We all know that most Marvel superheroes are attractive, but seeing these supervillains played by very popular actors is a shocker. These actors didn’t seem to mind hiding their good looks under the horrific masks of Marvel villains tho.
Sometimes they seemed to prefer it. It gave them a chance to play something completely different than their usual roles and allowed them to experiment with their acting skills. They did an excellent job at their role and wowed everyone with charisma; some of them were hiding in plain sight while we glorified their beauty, which curled up as a dark secret.
Check out these 18 celebrities who weren’t afraid to rock a terrifying mask for their role in Marvel movies.
1. Cate Blanchett – Hela
Cate Blanchett is one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood. She’s known for her ability to transform herself into any character. In addition to the great storyline and action sequences, one of the movie's highlights is Cate Blanchett’s makeup as Hela. She looks incredible in the role, and the makeover was so dramatic that nearly no one could tell she was using makeup.
2. Jeff Goldblum – Grandmaster
Jeff Goldblum is known for his roles in quirky, offbeat comedies. The actor had an incredible makeover and looks for the Grandmaster in Thor: Ragnarok. The transformation was incredible! He went from being a regular guy to a dapper grandmaster. Fans love the new look, and Goldblum seems to have a lot of fun with it.
3. Carrie Coon – Proxima Midnight
If you didn’t notice, actress Carrie Coon plays Proxima Midnight in the latest Avengers movie. Some may say that her portrayal of the villain is a bit underwhelming, but I believe she did an incredible job. She’s been transformed! She looks like a different person!
4. Djimon Hounsou – Korath
If you’re a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, then you know Djimon Hounsou’s character Korath. He’s a powerful member of the Kree race and is known for his fighting skills and brute strength. But you may not know that Hounsou is quite a different person in real life. Just check out these amazing before and after photos of him! It’s hard to believe they’re even the same person!
5. Tom Vaughan – Lawlor-Ebony Maw
Marvel has done an incredible job of transforming Tom Vaughan into the character Lawlor-Ebony Maw. Vaughan, who had a bit of a paunch before, is now rail-thin and sports a bald head and black contacts. He’s unrecognizable as the character he plays in the film “Infinity War.” Some say this transformation level is unnecessary, but I think it’s amazing. Vaughan truly looks like a powerful villain.
6. Christopher Eccleston – Malekith the Accursed
Christopher Eccleston is no stranger to playing villains. From his early days on UK TV, he has always seemed drawn to characters' dark side. But his role as Malekith the Accursed in Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World may just be his best yet. Eccleston completely transforms himself into the character, and it’s amazing how different he looks from when we first saw him in the movie trailer. With all the incredible costumes and makeup effects in Hollywood these days, it’s great to see that Marvel went with a more subtle approach to Eccleston’s character. In my opinion, it was the right choice.
7. Adewale Akinnuoye – Agbaje, Algrim the Strong
Agbaje’s incredible transformation is not only physically stunning but emotionally powerful as well. This shows that Marvel takes its casting decisions seriously and that no amount of CGI can fully compensate for a great actor.
8. Benedict Cumberbatch – Dormammu
Marvel has done it again! They have taken a lesser-known (perhaps even unknown to some) superhero and turned him into a household name. This time, they took on the daunting task of re-creating one of Doctor Strange’s most powerful enemies: Dormammu. And who did they get to play the role? None other than Benedict Cumberbatch!
9. Mads Mikkelsen – Kaecilius
It’s incredible how Marvel pulled off the transformation of Mads Mikkelsen into Kaecilius. The character is almost unrecognizable from his days on “Hannibal.” It shows that Marvel has some top-notch visual effects artists who can completely transform an actor’s look.
10. Julian McMahon, Toby Kebbell-Doctor Doom
Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, is arguably one of Marvel’s greatest villains. He is the Fantastic Four’s worst foe. Julian McMahon plays him in the 2005 film. Toby Kebbell plays him in the 2015 Fantastic Four film. Both did an amazing job portraying the character.
11. Tim Roth – The Abomination
The Abomination is a villain who was once a member of the Soviet military but was transformed into a monster after exposure to gamma radiation. Roth certainly has the look for the role, with his scary bald head and muscular build.
12. Frank Grillo – Crossbones
Marvel sure knows how to take a character and make them into something incredible. Just look at what they did to Frank Grillo as Crossbones. In the comics, he’s a regular guy with a cool mask. But in the movies? He’s this badass super-villain that you can’t help but love. Sure, some changes are a bit dramatic, but they always work out for the best.
13. Jake Gyllenhaal-Mysterio
Looking at Jake Gyllenhaal in the Mysterio costume for the Spider-Man: Far From Home movie, it’s hard to believe that this is the same actor who starred in films like Brokeback Mountain and Nightcrawler. He’s undergone a total makeover for the role, and his transformation is incredible.
14. Ryan Reynolds – Juggernaut
Ryan Reynolds has been having a great year by releasing two big hits – “Deadpool” and “The Hitman’s Bodyguard.” Ryan Reynolds is known for his off-the-wall roles in comedies. But some of his work may surprise you. Reynolds debuted as the jacked and intense Juggernaut in his blockbuster film “Deadpool 2.” Seriously, this guy looks like he could take on a tank. And his performance as the villain is absolutely on point.
15. Hannah John-Kamen – Ghost
Hannah John-Kamen is one of the actresses in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that often goes unnoticed. You may not have even realized she was in Ant-Man and The Wasp. She portrays Ghost, a villainous character who can phase through walls. Despite being so beautiful, John-Kamen hides her beautiful face under a mask for the role.
16. Jeff Bridges – Iron Monger
Jeff Bridges is a man of many talents. He’s an Oscar-winning actor, a successful musician, and even has a winery. Bridges donned the metal suit for Marvel’s “Iron Man” and gave a stellar performance as the villainous Obadiah Stane. It was a perfect match since Bridges is not only an amazing actor but also looks great in metal.
17. Rebecca Romijn – Mystique
If you’re a fan of the X-Men movies, then you know all about Mystique – the blue-skinned shapeshifter by Rebecca Romijn. She’s stunningly beautiful, seems like a cool chick, and did an incredible job as Mystique.
18. Michael B. Jordan – Erik Killmonger
Michael B. Jordan has always been a good actor, but with his role as Erik Killmonger in Black Panther, he proved that he is one of the greats. Killmonger is one of the most complex villains in recent memory. He is a villain you can’t help but sympathize with, thanks to Michael B. Jordan’s phenomenal acting. With this role, Michael B. Jordan has solidified himself as one of the best actors.
Marvel’s villainous characters are often some of the most memorable, not just because they have superpowers. The actors who portray them also bring a lot to these iconic roles with their unique personalities and expressions that can’t be replicated by special effects alone.
Who is your favorite supervillain on the list? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out our other posts for more information on your favorite Marvel villains and superheroes.
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