The year 2008 marks the beginning of one of the biggest movie franchises in film history: theMarvel Cinematic Universe. Of course, comic book superhero movies were around, like theBladetrilogy starring Wesley Snipes, the ensembleX-Menmovies, perhaps most popularly, Sam Raimi’sSpider-Manfranchise. That being said, even thebest superhero moviesweren’t the sole dominating box office draw they are today.
WhenIron Manwas released in 2008, it was more or a less a gamble. Nobody had expected one film to kick-start a billion-dollar franchise that now boasts dozens of interconnected films and Disney+ series across multiple franchises. Because of the MCU’s fame and fortune, actors who get cast in leading superhero roles naturally see their careers jump to new heights, gaining worldwide recognition. Of course, prior to joining the mega-franchise, MCU actors are, after all, still actors, trying to make the best careers for themselves. This often involves taking on smaller roles in hit films before becoming famous. Indeed, here’s a look at eight notable movies that starred MCU actors before they were superheroes.
8Home Alone 3 — Scarlett Johansson
AlthoughHome Alone 3wasn’t met with as critical a success as its predecessors, it still did pretty well upon its release. Its mixed reception was likely the result of the absence of Kevin McAllister,played by Macaulay Culkin, in favor of Alex Pruitt (played by Alex D. Linz), as well as the change in directors, from Chris Columbus to Raja Gosnell. Nonetheless,Home Alone 3featured a youngScarlett Johanssonas Molly, Alex’s sister. To prove just how long ago that was, the actress recently watched the film with her daughter to see if she recognized her (viaPeople).
Related:11 Actors Who Were Almost Cast in Major MCU Roles
721 Jump Street — Brie Larson
21 Jump Streetis an action buddy cop comedy starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as police officers Schmidt and Jenko, who are forced to relive their high school days when they’re assigned to an undercover mission as high school students to prevent the spread of a new drug. In a minor role, Captain Marvel herselfBrie Larsonplays Molly, who is one of the drug leader’s friends and Schmidt’s love interest. Although it was one of Larson’s breakthrough roles, she didn’t return for the sequel as the directors admitted they couldn’t find a place for the character in the story.
6Notorious — Anthony Mackie
Following the life and murder of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. / Biggie Smalls,Notoriousis a biographical drama that stars Jamal Woolard as Wallace, Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, and, yes, our new Captain America,Anthony Mackie, as Tupac Shakur. Incidentally, Mackie tried to convince the producers to let him rap a little in the movie, but they wouldn’t budge (per MTV, viaThe Playlist). Nonetheless, it was a big honor for the MCU actor to land such an important role that early in his career.
5Star Trek — Chris Hemsworth
The 2009Star Trekmovie is the 11th in the franchise, and follows James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) aboard the USS Enterprise as they combat Nero. In his feature film debut,Chris Hemsworthplays James' father, who died aboard the USS Kelvin early on the film while battling the Romulans. He reprised the role very briefly and only in voice in the sequelStar Trek Into Darkness. Just two years afterStar Trek’s release, of course, Hemsworth made his MCU introduction inThor.
4Kill Your Darlings — Elizabeth Olsen
Directed by John Krokidas in his feature directorial debut,Kill Your Darlingsis a biographical drama film about the college days of some of the earliest writers of the Beat Generation, such as Lucien Carr and Allen Ginsberg. The movie garnered very positive reviews, mostly due to the excellent performances of Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan in the aforementioned roles. And, yes, evenElizabeth Olsenstars in the film as Edie Parker, wife (at the time) of Jack Kerouac. For Olsen, this film lies in the few years between graduating from NYU and joining the MCU as fan-favorite Wanda Maximoff.
Related:Should the MCU Have Ended After Endgame?
3Her — Chris Pratt
Having received five nominations at the 86th Academy Awards, it’s safe to say that the science-fiction romantic dramaHerwas a huge success. We’re well aware that the character of Theodore Twombly is played by Joaquin Phoenix and that the AI virtual assistant he falls in love with is voiced by Johansson. But, you might not have remembered thatChris Prattstars in the movie as well. He even proudlytweetedabout it back in 2013: “I’m in a movie with Joaquin Phoenix directed by Spike Jonze. It’s called #HER I have a supporting role. Last night I spelled Jonze wrong.” Around the time ofHer’s release, Pratt was predominantly known for his role onParks and Recreation, and had only played small roles in major films. The year after, however, would mark his debut as Star-Lord inGuardians of the Galaxy.
2The Secret World of Arrietty — Tom Holland
Animated by Studio Ghibli and written by Hayao Miyazaki himself,The Secret World ofArriettyis a fantasy film about a family of tiny people who secretly live in the walls of a typical household and steal human food for themselves to survive. It may come as a surprise, but for the English dubbing, we can hearTom Hollandin the role of Sho, alongside names such as Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong, and Amy Poehler. Many found out this information only after Holland became famous as the MCU’s Spider-Man, of course.
1Atonement — Benedict Cumberbatch
Based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Ian McEwan,Atonementis a romantic war drama film starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley in the leading roles. The plot spans over six decades, starting from the 1930s, and tells the love story between Robbie Turner (McAvoy) and Cecilia Tallis (Knightley).Benedict Cumberbatchstars in the movie as well, in the small but pivotal role of Paul Marshall, whose major crime in the 30s poses grave repercussions for everyone else. For Cumberbatch, this role came just a few years before his breakout turn inSherlock, which, in turn, came years beforeDcotor Strangein 2016.
