Actors associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe have consistently given outstanding performances since its debut in 2008. Notable among these exceptional character depictions is Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man, Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, and Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Indeed, these performances have left many in awe, although it’s worth mentioning that lesser-known roles within the MCU also feature remarkable acting by their respective actors. These include characters from the Guardians of the Galaxy team, as well as the latest incarnation of Black Panther. Unfortunately, these stellar portrayals often go unnoticed.
These five MCU acting performances deserve much more appreciation.
Karen Gillan as Nebula
In 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Karen Gillan first portrayed Nebula, a character who has since appeared in several subsequent Guardians films, as well as “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Nebula is the adopted sister of Gamora (played by Zoe Saldaña), and she experienced severe abuse at the hands of their father, Thanos (Josh Brolin). Balancing the character’s troubled past with the humorous elements in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series was difficult, but Gillan expertly portrayed Nebula’s lasting emotional scars from her ordeal while also incorporating lighter moments. The actress and Saldaña convincingly developed a sisterly bond between Nebula and Gamora, who share a rich history. Additionally, Gillan’s performance as Nebula in “Endgame” was often overlooked, as the character played a significant role in the Avengers’ time heist to defeat Thanos, allowing her to showcase her acting talents on a larger scale.
Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis
Kat Dennings’ character Darcy Lewis, often overlooked in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has graced every Thor film except for ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. She also made a significant appearance in the 2021 Disney+ series ‘WandaVision’. In these projects, she is not only Natalie Portman’s friend and assistant but also serves as the primary source of humor. Dennings skillfully delivers her lines with just the right amount of charm. From labeling Wanda’s (Elizabeth Olsen) Westview anomaly as “the hex” to mistakenly calling Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) hammer ‘Mjolnir’ as “mew mew”, Darcy consistently provides organic humor, regardless of who she acts alongside. This comedic flair showcases Dennings’ exceptional talent, making her the MCU’s standout recurring comic performer.
Bradley Cooper as Rocket
Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Rocket in the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to be cherished by fans, yet his impact as the voice behind this raccoon is often overlooked. A versatile actor with a rich background in various genres and an 12-time Oscar nominee, Cooper demonstrates both the emotional range to convey Rocket’s heartrending past and the comedic skills necessary for six appearances in the MCU, including all three Guardians of the Galaxy movies. Furthermore, Cooper masterfully adopts a New York accent that enhances Rocket’s sarcastic character, making his lines even more engaging. With an edge of short-temperedness and cynicism, Cooper’s voice acting for Rocket is incredibly authentic, capturing the spirit of the comic book character perfectly.
Letitia Wright as Shuri
2018 saw Letitia Wright making her debut as Shuri in Black Panther, establishing herself as an emerging talent in the movie world. The actress effortlessly played the lively younger sister of Wakanda’s Prince T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and youngest daughter of Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett). Wright’s nuanced portrayal of Shuri’s intelligence, wit, and dedication to her people made her a remarkable new asset to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After a minor part in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Wright was thrust into the lead role for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever due to unforeseen and heartbreaking circumstances. The passing of Boseman in 2020 led to T’Challa’s demise, allowing Shuri to step up as Black Panther in the 2022 sequel. Despite the sorrow of losing a cherished co-star, Wright handled her increased role with poise and skill. Her gripping portrayal of Shuri’s transition into the Black Panther amidst the grief over her brother and mother is one of the most powerful performances in a single Marvel project to date.
Oscar Isaac as Marc Spector/Steven Grant/Moon Knight
Back in 2022, when Moon Knight graced our screens on Disney+, I was simply blown away by Oscar Isaac’s remarkable portrayal of Marc Spector and his alter ego, Steven Grant. His performance was lauded far and wide, yet, somehow, it seems to have slipped into the shadows due to the character’s uncertain future within the MCU.
Isaac masterfully navigated between these complex characters, each shaped by traumatic experiences such as losing a brother at a tender age and enduring abuse from his mother. His ability to develop a relationship while seamlessly transitioning between British and American accents truly showcased his prodigious acting skills. It’s a real shame that he didn’t receive recognition with a major award nomination for this performance in Moon Knight.
Regrettably, no official updates have been shared about a potential Season 2 of Moon Knight or any upcoming MCU projects featuring the hero. However, revisiting the series serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply Isaac delved into Marc and Steven’s past and present lives, as they struggle to collaborate in order to protect each other.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe returns to cinemas with “Captain America: A New World,” currently in theaters, and starting from March 4th, you can catch the first two episodes of “Daredevil’s Rebirth” exclusively on Disney+.
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2025-03-09 03:13