Let’s take a look at the prominent actors who have appeared in both Marvel and DC superhero roles.
Ryan Reynolds
In 2009, Ryan Reynolds first took on the role of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Fans were disappointed with the portrayal of the character, which deviated significantly from the original source material. In 2011, Reynolds transitioned to DC, portraying the superhero Green Lantern in the film of the same name, which received criticism for its lackluster content and poor execution.
Fortunately, he found renewed success when he reprised his role as Deadpool in two films released in 2016 and 2018, both of which were massive box-office hits and well-received by fans.
Ben Affleck
In 2003, Marvel released the film Daredevil, featuring Ben Affleck as the lead character, Matt Murdock, who by day is a lawyer and by night becomes a superhero with heightened senses to combat crime. However, the film was not well-received, facing criticism for its poor storyline and lack of depth, marking a misstep in Affleck’s career.
In 2016, Affleck donned the cape once again, this time as Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, part of the DC Extended Universe. His portrayal was well-received, characterized by a strong, masculine presence that balanced emotional depth. In 2023, audiences will see Affleck’s Batman again in the upcoming film The Flash, set to release in June 2023.
Michael Keaton
Alongside Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton will also return as Batman in The Flash. He starred in two successful Batman films directed by Tim Burton: Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), both of which were acclaimed for their quality and box office success, making Keaton an iconic Batman for the 70s and 80s generations.
In 2017, Keaton portrayed the Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming, successfully transitioning into the Marvel universe.
Christian Bale
Christian Bale starred as Batman in the acclaimed The Dark Knight Trilogy, directed by Christopher Nolan, which includes Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). These films are celebrated as some of the greatest superhero films ever made, known for their complex characters and deep narrative.
However, Bale did not achieve the same success in the Marvel universe. In 2022, he joined the MCU as Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder, which received mixed reviews for its weak plot and lack of character depth, overshadowing Bale’s talent.
Zachary Levi
Zachary Levi played Fandral in the Marvel films Thor: The Dark World (2013) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017), where his character was notably overshadowed by others like Hela (Cate Blanchett).
In 2019, Levi took center stage in the DC film Shazam!, portraying the character who gains powers from various mythological figures. The sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, is set to release this year and will focus on the conflict between Billy and three daughters of Atlas.
Stay tuned for the continuation of this cinematic journey and Zachary Levi’s performance when the film hits theaters on March 17th!
