Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Having given one of the biggest franchises in Hollywood, Marvel Studios has managed to bag some of the biggest names from the Industry, some of whom are known for their extraordinary ability to transcend genres. Not only have they left a remarkable mark in the mainstream by starring in some of the biggest blockbusters of the industry, but they have also gained recognition specifically for their work via starring in several successful cult classic movies.The following exploration also discusses such actors who have not only excelled in big-budget movies and franchises but have also delighted the audience with the versatility of their talent extending beyond the world of superheroes.
Read More:Not One Piece, Another $88B Anime Franchise Has More Value Than Star Wars, Marvel & DC Combined
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaverhas recently been in conversation for starring in James Cameron’sAvatarfranchise. However, she is also well known among Marvel fans for starring in the miniseriesThe Defendersas Alexandra. And the 73-year-old actress is known in the industry for portraying one of the most significant female protagonists, Ellen Ripley, in theAlienfranchise in the history of Hollywood.
Considering that the film series was a blockbuster, the 1979 film and its sequel received a great box-office reception. However, the threequel in the series underperformed compared to its predecessors and received mixed reviews. Despite that fans still believe that theAlienfranchise is not only one of the best movie series of Weaver’s career but has also become a cult classic over the years with fans praising her performance. Apart from theAlienfranchise, she has also starred in multiple cult classics, includingGhostbusters,Copycat, and the 2005 period thrillerThe Village.
Bruce Campbell
Best known for starring in theEvil Deadfranchise,Bruce Campbelljoined theSpider-ManstarTobey Maguirefor a cameo in Sam Raimi’s 2002 film. The actor-director duo is known for their work in theEvil Deadfilm series. He has established himself as a prominent figure in cult horror filmmaking for starring in a number of such asManiac CopandBubba Ho Tep. The actor is loved by the fans of the genre and has been credited as a true lover of horror.
Hugo Weaving
Hugo Weavinghas gained recognition for playing the Marvel villain Johann Schmidt, aka Red Skull, in the MCU. The 63-year-old British actor has left a remarkable mark with his versatile acting skills and distinctive screen presence in the cult classic movies.
Apart from the MCU, he has also starred inThe MatrixandThe Lord Of The Ringsfilm series. His performance inThe Matrixsequel has received quite the praise despite the follow-up movies leaving fans a bit disappointed. Weaving’s 1994 filmThe Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,and the 2005 filmV for Vendetta is also considered to feature some of the best work of his career.
Nathan Fillion
Known for starring in several James Gunn movies, includingSlitherandSuper,Nathan Fillionrecently made his MCU debut in Gunn’s last Marvel film,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3as Master Karja. He is widely known for starring in major blockbusters such asSaving Private Ryan.However, the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated actor has gained quite the recognition for his performance in TV shows.
He has given incredible performances in shows likeCastle, A Girl And A Pizza Place, Buffy The Vampire Slayer,andFirefly. He also starred in a spin-off of the latter,Serenityas Captain Mal Reynolds. It is considered one of the most loved on-screen characters of the actor, for which he has also been listed among the most-loved geek TV actors in the world.
Read More:Marvel > DC Comics: 10 Marvel Characters that Did it First
Bill Paxton
Known for starring as John Garrett in Marvel’sAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,Bill Paxtonhas also become a notable name for starring in the classic cult hits. The actor has starred alongside Sigourney Weaver in the 1986 sequel of theAlienfranchise. He is also known to give remarkable performances in the box office and critically failed movies. Following his appearance in theAliensequel, he starred in Kathryn Bigelow’s cult classicNear Darkand continued starring in hits likeTrue Lies, Twister, Apollo 13,andTitanic.
Kurt Russell
Kurt Russellhas starred in several Hollywood blockbusters, including the 2017 Marvel filmGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.However, like other Hollywood stars on this list, the actor has had a knack for portraying the characters that leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Russel seems to have done the same with the 1982 filmThe Thing, starring him in the lead as R.J. MacReady. Although he has starred in several genres, he has given his best in sci-fi and action movies. Big Trouble In Little China, Tango & Cash, and Backdraft also feature some of his best work.
Patrick Stewart
Patrick Stewartis also known for starring in some of the biggest franchises. One of the franchises includesX-Men,in which he starred as Professor X and reprised the role in several films. He was last seen as Professor X in the 2022 Marvel filmDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.During his initial years in Hollywood, the actor starred in movies likeExcalibur, along with several sci-fi movies, includingLifeforceandDune, with the latter two having gained a cult following over the years.
Sir Ian McKellen
With a career spanning over six decades,Sir Ian McKellenhas portrayed a range of characters. He also starred alongside Patric Steward in theX-Menfranchise. While some of his on-screen characters have been a commercial hit, others have left a lasting impression on his audience. Some of the cult classic hits of theX-Menstar includeThe Keep, Apt Pupil, Stardust,andRichard III. His notable performance has brought the movies among his best cult classic movies and is loved by fans even years after its release.
Read More:“They’d pushed back on the contracts”: Stingy Marvel Broke Their Promise, Offered Keanu Reeves’ Matrix Co-Star Pennies for Avengers: Endgame
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3450
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
