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10 Two-Timing Actors Who Have Played Multiple Comic Book Characters

There are some actors that have decided that one comic book character just isn't enough.

By Matthew BaileyPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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The conversion of comics to film has exploded over the last decade, and we've had so many heroes and villains introduced that sometimes it's hard to keep it all straight. We've seen actors portray a comic book character, then a few years later have the franchise rebooted and a new actor as that same character. Yet there are some actors that have decided that one comic book character isn't enough and they've taken on multiple characters over the years, here are a few of them.

1. Ben Affleck (2)

(Daredevil / Batman)

Ben Affleck first hit the scene as Daredevil in the 2003 film, which was seen as a lackluster performance, but through that movie we were able to see his ability to portray a strong hero. Fast forward 13 years and we are set to watch Ben portray the legendary Dark Knight in Batman v Superman next year.

2. Chris Evans (4)

(Human Torch / Jensen / Lucas Lee / Captain America)

Chris Evans has bounced through several comic book characters over the years, starting with the Human Torch in the movie Fantastic Four from 2005 as well as the sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer in 2007. He followed that performance up with the character Jensen in The Losers in 2010, and Lucas Lee in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in the same year, only to find his titular role as Captain America starting in 2011 in the following films: Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, a cameo in Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron and he's set to reprise his role in the upcoming film Captain America: Civil War.

3. Ryan Reynolds (5)

(Hannibal King / Wade Wilson / Green Lantern / Nick / Deadpool)

Ryan Reynolds joined the legion of actors that have played multiple comic characters starting in 2004 with his portrayal of Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity. Five years later he joined Hugh Jackman in the 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine as Wade Wilson (which was very loosely based on the Deadpool character, but ultimately is why I listed him). Two years later Ryan signed on to play Hal Jordan in the Green Lantern movie. Ryan then portrayed Nick in R.I.P.D. based on the Dark Horse Comic 'Rest In Piece Department.' All of this has brought him full circle to reprising the role of Wade Wilson in the solo film Deadpool releasing next year which is set to follow his actual character better than the 2009 film.

4. Halle Berry (2)

(Storm / Catwoman)

Halle Berry joined the comic character film craze in 2000 when she portrayed Ororo Munroe in X-Men, as well as following that up with three more appearances in X-Men 2, X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: Days of Future Past. Between the X-Men films, Halle brought to life the character of Patience Phillips in her solo film, Catwoman.

5. Brandon Routh (3)

(Superman / Todd Ingram / Atom)

Brandon Routh started his list of comic characters as the iconic Superman in Superman Returns in 2006. Four years later, Brandon joined the cast of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World as Todd Ingram. Now, thanks to the TV shows Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow, he is portraying Ray Palmer, also known as The Atom.

6. James McAvoy (2)

(Professor X / Wesley)

James McAvoy joined the ranks of comic character-playing actors in 2008 when he became Wesley in Wanted. A few years later, James joined the rebooted X-Men franchise as Professor X in X-Men: First Class as well as following that up with two more appearances as the same character in X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse, which will release next year.

7. Jessica Alba (2)

(Nancy Callahan / Sue Storm)

Jessica Alba's first comic book role was as a stripper named Nancy Callahan in the 2005 film Sin City, and she would also reprise this role in 2014's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. Between these two movies, Jessica joined Chris Evans in The Fantastic Four in 2005, as well as its sequel in 2007.

8. Josh Brolin (4)

(Jonah Hex / Agent K / Thanos / Dwight)

Josh Brolin joined the trend a little later than other actors, but he has packed his collection by first starring as Jonah Hex in the 2010 film of the same name. Two years later he joined Will Smith in Men in Black 3 as he portrayed Agent K. Two years later, Josh joined Jessica Alba in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, portraying Dwight, as well as the same year joining Guardians of the Galaxy as the mad Titan Thanos.

9. Scarlett Johansson (2)

(Silken Floss / Black Widow)

Scarlett Johansson first portrayed the character Silken Floss in the 2008 movie, The Spirit. Two years later, Scarlett joined Robert Downey Jr. in what would be a defining role for her career. She portrayed Natasha Romanoff in Iron Man 2 and would eventually follow that role up with four more films: The Avengers, Captain America: Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron & Captain America: Civil War, which will release in 2016.

10. Idris Elba (3)

(Roque / Heimdall / Moreau)

Idris Elba first ventured into comic book films in 2010 when he joined Chris Evans in The Losers, playing the character Roque. Shortly thereafter, he joined Marvel and became Heimdall in the the 2011 film Thor, 2013 film Thor: Dark World and 2015 film Avengers: Age of Ultron. In 2011, Idris Elba also joined Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance to portray Moreau, an ally of Nicolas Cage's Ghost Rider character.

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About the Creator

Matthew Bailey

Husband. Father. Gamer. Cinema Lover. Mix it all together, and there I am. I love all things pop-culture and coffee; but coffee is the best.

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