List of Marvel Cinematic Universe film actors explained

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a media franchise and shared universe that is the setting of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios, based on characters that appear in Marvel Comics publications. Phases One, Two, and Three, were known as "The Infinity Saga", featuring many franchises and their sequels, and the first four Avengers crossover films. Phase Four features four sequels to earlier films and three new film properties, with Phase Five set to include four sequels and two new properties, and Phase Six intended to feature two sequels and two new properties, including the crossover films (2026) and (2027). Phases Four, Five, and Six comprise "The Multiverse Saga".

As the franchise is composed of films adapted from a variety of Marvel Comics properties, there are multiple lead actors. Chris Hemsworth headlined as Thor in the Thor films in the Infinity Saga and again in (2022); Chris Pratt portrays the lead character, Peter Quill / Star-Lord, in the Guardians of the Galaxy films and returns for its sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) and joined Hemsworth in Thor: Love and Thunder; Paul Rudd stars as Scott Lang / Ant-Man and Evangeline Lilly co-stars as Hope van Dyne / Wasp in the Ant-Man films, with both actors returning for (2023); Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Stephen Strange and appears again in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022); Tom Holland portrays Peter Parker / Spider-Man in the Spider-Man films and returns in (2021) where he is joined by Cumberbatch; and Brie Larson portrays Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel and appears again in The Marvels (2023), along with Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau.

After appearing in supporting roles in the Infinity Saga, Scarlett Johansson stars as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow in Black Widow (2021), Letitia Wright stars as Shuri / Black Panther in (2022), Anthony Mackie will headline (2025) as Sam Wilson / Captain America, Sebastian Stan will lead the ensemble film Thunderbolts* (2025) as Bucky Barnes, and Don Cheadle will star as James Rhodes / War Machine in Armor Wars. Simu Liu stars as Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), while Gemma Chan headlines as Sersi in the ensemble film Eternals (2021). Ryan Reynolds stars as Wade Wilson / Deadpool and Hugh Jackman co-stars as James "Logan" Howlett / Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), both reprising their roles from the X-Men film series produced by 20th Century Fox. Pedro Pascal is set to lead the ensemble film (2025) as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic, and Mahershala Ali is set to headline Blade as Blade. Pascal is also set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

Multiple other cast members recur across multiple films and series within the franchise, while the Multiverse Saga prominently features several actors reprising their roles from prior non-MCU Marvel films produced by Fox, New Line Cinema, and Sony Pictures. In addition to Reynolds and Jackman, these include Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina, Thomas Haden Church, Andrew Garfield, Rhys Ifans, Jamie Foxx, and Tom Hardy in No Way Home, Patrick Stewart in Multiverse of Madness, Kelsey Grammer in The Marvels, and Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Chris Evans, Jennifer Garner, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapičić, Dafne Keen, Shioli Kutsuna, Tyler Mane, Wesley Snipes, Karan Soni, Aaron Stanford, Lewis Tan, and Leslie Uggams in Deadpool & Wolverine. The list below is sorted by film and the character's surname, as some characters have been portrayed by multiple actors. All characters that have made appearances in other MCU media, such as the short films, television series, or digital series, are noted.

The Infinity Saga

See main article: List of Marvel Cinematic Universe film actors (The Infinity Saga). Phase One of the franchise includes six films, featuring four different superhero properties, leading up to a crossover in the 2012 film Marvel's The Avengers. The franchise's Phase Two features three sequels to Phase One films, as well as two new film properties, and the crossover , which released in 2015. Phase Three features four sequels to earlier films, and four new film properties, as well as the crossover films (2018) and (2019). The films from Phase One through Phase Three are collectively known as "The Infinity Saga".

The Infinity Saga saw multiple lead actors: Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark / Iron Man; Edward Norton headlined The Incredible Hulk (2008), playing Bruce Banner / Hulk, but did not reprise the role in the future films, being replaced by Mark Ruffalo for all subsequent films involving the character; Chris Evans portrays Steve Rogers / Captain America; Chris Hemsworth plays Thor; Chris Pratt portrays Peter Quill / Star-Lord; Paul Rudd co-stars as Scott Lang / Ant-Man with Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne / Wasp; Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Stephen Strange; Tom Holland portrays Peter Parker / Spider-Man; Chadwick Boseman portrayed T'Challa / Black Panther; and Brie Larson portrays Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel.

Samuel L. Jackson had cameo and supporting appearances as Nick Fury in several of the early films in the franchise, before co-starring in The Avengers; he would continue to have supporting roles in later films as well. Multiple other cast members recur across multiple films within the saga.

The Multiverse Saga

Phase Four

See also: Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Four.

Character20212022
Black WidowShang-Chi
EternalsSpider-Man:
Doctor Strange
Thor:
Black Panther:

Introduced in The Infinity Saga

AyoFlorence Kasumba
Mark Ruffalocolspan="5"
Jeremy Rennercolspan="6"
Quentin Beck
Jake Gyllenhaalcolspan="3"
Emil Blonsky
Tim Rothcolspan="5"
Betty BrantAngourie Ricecolspan="3"
Brie Larsoncolspan="5"
Julius DellJ. B. Smoovecolspan="3"
Dave Bautista
E.D.I.T.H.Dawn Michelle Kingcolspan="3"
FandralZachary Levi
FosterGary Weekscolspan="3"
Jane Foster
Natalie Portman
FriggaChanique Greyling
Rene Russo
GriotTrevor Noah
Vin Diesel
HamirTopo Wresniwirocolspan="2"
HeimdallIdris Elba
Roger HarringtonMartin Starrcolspan="3"
Harold "Happy" HoganJon Favreaucolspan="3"
HogunTadanobu Asano
J. Jonah JamesonJ. K. Simmonscolspan="3"
Michelle "MJ" Jones-WatsonZendayacolspan="3"
KorgTaika Waititi
Ned LeedsJacob Bataloncolspan="3"
Darcy LewisKat Dennings
LokiTom Hiddleston
Pom Klementieff
Wanda Maximoff
Elizabeth Olsencolspan="2"
M'BakuWinston Duke
NakiaLupita Nyong'o
Karen Gillan
N'Jadaka / Erik "Killmonger" StevensMichael B. Jordan
Sean Gunn
OdinAnthony Hopkins
OkoyeDanai Gurira
Christine PalmerRachel McAdamscolspan="2"
May ParkerMarisa Tomeicolspan="3"
Peter Parker
Tom Hollandcolspan="3"
Chris Pratt
RamondaAngela Bassett
Bradley Cooper<--
Sean Gunn-->
Natasha Romanoff
Scarlett Johanssoncolspan="6"
Everett K. RossMartin Freeman
Thaddeus RossWilliam Hurtcolspan="6"
Erik SelvigStellan Skarsgård
Shuri
Letitia Wright
Jaimie Alexander
Ben Kingsleycolspan="5"
Stephen StrangeBenedict Cumberbatchcolspan="2"
T'ChallaChadwick Boseman
Eugene "Flash" ThompsonTony Revoloricolspan="3"
ThorChris Hemsworth
ValkyrieTessa Thompson
VolstaggRay Stevenson
Nicodemus WestMichael Stuhlbargcolspan="2"
WilsonHannibal Buresscolspan="3"
WongBenedict WongBenedict Wongcolspan="2"

Introduced in Marvel Television series

Matt MurdockCharlie Coxcolspan="3"

Introduced in Phase Four television series

Valentina Allegra de FontaineJulia Louis-DreyfusJulia Louis-Dreyfus

Introduced in Black Widow

Florence Pughcolspan="6"
Antonia Dreykov
Olga Kurylenkocolspan="6"
DreykovRay Winstonecolspan="6"
Helen
Jade Xucolspan="5"
IngridNanna Blondellcolspan="6"
LeratoLiani Samuelcolspan="6"
Rick MasonO-T Fagbenlecolspan="6"
OksanaMichelle Leecolspan="6"
Alexei Shostakov
David Harbourcolspan="6"
UrsaOlivier Richterscolspan="6"
Melina Vostokoff
Rachel Weiszcolspan="6"

Introduced in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Mrs. ChenJodi Longcolspan="5"
Death DealerAndy Lecolspan="5"
Guang BoYuen Wahcolspan="5"
Jon JonRonny Chiengcolspan="5"
KatyAwkwafinacolspan="5"
Razor FistFlorian Munteanucolspan="5"
RuihuaDallas Liucolspan="5"
Xu Shang-Chi / ShaunSimu Liucolspan="5"
Xu WenwuTony Leungcolspan="5"
Xu XialingMeng'er Zhangcolspan="5"
Ying LiFala Chencolspan="5"
Ying NanMichelle Yeohcolspan="5"

Introduced in Eternals

AjakSalma Hayekcolspan="4"
ArishemDavid Kayecolspan="4"
BladeMahershala Alicolspan="4"
DruigBarry Keoghancolspan="4"
Eros
Harry Stylescolspan="4"
GilgameshDon Leecolspan="4"
IkarisRichard Maddencolspan="4"
KingoKumail Nanjianicolspan="4"
KroBill Skarsgårdcolspan="4"
MakkariLauren Ridloffcolspan="4"
Karun PatelHarish Patelcolspan="4"
PhastosBrian Tyree Henrycolspan="4"
Pip the TrollPatton Oswaltcolspan="4"
SersiGemma Chancolspan="4"
SpriteLia McHughcolspan="4"
ThenaAngelina Joliecolspan="4"
Dane WhitmanKit Haringtoncolspan="4"

Introduced in Spider-Man: No Way Home

Eddie Brock
Tom Hardycolspan="3"
P. ClearyArian Moayedcolspan="3"
Curt Connors
Rhys Ifanscolspan="3"
Max Dillon
Jamie Foxxcolspan="3"
Flint Marko
Thomas Haden Churchcolspan="3"
Otto Octavius
Alfred Molinacolspan="3"
Norman Osborn
Willem Dafoecolspan="3"
Peter Parker
Andrew Garfieldcolspan="3"
Peter Parker
Tobey Maguirecolspan="3"

Introduced in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Blackagar Boltagon
Anson Mountcolspan="2"
Peggy Carter
Hayley Atwellcolspan="2"
America ChavezXochitl Gomezcolspan="2"
CleaCharlize Theroncolspan="2"
Billy MaximoffJulian Hilliardcolspan="2"
Tommy MaximoffJett Klynecolspan="2"
Wanda MaximoffElizabeth Olsencolspan="2"
Karl MordoChiwetel Ejioforcolspan="2"
Christine PalmerRachel McAdamscolspan="2"
Maria Rambeau
Lashana Lynchcolspan="2"
Reed RichardsJohn Krasinskicolspan="2"
RintrahAdam Hugillcolspan="2"
SaraSheila Atimcolspan="2"
Stephen Strange
Benedict Cumberbatchcolspan="2"
Stephen Strange
Benedict Cumberbatchcolspan="2"
Stephen Strange
Benedict Cumberbatchcolspan="2"
UltronRoss Marquandcolspan="2"
Charles XavierPatrick Stewartcolspan="2"

Introduced in Thor: Love and Thunder

Axl HeimdallsonKieron L. Dyer
BastAkosia Sabet
DarrylDaley Pearson
DionysusSimon Russell Beale
Gorr the God ButcherChristian Bale
HerculesBrett Goldstein
JademuraiKuni Hashimoto
LoveIndia Hemsworth
MinervaCarmen Foon
RapuJonathan Brugh
YakanStephen Curry
ZeusRussell Crowe

Introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

AnekaMichaela Coel
AttumaAlex Livinalli
GrahamLake Bell
NamorTenoch Huerta
NamoraMabel Cadena
SmittyRobert John Burke
Toussaint / T'ChallaDivine Love Konadu-Sun
Riri WilliamsDominique Thorne

Phase Five

See also: Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Five.

Character202320242025
Ant-Man and the Wasp:
Guardians of the Galaxy The MarvelsDeadpool & WolverineCaptain America:
Thunderbolts*

Introduced in The Infinity Saga

AyeshaElizabeth Debickicolspan="4"
James "Bucky" Barnes
Sebastian Stan
BrokerChristopher Fairbankcolspan="4"
Cosmo the SpacedogMaria Bakalovacolspan="4"
Darren Cross
Corey Stollcolspan="5"
DaleGregg Turkingtoncolspan="5"
Carol Danvers
Brie Larsoncolspan="3"
Drax the DestroyerDave Bautistacolspan="4"
Bill FosterLaurence Fishburne
Samuel L. Jacksoncolspan="3"
GamoraZoe Saldañacolspan="4"
GrootVin Dieselcolspan="4"
Harold "Happy" HoganJon Favreaucolspan="2"
Howard the DuckSeth Greencolspan="4"
Cassie LangKathryn Newton
Abby Ryder Fortson		colspan="5"
Scott Lang
Paul Ruddcolspan="5"
LokiTom Hiddlestoncolspan="5"
MainframeTara Strongcolspan="4"
MantisPom Klementieffcolspan="4"
MartinexMichael Rosenbaumcolspan="4"
NebulaKaren Gillancolspan="4"
Kraglin ObfonteriSean Gunncolspan="4"
Stakar OgordSylvester Stallonecolspan="4"
Hank PymMichael Douglascolspan="5"
Jason QuillGregg Henrycolspan="4"
Peter Quill
Chris Prattcolspan="4"
Maria RambeauLashana Lynchcolspan="3"
Monica RambeauTeyonah Parriscolspan="3"
Rocket RaccoonBradley Cooper
Sean Gunn		colspan="4"
Betty RossLiv Tyler
Thaddeus Ross
Harrison Ford
Ava Starr
Hannah John-Kamen
Samuel Sterns
Tim Blake Nelson
ThorChris Hemsworthcolspan="2"
Yondu UdontaMichael Rookercolspan="4"
ValkyrieTessa Thompsoncolspan="3"
Hope van Dyne
Evangeline Lillycolspan="5"
Janet van DyneMichelle Pfeiffercolspan="5"
Sam Wilson
Anthony Mackie
Jimmy WooRandall Parkcolspan="5"

Introduced in Phase Four

Valentina Allegra de FontaineJulia Louis-Dreyfus
Yelena Belova
Florence Pugh
Kate BishopHailee Steinfeldcolspan="3"
Isaiah BradleyCarl Lumbly
BzermikitokolokRhett Millercolspan="4"
Antonia Dreykov
Olga Kurylenko
Aamir KhanSaagar Shaikhcolspan="3"
Kamala Khan
Iman Vellanicolspan="3"
Muneeba KhanZenobia Shroffcolspan="3"
Yusuf KhanMohan Kapurcolspan="3"
Mobius M. MobiusOwen Wilsoncolspan="5"
Hunter B-15Wunmi Mosakucolspan="2"
Alexei Shostakov
David Harbour
SteemieStephen Blackehartcolspan="4"
Joaquin Torres
Danny Ramirez
Melina VostokoffRachel Weisz
John Walker
Wyatt Russell

Introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Council of Kangs<-- Meant to represent all of the Kangs in the arena that Immortus summons -->Jonathan Majorscolspan="5"
ImmortusJonathan Majorscolspan="5"
JentorraKaty O'Briancolspan="5"
Kang the ConquerorJonathan Majorscolspan="5"
KrylarBill Murraycolspan="5"
QuazWilliam Jackson Harpercolspan="5"
Rama-TutJonathan Majorscolspan="5"
CenturionJonathan Majorscolspan="5"
Victor TimelyJonathan Majorscolspan="5"
VebDavid Dastmalchiancolspan="5"

Introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Floor the RabbitMikaela Hoovercolspan="4"
High EvolutionaryChukwudi Iwujicolspan="4"
KarjaNathan Fillioncolspan="4"
LyllaLinda Cardellinicolspan="4"
PhylaKai Zencolspan="4"
Teefs the WalrusAsim Chaudhrycolspan="4"
Adam WarlockWill Poultercolspan="4"

Introduced in The Marvels

DagAbraham Popoolacolspan="3"
Dar-BennZawe Ashtoncolspan="3"
Dro'geGary Lewiscolspan="3"
Hank McCoy
Kelsey Grammercolspan="3"
Maria Rambeau
Lashana Lynchcolspan="3"
TaliaLeila Farzadcolspan="3"
Ty-RoneDaniel Ingscolspan="3"
YanPark Seo-jooncolspan="3"

Introduced in Deadpool & Wolverine

Blind AlLeslie Uggamscolspan="2"
John Allerdyce
Aaron Stanfordcolspan="2"
AzazelEduardo Gago Munozcolspan="2"
BabypoolOlin Reynoldscolspan="2"
BlobMike Waterscolspan="2"
Eric Brooks
Wesley Snipescolspan="2"
BullseyeCurtis Smallcolspan="2"
CanadapoolAlex Kyshkovychcolspan="2"
Vanessa CarlysleMorena Baccarincolspan="2"
ColossusStefan Kapičićcolspan="2"
CowboypoolMatthew McConaugheycolspan="2"
DopinderKaran Sonicolspan="2"
HeadpoolNathan Fillioncolspan="2"
James "Logan" Howlett
Hugh Jackmancolspan="2"
JuggernautAaron W. Reedcolspan="2"
KidpoolInez Reynoldscolspan="2"
Lady DeathstrikeJade Lyecolspan="2"
LadypoolBlake Livelycolspan="2"
Laura
Dafne Keencolspan="2"
Logan
Henry Cavillcolspan="2"
Remy LeBeau
Channing Tatumcolspan="2"
Elektra NatchiosJennifer Garnercolspan="2"
Negasonic Teenage WarheadBrianna Hildebrandcolspan="2"
NicepoolRyan Reynoldscolspan="2"
Cassandra NovaEmma Corrincolspan="2"
ParadoxMatthew Macfadyencolspan="2"
PsylockeAyesha Hussaincolspan="2"
Mary Puppins
Peggycolspan="2"
RussianBilly Clementscolspan="2"
Rusty
Lewis Tancolspan="2"
SabretoothTyler Manecolspan="2"
Johnny Storm
Chris Evanscolspan="2"
ToadDaniel Medina Ramoscolspan="2"
Wade Wilson
Ryan Reynoldscolspan="2"
WelshpoolPaul Mullincolspan="2"
Peter WisdomRob Delaneycolspan="2"
YukioShioli Kutsunacolspan="2"

Introduced in Captain America: Brave New World

Ruth Bat-SeraphShira Haas
OzakiTakehiro Hira
Seth Voelker
Giancarlo Esposito

Introduced in Thunderbolts*

Bob
Lewis Pullman
MelGeraldine Viswanathan

Phase Six

See also: Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Six.

Character202520262027
The Fantastic Four:
BladeAvengers:
Avengers:

Introduced in The Infinity Saga

Clint Barton
Jeremy Renner
Stephen StrangeBenedict Cumberbatch

Introduced in Phase Four

BladeMahershala Alicolspan="2"
-

Introduced in Phase Five

Kang the Conqueror

Introduced in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

GalactusRalph Inesoncolspan="3"
Ben Grimm
Ebon Moss-BachrachEbon Moss-Bachrach
Reed Richards
Pedro PascalPedro Pascal
Shalla-Bal
Julia Garnercolspan="3"
Johnny Storm
Joseph QuinnJoseph Quinn
Susan Storm
Vanessa KirbyVanessa Kirby
Victor von Doom
Robert Downey Jr.Robert Downey Jr.

Introduced in Blade

LilithMia Gothcolspan="2"

Future

CharacterTBA
Armor WarsUntitled Spider-Man:
 sequel		Untitled Shang-Chi
 sequel

Introduced in The Infinity Saga

Sonny BurchWalton Gogginscolspan="2"
Michelle "MJ" Jones-WatsonZendayacolspan="2"
Peter Parker
Tom Hollandcolspan="2"
James "Rhodey" Rhodes
Don Cheadlecolspan="2"

Introduced in The Multiverse Saga

Riri Williams
Dominique Thornecolspan="2"
Xu Shang-ChiSimu Liu

See also

External links

Phase Four films

Phase Five films

Phase Six films

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