For decades, Hollywood has produced films based on DC and Marvel comics, and this list includes every actor who has appeared in DC and Marvel films.
Evans, Chris
Chris Evans is most recognized for his role as a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he has also played other comic book characters. In the mid-2000s, Evans portrayed Johnny Storm aka Human Torch in two Fantastic Four films. However, he went on to play Jensen in The Losers’ Jake Jensen, which is based on a DC Vertigo comic book. Evans made his MCU debut as Captain America in 2011, and he finally departed from the character in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
Simmons, J.K.
JK Simmons first appeared in a superhero film as J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. Simmons relocated to DC once the trilogy concluded to play Commissioner Jim Gordon in Justice League. However, Simmons resumed his role as J. Jonah Jameson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe beginning with Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Manganiello, Joe
Joe Manganiello debuted in the superhero film realm with Spider-Man. He played the bully Flash Thompson in the first film, did not appear in the sequel, but returned for Spider-Man 3. Manganiello just returned to DC to play Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke in Justice League.
Leto, Jared
Jared Leto’s portrayal of The Joker in Suicide Squad was unlike anything seen before and sparked controversy among moviegoers; the character eventually resurfaced in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Leto will play the lead in Morbius, a Marvel comics adaptation, in 2022. The film is being produced by Sony Pictures rather than Marvel and will be part of the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel characters, alongside the Venom films and the forthcoming Kraven the Hunter. However, the presence of Michael Keaton’s Vulture in Morbius previews, as well as Venom momentarily appearing in the MCU at the conclusion of Venom: Let There Be Carnage, suggests that the world’s will be linked in some way.
