For decades, Marvel has presented the world with amazing stories about heroes with supernatural powers fighting to save the world. Characters such as Iron Man, Spider-man, Wolverine and more, have all lived in our imagination at one point or another. With the emergence of Black Panther and Luke Cage in recent years, we have seen an increased presence of Black actors involved with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Last month, Xosha Roquemore joined the ensemble of Marvel’s Captain America: New World Order starring Anthony Mackie, and just a week later, The Bear co-star Ayo Edebiri was cast in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Thunderbolts, in an undisclosed role. According to Deadline, the new Captain America film will be released on May 24 of next year, with the latter premiering two months later. Both established, along with up-and-coming Black actors have been critical to the success for many of these MCU movies; a heavy contrast from what would have been said 20 or so years ago.
Prior to the superhero surge in the mid-to-late 2000s, Wesley Snipes executed a phenomenal portrayal of Blade in 1998, Mahershala Ali tapped to play the role of the daywalking vampire in an upcoming film. Now, there are several actors of color starring in their own MCU films or series – Mike Colter, the late Chadwick Boseman, Letitia Wright – the list goes on. With Jonathan Majors playing the villainous Kang the Conqueror in the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, it also shows that creatives of color can play more than one role if given the opportunity.
Earlier this year, Angela Bassett was nominated for an Academy Award, making her the first actress – male or female – to be nominated for an accolade of this caliber in the MCU. Not only are Black actors receiving more roles in Marvel movies, they’re excelling in their portrayals as well.
From Samuel L. Jackson to Teyonah Parris, here is the guide to Black actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
01
01
Chadwick Boseman
Boseman famously played T’Challa, King of Wakanda and the Black Panther in the Marvel Universe. After first being seen in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, the character of Black Panther starred in the global blockbuster of the same name two years later. The South Carolina-born actor then appeared in two more Marvel films – Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame – before his untimely passing in 2020.
SANTA MONICA, CA – MARCH 03: Actor Chadwick Boseman attends the 2018 Film Independent Spirit Awards on March 3, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
02
02
Teyonah Parris
The Juilliard-educated Teyonah Parris got her start in the MCU in 2021 on Wandavision as Monica Rambeau. She will make her big screen MCU debut later this year in The Marvels.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Teyonah Parris arrives at the Entertainment Weekly Comic-Con Celebration at Float at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/FilmMagic)
03
03
Dominique Thorne
Dominique Thorne plays Riri Williams in the MCU, first appearing in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and is scheduled to star in the Disney+ series Ironheart later this year.
Dominique Thorne at the world premiere of Marvel Studios Black Panther: Wakanda Forever held at the Dolby Theatre on October 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
04
04
Idris Elba
Elba plays Heimdall in the Thor franchise, and also had appearances in the last two Avengers films. He was recently featured in last year’s Thor: Love and Thunder.
Idris Elba, actor, following a Bloomberg Television interview on the opening day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. The annual Davos gathering of political leaders, top executives and celebrities runs from January 16 to 20. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images
05
05
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Abdul-Mateen II is no stranger to comic book franchises. He starred in HBO’s critically-acclaimed limited series Watchmen in 2019, and now he is portraying Manta in Aquaman. He can also be seen in the upcoming Marvel movie Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 05: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II attends as Universal Pictures Presents The Miami Special Screening Of Ambulance on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)
06
06
Anthony Mackie
Mackie was introduced to the Marvel Universe almost 10 years ago as Sam Wilson (Falcon) in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He later joins the Avengers and becomes a staple in the MCU, appearing in five subsequent films.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 10: Anthony Mackie poses at the IMDb Official Portrait Studio during D23 2022 at Anaheim Convention Center on September 10, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Corey Nickols/Getty Images for IMDb)
07
07
Lupita N’yongo
Lupita Nyong’o portrays Nakia in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther (2018) and the sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Lupita Nyong’o poses in the GreenSlate Greenroom At The 2022 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 28, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for GreenSlate)
08
08
Samuel L. Jackson
Iconic actor Samuel L. Jackson portrays Nick Fury, general of S.H.I.E.L.D. and leader of the Ultimates, a re-imagining of the Avengers. First seen in 2008’s Iron Man, Jackson then appeared in 12 more Marvel projects across film and television.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 09: Honoree Samuel L. Jackson attends the 2023 Theatre Communications Group Gala at Edison Ballroom on January 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
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09
09
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett plays Ramonda, queen of Wakanda in the Black Panther franchise. For her portrayal of African royalty, Bassett has accumulated several awards, including a Golden Globe win, along with Oscar, SAG, and BAFTA nominations for Best Supporting Actress.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Angela Bassett attends the 95th Annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton on February 13, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
10
10
Michael B. Jordan
Jordan had a breakout performance as Erik “Killmonger” Stevens in the first Black Panther film. Last year, he reprised his role as Killmonger in Wakanda Forever.
PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 13: Actor and Director Michael B. Jordan attends the “Creed III” photocall at Le Grand Rex on February 13, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)
11
11
Jonathan Majors
MCU newcomer Jonathan Majors portrays Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. He also will star in the upcoming Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Jonathan Majors attends Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” at Regency Village Theatre on February 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
12
12
Winston Duke
Winston Duke made his big screen debut in 2018’s Black Panther, stealing the show as the character Mbaku; one of Wakanda’s greatest warriors. He was also featured in Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 21: Winston Duke attends the Grand Reveal Weekend for Atlantis The Royal, Dubai’s new ultra-luxury hotel on January 21, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)
13
13
Letitia Wright
In 2018, Wright burst onto the scene as Shuri in Black Panther. After appearing in two Avengers films, she became the new Black Panther in Wakanda Forever.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 21: Letitia Wright attends the Grand Reveal Weekend for Atlantis The Royal, Dubai’s new ultra-luxury hotel on January 21, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)
14
14
Danai Gurira
Gurira plays Okoye, a Wakandan warrior and the former general of the Dora Milaje; and as of 2023, the character has appeared in four films: Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: Danai Gurira attends the PBS 2023 TCA Winter Press Tour at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 17, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
15
15
Mike Colter
Carl Lucas – portrayed by Mike Colter – former convict who was given superhuman strength and unbreakable skin, fights crime under the name Luke Cage. He was the focal point for two years in Netflix’s Luke Cage.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 10: Mike Colter attends the “Plane” New York Screening at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on January 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
16
16
Don Cheadle
Beginning with Iron Man 2, Cheadle played James Rhodes – otherwise known was War Machine. In the next decade, the award-winning actor reprised his role as Rhodes in six subsequent Marvel films – Iron Man 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel, and Avengers: Endgame.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 09: Don Cheadle attends Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona joins George Clooney for tour of Roybal film and television production magnet school at the Edward Roybal Learning Center on January 09, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet School)
17
17
Zoe Saldaña
Saldaña began her stint in the MCU as Gamora, the assassin forcibly adopted by Thanos in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. She also starred in the second installment of the GOTG series, along with Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 12: Zoe Saldana attends 20th Century Studio’s “Avatar 2: The Way of Water” U.S. Premiere at Dolby Theatre on December 12, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
18
18
Ayo Edebiri
Late last month, Ayo Edebiri was cast in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts, the story of the team consisting mostly of supervillains. Set for release on July 26, 2024, the role Edebiri will play in the film is still unclear.
US comedian Ayo Edebiri arrives for the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California on January 15, 2023. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
19
19
Xosha Roquemore
Rising star Xosha Roquemore recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She will appear in the upcoming Captain America: New World Order starring Anthony Mackie, who will reprise his role as Sam Wilson.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 28: Xosha Roquemore attends the Netflix Limited Series “Colin in Black and White” Premiere at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on October 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Netflix)