Top 10 Actors Who Have Been in Both Marvel and DC Shows
#10: Adrianne Palicki
As an avid fan of comics, it’s no surprise Palicki has graced our screens as several popular heroines. She made her television debut in DC’s “Smallville” as Lindsay Harrison, a girl who claimed to be the Kryptonian, Kara. While her appearance was brief, Palicki delivered a memorable performance that rounded out the season on a strong note. Beyond that, she brought Bobbi Morse, aka Mockingbird, to live-action for the first time in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Her charismatic portrayal even ignited a spin-off series that regrettably was not picked up. As far as unsold pilots go, Palicki also appeared in two for DC. Although these series never took flight, her earnest portrayals speak volumes to her determination and craft.
#9: Clancy Brown
While he has undeniably left his mark in animation, voicing characters like Lex Luthor, Clancy Brown officially shifted to live-action DC fare in 2014 as the unethical General Wade Eiling in “The Flash.” He later appeared as Colonel Ray Schoonover in both Marvel’s “Daredevil” and “The Punisher.” Brown’s approach to these characters is so sincere they’re unforgettable. But he’s no stranger to playing villains, and it shows in his work. He embodies them and their flaws so well, we’re still thinking about his characters long after the credits roll.
#8: Natalie Alyn Lind
This young actor broke into the superhero scene in 2015 as Silver St. Cloud in DC’s “Gotham.” A key player in the Galavan plot, Silver was originally tasked with deceiving Bruce Wayne and earning his trust. Lind’s portrayal highlight’s Silver’s capacity for compassion and growth, notable considering the character was only there for seven episodes and was initially an antagonist. Lind brought this sincerity to Marvel’s “The Gifted” in 2017, where she appeared as the equally misunderstood Lauren Strucker. In both cases, Lind convincingly toes the line on morality, enabling viewers to root for her characters.
#7: Adrian Pasdar
You’ve almost definitely seen him on your TV screen at some point. Pasdar’s been around since the ‘80s, but his first venture into DC and Marvel live-action was as Glenn Talbot in Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” The character is fairly well-known as an on-off antagonist of Phil Coulson and S.H.I.E.L.D. Because his character skated the line between friend and foe, Pasdar brought both tension and levity to the show over the course of five seasons. He later completely embraced villainy in “Supergirl” as the nefarious Morgan Edge. Due in large part to his captivating presence, he’s an actor people don’t easily forget.
#6: Jamie Chung
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After getting her start in reality TV, Chung dove straight into several acting projects. While DC and Marvel weren’t among the first of her roles, she finally debuted in the former with “Gotham” in 2016. Her appearance as strong-willed reporter Valerie Vale was short-lived but wildly impactful. She served as one of a few primary love interests for Jim Gordon, but stood out as compelling on her own. With Gotham in the rear mirror, Chung crossed over to Marvel in 2017 as Clarice Fong, aka Blink, in “The Gifted.” This shift from minor love interest to leading role was well-deserved, as evidenced by Chung’s passion for the genre and how she brings humanity and depth to her characters.
#5: James Marsters
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Most known in fandom circles for portraying the devilish Spike in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” James Marsters first brought his dynamic acting chops to DC in “Smallville’s” fifth season as Dr. Milton Fine, aka Brainiac. Fulfilling a popular comic role is rarely easy, but Marsters dominated the role and established the character as a prominent figure in the series. He also appeared in Marvel’s “Runaways,” initially as Victor Stein and later Magistrate as the show developed. Marsters’s ability to fully immerse himself in his roles lead to authentic and mesmerizing performances that people are still talking about years later.
#4: Carl Lumbly
As a prolific actor in TV and film, it was only a matter of time before Carl Lumbly explored the worlds of DC and Marvel. He might be most well-known in the superhero genre for his voice work as J’onn J’onzz in several DC animated shows. That made his appearance as J’onn’s father, M’yrnn J’onzz, in “Supergirl” that much more special. He also played Isaiah Bradley in Marvel’s “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” His portrayal of Isaiah is heart-wrenching and honest, served even more by his unbelievable presence and delivery. But that passion extends far beyond one role. Lumbly’s work is consistently compelling in a way that brings us into the room with his characters.
#3: Dominic Cooper
Dominic Cooper is perhaps most recognizable for his charming portrayal of Howard Stark. While Howard was first introduced in Captain America’s debut film, he held a recurring role in “Agent Carter” as an ally to the lead. The actor then crossed over the DC-Marvel line with the leading role of Jesse Custer in DC’s “Preacher.” While Howard held plenty of depth as a recurring character in the MCU, Jesse allowed Cooper to explore a range of tone and conflict that really highlights his talent. His deep understanding and love of the work shines through as well, making his performance one you won’t want to miss.
#2: Neal McDonough
You might recognize McDonough from his recurring role as Timothy “Dum Dum” Dugan in “Captain America: The First Avenger.” The character made his way around the early Marvel shows, appearing in both “Agent Carter” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” After serving as a Howling Commando, McDonough switched over to DC’s “Arrow” — and later the Arrowverse as a whole — as someone much darker: Damien Darhk (no pun intended). While the two characters are basically polar opposites of each other, McDonough believably captures their unique perspectives, thus solidifying his legacy in both universes. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Dichen Lachman as Jiaying & Roulette
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Bridget Regan as Dottie Underwood & Poison Ivy
Her Captivating Performances Linger on the Mind
John Glover as Lionel Luthor, Peter Peterson & an SSR Informant
His Charisma & Talent Commands Every Scene He’s In
J. August Richards as Mr. Blank & Mike Peterson
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Richards Had an Earnest & Impactful Presence That Was on Par With Lead Characters
Christine Adams as Agent Weaver & Lynn Stewart
Her Intense & Dynamic Portrayals Keep Us Enthralled
#1: Ruth Negga
Talk about a commanding presence. A growing powerhouse in the industry, Ruth Negga absolutely dominated “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” in the early seasons as the antagonistic Inhuman, Raina. Negga brought an enchanting quality to Raina that stood out despite the character’s terrible choices. But it was her shift to DC that really grounded her in the superhero world as she took on the lead role of Tulip O’Hare in “Preacher.” The show’s grungy and at times absurd tone made the perfect playground for Negga’s unmatched talent and highlighted the range she has to offer.
