Taking on the role of a superhero can be a huge stepping stone for an actor. Especially superheroes for big parties like the Marvel and DC.
When an actor succeeds in executing a superhero role that he takes on, their name will always be associated with that fictional character. However, being trapped in just one superhero typecast can bore both the actor and his fans.
Therefore, it’s always interesting to see our favorite actors also appear in various other roles, even though they are also popular as superheroes. Even more interesting, is seeing superhero actors play villains or villains in other films or rival studios. Here’s a list of Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC superhero actors who also gave their best performances as antagonist characters in other Hollywood films.
Chris Evans
Chris Evans’ image as Captain America is one of the most iconic in modern pop culture. Especially in the MCU superhero fan scene. Play as Steve Rogers, an American soldier appointed as a super soldier to fight in World War II.
The magnanimity of Steve Rogers has been the main quality that made him chosen to wield great power. Until finally joining the Avengers to continue his mission to maintain peace in society.
When he was still in the middle of various MCU Phase 3 projects, he also played in other films. His role as Hugh Ransom Drysdale became an iconic one in the mystery thriller film, “Knives Out” (2019). Where he appeared as an arrogant rich kid, he managed to irritate the audience with his sarcastic comments.
Recently he also played the main villain, Lloyd Hansen, in the latest Netflix action film, “The Gray Man”. Every time we see Evans appear as a villain, we can see him having fun acting after being a benevolent superhero for too long.
Christian Bale
The quality of Christian Bale’s acting is no longer in question. He was already famous even before he became Batman in the Batman Trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan. He also managed to become one of the favorite Batman among DC fans.
Recently Christian Bale was also praised for his appearance as the villain in “Thor: Love and Thunder”, Gorr. Bale could be one of the actors who won’t be typecast in the modern superhero universe. He is truly a chameleon actor who is skilled at executing various types of roles. Christian Bale is also famous as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy psychopath in the comedy thriller, “American Psycho” (2000).
Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson received resistance from DC fans when he was announced to be the next Batman in a film directed by Matt Reeves. However, after “The Batman” came out, he joined Christian Bale in the Batman lineup which was met with favorable reviews. Prior to playing the edgy young Bruce Wayne, Pattinson also played the villain in other films.
In “The King” (2017) he plays Louis, Dauphin of France, opposite Timothee Chalamet as the main antagonist. Pattinson is also one of the evil characters in the thriller film “The Devil All the Time” (2020).
Unmitigated, he appears as a hypocritical Reverend Preston and is guaranteed to irritate you. However, even though he has played many annoying characters in previous films, the proof is that we can still admire Robert Pattinson as the newest Batman.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch is best known for his role as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC’s modern version of the series. Since then, he has played more intelligent characters. Both superheroes and supervillains with above-average intelligence.
For now, he is holding the title of Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange, in the MCU. Since his debut in the MCU in his first film back in 2016, we’ve all fallen in love with this superhero actor right away.
Whereas previously he had also played as the main villain in “Star Trek Into Darkness” as Khan Noonien Singh. Even though in the film he becomes a clever villain who is hard to hate because he still looks cool. Benedict Cumberbatch also plays a character that is quite annoying and intimidating in the western drama “The Power of the Dog” as Phil Burbank has toxic masculinity.
Brandon Routh
Brandon Routh is one of the popular and loved actors as Clark Kent aka Superman. Routh played the iconic DC, superhero in “Superman Returns” (2006). Judging by his facial features and vibe, Routh does have the qualities an actor needs as Superman. Looks geeky with glasses as Clark Kent, but also looks manly and comical when appearing as Superman.
In 2010, he transformed into a villain in “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World”. He became Todd Ingram, one stage with Brie Larson, who played Envy Adams. Todd Ingram himself is a bassist who has superpowers by being vegan. He became one of Ramona’s exes who became a barrier for the protagonist.
Unlike Clark, who is responsible for his strength, Todd uses his strength arbitrarily. Brandon Routh still looks cool even as a villain in the film.
Henry Cavill
Another popular superhero actor as Superman is Henry Cavill. This British actor played Clark Kent under the direction of director Zack Snyder. He debuted as Superman in the film “Man of Steel” (2013). He is also included in the ranks of Superman with many fans to date. Becoming Superman in “Justice League” and still waiting for the continuation of his solo franchise.
Perhaps many do not realize or doubt that Henry Cavill played a traitor in “Mission: Impossible – Fall Out” (2018) as August Walker. Just because he appears with a thick mustache, we are already confused by the appearance of Henry Cavill.
Reaping popularity again in the series “The Witcher”, Geralt of Rivia is actually a cold-blooded character who is the opposite of the superhero he plays in the DC universe.
Oscar Isaac
Oscar Isaac is an actor who is still freshly welcomed into the MCU as Moon Knight. He managed to steal the hearts of all MCU fans with his appearance as Marc Spector. Despite having a background as a mercenary and vigilante under the rule of Khonsu, Marc actually ended up as a superhero character in the Disney+ series, “Moon Knight” season premiere yesterday. Apart from being championed as Marc Spector, fans also love the sweeter figure of Steven Grant.
Does anyone still remember that Oscar Isaac played in “X-Men: Apocalypse” in 2016? In the film, he becomes the main villain, En Sabah Nur aka Apocalypse. Coming, fortunately, is the end of humanity like the apocalypse.
He has also played as Blue Jones, the antagonist in “Sucker Punch” (2011). Where in the first reality he is a nurse in a cruel mental hospital. Meanwhile, in the second reality, he is a pimp who hurts the women who work for him.