Actors Who’ve Been in Harry Potter and Marvel or DC
There is a surprising overlap between the Wizarding World and the worlds of superheroes. Many performers who walked the halls of Hogwarts or turned up in Diagon Alley also found themselves wearing capes, cowl suits, or playing big screen villains in Marvel or DC projects. A lot of that crossover comes from the UK casting pool that both franchises draw from and the fact that major superhero films and shows have long used British studios and crews.
Below is a handy roundup of familiar faces who appeared in ‘Harry Potter’ or the wider Wizarding World and then showed up in Marvel or DC. For each name, you will find exactly where you saw them in J. K. Rowling’s universe, plus the superhero roles that put them in the pages of comic book history on screen.
Robert Pattinson
Before he suited up in Gotham, Robert Pattinson played Cedric Diggory in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. He appears as the Hufflepuff champion in the Triwizard Tournament and becomes a key figure in Harry’s fourth year story.
He later headlined DC’s ‘The Batman’ as Bruce Wayne, bringing the character to life in a grounded detective story set in a rain soaked Gotham City. The role expanded his genre footprint and connected him to a new generation of comic book fans.
Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman joined the Wizarding World as Sirius Black, first appearing in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’. The character returns in later films as Harry’s godfather and a member of the Order of the Phoenix.
Oldman also anchored DC’s modern Batman films as Commissioner James Gordon in ‘Batman Begins’, ‘The Dark Knight’, and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. His take on Gotham’s top cop became a central pillar of that trilogy’s crime focused storytelling.
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes entered the saga as Lord Voldemort, beginning with ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. He continued as the primary antagonist through the subsequent films, shaping the conflict that defines Harry’s journey.
He crossed into DC by voicing Alfred Pennyworth in ‘The Lego Batman Movie’. His performance supported a comedic yet affectionate version of Batman’s world that still referenced the character’s long history.
David Thewlis
David Thewlis joined the series as Professor Remus Lupin in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’. He returned in multiple films as a member of the Order of the Phoenix and as a teacher who guides Harry in defending against the dark arts.
In DC’s ‘Wonder Woman’ he portrayed Ares, the god of war who challenges Diana’s mission during the First World War setting. The role placed him at the heart of the film’s mythic conflict and final act showdown.
Ciarán Hinds
Ciarán Hinds appears as Aberforth Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’. He helps Harry and his friends in Hogsmeade and offers key information about the Elder Wand.
He went on to provide the performance and voice of Steppenwolf in ‘Justice League’ and later in ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’. The character leads the Parademon invasion and connects the story to the larger threat of Darkseid within DC’s lineup.
Rhys Ifans
Rhys Ifans plays Xenophilius Lovegood in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1’. He is the editor of The Quibbler and explains the Deathly Hallows symbol and legend to the trio.
He is widely known to Marvel fans as Dr. Curt Connors, also known as the Lizard, appearing in ‘The Amazing Spider Man’ and returning in ‘Spider Man No Way Home’. The character explores the dangers of experimental science and becomes a memorable foe for Peter Parker.
Toby Jones
Toby Jones provided the voice of Dobby the house elf in ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ and returned for ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’. His work brought an important loyal friend to life with warmth and humor.
He then showed up in Marvel as Dr. Arnim Zola in ‘Captain America The First Avenger’ and again in ‘Captain America The Winter Soldier’. The character’s Hydra research and digital survival add a chilling thread to Captain America’s modern era storylines.
David Tennant
David Tennant appears as Barty Crouch Jr. in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. His character’s deception ties directly to the Triwizard Tournament and the return of Voldemort.
He later terrified Marvel viewers as Kilgrave in ‘Jessica Jones’. The mind controlling villain tested Jessica’s limits and became one of the most unsettling antagonists in the Marvel television corner.
Tom Felton
Tom Felton played Draco Malfoy throughout the ‘Harry Potter’ films. He appears as Harry’s Slytherin rival and a key student figure whose family ties pull him into dangerous alliances.
He moved to DC television with ‘The Flash’ on The CW, appearing as Julian Albert in the third season. His character works with Barry Allen at the Central City Police Department and becomes entangled in the season’s metahuman mysteries.
Brendan Gleeson
Brendan Gleeson portrays Alastor Mad Eye Moody beginning with ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. He returns in later entries as a veteran Auror whose experience and paranoia are rooted in the series’ darkening times.
He later appeared in DC’s ‘Joker Folie à Deux’ in a supporting role. The film revisits Arthur Fleck’s world and expands the story around Arkham settings and the characters who cross his path.
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz joined the Wizarding World as Leta Lestrange in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films. Her character connects to the Lestrange family history and to Newt Scamander’s past.
She stepped into DC as Selina Kyle in ‘The Batman’. Earlier in her career she also appeared for Marvel as Angel Salvadore in ‘X Men First Class’, giving her a rare connection to both comic book giants on screen.
Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell appears as Percival Graves in ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’. The character holds a prominent position in MACUSA and drives the mystery that surrounds Credence.
He later transformed into Oswald Cobblepot in DC’s ‘The Batman’ and followed the role into the spin off series ‘The Penguin’. The portrayal explores Gotham’s criminal rise and the power struggles that follow.
Jude Law
Jude Law plays a younger Albus Dumbledore in ‘Fantastic Beasts The Crimes of Grindelwald’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts The Secrets of Dumbledore’. His version of the Hogwarts headmaster reveals earlier chapters of the character’s life and relationships.
He appears in Marvel as Yon Rogg in ‘Captain Marvel’. The character mentors Carol Danvers and connects Kree military politics to the film’s larger mystery.
Mads Mikkelsen
Mads Mikkelsen took over as Gellert Grindelwald in ‘Fantastic Beasts The Secrets of Dumbledore’. His performance continues the story of the dark wizard who opposes Dumbledore and seeks power over the wizarding world.
He previously played Kaecilius in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’. The character’s pursuit of forbidden magic puts him on a collision course with the Masters of the Mystic Arts and establishes Dormammu’s threat.
Ezra Miller
Ezra Miller appears as Credence Barebone, also known as Aurelius Dumbledore, across the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films. The role centers on a troubled Obscurial whose origins are tied to the saga’s central conflict.
They also starred as Barry Allen in DC projects that include ‘Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice’, ‘Justice League’, ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’, and ‘The Flash’. The character’s time bending abilities link multiple heroes and timelines within DC’s film universe.
Share your favorite crossover picks in the comments and tell us who we should add to the list next.
