Dual-Universe Scene-Stealers Who Conquered Marvel And DC

ByCamila Duarte Published:

Superheroes dominate the big screen, but some actors refuse to pick sides. A select group of talented performers have jumped between Marvel and DC, bringing iconic characters to life in both universes.

Whether playing heroes, villains, or mysterious allies, these scene-stealers prove that talent knows no comic book boundaries.

1. Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck
Image Credit: Sean Reynolds from Liverpool, United Kingdom, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Batman himself once wore the red suit of Daredevil! Before donning the cape and cowl in the DC Extended Universe, Affleck fought crime as Matt Murdock in 2003.

His transition from Marvel’s blind vigilante to Gotham’s Dark Knight showed incredible range. Both roles demanded physical intensity and emotional depth, which he delivered impressively.

Critics may have debated his performances, but nobody can deny his dual-universe legacy remains unforgettable.

2. Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Who knew the Merc with a Mouth would become one of cinema’s biggest superheroes? Reynolds first appeared as Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity, then suffered through Green Lantern’s critical disaster.

But everything changed when Deadpool arrived. His hilarious, fourth-wall-breaking antihero revitalized superhero movies and proved Reynolds belonged in Marvel.

Now he jokes about his DC past constantly, turning career missteps into comedy gold.

3. Halle Berry

Halle Berry
Image Credit: Harald Krichel, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Storm commanded lightning in the X-Men franchise with elegance and power. Berry brought Ororo Munroe to life across multiple Marvel films, becoming a fan favorite mutant.

Yet she also starred in DC’s Catwoman, a movie that unfortunately became infamous for all the wrong reasons. Despite the critical backlash, Berry accepted her Razzie Award with humor and grace.

Her Storm remains legendary regardless.

4. Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton
Image Credit: Gage Skidmore, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Long before superhero movies dominated Hollywood, Keaton defined Batman for an entire generation. Tim Burton’s 1989 film revolutionized the genre, with Keaton’s brooding performance setting the standard.

Decades later, he soared into the MCU as Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming. His menacing portrayal proved he could play villain just as brilliantly as hero.

Recently, he returned as Batman again!

5. J.K. Simmons

J.K. Simmons
Image Credit: Jay Dixit, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Nobody yells quite like J.K. Simmons! As J. Jonah Jameson, he became the definitive voice of Spider-Man’s grumpy newspaper boss across multiple Marvel film universes.

Meanwhile, DC cast him as Commissioner Gordon in Justice League and related films. He brought gravitas and reliability to Gotham’s top cop, contrasting perfectly with his Marvel loudmouth.

Both roles showcase his remarkable versatility and commanding screen presence.

6. Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin
Image Credit: Gage Skidmore, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Conquering the universe takes serious talent. Brolin voiced and motion-captured Thanos, becoming Marvel’s most terrifying villain and making half the universe disappear with a snap.

Before that cosmic domination, he portrayed Cable in Deadpool 2, bringing the time-traveling mutant to life with gruff intensity. DC fans also know him as Jonah Hex in the 2010 Western superhero flick.

7. Idris Elba

Idris Elba
Image Credit: Amy Martin Photography, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Asgard’s all-seeing guardian stood watch over the Bifrost Bridge with intensity and nobility. Elba made Heimdall memorable across multiple Thor films, bringing regal strength to every scene.

Then DC called, and he transformed into Bloodsport for The Suicide Squad. His conflicted assassin showed a completely different side of his acting abilities, mixing humor with deadly precision.

8. Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne
Image Credit: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Washington D.C, United States, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Authoritative voices define great leaders. Fishburne commanded respect as Perry White, editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet in DC’s Superman films, barking orders with journalistic integrity.

Marvel fans recognize his voice as the narrator of various MCU projects and his appearance in Ant-Man and the Wasp. He brought wisdom and gravitas to Dr. Bill Foster, connecting to superhero history.

9. Zachary Levi

Zachary Levi
Image Credit: Genevieve, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Pure joy radiates from Levi’s portrayal of Shazam, DC’s kid-turned-superhero who embodies wish fulfillment. His comedic timing and genuine enthusiasm made the character instantly lovable and refreshingly lighthearted.

Marvel tapped him earlier for Thor: The Dark World, where he played Fandral, one of Thor’s loyal Asgardian warrior friends. Though a smaller role, he brought charm and swashbuckling energy.

10. Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou
Image Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Powerful warriors require powerful actors. Hounsou brought intensity to Korath the Pursuer in Guardians of the Galaxy, hunting Star-Lord with relentless determination and memorable one-liners.

DC’s Shazam films featured him as the ancient wizard who grants Billy Batson his incredible powers. His mystical, wise portrayal contrasted sharply with his Marvel villain role, demonstrating impressive adaptability.

11. Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer
Image Credit: joyparris, licensed under CC BY 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Meow! Pfeiffer’s Catwoman in Batman Returns remains the gold standard for the character, combining seduction, danger, and psychological complexity in Tim Burton’s gothic masterpiece.

Decades later, Marvel welcomed her as Janet van Dyne in the Ant-Man franchise. She brought elegance and mystery to the original Wasp, lost in the Quantum Realm for years but never losing her grace.

12. Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett
Image Credit: Greg2600, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Royalty requires presence, and Bassett delivers majesty as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther. Her powerful performance anchored Wakanda’s royal family, especially shining in the emotional sequel after Chadwick Boseman’s passing.

DC fans remember her from Green Lantern, where she played Dr. Amanda Waller. Though the film struggled, Bassett brought characteristic strength and intelligence to the morally complex government official.

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