Summary- Don’t forget to check out this list of actors who have worked in both Marvel and DC universes. Actors like Willem Dafoe and Ben Afflec have proved through their different characters how effortlessly they can morph themselves into these worlds.
Both Marvel and DC have their own spectacular cinematic universes paired with some iconic superheroes. Many times it is seen that the fans are divided into two sides but actors don’t participate in that. The versatility in these actors ranging from the OG Batman to glorious Heimdall tells a story of determination and talent which no other actor has shown in Hollywood.
7. Willem Dafoe
Marvel: Dafoe with his villinish smirk and iconic green suit divided the spiderman fans into two in 2002 with his Green Goblin role. He then again reappeared as the central antagonist in Spider-Man: No Way Home and has captivated the attention of many Marvel fans with his villianish charm.
DC: While his role of fan-loving nemesis was a huge success still he had also taken his chance at DC. In the 2018 release Aquaman Dafoe took on the supporting role of Nuidis Vulko.
6. Ben Affleck
Marvel: There are only countable actors who have got to play the characters of a superhero in both the universes. Ben Affleck played the titular character in MCU’s 2003 Daredevil.
DC: He then extended his dominance to the DCEU with iconic Batman. This iconic superhero then went on to various movies for appearances which included Suicide Squad, Justice League and more.
Also Read: Marvel Lineup: Complete List of All Upcoming Marvel Movies in 2026; Spider Man, Doomsday and More!
5. Tom Hardy
Marvel: Venom is just not a Halloween costume and makeup. Tom’s character Eddie Brock and the alter ego Venom remains one of the most praised villains of all time till date.
DC: The famous masked villain of DC’s Bane has made a lasting impact on the villain fandom. His character in this film was so intense that some dialogues had to be recorded after the shoot because of his mask.
4. Ryan Reynolds
Marvel: Reynolds found spark and chance in Marvel’s universe as Deadpool: the wisecracking. The role that is popularly known to break the fourth wall. After his performance it is as if now that the audience feel that nobody other than Reynolds could have pulled it off like the way he did.
DC: Reynolds couldn’t spread his charm in his character of Green Lantern back in 2011. As excited the fans were but the film turned out to be a massive failure in the theaters. Many still recall his character in this film as the one which Reynolds wants the fans to forget.
3. J.K. Simmons
Marvel: Simmons in character of J.Jonah Jameson runs a newspaper agency where he ironically also employed Peter Parker. While his loathing for spider-man was obvious in the movie but it isn’t fair to say that he owned that character.
DC: Came in as Commissioner Gordon in Justice League of 2017 with his signature spectacles and the mustache in the DC universe. Simmons’s character shared the same motto with Batman to prevent the crimes in Gotham City.
2. Idris Elba
Marvel: The glorious Heimdall in his all glory appeared in the Thor series. His character though with not enough screentime stole many fans heart for the loyalty it brought.
DC: Hail for the leader of Suicide Squad team. Elba led the team of second installment of the Suicide Squad. His character Bloodsport with his suit that is equipped with all sorts of nanotech-based weaponry. The blue suit paired with his unparalleled confidence made the film unforgettable.
Also Read: DC Upcoming Movies: Full List of DC Films Releasing in 2026; Supergirl, Batman Part II and More
1. Michael Keaton
Marvel: Spider-Man Homecoming featured Keaton as the supervillain Vulture. This release was a huge shock for the longtime fans of the actor. Though surprising, Keaton didn’t disappoint. A major shift from taking the role as a superhero to a Villain showed his talent and why he chose to be an actor.
DC: Many actors have taken on the role of Batman but none can bring the life to the superhero as Keaton did back in the 1980s. He is one of the founding actors who had brought Batman to the screens for the fans.
Conclusion
Fans have created an invisible wall between the two universes which these actors seem to be breaking. Some of these actors have morphed themselves in such a way that many couldn’t tell that they have seen them in other avatars as well. However, it is worth commending that these actors have the skills that no other in the industry can match.
Written by Kenbi Riba