Let’s face it-if you love blockbuster movies, you’ve probably started to notice the familiar faces popping up across both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Star Wars galaxy. Thanks to Disney owning both franchises, actors now bounce between superhero suits and space battles like it’s part of some massive Hollywood crossover event. So, which stars have made the biggest splash in both worlds? Here’s a countdown of the top 10 names who have mastered the art of franchise-hopping.
10. Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani entered the Marvel universe with Eternals as Kingo, adding humor, appeal, and an honest-to-goodness Bollywood twist to the otherwise divisive movie. His jump to Star Wars arrived with Obi-Wan Kenobi in the form of Haja Estree, a smooth-talking scammer faking his way through as a Jedi. Sure, he was lying about the Force, but his wit and humility made him a standout nonetheless. The roles in both franchises further establish that Nanjiani can blend comedy with heart, sans superpowers.
9. Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker brings a level of intensity to his characters that instantly elevates any scene he’s in. In the MCU, he portrayed Zuri, the spiritual guide and trusted elder in Black Panther. Over in Rogue One, he embodied Saw Gerrera, the hardened rebel extremist whose tactics influenced the early Rebellion. Whether he’s in Wakanda or on the forest moon of Jedha, Whitaker’s gravitas commands attention.
8. Felicity Jones
Felicity Jones dipped into Marvel territory as Felicia Hardy in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, teasing the Black Cat persona that comic fans are so aware of. However, it wasn’t until Rogue One that her career really launched, in which she played the strong Jyn Erso, a leader of fearlessness who secured the plans of the Death Star. For many, Jyn remains one of the most compelling characters in the Star Wars franchise, and Jones’ portrayal is a huge reason why.
7. Andy Serkis
Andy Serkis is about as close to royalty when it comes to performance capture, but he’s equally magnetic in live-action roles. At Marvel, he played Ulysses Klaue, the wild and unpredictable arms dealer who pops up in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Black Panther. Star Wars fans know him as Supreme Leader Snoke, the shadowy villain behind the First Order. And of course, his unforgettable turn as Kino Loy in Andor delivered one of the most iconic lines of the series: “One Way Out!” The versatility of Serkis is unmatched.
6. Paul Bettany
Paul Bettany’s road through the MCU is the stuff of legend: from being the voice of the disembodied JARVIS in Iron Man to taking form as Vision, one of the universe’s most heartfelt and philosophic heroes. Meanwhile, in Solo: A Star Wars Story, he played to type as Dryden Vos, a crimelord of chilling politeness. The way Bettany moves so seamlessly from compassionate synthezoid to ruthless villain shows just how well he can adapt.
5. Donald Glover
The coolness of Donald Glover is universal. He entered MCU as Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Homecoming, a nod to his connection with the future Spider-Man, Miles Morales. In Solo, he became a younger version of Lando Calrissian, effortlessly channeling the swagger and charisma that mmakeLando a fan favorite. Whether he’s playing an understated criminal or a flamboyant gambler, Glover shines.
4. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman has left her mark on both series in roles for which fans are still singing praises. She portrayed a strong and compassionate leader as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequels, helping to shape the galaxy despite the tragic fate that befell her character. In the MCU, she returned with Thor: Love and Thunder, taking up the mantle of the Mighty Thor and wielding Mjolnir herself. Portman’s range-from a regal queen to a cosmic hero-is nothing short of epic.
3. Oscar Isaac
Oscar Isaac is a powerhouse in both universes. As Poe Dameron, he became one of the central heroes of the Star Wars sequel trilogy: an ace pilot with a heart of gold and a rebellious streak. In the MCU, he took on the incredibly complex role of Marc Spector-and his many identities, Moon Knight, showing off his dramatic depth. Let’s not forget he also had a turn as Apocalypse in X-Men: Apocalypse. Isaac’s shape-shifting between personalities, genres, and franchises cements him as one of the most versatile actors today.
2. Ming-Na Wen
There’s barely a corner of Disney’s empire that Ming-Na Wen hasn’t conquered. She voiced the legendary warrior Mulan, kicked major butt as Agent Melinda May on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and brought lethal precision to her role as Fennec Shand in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Bad Batch. Few actors boast a résumé as impressive, or as adored, across such disparate worlds. Wen is an action icon.
1. Samuel L. Jackson
Let’s be real-you knew he was going to be the number one pick. Samuel L. Jackson is the connective tissue of the MCU as Nick Fury, the mastermind behind assembling the Avengers. But before he changed the superhero genre, he was Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequels, wielding an amethyst lightsaber that remains one of the coolest weapons in the saga. His signature attitude and presence make every character he plays instantly iconic. No one does crossover greatness like Jackson.
These actors are proof that the bridge between Marvel and Star Wars is not just corporate; it’s full of talent bringing life to both universes. Be it superheroes, space operas, or both, these performers show us that sometimes the galaxies aren’t that far apart after all.