2024’s Best Movies Starring Marvel Actors (That Are Nothing Like the MCU)

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As a cinephile who has spent countless hours watching movies and analyzing performances, I can confidently say that it’s truly fascinating to see the intertwining of the cinematic universe we know as Marvel with other iconic franchises. The sheer number of talented actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe gracing our screens in these diverse films is nothing short of astonishing.

2024 has been quite a stellar year for blockbuster films, with “Dune: Part Two” kicking off the big-budget spectacle early on. While not all of the following movies can be classified as traditional blockbusters, given that many attract A-list talent, like those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s safe to assume substantial financing is involved. This was evident with the two “Dune” films, and it’s understandable that Marvel actors would require alternative projects when they aren’t battling aliens or undoing lethal finger snaps.

The exceptions made were primarily small appearances of Marvel characters. For example, Beetlejuice was added not because of Jenna Ortega, who had a minor, almost imperceptible role in Iron Man 3, but instead due to Michael Keaton, whose part in Spider-Man: Homecoming was significant. Additionally, it wasn’t only actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that were taken into account; rather, the entirety of Marvel cinema was under consideration.

Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, and Dave Bautista in Dune: Part Two

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Prominent productions and influential filmmakers tend to draw attention from high-profile stars, and vice versa. A notable example of such a director is Denis Villeneuve, whose upcoming ‘Dune’ duology (soon to evolve into a near-trilogy) represents a significant project. Given this, it’s not surprising that there would be some intersection between his production and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in terms of casting choices.

Yelena Belova (also known as Black Widow 2.0), Michelle “MJ” Jones, Thanos, Magik from The New Mutants, Drax, and Erik Selvig are all present in this setting. Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader from Captain America: Brave New World (played by Tim Blake Nelson) appeared in Dune: Part Two, but his scenes were ultimately removed. However, there’s not much connection between Dune and the MCU in terms of plot or atmosphere.

Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum in Wicked

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The blockbuster film “Wicked” has maintained its popularity, similar to the stage musical that preceded it. However, unlike the original, it boasts a more high-profile cast (although Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel already carry significant influence). While Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo haven’t been featured in Marvel films yet, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh have. Peter Dinklage, known for his role in “Avengers: Infinity War,” is also part of the “Wicked” cast, using his distinctive deep voice to portray Doctor Dillamond, a goat professor at Shiz University.

In terms closest to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), “Wicked” only approaches with the musical scene in “The Marvels” and its witch characters, similar to “Agatha All Along”. Moreover, Goldblum’s character as a wizard shares some resemblance with the eccentric Grandmaster from “Thor: Ragnarok”. However, when it comes to Jeff Goldblum, you don’t cast him in a project unless he’s allowed to have fun.

Willem Dafoe and Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Lately, we’ve seen a lot of follow-ups to old films, but they’ve been hit or miss. Some like Creed and Twisters have been winners, while others such as Dumb and Dumber To and Independence Day: Resurgence didn’t quite hit the mark. Thankfully, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice falls into the category of the successful sequels, not the disappointing ones.

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Similarly to the first film, the sequel strategically keeps Michael Keaton’s character, Vulture, in a supporting role. Much like its predecessor, this sequel is just as peculiar yet thrilling. Although it doesn’t have the powerful central plot of the deceased Maitland couple from the original movie, it’s an enjoyable ride. Additionally, Keaton isn’t the sole Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) star on board, as Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux, who penned the underappreciated “Iron Man 2”, also appear in this film.

Rebecca Hall & Brian Tyree Henry in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

It’s unfortunate that Adam Wingard won’t be back to direct the third Godzilla vs. Kong film, as Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire solidifies the idea that he grasps the essence of the project. While it may not reach the heights of his 2021 monster battle (the top MonsterVerse film thus far), it shows he appreciates what made the classic Toho Godzilla films enjoyable – allowing a touch of silliness.

Despite all this, it shares a recurring issue that has long affected the Monsterverse: the characters of human origin remain largely underdeveloped. In the context of “The New Empire“, two stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe take on these shallow roles, and they’re reprising their parts from “Godzilla vs. Kong“. Gratefully, among the poorly developed characters, they are the most detailed, with Rebecca Hall from “Iron Man 3” getting some touching maternal moments, while Brian Tyree Henry from “Eternals” does an admirable job with some humorous, light-hearted dialogue.

Kumail Nanjiani, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Celeste O’Connor, and Bill Murray in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

For nearly three decades, it seemed like the Ghostbusters franchise had come to an end. However, in 2016, a reboot by Paul Feig was released, but it received harsh criticism, mainly due to intense online backlash. Considering the poor reception of that film, it was unexpected when there was interest in another Ghostbusters installment, titled Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Yet, Jason Reitman, son of the director of the first two films, Ivan, took on the task of continuing the ghost-busting legacy.

The skillful direction of Reitman is noticeably absent in the director’s seat for “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”, but his presence is felt as a co-writer. A plethora of Marvel stars are also part of this project, with Paul Rudd, who is well known as Ant-Man, being among them. He worked alongside Bill Murray in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”. Other stars from the Marvel universe joining the cast include Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt from “Eternals”, Celeste O’Connor who will appear in “Madame Web”, Carrie Coon from “Avengers: Infinity War”, and Mckenna Grace, who played 13-year-old Carol Danvers in “Captain Marvel” and will soon be seen again in “Scream VII”.

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2024-12-26 02:10