Spencer In Spider-Man

As The Wrestling Receptionist

Before her Oscar-winning turn in The Help, Octavia Spencer appeared in Sam Raimi’s Spider-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 but played 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 cameo exemplifies how talented actors can elevate even the smallest roles. It’s a fun precursor to her celebrated performances in dramas such as Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water, both of which earned her Oscar nominations. She previously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for The Help.

6 Rebel Wilson In Ghost Rider

As A Goth Witness

Rebel Wilson is known for her comedic prowess in movies like Pitch Perfect. Years earlier, Wilson had a minor role in Ghost 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’s quirky 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 cameo marked 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 as Bridesmaids and Senior Year.

5 Jenna Coleman In Captain America: The First Avenger

As Connie

Jenna Coleman is beloved for her role as Clara Oswald, a companion in Doctor Who for the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctor. Before this, Coleman had a small but memorable role in Captain America: The First Avenger. Coleman played Connie, one of Bucky Barnes’s dates who visited 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 even minor roles can serve as stepping stones for rising stars. Coleman has seen a lot of success in subsequent roles, including The Sandman and Victoria.

4 Zoë Kravitz In X-Men: First Class

As Angel

Before her breakout roles in Big Little Lies and as Catwoman in The Batman, Zoë Kravitz appeared in X-Men: First Class as Angel Salvadore. Kravitz’s Angel was memorably introduced during the strip club scene, when Xavier and Eric are scouring the world for mutants. Her character defected 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 an early 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.

3 David Harbour In Suicide Squad

As Dexter Tolliver

Prior to becoming famous for playing Sheriff Hopper in Stranger Things or the Red Guardian in Black Widow, David Harbour had a minor role in Suicide Squad (2016). David Harbour played Dexter Tolliver, a government official inviolved in the formation of the titular Suicide Squad. Dexter Tolliver appeared during the iconic bar scene opposite Amanda Waller and 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, seeing Harbour’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 the MCU in Thunderbolts*.

2 Jon Favreau In Batman Forever

As A Wayne Enterprises Employee

Jon Favreau is now a household name for his work in the MCU, both as a director and playing Happy Hogan. Favreau is also celebrated for his work on The Mandalorian and other Star Wars shows. Earlier in his career, Faveau had a tiny role in Batman 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.

1 Doug Jones In Batman Returns

As The Thin Clown

Doug Jones is celebrated for his creature performances in Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. Often hidden under impressive prosthetics and make-up, Jones had a rare appearance as a human in Batman Returns (1992). Jones played the Thin Clown from Penguin’s Red Triangle gang. He is most memorable for fighting Batman in the thrilling Batman Returns opening 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 in Batman Returns memorable. His presence in Batman Returns foreshadowed 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 movie Hellboy, both of which earned Jones immense critical acclaim.