Marvel Actors Crossing Over to DC: Seven Stars Joining James Gunn’s Superman

James Gunn’s move to the DC Universe (DCU) alongside Peter Safran has sparked a wave of crossover talent between Marvel and DC films, with several actors who once appeared in Marvel projects now making their way to DC’s highly anticipated Superman movie. The Superman reboot, which is set to be the first major film under Gunn and Safran’s vision for the DCU, features at least seven actors who have had notable roles in Marvel movies, showcasing an expanding trend of actors working in both superhero universes.

Marvel to DC: The Actors Crossing Over in Superman

Isabela Merced – Hawkgirl (DC) / Anya Corazon (Marvel)
Isabela Merced, known for her role as Anya Corazon in Madame Web (2024), is set to play Kendra Saunders, aka Hawkgirl, in Superman. Though Madame Web underperformed, Merced’s superhero journey continues as she steps into the DC world with her portrayal of one of DC’s most iconic heroines.

Nathan Fillion – Guy Gardner (DC) / Master Karja & Prisoner (Marvel)
Nathan Fillion, who appeared in both Guardians of the Galaxy films as minor characters, will take on a more prominent role in Superman as the Green Lantern, Guy Gardner. Fillion’s comedic touch will breathe life into this quirky, brash superhero.

Edi Gathegi – Mister Terrific (DC) / Darwin (Marvel)
Edi Gathegi, who played Darwin in X-Men: First Class, a mutant known for his adaptability, will bring Mister Terrific to the screen in Superman. This version of Michael Holt will likely showcase his intellect and T-Spheres in Gunn’s vision for the character.

Nicholas Hoult – Lex Luthor (DC) / Beast (Marvel)
Nicholas Hoult, famously known as Beast in Fox’s X-Men films, transitions from mutant hero to villain, taking on the role of Superman’s iconic nemesis, Lex Luthor. Hoult’s complex portrayal of Hank McCoy will likely influence his take on Luthor’s genius and manipulation.

Mikaela Hoover – Cat Grant (DC) / Floor & Nova Prime’s Assistant (Marvel)
Hoover, who voiced Floor in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, will play Cat Grant, a reporter for the Daily Planet, in Superman. Her character is expected to bring depth to the journalistic side of Clark Kent’s world.

Sean Gunn – Maxwell Lord (DC) / Kraglin (Marvel)
Sean Gunn, a frequent collaborator of his brother, James Gunn, portrayed Kraglin in the Guardians of the Galaxy series and now steps into the DCU as Maxwell Lord, a ruthless businessman with mind-control abilities.

Frank Grillo – Rick Flag Sr. (DC) / Crossbones (Marvel)
Frank Grillo, who played Crossbones in Captain America and Avengers films, takes on the role of Rick Flag Sr. in Superman, continuing his legacy as a hardened leader, this time in both live-action and animation.

Actors like Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen in Superman) and Alan Tudyk (Doctor Phosphorus in Creature Commandos) have also straddled both universes, with smaller roles in Marvel projects like The Amazing Spider-Man and Big Hero 6.

With the Superman reboot set to release on July 11, 2025, and the talent roster crossing both Marvel and DC, fans can expect a dynamic blend of familiar faces in new, exciting roles.