THE Marvel Cinematic Universe has an impressive track record of casting remarkably talented and decorated actors as Marvel characters. Since the beginning of the MCU film timeline, the franchise has been adapting Marvel Comics stories and characters for the big screen. Later, the MCU branched out to television, with the Disney+ series further exploring the shared universe, introducing even more heroes and villains with each new entry in the franchise.
As the franchise continued to grow, the MCU films were forced to recruit an ever-increasing number of actors to bring the comic book stories to life. The massive financial success of the MCU means that it also attracts film talent, with many celebrated and respected actors appearing or being set to appear in the MCU. With that in mind, here are the 10 greatest actors to have starred in MCU films.
10
Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One
First appearance: Doctor Strange (2016)
Tilda Swinton first appeared in the MCU in 2016 Doctor Strangecontroversially cast in the role of the Ancient One. In the comics, the Ancient One was always portrayed as an elderly Asian man, meaning Swinton’s portrayal was a far cry from comic-accurate casting. While there has been controversy surrounding Swinton’s casting in the franchise itself, she is one of the most prestigious actresses to ever appear in the MCU.
Swinton won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the legal thriller. Michael Clayton in 2007, i.e. she is one of the select few MCU actors to have won an Oscar. Swinton also won a BAFTA for the same role and has also received many other nominations and awards. Additionally, Swinton has appeared in several critically acclaimed films throughout an impressive career, establishing her as one of the MCU’s most esteemed cast members.
9
Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer
First appearance: Iron Man 2 (2010)
Sam Rockwell’s tenure in the MCU may not be the most notable, as his appearances in the franchise can be considered sporadic at best. He first appeared as Justin Hammer in Iron Man 2later reprising the role in the one-shot short All hail the kingbesides there are many rumors that he will reprise the role in Armor Wars. Rockwell is also an incredibly decorated and versatile actor with an excellent reputation in Hollywood.
Rockwell won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 2017 Three billboards outside of Ebbing, Missouriand was nominated for the same award the following year for his role in Deputy. He’s also won a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, in addition to a long and impressive list of nominations. Rockwell’s acting talent is well known, and although his character has been largely absent since his introduction, he is still one of the greatest actors in the MCU.
8
Christian Bale as Gorr, God’s Butcher
First appearance: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
One of the most exciting additions Thor: Love and ThunderCasting was Christian Bale, who was announced as having joined the MCU as Gorr, the Butcher of Gods. Playing the powerful and dangerous god-slaying villain was something that was well within Bale’s broad skill set, as he had already proven his wide range of acting capabilities throughout his career. He’s one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, and his addition to the MCU cast marks another major role in the superhero genre, having previously played Batman in the iconic Dark Knight trilogy.
Bale won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dicky Eklund in 2010. The fighterand has earned three more Oscar nominations since then. Bale has also won two Golden Globes and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, in addition to an extensive list of nominations. Bale’s long list of credits has seen him star in many excellent films, regularly earning considerable critical praise. and making him one of the greatest actors to join the MCU.
7
Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury
First appearance: Iron Man (2008)
First appearing in the MCU’s first post-credits scene in 2008 Iron ManSamuel L. Jackson’s role in the franchise was extremely important. In the role of Nick Fury, Jackson provided the context and foundation for the Avengers to come together within the MCU, making him the backbone of the entire franchise. Having made numerous appearances in the MCU, Jackson has also become one of Marvel’s most celebrated actors.
Samuel L. Jackson is undeniably one of the best actors in the MCU, although he is best judged by metrics other than awards won. Although he won a BAFTA and was nominated for an Oscar, Jackson received an Honorary Oscar in recognition of his dynamic work across genres. Having appeared in an impressive number of classic films and delivered some of cinema’s most iconic lines, Samuel L. Jackson is undeniably one of the MCU’s greatest performers.
6
Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Chester Phillips
First appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Tommy Lee Jones made his MCU debut in 2011 Captain America: The First Avenger as Colonel Chester Phillips. The gruff commander who acts as a sort of mentor to Steve Rogers during World War II, Phillips is an important figure in Captain America’s history in the MCU, despite only appearing once. Despite his only appearance in the franchise Tommy Lee Jones is also among the greatest actors to appear in MCU films.
Over the course of a widely celebrated career, Jones has won numerous prestigious awards. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Fugitive alongside Harrison Ford, and was nominated for an Oscar on three other occasions. He’s also won a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, making him an especially decorated cast member of the MCU.
5
Forest Whitaker as Zuri
First appearance: Black Panther (2018)
Forest Whitaker had already enjoyed a hugely successful career before making his MCU debut in 2018. Black Panther. As Zuri, Whitaker played a relatively small role in the film’s narrative, but lent her wealth of experience and acting talent to the proceedings alongside an incredible cast. Whitaker’s profile in Hollywood is remarkable, having won numerous awards and accolades throughout an already notable career.
Whitaker won the coveted Oscar for Best Actor for his role as dictator Idi Amin in THE Last King of Scotland. He has also won a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, as well as receiving numerous nominations. Whitaker’s impressive filmography includes roles in several celebrated and critically acclaimed films.earning a reputation as not just an incredible actor, but one of the greatest to ever appear in the MCU.
4
Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce
First appearance: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Robert Redford’s role in the MCU is perhaps not as memorable as many other characters in the franchise, and it’s hardly one of the most significant in his long career. He appeared in the MCU as Alexander Pierce in Captain America: The Winter Soldier in a casting that resulted in a single appearance. Pierce was revealed as the film’s main antagonist in its final act as the leader of the Hydra agents who infiltrated the ranks of S.H.I.E.L.D. before being killed by Nick Fury.
Considering the long list of awards and honors Redford has received throughout his career, it’s fair to say he’s one of the best actors in the MCU. In addition to winning an Oscar for Best Director and an Honorary Oscar, Redford was nominated for numerous awards during his career. He also won a BAFTA and two Golden Globes, as well as earning a reputation as one of Hollywood’s biggest names of all time.
3
Cate Blanchett as Hela
First appearance: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Cate Blanchett’s foray into the MCU was relatively short-lived, although she did manage to play one of the franchise’s most powerful villains. Like Hela in Thor: RagnarokBlanchett was able to defeat Thor and Loki and conquer Asgard before its destruction and apparent disappearance. The awards won by Blanchett and the notable titles in her filmography also mark her as one of the best actresses of all time in the MCU.
Blanchett won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in The Aviatorbefore winning another for Best Actress in Blue Jasmine. She also has four BAFTAs, four Golden Globes, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, as well as award-winning film credits throughout her career. With an impressive list of accolades to her name, Cate Blanchett is one of the most decorated and respected actresses in MCU history.
2
Anthony Hopkins as Odin
First appearance: Thor (2011)
Having made his first appearance in the MCU at the beginning of the franchise’s timeline in 2011, ThorAnthony Hopkins has had several appearances as Odin throughout the franchise. His supporting role as Thor and Loki’s father and king of Asgard has marked him as an important secondary figure within the MCU, but this perhaps does little to establish his acting talent. Hopkins is without a doubt one of the greatest actors alive, with the awards and reputation to back him up.
Hopkins won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Hannibal Lector in The Silence of the Lambsand received four more Oscar nominations before winning again for her role in The Father. Hopkins has also won four BAFTAs, 2 Primetime Emmys, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Olivier Award for her work in theater. Hopkins also had a legendary career filled with countless celebrated performancesmaking him one of the MCU’s all-time best actors.
1
Denzel Washington in Black Panther 3
Washington announced his next role in the MCU
Although he has yet to appear or be officially announced in the MCU, Denzel Washington has revealed that he is set to appear in Black Panther 3has been cast in an undisclosed role. Considering the enormous success of Washington’s career so far and the actor’s typically judicious choices in the roles he plays, his appearance in the MCU has already generated great anticipation. Even before he officially appears, Denzel Washington is one of the best actors to land a role in the MCU.
Washington won two Oscars, the first for Best Supporting Actor in the 1990s. Glory and the other for Best Actor in Training day. He was personally nominated for an Oscar on seven other occasions and took home a number of other prestigious acting awards. As such, Denzel Washington is one of the most respected actors alive, and his casting in Marvel Cinematic Universe makes it a great instant franchise.