20 actors who got a career boost through superhero movies

Can a role truly change the career of an actor? Hollywood has a huge number of superhero movies and a huge fan following on the same as well. These movies are entertaining and have a huge cultural impact according to their viewers. Superhero movies are making it huge at the box office with their huge fan base. Actors from all around the world have catapulted their careers with their roles in superhero movies. In this, we are going to talk about 20 actors who got a career boost through superhero movies. Please note, this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

1) Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. began his career as a child actor with movies like Less Than Zero and Chaplin. However, his life took a turn when he fell victim to substance abuse causing his career a serious setback. With a multitude of legal troubles, Rober Downey Jr.’s career needed a serious breakthrough. Enter the Iron Man phenomenon. This superhero movie drastically changed Robert Doeney Jr.’s career giving him success and a new identity. Fans have said that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is incomplete without Downey as his input is incomparable.

2) Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth worked in Australian television during his early days. However, his career received a breakthrough after he bagged the role of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie was immensely successful and eventually made him one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. Chris Hemsworth transformed himself physically going through rigorous training needed to embody the role of Thor. Chris Hemsworth’s career trajectory drastically improved after his role as Thor as a result of which he received numerous projects in Hollywood.

3) Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot had a diverse career before becoming Wonder Woman. She won the 2004 Miss Israel after which she served for two years in the military of Israel. Her career changed after she received the role of Wonder Woman which had a huge success at the box office and gave her global recognition. Her performance was inspiring and powerful as said by the viewers. Her success in the movie opened doors for numerous other roles and solidified her position in Hollywood.

4) Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie acted in movies like The Hurt Locker, The Adjustment Bureau, and The 8 Mile where his performance was noteworthy. However, he became a global phenomenon after he got the role of Falcon in Captain America movies and the Avengers. He garnered a huge fanbase for his character as Falcon giving him a breakthrough in Hollywood. After his role as the Falcon Anthony Mackie received several other opportunities in Hollywood.

5) Sebastian Stan

Sebastian Stan played a small role in the movie 71 Fragments Of A Chronology of Chance along with Television series Gossip Girl. Sebastian Stan’s career received a breakthrough when he received the role of Bucky Barnes/ the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He played the role to perfection as said by the viewers as it is a complex character with troubles from his past. Marvel Cinematic Universe was the platform that changed Sebastian Stan’s career. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the role along with a huge fanbase.

6) Tom Holland

Tom Holland had a promising talent as a young actor in Billy Elliot's The Musical. He began acting at the age of nine. His early experience created a strong base for his acting career. When he received the role of Spider Man he proved his acting talent by bringing massive success to the movie. He amassed a huge fan base from the Spider-Man movie. His career got a breakthrough from this role and brought numerous opportunities to him.

7) John Cena

John Cena started his acting career alongside his WWE career. He appeared in action movies such as The Marine and 12 Rounds. These movies were mostly action-based and did not showcase his comedic range. His role as Peacemaker dramatically changed the trajectory of his acting career as it showcased his abilities as a refined actor. He portrayed the role with the required comedic timing, and dramatic range and connected with his audience on a larger scale. This movie solidified his position in Hollywood bringing him further opportunities.

8) Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix is known for his refined method acting skills. Before his role as Joker, he had played in movies such as Gladiator, Walk The Line, and Her. His performance as Joker changed his career's trajectory. His role as Joker brought critical acclaim and recognition from all around the world. He became a global superstar known for showcasing his versatility and ability to portray such a complex and disturbing character. He received the Academy Award along with the BAFTA award for Best Actor category for this movie.

9) Evangeline Lilly

Evangeline Lilly played in the movie Lost which was her breakout in Hollywood. She was known for her acting talent among her fans. However, her fame skyrocketed when she played the role of Hope van Dyne in the Ant-Man movie series of Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her acting received immense critical acclaim and further solidified her position in Hollywood as a refined actor bringing global status.

10) Keanu Reeves

Even after his initial success during his early career, he faced challenges in his personal life along with his career. John Wick acted as a new light to his career and his career a breakthrough. The movie cemented his status as an action star along with his talent in playing nuanced emotional roles. John Wick opened new doors of opportunities for Keanu Reeves along with a huge global fanbase.

11) Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston was a stage actor along with a television actor prior to his breakthrough as Loki. He played in movies like Midnight In Paris and War Horse which showcased his talent in acting accordion to the viewers. Hiddleston initially auditioned for the role of Thor which he did not receive. However, his talent was noticed by the filmmaker and he was given the role of Loki. He portrayed the role of the mischievous and charismatic Loki to perfection gaining international stardom. His performance received critical acclamation and gave him numerous other opportunities propelling his career in Hollywood.

12) Chris Pratt

The impact of the role of Star-Lord on Chris Pratt’s career is notable and transforming. Prior to his global stardom, he had played in Television series like Everwood and Parks And Recreation. Chris Pratt also acted in smaller roles in the movies Moneyball and Zero Dark Thirty. However, after his performance as Star-Lord, in Marvel Cinematic Universe Chris Pratt became an A-List celebrity in Hollywood. He received numerous opportunities. This role expanded his career giving him international stardom and making him one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.

13) Chris Evans

Chris Evans played in a few movies before his breakthrough as Captain America. He played in movies like Fantastic Four, and The Perfect Score and in dramas like Not Another Teen. When he received the role of Captain America his career catapulted completely. He became a global phenomenon receiving huge popularity and a loyal fanbase. He became the face of Marvel Cinematic Universe as said by the viewers. Marvel Cinematic Universe gave him a platform with led him to his status as one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.

14) Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista was primarily a wrestler before gaining his A-list celebrity status after his role as Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, The Guardians Of The Galaxy. The movie brought widespread recognition to Dave Bautista and solidified his position in Hollywood. He received numerous opportunities after his successful role as Drax. His performance received critical acclaim and proved his acting skills globally.

15) Henry Cavil

Before his monumental success in Hollywood as Superman, Henry Cavill began his acting career in roles for movies like The Court Of Monte Cristo and I Capture The Castle. These movies built a foundation for his acting career. His career went through a dramatic change after he bagged the role of Superman in the movie Man Of Steel. He became a global superstar and became a household name. His performance proved at the box office with its huge success and received a huge fandom. Superman launched Henry Cavill’s career giving him a boost in Hollywood and cementing his position.

16) Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton had his career start with television and stand-up comedy. He was known for his comedic roles which gave him recognition. However, his career received a breakthrough after his role as Batman. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman was groundbreaking as it received both critical and commercial acclaim. Michael Keaton’s Batman became a global phenomenon influencing superhero movies.

17) Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman started his early career in stage and television. His breakthrough performance in Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe gave him global recognition. His role as Black Panther cemented his position in Hollywood. He was the first black superhero in a Hollywood franchise. He resonated with millions of his fans for his acting and cultural impact. However, Boseman tragically passed away in 2020. His impact on Hollywood remains profound and noteworthy.

18) Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman started his acting career at a young age. Before becoming one of the most famous actors, Hugh Jackman acted in the Australian series Corelli. When he landed the role of Wolverine Hugh Jackman's career changed drastically. He received immense critical and commercial success from the movies. His role as Wolverine solidified his position in Hollywood. He gained a huge fan base. He received numerous opportunities after his role as Wolverine. Hugh Jackman has a global influence now for his talent and philanthropic endeavors.

19) Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart’s performance as Professor Charles Stewart in the X-Men film series is one of his most famous works of all time according to the viewers. The requirement of depth and gravitas in the role was perfectly depicted by Patrick Stewart. His performance has received a massive box office response. Patrick Stewart received immense critical acclaim for his role as Professor Charles Stewart. This role further solidified his position in Hollywood and expanded his global recognition. He became one of the most respected and influential actors of his generation.

20) Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve is an American actor who started his career working in theatre. After he received the role of Superman he received instant stardom. The Superman Franchise movies were box office hits and catapulted his career completely. After his role as Superman, he received numerous opportunities. Christopher Reeve’s Superman is a significant milestone in cinematic history and remains iconic even now.