10 Actors Who Were In Superhero Movies Before They Were Famous*

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 Close 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 Close 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 Close 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 Close 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 Close 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 Close 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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