There’s something exciting about watching a superhero film, with its action-packed thrills and favorite heroes and villains battling it out. But have you ever gone back to watch those films and stumbled upon your favorite stars of today in cameo or bit parts? We’re about to jump backwards in time and discuss the shocking “before they were stars” moments of Hollywood’s biggest names popping up in your favorite superhero blockbusters.
From appearing in the crowd to finding themselves in danger’s way, these A-list appearances have become fantastic Easter eggs that make these films worthy of rewatches. Now, they may have blown up since their cameos, becoming superheroes in the industry today, but we must honor their humble beginnings.
10
Elizabeth Banks
‘Spider-Man’ (2002)
In 2002, audiences finally had their chance to see their favorite friendly neighborhood webslinger live on screen. Directed by Sam Raimi, Spider-Man brought the origin story to life as teenager Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) gains superhuman powers after being bitten by a genetically engineered spider. Adopting the titular title, he goes on a spree to fight crime in New York City as he faces off against the malevolent Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe). Of course, being an origin story, we also got to see other integral characters on screen, including Rosemary Harris as Aunt Mae, J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jamison, and Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson. But there’s one actress who was originally meant to play MJ but was cast in a different role: Elizabeth Banks.
Despite being only a year older than Maguire, she was told she was too old to play the teenage romantic lead. Instead, Banks was cast as Betty Brant, an employee at the Daily Bugle, specifically, Jamison’s secretary, often seen passing notes to the volatile editor. Unlike in the comics, Betty tried to start an office romance with Parker, giving the role a bit more bite. Fortunately, playing Betty wasn’t a one-off opportunity, as Banks reprised her part in Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3. Banks is now no stranger to other major franchises, including The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect.
9
Jenna Coleman
‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011)
When it comes to the MCU, there are so many beloved characters, but very few are as charming as the first Avenger, Steve Rogers, lovingly known as Captain America. In Captain America: The First Avenger, Chris Evans takes on the titular role as audiences watch his incredible origin story. A big, flashy blockbuster, the MCU classic was filled with an all-star cast, including Tommy Lee Jones, Dominic Cooper, and Neal McDonough, among others. Plus, there were some now-famous faces before they were big. One was the beloved Doctor Who companion Clara Oswald herself, Jenna Coleman.
In her film debut, Coleman played Connie, Bucky Barnes’ (Sebastian Stan) date at the World Expo. The scene occurs before Steve’s superhero transformation, so Connie brings along a friend for scrawny Steve. Sadly for him, she rebukes his gentle advances. Though Coleman is relegated to a few quick words and her signature smile, her appearance showcased her on-screen charisma, which ultimately helped her land her career-changing role on Doctor Who.
8
Natalie Dormer
‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011)
The young Doctor Who starlet wasn’t the only young actress from a major fantasy franchise to appear in Captain America: The First Avenger. Before she starred as Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones, Natalie Dormer was attempting to seduce Captain America. In the MCU film, Dormer plays Private Lorraine. Best known for the infamous smooch that became Steve’s first kiss, her charm wasn’t enough, as Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) firmly put a stop to Lorraine’s romantic advances.
For an MCU film, it was quite a steamy scene, with Dormer turning up the sex appeal once she locks eyes with Steve. Though it was her only appearance in the franchise, Dormer had some thoughts about her character’s fate. “I’m sure she found an even keel and became a very responsible, hardworking member of society,” Dormer told ComicBook. “That character, yeah, that was just, you know, that was just fun. That’s one of those gigs when you just go, ‘You want me to do what? Oh, yeah. Sure. Okay. I just come in for a day’s work and yeah, all right.’” Not a bad gig smooching up on Cap!
7
Jack Gleason
‘Batman Begins’ (2005)
The young actor Jack Gleeson found himself in the first film of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy,‘Batman Begins’. This reboot tells Bruce Wayne’s origin story (CChristian Bale), from his parents’ death to his journey to become Batman. In his path he must stop Ra’s al Ghul (Liam Neeson)) and Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy)) from plunging Gotham City into chaos.
The young Gleeson portrayed a young admirer of the Cape Crusader. Toward the end of the film Batman rescues Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes)) and this young blonde boy. This was not Gleeson’s first time working with Bale — they also appeared together in ‘Reign of Fire’. Perhaps it was their time together on this post-apocalyptic film that helped land Gleeson this part.
6
Doug Jones
‘Batman Returns’ (1992)
Studios
The iconic character actor Doug Jones made an appearance in Tim Burton’s ‘Batman Returns’. This second film follows Batman (Michael Keaton)) confronting corrupt businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken)) and deformed crime boss Penguin (Danny DeVito)). Their schemes are complicated by Shreck’s former secretary Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer)) seeking revenge against him as Catwoman.
The character Jones plays is Thin Clown — a member of Penguin’s Red Triangle gang. With his line “Great speech Oswald”, after Penguin’s mayoral bid falls apart Jones praised his time spent on set thanks to working alongside DeVito. Speaking at Tampa Bay Comic Convention he shared anecdotes from filming “He was fantastic… that whole suit was heavy and cumbersome for him too.”
5
Glen Powell
‘T he Dark Knight Rises'(2012)
Studios
The Dark Knight Rises is set eight years after events of previous films where retired Bruce Wayne is forced back into action by terrorist Bane (Tom Hardy)). Glen Powell makes an appearance as stock exchange trader who gets knocked out by Bane — not a bad gig for featured extra! During Vanity Fair interview Powell discussed working with Nolan saying “I was getting to work with greatest director on planet Christopher Nolan.” He added “when Christopher Nolan casts you it’s validation that’s hard to explain.”
4
Jenna Ortega
‘Iron Man 3′(2013)
The next generation Hollywood star Jenna Ortega appeared briefly in Iron Man Three where she played Vice President’s daughter alongside Miguel Ferrer who played Vice President.
Although originally meant to have lines they were ultimately cut leaving her uncredited for brief appearance.
This experience led Ortega to declare her time with MCU complete stating “It was one of first jobs I ever did… I take up frame… I’m vice president’s daughter.” She added “They even took my name away… I count that then I move on.”
3
Troye Sivan
‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine'(2009)
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