Every Pre-MCU Marvel Movie Actor Who Came Back to their Role

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As a die-hard fan of these iconic characters, I must say that watching these actors bring their versions of these superheroes to life is nothing short of awe-inspiring!

Over a 15-year period, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has mesmerized viewers with its extensive, interwoven narratives that encompass films and TV shows. Despite the MCU’s dominance under Disney’s Marvel Studios in the superhero genre, it wasn’t the only player. Fox controlled the rights for X-Men and Fantastic Four, while Sony produced movies focused on Spider-Man.

Because Marvel Comics’ characters were owned by different entities, various storylines emerged for beloved characters. However, following Disney acquiring Fox and Sony’s characters, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been able to delight fans by inviting actors from earlier non-MCU films to reprise their iconic roles. Often, these aren’t just brief appearances but significant parts that seamlessly integrate the actors and their characters into the present storyline.

Marvel Studios has cleverly revived iconic roles, with Tobey Maguire reprising Spider-Man and Patrick Stewart returning as Professor X, offering fans a special opportunity to witness their favorite pre-MCU performances again. Here’s a list of 21 talented actors who have been welcomed back by Marvel Studios to reprise the characters they originally played before Kevin Feige’s multiverse storyline.

21 Willem Dafoe

Green Goblin

Willem Dafoe’s chilling portrayal of the Green Goblin stood out significantly in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002). His performance as Norman Osborn, with a blend of fear and lunacy in his gaze, was captivating. He initially brought Osborn to life on screen, then showed his transformation into a monstrous figure wearing a mask. From the chilling sound of his laughter to his masterful control of his glider, Dafoe’s unique qualities as a villain were so impactful that he reprised his role 19 years later in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Although the epic fight between Green Goblin and Spiderman on the Brooklyn Bridge remains one of the most memorable superhero clashes in cinematic history, Dafoe skillfully utilized the multiverse idea to portray the same menacing vibe against Tom Holland’s Spiderman. The film achieved great success both critically and financially due to its numerous guest appearances.

20 Alfred Molina

Doc Ock

Way back in 2004, I was completely captivated by Alfred Molina’s performance as Otto Octavius, a brilliant scientist who tragically transformed into the menacing Doctor Octopus, also known as Doc Ock, in Sam Raimi’s movie “Spider-Man 2”. Tobey Maguire played our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man perfectly.

In a heartfelt and multidimensional portrayal, Alfonso Molina brought depth to the character of Doc Ock, making him one of Spider-Man’s most compassionate adversaries. His transformation into a villain wasn’t out of malice but rather due to being pushed to the brink. As the storyline progressed towards “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Molina was given another opportunity to reappear, and this time, he was able to find redemption.

In the aftermath of Doctor Strange’s spell misfiring, Doc Ock was revived and transported across the Multiverse, continuing his story directly from where it ended in the movie “Spider-Man 2.” He found himself grappling not only with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man but also his own troubled mind. Instead of returning him to his original universe, the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man transported Doc Ock to the Sanctum in New York City.

In a heart-stopping instant, when I stood firm against causing harm to the innocent, it made me realize once more why Doc Ock has such a special place among fans. The arrival of Dafoe and Molina back on screen showed us that timeless characters from Sony’s universe could bring fresh interactions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

19 Rhys Ifans

The Lizard

In the movie “The Amazing Spider-Man” from 2012, Rhys Ifans delivered a captivating performance as Dr. Curt Conners, a tormented scientist who underwent a lab accident and metamorphosed into the fearsome Lizard. His ambition was to transform all humans into lizards, but his scheme unraveled when he was bested by Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man. Despite this, the Lizard’s terrifying reptilian visage and nerve-wracking abilities solidified him as one of the most unsettling villains in the Spider-Man series.

In “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the intricate antagonist resurfaced. Upon being thrust through the Multiverse, he was apprehended by our heroes. However, other multidimensional villains attempted to persuade him with a remedy, only for Green Goblin to foil these efforts and arrange a climactic battle. The outcome of this conflict saw Doctor Octopus’ Lizard transformation into human form once again and sent back to his original universe.

Despite the announcement that Ifans would personally return to play the role again, he instead provided the voice for the character in the film.

18 Thomas Haden Church

Sandman

In the third installment of Spider-Man, titled “Spider-Man 3”, Peter Parker is attempting to forge a fresh life with Mary Jane Watson, following on from the events of “Spider-Man 2”. Thomas Haden Church portrayed the main adversary, Flint Marko, who acquired sand-like abilities and transformed into Sandman. Church imbued his character with depth and a touch of sadness. A tragic turn of events sees Uncle Ben’s death at Sandman’s hands. Eventually, Spider-Man finds it within himself to forgive Sandman.

Regardless of the film receiving criticism, it can’t be ignored that it signified the conclusion of an exceptional trilogy. In “No Way Home,” Church had a chance to revisit Marko’s narrative. Similar to Ifans, he didn’t appear in person on screen (Marvel digitally crafted both characters), yet provided the voice for Sandman. However, we witnessed scenes delving into Marko’s unwillingness to cause harm due to his longing to reunite with his daughter at home.

17 Jamie Foxx

Electro

In the movie “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”, Jamie Foxx portrayed the complex supervillain Electro. As Max Dillon, he exhibited both zest and compassion. He was an electrical engineer at Oscorp who transformed into a living electric generator following a workplace accident. Being socially ostracized, he found acknowledgement for his volatile capacity to control electricity. This unstable character, who eventually received recognition, was skillfully depicted by Foxx.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Jamie Foxx once again stepped into the role of Electro, imbuing it with fresh, explosive intensity. Similar to other leading actors, his portrayal made Electro feel more relatable, grappling with ethical quandaries and ultimately heeding Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin. He stole an Arc Reactor to amplify his powers, engaged in fierce battles with all three Spider-Men within a thrilling new movie setting.

16 Tom Hardy

Eddie Brock

Kick-starting Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, the 2018 film Venom, introduced us to Eddie Brock, portrayed by Tom Hardy. He was a troubled reporter seeking success, who inexplicably bonded with an extraterrestrial symbiote. This partnership set off the symbiote’s ambition for world domination. In this superhero movie, Hardy showcased one of his most gripping performances, bringing nuance and emotional complexity to the complex character of the anti-hero.

It’s intriguing to see Tom Hardy reprise his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as instead of showing up in a film himself, the character Eddie Brock/Venom taps into the collective consciousness of the multiverse-spanning symbiote hive mind and discovers Peter Parker’s existence.

In the extra scene after the credits of Venom: Let There Be Carnage, I found myself mysteriously transported into a strange universe. From a cozy resort room, I watched news broadcasts that hinted at a world filled with extraordinary beings. Curiosity piqued, I strolled into the bustling bar and struck up a casual conversation. As the night wore on, I discovered tantalizing tidbits about characters like Iron Man, Hulk, Thanos, and his quest for the Infinity Stones.

15 Kelsey Grammer

Beast

Kelsey Grammer, famed for his television roles, also made a significant impact on the big screen as Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast in the X-Men Universe. In 2006’s “X-Men: The Last Stand” and 2014’s “X-Men: Days of Future Past”, he portrayed a complex character who strived to improve mutant-human relationships. This iconic Beast character was one of many from Fox’s X-Men Universe that later appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

1. Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, remained steadfast in his loyalty to Professor Xavier’s mission while managing a public political persona. In the epic confrontation against Magneto and Phoenix during X-Men: The Last Stand, he courageously joined the X-team in battle. His debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe occurred in 2023’s film, The Marvels.

In a scene following the credits, it’s disclosed that Monica Rambeau journeyed to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters (X-Mansion) from another universe, accompanied by Binary. There, Beast shared news about a rift in space-time and multiple realities with her.

14 Aaron Stanford

Pyro

In the realm of villains within the X-Men universe, not many have been granted a chance to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One such actor is Aaron Stanford, who portrayed Pyro in both X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand. In the Bryan Singer-era films, he added an unpredictable flare to John Allerdyce, a character with pyrokinetic abilities. Eager for excitement, he was always ready to aid Magneto, making him a memorable wildcard.

In 2024, I found myself back in the virtual world of gaming, immersed in the action-packed adventure of “Deadpool & Wolverine“. To my delight, Stanford returned to the scene as Pyro, playing a substantial role this time around. Fast forward to now, and I’m part of Cassandra Nova’s crew that somehow managed to survive in the mysterious Void. On the surface, I appear loyal to Nova, but inside, I can’t stand her. Secretly, I’ve been feeding intel to Paradox, a Time Variance Authority agent.

13 Evan Peters

Quicksilver

Before making his debut in the X-Men universe portraying Quicksilver (Peter Maximoff), Evan Peters was already recognized as a budding talent in acting. He first appeared in X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014, and continued to star in subsequent films such as X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) and Dark Phoenix (2019).

In one of the films, a character with extraordinary speed was enlisted by Wolverine (portrayed by James McAvoy), Professor X (also played by McAvoy), and Beast (played by Nicholas Hoult) to free Magneto (Lehnsherr) from his Pentagon imprisonment. Notably, Peter also made significant appearances in the other two movies of this series.

After Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, characters like Quicksilver (played by Peters) from the X-Men franchise were moved back to Marvel Studios. In the year 2021, he made an appearance in the Disney+ show WandaVision, playing a variant of his character from the X-Men movie series. This version paid tribute to the original Peter Maximoff while also surprising viewers by being pivotal in significant plot twists and contributing significantly to the series.

12 Patrick Stewart

Professor Xavier

Since more than two decades, Patrick Stewart has been the quintessential big-screen Professor Charles Xavier. Swapping him out would undeniably be unjust. Debuting in the 2000’s X-Men film as the chief of the X-Men and headmaster at Xavier’s School for Exceptional Youth, he steered the series with empathy, wisdom, and a vision for harmonious coexistence between humans and mutants. This earned him the title of the longest-serving actor in any superhero franchise.

In two previous X-Men films, Stewart’s character was depicted as deceased, specifically in X-Men: The Last Stand and Logan. However, his reappearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduced him as a different version of the character hailing from Earth-838, who is also part of the Illuminati group.

In this team, we had John Krasinski portraying Mister Fantastic, Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter, Lashana Lynch as Captain Marvel, and Anson Mount as Black Bolt. Sadly, they all met their end at the hands of the Scarlet Witch during her deadly spree across the multiverse.

11 Vincent D’Onofrio

Kingpin

Originally, Daredevil belonged to Marvel’s lineup on Netflix, distinguishing itself as a unique venture compared to previous Marvel productions. It was often viewed as independent from the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), showcasing a different mood and narrative style.

In this series, Vincent D’Onofrio brilliantly portrayed the menacing Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, a powerful businessman and crime lord. The show not only highlighted his brutal actions, inner conflicts, and insatiable greed but also delved into his romantic relationship with his wife and their love story. D’Onofrio masterfully explored Fisk’s complex psychological landscape, revealing his tragic past and rise to power in a compelling manner.

Following Disney reacquiring the rights, both Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio returned to their roles within Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions. The excitement was palpable when Cox made his comeback in the Hawkeye series. His character had survived Thanos’ Blip, showing no signs of slowing down. However, his plans to seize control of the organization and New York City were disrupted by Hawkeye and Kate Bishop. While fans may have hoped for a longer stint, D’Onofrio’s return to the MCU paves the way for the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again.

10 J.K. Simmons

J. Jonah Jameson

J.K. Simmons’ portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy is legendary, making him one of the most talented actors of his time. His roles have been both biting and comical, intense and playful. So convincing was his performance that it was hard for many to imagine anyone surpassing it, given Jameson’s unquenchable mistrust towards masked crime fighters.

In 2019, when Simmons transformed back into Jameson in “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” playing the host of The Daily Bugle, fans were thrilled. He covered Mysterio’s actions and was part of the global unmasking of Spider-Man as Peter Parker. His return to this role reminded everyone that sometimes, it’s best to stick with the original actors for certain roles.

9 Jennifer Garner

Elektra

In the films “Daredevil” (2003) and “Elektra” (2005), Jennifer Garner portrayed Elektra Natchios, a character who started off as a ruthless villain but later became an ally to Daredevil. She is known for her intricate personality, sensuality, and fierceness. Her lethal profession as a mercenary hides her hidden vulnerability. Due to her conflicting loyalties in the movies, Elektra left audiences speculating about her true motives.

In the movie “Deadpool & Wolverine”, she takes on her role again, but this time she’s one of the few remaining resistance heroes dwelling in the Void. Her costume seems to be a blend of her comic book character and her 2003 Daredevil uniform. The continuing Marvel Cinematic Universe storyline finds her battling Cassandra Nova alongside her team, as part of their shared adventure.

8 Wesley Snipes

Blade

The impact of Blade as a superhero is indisputable, drawing from the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Portrayed by Wesley Snipes in three films during the early 2000s – “Blade,” “Blade II,” and “Blade: Trinity” – this half-mortal vampire slayer combined martial arts prowess with a knack for using wooden weapons, exuding an effortless charm while navigating the boundary between worlds. Snipes delivered remarkable performances during the climactic battles of these films.

Although Blade movies were not produced by 20th Century Fox, they solidified Wesley Snipes as an iconic cult anti-hero. Given this, it seemed appropriate that Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would invite him to rejoin Deadpool and Wolverine in the fight against Cassandra Nova with the Resistance. Deadpool often references his character while also hinting at the ongoing effort to revive the Blade franchise. Nevertheless, Snipes’ portrayal of the hero remains deeply rooted and cherished.

7 Dafne Keen

X-23

As the genetically engineered clone of everyone’s favorite adamantium-clawed hero, Wolverine (or X-23, if you prefer), I was brought to life on the big screen by the talented Dafne Keen in 2017’s “Logan.” My character, Laura, was a complex mix – I had healing abilities like my mentor and a fierce, strong spirit, but I was also just a young girl struggling to navigate through some seriously tough conditions. It was an emotional journey that allowed me to showcase my soulful side.

X-23, played by Keen, made a significant appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine. This was anticipated by fans, as Marvel Studios had hinted her inclusion in the project a week prior to the final trailer launch. However, what took many by surprise was that she was an older and more knowledgeable version of Laura. During the Void battle, she assisted Deadpool and Wolverine in capturing Juggernaut’s helmet, which they used to halt Cassandra Nova.

6 Chris Evans

Human Torch

Prior to his nine-year stint as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Evans had previously been part of the ensemble cast in the Fantastic Four films of the 2000s, specifically the 2005 movie “Fantastic Four” and its sequel, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” in 2007. In these movies, Evans portrayed Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch, a character brimming with charm and self-confidence.

Fans who haven’t witnessed Captain America on the big screen for five years were taken aback when he made his appearance on TVA screens in Deadpool & Wolverine. When the two main characters find themselves trapped in the Void, Johnny Storm (played by Evans) comes to their rescue, but Pyro quickly eliminates him. They are all transported to Cassandra Nova’s lair, where she eventually slays the Human Torch. Diligent fans will also spot another brief appearance of Evans as the Human Torch during the movie’s end credits.

5 Tobey Maguire

Spider-Man

In the Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy, Tobey Maguire portrayed a heartfelt and relatable Peter Parker, becoming the iconic figure of the web-slinger. From 2002 to 2007, he masterfully embodied Spider-Man’s wit, heightened abilities, and emotional depth. Significant scenes like his bond with Mary Jane Watson and the poignant loss of Uncle Ben still strike a chord with fans years later.

In “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Tobey Maguire fulfilled fans’ wildest dreams by reappearing in the role he originally played. Although he has matured since then, he effortlessly slipped back into the character and depicted a Peter Parker who had made significant progress. In the film, Maguire was referred to as “Peter #2,” and his interactions with Tom Holland, Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin, and others showcased his experience while preserving the authenticity of his character.

4 Andrew Garfield

Spider-Man

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say, the return of Andrew Garfield to the Marvel Multiverse before the MCU was truly heartwarming. Even though he had graced our screens in various roles prior, it wasn’t until he donned the Spider-Man suit in the Marc Webb-directed Amazing Spider-Man duology that he finally received the recognition he rightfully deserved. His portrayal of Spidey was raw and genuine, perfectly embodying a young Peter Parker struggling to balance relationships and responsibilities. I couldn’t help but feel connected to his character on a personal level.

Initially, there was talk about a third film featuring the character, but after Marvel Studios struck a deal with Sony, the character became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Holland took on the role in a reboot of the character. Later, in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Andrew Garfield appeared alongside Tobey Maguire and Holland, delivering an intense emotional performance as the third iteration of Peter Parker. Known as “Peter #3,” his quest for redemption led him to save MJ (played by Zendaya), a character who was also part of the film’s storyline.

Reuniting for the eagerly awaited third installment, both Maguire and Garfield received accolades and left many with teary eyes.

3 Charlie Cox

Daredevil

For three captivating seasons on Netflix, Charlie Cox brought depth, pain, and humor to the role of Matt Murdock. The show centered around this blind attorney-turned-vigilante who fights crime in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. He battled adversaries to keep peace on the streets. Unfortunately, Netflix ended Daredevil in 2018, leaving fans wondering about Matt Murdock’s future.

2021 saw Marvel Studios verify that Charlie Cox would once again embody Daredevil in future Marvel Cinematic Universe ventures. His initial appearance was in Spider-Man: No Way Home, portraying Matt Murdock. He offered Peter Parker legal counsel following the apparent murder of Mysterio. Later, Cox revisited the character in the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Echo. Currently, he’s gearing up for the upcoming revival series, Daredevil: Born Again.

2 Hugh Jackman

Wolverine

For nearly 20+ years, Hugh Jackman has defined Wolverine across countless X-Men movies. Starting with the 2000 film X-Men, directed by Bryan Singer and ending with the 2017 standalone Logan, his portrayal of the brooding and fierce mutant quickly became a fan-favorite. Over the years, Jackman’s performance has been appreciated for making Wolverine one of the most impactful and beloved figures in the Marvel universe.

In the eagerly awaited film titled “Deadpool & Wolverine“, Jackman first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His role is woven into the multiverse plot, featuring various incarnations of well-known characters coexisting in separate realities. The enthusiasm and reminiscence from fans and critics upon his reappearance is palpable, with many commending the smooth incorporation of his character within the MCU’s intricate storyline. This film has been hailed as a game-changer due to this successful integration.

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2024-08-01 00:33