8 MCU Actors Who Also Appeared in The Boys Universe

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As a fan of both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Amazon’s The Boys, I find it endlessly clever how the two worlds collide. It’s fascinating to learn that eight actors have jumped between these universes! And while The Boys is wrapping up its main story with a fifth season, the good news is this darkly satirical world isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be getting more Gen V, plus exciting new spinoffs like Vought Rising and The Boys: Mexico. What really makes The Boys stand out is its willingness to poke fun at the entire superhero genre – and it’s even funnier knowing some of the same faces are suiting up in both universes!

The animated series The Boys: Diabolical features voice actors and live-action stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Fred Tatasciore, Gary Anthony Williams, Jason Isaacs, Kumail Nanjiani, Awkwafina, and Don Cheadle. However, it isn’t officially considered part of the main storyline of the live-action The Boys show. Eight actors who have appeared in the MCU have also been in projects that are considered canon to The Boys universe – and some of those appearances were unexpected, even featuring big names. As both The Boys and the MCU continue to expand, we can likely expect to see even more actors cross over between the two franchises.

8) Karl Urban as Skurge the Executioner and Billy Butcher

Billy Butcher, the leader of the resistance group in The Boys, is a complex character played by Karl Urban. Interestingly, Urban previously appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok (2017). While Skurge started as a villain manipulated by Hela but ultimately rebelled, Butcher’s journey has been the reverse – he began as a hero but has descended into villainy, even developing a dangerous illness. This sets the stage for a dramatic arc in the upcoming fifth season of The Boys.

7) Erin Moriarty as Hope Shlottman and Annie January’s Starlight

As a huge MCU fan, I was so excited when Netflix’s Defenders shows were officially made part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe earlier this year – it meant characters like Jessica Jones really happened within that timeline! It’s wild to me how many actors have crossed over to The Boys, and Erin Moriarty is a perfect example. She played the really sympathetic, but ultimately tragic, Hope Shlottman in Jessica Jones, a character who suffered so much under Kilgrave. But in The Boys, she’s a total powerhouse! She plays Starlight, and while she starts out as a seemingly perfect hero with the Seven, she eventually rebels and fights alongside the Boys. It’s amazing seeing her take on such a different, strong role.

6) Colby Minifie as Robyn and Ashley Barrett

Colby Minifie has connections to two popular shows: Jessica Jones and The Boys. She played Robyn, a neighbor of Jessica Jones, and became involved in the fight against Kilgrave after her brother’s death. In The Boys, she plays Ashley Barrett, the official CEO of Vought International. Ashley worked her way up within Vought but was eventually overshadowed by Homelander, leading her to take Compound V. Her future in the show’s fifth season remains unclear.

5) Jessica Hecht as Audrey Eastman and Carol Mannheim

Several actors who appeared in Jessica Jones later joined the cast of The Boys, playing completely different roles. For example, Jessica Hecht, famous for her role as Susan Bunch on Friends, played Audrey Eastman in Jessica Jones – a woman motivated by revenge against superpowered individuals. Later, in The Boys, Hecht portrayed Carol Mannheim, the therapist for the superhero The Deep (Chase Crawford). Mannheim helps The Deep appear reformed so he can rejoin the elite superhero team, the Seven.

4) Da’Vinchi as Eric Ambrose and Anthony

In season 2 of Jessica Jones, while tracking down Dr. Karl Malus, Jessica seeks information from the father of Eric Ambrose, one of Malus’s past subjects. Eric was played by Da’Vinchi, who also appeared in The Boys as Anthony, a friend from Hughie Campbell’s childhood. Though both roles were relatively small, Da’Vinchi is one of several actors who have appeared in both Jessica Jones and The Boys.

3) Clancy Brown as Ray Schoonover, Surtur, and Richard “Rich Brink” Brinkerhoff

Clancy Brown is a highly respected actor, making his involvement with both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the series The Boys spinoff, Gen V, a significant addition. He played Colonel Ray Schoonover, also known as the Blacksmith, in The Punisher, a character with a complicated past connected to Frank Castle, which ultimately led to his death. In Gen V, Brown portrayed Richard Brinkerhoff, a professor at Godolkin University, who was tragically killed by Luke Riordan’s character due to his ties to the Woods. Fans will also recognize Brown as the voice of Surtur in Thor: Ragnarok, the being responsible for destroying Asgard.

2) Giancarlo Esposito as Seth Voelker’s Sidewinder and Stan Edgar

After much anticipation from fans, Giancarlo Esposito officially became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2025, playing the villain Sidewinder – leader of the Serpent Society – in Captain America: Brave New World. He’s expected to continue appearing in future MCU films and shows, alongside his role as Stan Edgar in The Boys and its related series. Stan Edgar has been a character in every season of The Boys and recently appeared in Gen V, where he continued his opposition to Homelander. This conflict will likely reach its peak in the fifth season of The Boys.

1) Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One and Ambrosius

It was a huge surprise to see Tilda Swinton, a highly respected actress, join the cast of The Boys – especially voicing the character of Ambrosius, an octopus who develops feelings for the Deep. Her heartfelt vocal performance made Ambrosius’s death scene particularly moving. Swinton is also well-known for her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she’s played the Ancient One since Doctor Strange in 2016, appearing in films like Avengers: Endgame and the What If…? series. While she could potentially return to the MCU in the future, it’s sadly unlikely we’ll ever see Ambrosius again in The Boys.

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2025-10-22 00:42