A. The Power of Franchises in Hollywood
B.
These franchises, with their massive global fanbases and consistent release schedules, offer a unique opportunity for actors to reach a wider audience and build their careers. The allure of these franchises lies in their ability to attract a diverse range of audiences, from casual moviegoers to hardcore fans. This broad appeal is a key factor in their success, as it allows them to generate significant box office revenue and build a loyal fanbase.
25 – Ariana Greenblatt – Young Gamora (Avengers: Infinity War) and Young Ahsoka Tano (Ahsoka ) File under: the right place (and right age) at the right time. Ariana Greenblatt struck gold with a prominent role in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie. But before Greenblatt celebrated all things pink, she took a turn as a younger version of the green-skinned Gamora in Avengers: Infinity War. Greenblatt’s youth served Lucasfilm well when she appeared in an iconic episode of the Ahsoka series, as a younger version of Ahsoka Tano. 24 – David Tenant – Killgrave (Jessica Jones) and Huyang (Ahsoka and Star Wars: The Clone Wars )
The MCU has seen him play a wide range of characters, from the comedic relief of Loki to the brooding, complex figure of Thanos. He has also portrayed characters with a wide range of motivations and goals, from the noble and selfless hero to the villainous and ruthless. In the MCU, Tenant has been in a lot of stuff, and he’s been more than a few personalities.
23 – Benicio del Toro – Taneleer Tivan / the Collector (several Marvel films) and DJ (Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi ) Benicio del Toro seems to revel in playing a slightly creepy, often off-the wall character, who succeeds in making viewers nervous. In several films in the MCU, del Toro subtly steals the scene as Taneleer Tivan, also known as “the Collector” for his fascination with galactic treasures. In Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, del Toro shows off his treasure hunting abilities as code breaking “slicer” DJ. 22 – Kumail Nanjiani – Kingo (Eternals) and Haja Estree (Obi-Wan Kenobi )
* Kingo is a character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Eternals. * Kingo is a cosmic-powered being with a unique ability to manipulate light. * Kingo is a Bollywood star who has achieved fame and fortune.
However, his versatility as an artist extends beyond acting. He is a multi-talented individual who has carved a niche for himself in music, television, and film. This essay will explore Donald Glover’s multifaceted career, examining his contributions to the worlds of music, television, and film. **Music:**
Donald Glover’s musical journey began in the early 2000s with the formation of the hip-hop group, Outkast.
The character of X-23, a young woman with a fierce and independent spirit, was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist John Romita Jr. in 1982. She was introduced as a clone of Wolverine, a mutant with regenerative abilities and a heightened sense of smell.
17 – Lupita Nyong’o – Nakia (Black Panther franchise) and Maz Kanata (Star Wars Sequel Trilogy) As T’Challa’s lover, the Wakandan warrior Nakia carries a giant secret in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Lupita Nyong’o plays Nakia with a noble dignity, making the film’s post-credit reveal all the more impactful. Over in the Star Wars Galaxy, Nyong’o lent her voice to Maz Kanata – a humanoid alien with a whole different focus – protecting some Force-filled items until the time is right for another galactic rebellion. 16 – Ben Mendelsohn – Talos (Spider-Man: Far From Home, Captain Marvel, and Secret Invasion) and Director Orson Krennic (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story )
The second role, a more recent one, is that of the villainous Dr. Doom in the upcoming Fantastic Four film. Mendelsohn’s portrayal of the iconic Marvel character is expected to be a significant departure from previous iterations, with the actor promising a more nuanced and complex portrayal.
He is a powerful figure, a wise leader, and a source of strength for the entire nation. In the Star Wars universe, Forest Whitaker’s Saw Gerrera is a complex and morally ambiguous character. He is a rebel leader who believes in the destruction of the Galactic Empire.
The Force runs strong in the Mikkelsen family, as Mads’ brother Lars embodies Imperial mastermind Grand Admiral Thrawn in two Star Wars series, including Star Wars: Rebels (in a voice role), and Ahsoka. 12 – Woody Harrelson – Cletus Kasady (Venom Franchise) and Tobias Beckett (Solo: A Star Wars Story ) Left Image: Sony, Right Image: Disney Over the course of his acting career, there have primarily been two types of Woody Harrelson – the goofy, ignoramus simpleton most closely associated with “Woody” in the television series Cheers, and the wacko off-his-rocker psycho he’s played in films like Natural Born Killers. In two Venom films, Harrelson is decidedly the psycho type, as Cletus Kasady – a sadistic deranged serial killer who bonds with the equally deranged symbiote Carnage. As Tobias Beckett in Solo: A Star Wars Story, Harrelson carries a much more subdued personality, though still conflicted as one straddling the line between an untrustworthy criminal and a mentoring father figure to a young Han Solo.
11 – Ray Stevenson – Volstagg (Thor franchise) and Baylan Skoll (Ahsoka ) Jolly and loyal to the end, the warrior Volstagg is an unflappable ally to Thor in the first three films of the Thor franchise. Irish actor Ray Stevenson played the character memorably, and earned kudos throughout fandom for his efforts. In 2023, Stevenson ascended to another level when he embodied the former Jedi-turned mercenary Baylan Skoll in the Ahsoka series. Stevenson’s portrayal of the thoughtful yet conflicted Force user was universally applauded, making it all the more tragic when he unexpectedly passed away just three months before the series’ release.
10 – Stellan Skarsgård – Eric Selvig (Thor franchise) and Luthen Rael (Andor ) Breaking into the top 10 is one of my personal favorite characters in the Star Wars Galaxy. Luthen Rael is a no-holds-barred revolutionary, working behind the imperial curtain to give the budding Rebel Alliance a fighting chance in the 2022 series Andor. Prior to his time with the Rebellion, Skarsgård was in tight with an Asgardian named Thor, appearing as astrophysicist Eric Selvig in the Thor film franchise, as well as a couple Avenger films. 9 – Ray Park – Toad (X-Men) and Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace )
But Ray Park’s journey in the world of film and television is far more multifaceted than just that one iconic role. This essay will explore Ray Park’s multifaceted career, delving into his early career, his experience in the film industry, his passion for martial arts, and his ongoing contribution to the film industry. Ray Park’s journey began with a passion for martial arts.
Rosario Dawson is one of those actors who just emits a certain comfort and calmness, regardless of the role. In the MCU, she played New York doctor Claire Temple, whose healing hands were pressed into action several times to assist the likes of Matt Murduck (Daredevil) and Luke Cage. Dawson traded a scalpel for a lightsaber for her role as Ahsoka Tano in three Star Wars series: The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka. By the way, Rosario Dawson is not afraid of ghosts, as she proved in Disney’s 2023 film Haunted Mansion. 7 – Ming-Na Wen – Melinda May (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Fennec Shande (The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Bad Batch ).
What hasn’t Ming-Na Wen done for Disney? Her first Disney role was the voice of iconic power princess Mulan in the 1998 animated film of the same name. She took her heroics to the MCU in the television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., as ace pilot and weapons expert Melinda May (also nicknamed “the Cavalry”). Wen’s heroics turned a little “gray” when she joined the Star Wars Galaxy as ruthlessly talented bounty hunter Fennec Shand. But despite her take-no-prisoners approach to galactic success, Fennec proved her heart is in the right place (for the right price). 6 – Paul Bettany – Vision (Avengers franchise and WandaVision) and Dryden Vos (Solo: A Star Wars Story )
This is the essence of the new generation of AI assistants, designed to be more than just tools. They are companions, confidants, and even friends. These AI assistants are powered by advanced machine learning algorithms that allow them to learn and adapt to individual users’ needs and preferences.
Known by most as the godfather of motion-capture acting, Andy Serkis has also lent his face to MCU and Star Wars stories. His chippy, boiling antics are on display as international criminal and underground black-market arms dealer (and delicious secondary villain) Ulysses Klaue in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Black Panther. Serkus’ motion-capture talents fueled the red-herring villain Supreme Leader Snoke in the Star Wars sequel trilogy films Episode VII – The Force Awakens and Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. But Serkis saw the camera directly in the 2022 series Andor, as prisoner/team leader Kino Loy, who will forever be remembered for his rallying cry “One Way Out!”
Oscar Isaac is a versatile actor known for his diverse roles in both film and television. He has a strong presence on screen and is capable of portraying a wide range of characters, from the brooding and intense to the charismatic and witty. Isaac’s career has been marked by a consistent commitment to quality, evident in his selection of projects and his dedication to his craft.
in Iron Man and The Avengers). This role, however, was not without its challenges. The character of Apocalypse is a complex and multifaceted one, requiring a nuanced understanding of his motivations and actions.
The actress, known for her roles in films like “Black Swan” and “The Other Boleyn Girl,” has been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2011. Her character, Jane Foster, is a brilliant astrophysicist who becomes the Mighty Thor in the “Thor” and “Thor: The Dark World” films. In the “Thor” film, Jane Foster is introduced as a love interest for Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth.
In the Star Wars Galaxy, Favreau has voiced several minor characters, including Mandalorian Pre Vizsla in Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, the Ardennian pilot Rio Durant in Solo: A Star Wars Story, and the Mandalorian Paz Vizsla in The Mandalorian series. While this list celebrates acting credits in the MCU and Star Wars, Jon Favreau really shines off camera. He has executive-produced many films and series in both the MCU and Star Wars. His accolades include sharing credit with co-creator Dave Filoni for saving Star Wars, thanks to their work on The Mandalorian. Well done, Jon, and thank you.
2 – Samuel L. Jackson – Mace Windu (Star Wars Prequel Trilogy)
Mace Windu is a powerful Jedi Master who wields a unique lightsaber style. He is known for his calm demeanor and his mastery of the Force. 3 – Samuel L.
If those two heroic roles aren’t enough, Jackson donned a “super suit” for his cool performance as Frozone in Pixar’s Incredibles franchise. Honorable Mention – Taika Watiti – Korg (Thor Franchise and Avengers: Infinity War) and IG-11 (The Mandalorian ) Actor and film director Taika Waititi possesses an infinite amount of whimsy and sass. While the bubbly New Zealander has not physically appeared in a Marvel or Star Wars feature, he has lent his voice to a couple minor, yet memorable, characters. Waititi voices the kind-hearted and mild mannered rock warrior Korg in the MCU. In the Star Wars “Mandoverse,” Waititi’s personality did a 180-degree turn, as he voiced the gravely ruthless assassin droid IG-11. In addition to his voice talents, Waititi has directed multiple films in the Thor franchise, as well as an episode of The Mandalorian series.
Honorable Mention – Harrison Ford – Han Solo (Star Wars) and Thunderbolt Ross / Red Hulk (Captain America: New World Order – coming February 2025) Acting legend (and newly-minted Disney Legend) Harrison Ford has done almost everything in front of the camera…except for acting in a Marvel role. But all that will change in just a few short months. Ford’s upcoming turn as President Thunderbolt Ross / Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World is among the most highly anticipated Marvel moments in years. And when that happens, he will vault towards the top of this impressive list. Of course, Ford’s name is practically synonymous with the iconic smuggler-turned-hero Han Solo in the Star Wars galaxy. A legend through and through…
This list is based on the number of roles played by each actor in both franchises. The list is not exhaustive and is meant to highlight the most prolific actors who have graced both universes.