It may be difficult to believe now, but there was a time when it seemed impossible for a company like Marvel Comics to achieve this. Everything changed 25 years ago with the release of New Line Cinema’s Blade. Since then, the company has produced at least 68 feature films adapted from Marvel Comics, along with 21 internet TV series. They have introduced hundreds of characters and intense battles to enthusiastic fans, and today we explore some of the most iconic Marvel characters.
Clint Barton/Hawkeye
- Actor: Jeremy Renner
- Debut: Thor – 2011
Clint is no longer merely labeled as “Arrowman.” Following a brief role in the first Avengers film, he gained depth in Endgame, where he excelled as Hawkeye and received well-deserved screen time. Facing the challenges of an aging hero with hearing loss, we witness a vulnerable parent make the heart-wrenching choice to retire his bow and arrow while imparting his wisdom to the next generation.
Darkholm/Mystique
- Starring: Rebecca Romijn, Morgan Lily, Jennifer Lawrence
- Debut: X-Men – 2000
Mystique is a shape-shifting antagonist who harbors resentment toward a world that once rejected her. While this alone might qualify her for this list, her character became even more compelling in the 2011 prequel, X-Men: First Class, where Lawrence portrayed a younger Mystique. Her journey began to evolve into something more intricate and heroic, making her one of the most captivating characters in the Marvel Universe.
Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange
- Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch
- First appearance: Doctor Strange – 2016
In a fantasy film exploring parallel universes, mystical magic and peculiar spells have never been more visually appealing. Cumberbatch brings depth, arrogance, and character evolution to the Sorcerer Supreme across two films, distinguishing him from the traditional benevolent hero. Additionally, he makes the intricate hand movements during spellcasting look impressive.
Bruce Banner/Hulk
- Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Edward Norton
- First appearance: The Incredible Hulk – 2008
Bruce Banner and the Hulk represent a fusion of intellect and gamma-powered strength. Similar to Jekyll and Hyde, they possess the destructive capability to obliterate entire cities. While Norton originally portrayed the role, Ruffalo elevated it in The Avengers and subsequent films. Age of Ultron transformed him into a mindless chaos agent, Thor: Ragnarok showcased Ruffalo’s comedic prowess as the unfortunate Bruce, and Endgame introduced a more brooding character.
The Hulk has not starred in a solo film since 2008, but the anticipated appearance of his son Skaar could herald a new chapter for the Hulk’s paternal journey in the future.
Eric Brooks/The Blade
- Actor: Wesley Snipes
- Debut: Blade – 1998
The oldest Marvel movie character to date, preceding the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man, and the X-Men, is the half-human, half-vampire, daytime-walking Blade, who represented the potential future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Despite the multitude of superhero films that have been released since, it remains challenging to envision any Marvel character being as remarkable as Snipes on screen, even if the films featuring him sometimes fall short of showcasing his unique abilities.
It’s hard to imagine this now, but there was a time when this was not possible for a company
Marvel Comics. That all changed 25 years ago with the release of New Line Cinema’s Blade, and to date, the company has released no fewer than 68 feature films adapted from Marvel Comics, as well as 21 other internet TV series. They have introduced hundreds of characters and epic battles to ardent fans. Today, we take a look at the best and most iconic Marvel characters.
Clint Barton/Hawkeye
- Actor: Jeremy Renner
- Debut: Thor – 2011
Clint is no longer just “Arrowman,” and after a brief appearance in the first Avengers movie, he finally gets some character development in Endgame. He shines as Hawkeye, receiving well-deserved screen time. Faced with an aging hero suffering from hearing loss, we see a vulnerable parent make the difficult decision to hang up his bow and arrow, passing on his wisdom to the next generation.
Darkholm/Mystique
- Starring: Rebecca Romijn, Morgan Lily, Jennifer Lawrence
- Debut: X-Men – 2000
Mystique is a shape-shifting villain who’s angry at a world that initially refuses to accept her. This deep-seated conflict brings her to the forefront of the X-Men franchise. In the prequel X-Men: First Class, played by Jennifer Lawrence, we see a younger version of Mystique, and her path begins to evolve into something more complex and heroic, making her one of the most intriguing characters in the Marvel Universe.
Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange
- Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch
- First appearance: Doctor Strange – 2016
In a fantasy movie about parallel universes, arcane magic, and bizarre spells have never looked so good. Cumberbatch brings the Sorcerer Supreme to life with depth, arrogance, and personal growth, setting him apart from the classic benevolent hero. His remarkable ability to make undulating hand movements while casting spells look cool adds to the character’s allure.
Bruce Banner/Hulk
- Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Edward Norton
- First appearance: The Incredible Hulk – 2008
Bruce Banner and the Hulk represent a unique combination of brains and brawn, akin to Jekyll and Hyde with the power to destroy entire cities. While Edward Norton originated the role, Mark Ruffalo elevated it in The Avengers and beyond. Age of Ultron showcased the Hulk as a mindless chaos machine, while Thor: Ragnarok brought out Ruffalo’s comedic talents. Endgame introduced a different iteration of the character who prefers to brood rather than rampage.
Although the Hulk hasn’t had a solo movie since 2008, the upcoming appearance of his son Skaar hints at a new era of Hulk as a father.
Eric Brooks/The Blade
- Actor: Wesley Snipes
- Debut: Blade – 1998
Blade is the oldest Marvel movie character, having debuted before the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man, or the X-Men. As the half-human, half-vampire daytime-walker Blade, he revolutionized the superhero genre and proved that a darker, edgier character could conquer the box office. Despite the many superhero films that have come after, it’s hard to imagine any Marvel character matching the on-screen greatness that Snipes brought to Blade, even if the subsequent films may not have fully utilized his unique talents.
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