Besides creating an extremely vibrant and energetic cinematic universe, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) excels in casting great performers for each character. These actors are not only great at what they do, but they also have talents that go beyond the job descriptions. Though most are known for their film credits, several MCU cast members have also featured on stage in gripping dramas, soaring comedies, and other productions.
RELATED:The 10 Most Rewatchable MCU Movies, Ranked
Which Marvel stars have received Tony nominations? What are some of their upcoming theatrical projects? This article will answer.
Mark Ruffalo — Bruce Banner/Hulk
In the MCU,Mark Ruffaloplays Bruce Banner, a renowned scientist and founding member of the Avengers. During one experiment, he was exposed to lethal levels of gamma radiation, culminating in Hulk’s birth, a massive, rage-fueled, primitive-minded beast.
RELATED:The 9 Best Mark Ruffalo Movies Ranked From ‘The Brothers Bloom’ to ‘You Can Count On Me’
Ruffalo is also a familiar and active face on Broadway since 1996 and has appeared in a number of famous and critically acclaimed productions, such asKenneth Lonergan’sThis Is Our Youth,where he received a Theater World Award for his performance as Warren Straub. Since then, he has appeared in a number of productions, includingGriller, which was performed at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago,The Moment When,Awake and Sing!,The Price, and most recently,The Destiny of Mefrom 2018.
Chris Evans — Captain America
In the MCU,Chris Evansportrays Captain America, who is the alter ego of Steve Rogers, a frail young artist who, after enlisting in the military to support the American government’s efforts in World War II, is transformed into the pinnacle of human perfection by an experimental “super-soldier serum.”
Evans made his Broadway debut in the 2018 revival of Kenneth Lonergan’s playLobby Hero, for which he was nominated for a Drama League Award. However, before that, Evans also boasts a theater credit from a 2017 benefit reading production of 1938’sOur Town, appearing alongside his Marvel co-starsScarlett JohanssonandRobert Downey Jr.
Scarlett Johansson — Black Widow
Scarlett Johansson portrays Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in the MCU. She is one of the world’s best spies and assassins and a founding member of the Avengers. She was raised in the Red Room by General Dreykov (Ray Winstone) and was eventually recruited by Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) to join S.H.I.E.L.D.
RELATED:Scarlett Johansson on the Sexualization of Natasha Romanoff and Why It Took 10 Years to Make ‘Black Widow’
Johansson made her stage debut at a young age in the off-Broadway production ofSophistrywithEthan Hawke, where she had two lines. Johansson later made her official Broadway debut in a revival ofA View from the Bridge, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in 2010. Then in 2013, Johansson returned to Broadway with a revival production ofCat on a Hot Tin Roof, which received mixed feedback from both the audiences and critics.
Paul Bettany — Vision
In the MCU,Paul BettanyportraysVision, a vibranium-synthezoid constructed by Ultron (James Spader) and given life by the potent artifact known as the Mind Stone. The stone is the source of most of his abilities, including flight, matter phasing, and energy-based beam assaults.
Bettany made his stage debut under the direction ofStephen Daldryin the revival ofAn Inspector Calls. He also tried his hand at Shakespeare, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company inRichard III,Romeo and Juliet, andJulius Caesar. Moreover, he will star as Andy Warhol in his Broadway debut,The Collaboration,in London this fall of 2022.
Benedict Cumberbatch — Doctor Strange
In the MCU,Benedict Cumberbatchportrays Doctor Stephen Strange, a Master of the Mystic Arts who was once a brilliant but conceited neurosurgeon until being involved in a car accident that left his hands paralyzed. He was trained in the mysteries of magic and the Multiverse by the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), and he took over in her place after her passing.
RELATED:Overlooked Mistakes that MCU Heroes Have Made
Prior to his achievements in television and film, Cumberbatch made his West End debut inHedda Gablerin 2005. Along withJohnny Lee Miller, he starred inFrankensteinat the National Theatre, with Miller as the doctor and him as the creature. In 2015, he also appeared inHamleton Broadway.
Don Cheadle — War Machine
Don Cheadleportrays Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes/War Machine, a United States Air Force member and the military’s liaison with Stark Industries in the Department of Acquisitions. He is also Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) best friend.
Before his career in the film industry, Cheadle appeared in an off-Broadway production ofCymbelinein 1989, and his most recent stage appearance was inSuzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning dramaTopdog/Underdogin 2001.
Elizabeth Olsen — Scarlet Witch
Elizabeth Olsenportrays Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, a native of Skolavia with the latent capacity to wield Chaos Magic. Wanda initially opposes the Avengers, but she later joins them and develops into one of their most potent members.
RELATED:8 Essential Elizabeth Olsen Performances to Watch
Olsen made her stage debut when she was given understudy roles in the 2008 off-Broadway production ofDustand later in 2009, in a Broadway play ofImpressionism. Her most recent appearance in New York was inRomeo and Julietat Classic Stage Company in 2013, where she played one of Shakespeare’s most well-known heroines.
Anthony Mackie — Falcon
Anthony Mackieplays Sam Wilson/Falcon in the MCU, a United States Air Force Pararescueman veteran who uses an articulated jet pack to fly. He is also a close friend and ally of Steve Rogers.
RELATED:‘Captain America 4’: Anthony Mackie Closes Deal to Wield the Shield
Aside from movies, Mackie has been in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions ofMa Rainey’s Black Bottom,Drowning Crow,McReele,A Soldier’s Play,andCarl Hancock Rux’sTalk, for which he received an Obie Award in 2002. His latest Broadway appearance was in 2010’sMartin McDonagh’sA Behanding in Spokane.
Paul Rudd — Ant-Man
Paul Ruddplays Scott Lang/Ant-Manin the MCU, a former felon who was having trouble paying child support. With the promise of money, he was persuaded by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to become Ant-Man, a superhero with a cutting-edge suit that can reduce its wearer to a tiny size while boosting one’s tenacity, agility, and physical power.
Rudd last appeared onstage in the playGracein 2012, costarring withMichael Shannon,Kate Arrington, andEd Asner. Before that, he appeared in the 2006 playThree Days of RainalongsideJulia Robertsand his MCU co-star,Bradley Cooper.
Bradley Cooper - Rocket Raccoon
Bradley Cooper portraysRocket Raccoon, a genetically engineered creature and member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. He is an intelligent, anthropomorphic raccoon who is a master tactician, expert marksman, and weapon specialist.
Cooper made his Broadway debut in the playThree Days of Rainin 2006, sharing the stage with Julia Roberts and Paul Rudd. In 2014, he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance as Joseph Merrick in a Broadway version ofThe Elephant Man.
