7 Actors Who Have Played Multiple Roles in the Same Franchise

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours binge-watching and analyzing movies from both Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and DC Extended Universe (DCEU), I can’t help but marvel at the fascinating transformation of some of these talented actors in their respective franchises.

Take, for instance, Michelle Yeoh, whose portrayal of Aleta Ogord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was a brief yet significant appearance that paved the way for her return to the MCU as Ying Nan in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Her character’s journey from a minor role to a mentor figure in the MCU is truly captivating, showcasing Yeoh’s versatility and the depth of her acting talent.

Sean Gunn, on the other hand, has taken multiverse hopping to a whole new level! Not only does he play Kraglin Obfonteri in Guardians of the Galaxy, but he also portrays Calendar Man and Weasel in The Suicide Squad and its spin-off series Creature Commandos. Gunn’s ability to juggle multiple roles in different universes is nothing short of impressive, making me wonder if he has a secret TARDIS hidden somewhere!

One can’t help but admire the journey of Michelle Pfeiffer as she transformed from a minor role in Batman Returns to playing the powerful Selina Kyle/Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. It’s a testament to her acting prowess that she could breathe new life into such iconic characters.

Finally, let’s not forget the chameleon-like abilities of Michael Keaton, who went from playing a villain in Spider-Man: Homecoming to reprising his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne in The Flash movie. It’s almost as if he stepped out of one comic book and into another!

All these transformations remind me that the fourth wall is not always impenetrable, and sometimes the most unexpected twists can make for some truly captivating stories. Who knows what other surprises await us in the future of our favorite franchises? Maybe even a cameo by Sean Gunn’s Weasel as the next big superhero! After all, it’s always fun to see a weasel with a sword and armor, right?

It’s truly amazing how certain franchises have persisted for such a long time. For example, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be celebrating its 17th year this May, but adaptations of Marvel comics were already happening years prior, as evidenced by the Fox X-Men and Fantastic Four films, along with the Sam Raimi Spider-Man series. Given that some franchises have been going strong for decades, it’s not unexpected to see actors taking on multiple roles within the same franchise, particularly in comic book adaptations.

Jason Momoa Will Return in The New DCU Era

In the latest developments, the DC Universe (DCU) has cast Jason Momoa for an upcoming Supergirl movie, playing Lobo, a space-faring bounty hunter. Interestingly, prior to this, Momoa had already portrayed Aquaman in several DCEU films – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, Aquaman, Zach Snyder’s Justice League, The Flash, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, as well as making a cameo appearance in Peacemaker from the Max series.

Although the previous “Aquaman” movie received unfavorable reviews from critics according to Rotten Tomatoes, Jason Momoa still exudes a captivating charm as DC’s Aquaman. Given this appeal, many fans were eager for him to appear in the new DC Universe, regardless of the character he played. In fact, there had been numerous whispers about Momoa potentially playing Lobo, and these rumors have now come true with this casting announcement.

Chris Evans Has Been Two Iconic Marvel Characters

Chris Evans played Captain America for approximately eight years within the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. First introduced in “Captain America: The First Avenger”, Evans’ Steve Rogers is a significant character in the MCU, with his influence continuing to resonate even after Evans’ portrayal of the character has ended and Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson assumes the role in “Captain America: Brave New World”.

Before wielding the shield, I was already an esteemed Marvel icon, three years prior to the inception of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2005, I took on the role of Johnny Storm, also known as The Human Torch, in the film “Fantastic Four,” and reprised that role in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” in 2007. These films were not associated with the MCU, but my Human Torch character makes a return, alongside several other Fox Marvel characters, in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” My brief appearance as Johnny Storm in the MCU is a cameo, but a brand-new Johnny Storm, portrayed by Joseph Quinn, is scheduled to make his debut in “Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Michael B. Jordan Went From Marvel Hero To Villain

Prior to Joseph Quinn assuming the role of Johnny Storm, another actor had previously played The Human Torch after Chris Evans’ tenure as the character. That role was taken up by Michael B. Jordan in 2015’s Fantastic Four. However, this film did not impress critics or fans, and it didn’t lead to any subsequent movies.

As a longtime Marvel fan who has grown up watching these superheroes come to life on the big screen, I must say that Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther” stands out as one of the most memorable and impactful performances in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Having followed Jordan’s career since his days on “The Wire,” it was incredible to see him take on such a complex and dynamic villain.

Killmonger’s character resonated with me because he represented a powerful, black antagonist who wasn’t just one-dimensional or stereotypical. He had a compelling backstory and motivations that made him relatable and human. The way Jordan brought Killmonger to life was captivating and left a lasting impression on audiences.

What sets Killmonger apart is his ability to challenge the hero, T’Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman), in a meaningful and thought-provoking way. Their ideological clash made for some of the most compelling scenes in the movie, and it was clear that Jordan relished the opportunity to bring this character to life.

It’s rare to see a villain who is so well-developed and three-dimensional in a superhero film, but Killmonger is the exception. Even after his death in “Black Panther,” Jordan’s portrayal of the character continued to resonate with audiences through his appearances in “Wakanda Forever” and the animated series “What If…?”

Overall, I believe that Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Erik Killmonger is one of the best performances in the MCU and a testament to his talent as an actor. His ability to bring depth and complexity to such an iconic villain will long be remembered by Marvel fans everywhere.

Robert Downey Jr. Is Set To Return To The MCU As The Villain

It’s revealed that Robert Downey Jr., another esteemed actor from Marvel, is reprising his role but this time as a villain in the upcoming Avengers films, Doomsday and Secret Wars. This was announced at San Diego Comic Con 2024 by The Russo Brothers. Furthermore, it was disclosed who the antagonist would be for these films. While the titles themselves provided a clue, any doubts were put to rest when Robert Downey Jr. appeared on stage during SDCC with a Doctor Doom mask on.

The casting of Downey Jr. as Doom implies that he’ll reappear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) following Iron Man’s demise, given his initial portrayal of Tony Stark in 2008, making him the MCU’s inaugural hero. Over time, Downey Jr.’s representation of this character has significantly influenced the narrative and audience reception of the franchise. The anticipation surrounding the return of the actor who initially brought the MCU’s first hero to life as one of Marvel Comics’ most infamous villains is high; however, only future events will reveal how his Doom portrayal will be perceived, since it’s not slated for release for several more years.

Gemma Chan Went From A Supporting Villain To An Intergalactic Hero

Stepping right up after the nail-biting finale of “Avengers: Infinity War”, the Marvel Cinematic Universe took us on a trip down memory lane with 2019’s “Captain Marvel”. This film is set just before Carol Danvers bids farewell to the Kree, introducing us to her fellow Kree soldiers. Among them is Gemma Chan’s Minn-Erva, who serves under Jude Law’s Yon-Rogg. While she does play a significant role in battles, Minn-Erva isn’t primarily the antagonist; instead, she supports the main characters in their journey.

2021 sees the arrival of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) film “The Eternals,” where Chan assumes a significant role as one of the main characters. But it’s not just any main character, she embodies Sersi, who eventually takes leadership among the Eternals. If it hadn’t been for her actions, Earth would have perished with the arrival of a Celestial. However, the future of Sersi remains uncertain, as there are currently no plans announced for a “The Eternals” sequel.

Michelle Yeoh Went From A Minor Role To A Mentor Role In The MCU

In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” we delve deeper into the background of The Ravagers, the space-faring pirates that Peter Quill was once connected to. Most notably, Yondu’s tale in this installment reveals that there are numerous Ravager clans existing, one of which is led by Aleta Ogord, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh. Although her appearance is limited, Ogord hints at being a member of another intergalactic team towards the end of the film, a group reminiscent of an alternate version of The Guardians of the Galaxy.

To date, Aleta has not reappeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, whereas Yeoh has; she made her comeback by playing Ying Nan in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Besides being Shang-Chi’s aunt, she serves as a protector of Ta Lo. In Ta Lo, where Shang-Chi undergoes his training after his mother’s untimely death, Ying Nan acts as a mentor, instructing him in her stead.

Sean Gunn Has Been Multiple Villains For DC

In contrast to many actors who alternate roles between different series, Sean Gunn plays multiple characters simultaneously within the DC Universe. In “The Suicide Squad,” he momentarily appears as Calendar Man, a character incarcerated alongside the team members; however, he is not enlisted for the squad in this movie. Conversely, Weasel – another character played by Gunn – does make the team. As his name suggests, Weasel is a small, weasel-like creature.

As a movie aficionado, I must say that Weasel, a character I thought perished early in “The Suicide Squad,” surprisingly resurfaces by the film’s conclusion. At first, his return seemed like a humorous twist, but it was no joke when he reappeared in the DCU’s animated series, “Creature Commandos.” Interestingly, director James Gunn expands Weasel’s role significantly in this series and even lends his voice to GI Robot—a World War II android with an intense passion for annihilating Nazis. In addition, Sean Gunn, who played Weasel, is slated to portray Maxwell Lord in the DCU, a character previously brought to life by Pedro Pascal in “Wonder Woman 1984” within the DCEU.

Beyond his roles in the MCU, Sean Gunn took on multiple positions: he portrayed Kraglin Obfonteri, Youngu’s second-in-command and eventual successor, in his brother James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies; at the same time, he provided motion-capture work for Rocket Raccoon.

You can stream all of these films (and TV series) on Disney+ or Max.

2025-01-02 22:12