MCU’s Top 10 Stars: How Marvel Made Superheroes of Unknowns

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Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been known for not relying on conventional film stars, instead favoring skilled character actors or fresh talents who could fit seamlessly into its growing universe. The strategy was straightforward: Marvel Studios didn’t need a famous actor to promote their films. The brand itself shone brightly as the star. However, surprisingly, over its 15-year journey, the MCU has unintentionally produced some of today’s most influential Hollywood stars. Actors who once had limited appeal have been transformed into global sensations, and in certain instances, their career paths have been significantly changed.

Before becoming iconic figures as Iron Man, Thor, and Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and Brie Larson were known for different roles. Downey was a cautionary tale, Hemsworth was just starting out with a minor role in Star Trek, and Larson was mainly recognized in independent films. The MCU didn’t only provide them larger parts; it made them culturally omnipresent. However, some have leveraged their Marvel achievements to build multifaceted careers, while others find themselves in a challenging predicament: they are more well-known than ever, but they seem stuck within the characters that brought them fame. What does it mean to be a “movie star” in today’s franchise era, where often the most recognized name on the poster is the intellectual property itself?

10
Chris Hemsworth

Thor

Prior to acquiring Mjolnir, Chris Hemsworth was primarily an unrecognized Australian actor who had found some fame as Kim Hyde on the soap opera “Home and Away”. His Hollywood journey began with a short yet impactful role as George Kirk, Captain Kirk’s deceased father, in “Star Trek” (2009), but aside from that, his filmography was limited. He possessed a towering physique, traditional good looks, and an undeniable screen presence, but there wasn’t much to indicate he would become a worldwide movie sensation. Even Marvel took a chance with him; Tom Hiddleston, an actor with extensive classical training and experience, was his main competition for the role of Thor.

From Soap Star to Action Hero to Comedy MVP

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) wasn’t only responsible for making Hemsworth famous, but also for making him more appealing or marketable to audiences. Initially, his portrayal of Thor had a touch of the grandeur seen in Shakespearean plays, but it was in Thor: Ragnarok (2017) that Marvel discovered his hidden talent for comedy. Director Taika Waititi redefined the character, turning Hemsworth from a somewhat stiff action hero into one of Hollywood’s funniest leading men. This transformation opened up opportunities for him beyond superhero movies, landing him roles in major action films (Extraction), popular comedies (Ghostbusters), and even a villainous role in Bad Times at the El Royale. While the MCU made Hemsworth a star, it was his ability to adapt within it that prevented him from becoming just another static action figure.

9
Tom Hiddleston

Loki

Before becoming the cherished trickster god in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tom Hiddleston was an actor who excelled in period pieces and Shakespearean productions. He was a trained performer with a strong background in British theater, yet he wasn’t widely recognized outside of elite circles within the film industry. His breakthrough performance before Thor was as F. Scott Fitzgerald in Midnight in Paris (2011), a role that highlighted his captivating charm, but wasn’t necessarily associated with blockbuster potential. Hiddleston was admired, but he wasn’t yet a familiar face to many—he was the type of actor who would have had a steady career in BBC dramas and secondary roles in award-winning films.

The Villain Who Stole the Show

Initially, Loki wasn’t intended to be the main antagonist of the MCU that we know today, but Tom Hiddleston’s captivating portrayal turned everything around. His blend of pompous arrogance, concealed vulnerability, and surprising wit made him irresistibly appealing, turning Loki into one of the most adored characters within the Marvel universe. This popularity extended his lifespan in the MCU beyond its original expiration date, and it significantly boosted his professional career. All of a sudden, he was headlining movies like “Crimson Peak” and appearing in high-end TV shows like “The Night Manager.” Rumors even swirled about him becoming James Bond. The MCU catapulted Hiddleston to stardom, but unlike many other Marvel actors, he’s successfully built a career that doesn’t solely rely on superhero costumes and special effects.

8
Iman Vellani

Ms. Marvel

Unlike many actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iman Vellani hadn’t built a Hollywood career prior to her superhero debut. Instead, she was a high school student in Canada when she landed the role as Kamala Khan. A devoted Marvel fan, she rose to fame from obscurity through an open audition process, transitioning from creating short films on Letterboxd to starring in her own Disney+ series in just a few months. This was a contemporary fairy tale, with Vellani swapping the glass slipper for a superpowered bracelet. When Ms. Marvel premiered in 2022, Vellani wasn’t merely portraying a teenage superhero; she was embodying the dream of every young Marvel fan who ever fantasized about being part of the MCU.

A Star in the Making, With or Without the MCU

Vellani’s contagious energy and innate comedic sense make her stand out distinctly. Unlike certain actors who require time to fully embrace their superhero personas, she effortlessly embodied Kamala Khan right from the start, skillfully merging heartfelt fandom with captivating charm. Although she’s just beginning her acting journey, The Marvels (2023) demonstrated that she can easily match wits with seasoned stars.

What’s so intriguing about her path is that she’s not merely being transformed into a franchise star like other actors – instead, she’s an integral part in defining her own career. In fact, she’s contributing to the creation of Ms. Marvel comics and stirring up excitement in geek culture beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Whether or not Vellani remains with Marvel in the future, it’s evident that she isn’t simply a byproduct of the franchise – she’s an artist who has the ability to construct a career according to her own desires.

7
Chris Pratt

Star-Lord

Before his transformation into the galaxy’s most wanted space outlaw within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Pratt had previously garnered fame as the charming but dim-witted Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation. His career trajectory up until that point was largely characterized by comedic sidekick roles – he played the funny best friend, the oblivious boyfriend, the guy who brought laughter to the audience but was not conventionally considered as leading-man material. Even when he secured roles in movies like Moneyball and Zero Dark Thirty, he continued to portray versions of “the easygoing fellow who wasn’t overly concerned with serious matters.” In 2013, it was uncommon for people to envision Chris Pratt as an action hero.

The MCU’s Ultimate Glow-Up

Back then, I found myself utterly captivated by the cinematic marvel that was “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Chris Pratt’s metamorphosis from a lighthearted sitcom actor to a ruggedly handsome, witty interstellar explorer was so profound, it almost felt like a viral sensation. However, what truly elevated him to stardom wasn’t just the physical makeover; it was his masterful portrayal of Star-Lord that left an indelible mark.

Star-Lord wasn’t your typical action hero; he was a self-effacing, complicated character, brimming with equal parts arrogance and crippling insecurity. Pratt effortlessly embodied this duality, striking the perfect balance between humor and raw emotion that resonated deeply with audiences. This performance wasn’t just another addition to his resume; it was a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Instead of simply offering him a movie series, the Marvel Cinematic Universe transformed Chris Pratt into one of Hollywood’s top box office draws, securing leading roles in films like “Jurassic World,” “The Tomorrow War,” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” However, while the MCU catapulted him to fame, it also made him ubiquitous, ensuring his status as an A-list celebrity regardless of whether audiences welcomed it or not.

6
Elizabeth Olson

Scarlet Witch

Prior to joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Elizabeth Olsen had garnered recognition primarily for being one of the Olsen sisters who pursued acting. She made her mark in independent films such as “Martha Marcy May Marlene” (2011), impressing audiences with her chilling portrayal of a cult survivor, thereby showcasing her serious talent from the start. Unlike many of her Marvel counterparts, Olsen’s career before the MCU was on an upward trajectory in the indie world, with critics admiring her knack for conveying raw emotion through intricate characters. She had a reputation for prestige projects, but she wasn’t yet associated with blockbuster films. This all changed with “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” where she was cast as Wanda Maximoff, an emotionally turbulent newcomer to the superhero world who possessed immense power.

From Supporting Player to the MCU’s Most Interesting Character

At first, Wanda seemed like just another powerful hero joining the Avengers team, but Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal transformed her into one of the franchise’s most captivating personalities. Unlike many female characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who often lack depth beyond their superpowers, Wanda was given the chance to be imperfect, wounded, and profoundly human.

It wasn’t until the 2021 series, “WandaVision,” that Elizabeth Olsen’s acting career gained significant momentum. This Disney+ production demonstrated her ability to lead a project single-handedly, earning her an Emmy nomination and making Scarlet Witch one of the most buzzed-about characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As a result, she moved from being a supporting Avenger to taking on leading roles, opening up opportunities for more prominent parts outside of Marvel. Although she continues to be involved with indie films like “Love & Death” and “Wind River,” her work in the MCU transformed Olsen from an indie favorite into a mainstream heavyweight.

5
Chadwick Boseman

Black Panther

Prior to assuming the role of T’Challa, Chadwick Boseman had already earned a reputation as an actor capable of imbuing grace and complexity into each character he portrayed. He gained recognition by embodying real-life icons such as Jackie Robinson in “42”, James Brown in “Get On Up”, and later, Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall”. Even in films that didn’t garner critical acclaim, Boseman consistently delivered outstanding performances, eclipsing the scripts he was provided. The film industry acknowledged his talent, but it was still searching for the role that would become synonymous with him. That all changed when Black Panther arrived, and everything took on a new dimension.

A King On and Off the Screen

The Marvel Cinematic Universe didn’t merely elevate Boseman to stardom; rather, it transformed him into a symbol of significance. “Black Panther” wasn’t just a financial powerhouse; it was a pivotal cultural moment, a film that struck a chord with audiences who had rarely witnessed a Black superhero portrayed with such depth, nobility, and heroism. Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa was majestic, controlled, and nuanced, skillfully blending his character’s duty to his people with his personal trials. His performance was so captivating that it surpassed the role itself, making him a timeless icon in a way that few MCU actors have achieved.

Following the release of Black Panther, his subsequent projects, notably Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (for which he received a posthumous Oscar nomination), demonstrated that his abilities transcended the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although his demise in 2020 was deeply felt as an irreplaceable loss, his indelible mark on Hollywood—not only within Marvel but also beyond—ensures that his memory will live on.

4
Simu Liu

Shang-Chi

Prior to joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Simu Liu was best known for playing Jung on the endearing, low-key Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience, which centered around a Korean family operating a convenience store. Despite his captivating charm and leading-man appeal, Hollywood didn’t seem eager to offer him major blockbuster roles. Instead, Liu spent years pursuing opportunities, from performing stunts to securing minor roles in police procedurals. His role on Kim’s Convenience brought him recognition, but it wasn’t immediately apparent that he would become a future Marvel superhero—that is, until he expressed his aspirations publicly by tweeting at Marvel in 2018: “Hey @Marvel, are we going to chat or what?

From Underdog to Leading Man

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings wasn’t just an ordinary superhero debut; it was a powerful declaration. Liu’s casting represented a significant milestone as Marvel’s first Asian lead, and his performance seamlessly blended high-octane martial arts action with a relatable, everyday charm. Unlike many Marvel Cinematic Universe actors who had established careers before their roles, Liu’s rise was more organic, making his Hollywood success story feel genuine in a way that resonated deeply with viewers.

After appearing in “Shang-Chi”, Liu has utilized his new celebrity status to secure prominent roles (in “Barbie” and “One True Love”), demonstrating that he is not just a martial arts hero, but much more. The Marvel Cinematic Universe didn’t merely make him a star—it granted him the stage to reshape the perception of what an Asian leading man in Hollywood can embody.

3
Florence Pugh

Yelena Belova

Before she was mockingly imitating Natasha’s superhero landing and already gaining fame, Florence Pugh had been ascending as one of the most celebrated young actors of her generation. Her breakthrough role was in Lady Macbeth (2016), where she portrayed a ruthless and chilling character with an unmissable performance. Subsequently, she demonstrated versatility by taking on intense roles in Midsommar (2019) and Little Women (2019), moving effortlessly between independent horror and Oscar-nominated period dramas. It was no longer a matter of if Pugh would become a prominent star—it was simply a question of how rapidly she would rise. That’s when Marvel entered the picture.

A Scene-Stealer Who Became the Future of the MCU

Although Black Widow (2021) came out after Natasha Romanoff’s demise had been established, Pugh skillfully transformed the movie into a platform for Yelena Belova. Her witty and dry humor, combined with her effortless comic delivery and deeply moving portrayal, quickly endeared her to fans, outshining Scarlett Johansson in what was intended to be Natasha’s highly anticipated solo film.

Marvel didn’t just introduce her character, they swiftly cast her as one of their upcoming main characters in ‘Hawkeye’ and ‘Thunderbolts’, solidifying her role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While the MCU expanded her fanbase, it was not solely responsible for her career success. On the contrary, she significantly enhanced the franchise by infusing her independent spirit into a large-scale production.

2
Tom Holland

Spider-Man

Prior to joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tom Holland was primarily recognized for his role as a child in the 2012 film “The Impossible”, a dramatic portrayal of a young boy fighting to survive the 2004 tsunami alongside Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor. He had also established himself as a skilled stage actor, performing in London’s West End production of “Billy Elliot the Musical”. However, his talents were not widely recognized beyond the industry. Marvel, in their search for an ideal Peter Parker, selected him at the age of 19—making him the youngest live-action Spider-Man to date.

From Young Talent to Hollywood’s Most Bankable Star

Tom Holland wasn’t just made famous by the MCU; he transformed into a cultural icon of his generation. His portrayal of Peter Parker was uniquely captivating, distinct from earlier versions. Unlike Tobey Maguire’s sincere underdog or Andrew Garfield’s aloof outsider, Holland’s Spider-Man embodied the authentic teenage experience, a blend of intelligence and being utterly overwhelmed.

Tom Holland’s acting abilities were definitively showcased in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021), demonstrating his capability of handling both deep emotional scenes and thrilling action sequences. Furthermore, due to the triumph of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, Holland has been offered numerous prestigious roles, including ‘Uncharted’ and ‘The Crowded Room’. Interestingly, unlike some other Marvel actors who face difficulties finding their place beyond the franchise, Holland has effortlessly transitioned into Hollywood’s elite circle, indicating that his success isn’t solely reliant on Spider-Man.

1
Robert Downey Jr.

Iron Man

Prior to becoming the star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. was a well-known example of Hollywood’s warning signs. As the son of counterculture filmmaker Robert Downey Sr., he grew up immersed in art, fame, and indulgence, making his first on-screen appearance at only five years old. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, he had solidified his status as one of the most gifted actors of his era, even receiving an Academy Award nomination for his outstanding portrayal in the film “Chaplin” (1992).

However, his extraordinary skill was matched by his private hardships. His well-known fight against addiction resulted in numerous arrests, spells in rehab, and even incarceration periods. For a long time, Hollywood refused to insure him, and despite some professional comebacks such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Zodiac, his tarnished image made him financially risky for big-budget studios. That is, until Jon Favreau made the bold move—asserting that Downey was the sole individual fit to portray Tony Stark.

Doom, Not Just Iron Man

Interestingly enough, Downey Jr., similar to his character Tony Stark, had to demonstrate his ability to rise from ruins following his past struggles. The release of Iron Man (2008) marked more than just the start of the Marvel Cinematic Universe; it was a tale of rebirth for both the on-screen character and the actor portraying him. Robert Downey Jr.’s Stark was witty, arrogant, and strikingly human, employing humor as a shield while secretly battling his inner demons. This wasn’t just an exceptional performance—it was a performance steeped in personal history, making it difficult to distinguish the man from the legend.

The triumph of “Iron Man” propelled Downey Jr. back into the ranks of top-tier actors in Hollywood, earning him a high salary and allowing him to tackle prestigious projects like “Oppenheimer,” challenging roles such as “Dolittle” (let’s not discuss that), and villainous characters like “The Sympathizer,” “Sherlock Holmes,” and “Dr. Doom.” He wasn’t simply the emblem of the MCU; he demonstrated that a career can experience multiple reincarnations. As he ventures beyond Marvel and accepts increasingly complex roles, it’s evident that Downey Jr. was destined for greatness all along.

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2025-03-10 06:12