Actors You Probably Didn’t Know Were in Marvel Movies & Shows

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded so rapidly over the last decade that it has employed a significant portion of Hollywood’s acting talent. Many famous performers took small roles or uncredited cameos before they found their breakout success or simply to have fun in a superhero film. These appearances often go unnoticed by casual fans who are focused on the main heroes and villains driving the plot. Identifying these familiar faces adds an extra layer of enjoyment to rewatching these massive blockbusters.

Jenna Ortega

Before she became a household name with major television roles Jenna Ortega had a brief appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She played the Vice President’s daughter in the film ‘Iron Man 3’ during the climax. Her character had a disability and lost a leg which served as the motivation for her father to ally with the villainous Aldrich Killian. This small role marked one of her earliest credits in a major blockbuster production before she achieved global stardom.

Ty Burrell

Most audiences associate Ty Burrell with his comedic television roles but he played a supporting character in ‘The Incredible Hulk’. He portrayed Leonard Samson who is a psychiatrist dating Betty Ross at the beginning of the film. The character appears briefly and attempts to protect Betty when Bruce Banner transforms. While Doc Samson is a superpowered hero in the comics Burrell played him simply as a concerned human partner without abilities.

Natalie Dormer

Natalie Dormer appeared in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ before she gained widespread fame for her fantasy television roles. She played Private Lorraine who attempts to seduce Steve Rogers after he rescues the 107th Infantry Regiment. Her character shares a brief kiss with Captain America just before Peggy Carter interrupts the moment. This interaction serves to highlight the romantic tension between Steve and Peggy during the war.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon made a surprise uncredited cameo in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ during a theatrical play sequence on Asgard. He portrayed an Asgardian actor playing the role of Loki in a dramatized retelling of the events from the previous film. This scene serves as a comedic moment to show how Loki honored his own fake sacrifice while disguised as Odin. Damon later reprised this specific role in the sequel ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ to continue the running gag.

Miley Cyrus

Pop superstar Miley Cyrus lent her voice to a character in the post-credits scene of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’. She voiced Mainframe who is an artificial intelligence head found within the Ravager team led by Stakar Ogord. The director confirmed her involvement after fans noticed her distinct voice among the gathered Ravager captains. This cameo hints at the existence of the original Guardians of the Galaxy team from the comic books.

Trevor Noah

Comedian and host Trevor Noah had a voice role in ‘Black Panther’ that many viewers missed during their first watch. He provided the voice for Griot which is the artificial intelligence system used by Everett Ross to pilot the Royal Talon Fighter. The character guides Ross during the climatic battle sequence against the Vibranium ships. Noah used his natural accent for the role to fit the Wakandan setting seamlessly.

Kate Mara

Kate Mara appeared very briefly in ‘Iron Man 2’ as a U.S. Marshal waiting for Tony Stark. Her character serves Stark a subpoena to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding his armor technology. The interaction takes place outside the Stark Expo and lasts only a few seconds before she walks away. This role occurred several years before she played a major character in the separate ‘Fantastic Four’ film franchise.

Richard Armitage

British actor Richard Armitage played the Hydra assassin Heinz Kruger in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’. His character is responsible for killing Dr. Abraham Erskine immediately after Steve Rogers receives the super-soldier serum. Kruger leads Rogers on a high-speed chase through the streets of Brooklyn before taking a cyanide capsule. The role showcased his action capabilities shortly before he led the dwarves in a major fantasy trilogy.

Peter Billingsley

Peter Billingsley is best known for his childhood role in a classic holiday movie but he also produced ‘Iron Man’ and appeared in it. He played William Ginter Riva who is a scientist working for Obadiah Stane to recreate the arc reactor technology. His character struggles to meet the demands of Stane regarding the miniaturization of the device. Billingsley later reprised this role in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ as a disgruntled former Stark employee.

Kenneth Choi

Kenneth Choi holds the distinction of playing two related characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline. He first appeared as Jim Morita who was a member of the Howling Commandos fighting alongside Captain America in World War II. He later returned in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ to play Principal Morita who is the grandson of his original character. Photos of the grandfather appear in the principal’s office to establish the familial connection between the two men.

Tell us which of these cameos surprised you the most in the comments.