Underrated Movies MCU Stars Made Before Joining

Jeremy Renner has grown as Hawkeye, first appearing in a cameo in the first installment.Thor.film and now his own show titledHawkeye.the talented actor appeared in other notable roles before joining the MCU. Renner's earliest role involved playing a rooftop sniper in the modern zombie sequel.28 Weeks Later.This film stands out as one of the most memorable and different performances the actor gave later in his career.

28 Weeks Later.This is the sequel to Danny Boyle's28 Days Later.This film shows a post-apocalyptic future. A zombie virus breaks out again after two siblings search for their mother. Horror fans regard this sequel higher than the first, giving a rare look at Renner in a horror film alongside Rose Byrne and Imogen Poots in early roles. Renner plays an exciting hero here, setting up future roles.

Tom Holland took over Spider-Man from Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, and he and Zendaya became a strong couple. Some fans do not know the young star was a child actor then. Holland played the main role inBilly Elliot the Musical.he performed in London before his feature film debut opposite Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor in the true-life disaster drama,The Impossible.

The Impossible.This film draws from the real-life experiences of María Belón and her family during the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. The movie is intense but rewarding. Holland performs powerfully as a young boy searching for his family while caring for his injured mother and another child they find.Watching The Impossible back in 2012 would likely make most viewers think Holland would become a major star later—and that makes sense.The Impossible released in 2012 would make most viewers think Holland would become a huge star later—and that makes sense.

Paul Rudd was a popular comedic actor before his Ant-Man role in the MCU. Some of his movies are less recognized.I Love You, Man.This movie was well-received when it first came out in 2009 but seems to be fading. It shows Rudd's natural talent, which led him to play Ant-Man.

I Love You, Man.The film tells the story of Peter, an engaged man who realizes he has no male friends for his wedding. After several 'man dates,' Peter meets the interesting Sydney (Jason Segel), and a true friendship begins.I Love You, Man.This movie deconstructs the romantic comedy, powered by the undeniable chemistry between Rudd and Segel.I Love You, Man.This film may not be one of Rudd's first roles, but you must see it if you have missed it.

Chris Pratt might now be an action star, known for his six-pack and starring as Star-Lord in the MCU. He began as a comedic actor, playing lazy, out-of-shape characters similar to Seth Rogen. This career shift took time; the 2011 sports drama influenced this change.MoneyballMoneyball was a middle ground between new and old Chris Pratt.

MoneyballBrad Pitt stars as Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane in Moneyball. The film shows how Beane uses computer-generated analysis to sign new players. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill gained buzz for their acting, but Pratt's approach to playing baseball player Scott Hatteberg may help the actor enjoy his current career.

Sebastian Stan, known for playing Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier in the MCU, is gaining attention starring in acclaimed projects likePam and TommyandFreshBefore becoming a household name in the MCU, Stan appeared as a classic '80s villain in the 2010 comedy,Hot Tub Time Machine.

Hot Tub Time MachineHot Tub Time Machine stars John Cusack. The film shows four guys travel to the '80s in a hot tub. Critics and audiences liked the comedy, but Stan's acting stood out. Blaine's arrogant attitude made him memorable, especially with Stan's great delivery. Stan first played Bucky Barnes inCaptain America: The First Avengerone year afterHot Tub Time MachineThe film released a year before. Thus, Stan's performance in the comedy may have driven him to win the famous role.

Elizabeth Olsen stars as Scarlet Witch in the MCU now. Few people know she started her career with the 2011 festival film,Martha Marcy May Marlene. In the film, which also features Sarah Paulson and John Hawkes, Olsen plays a paranoid young woman who escaped a dangerous cult.

The film explores themes like brainwashing and shows a damaged psyche as Olsen's character's paranoid thoughts about the cult increase. Flashbacks show the audience what the lead character experienced. This film launched Olsen's career; she earned praise and nominations, including Best Female Lead at the Film Independent Spirit Awards and Breakthrough Actor at the Gotham Awards.

Robert Downey Jr. is an iconic actor. He had a long career before playing Iron Man in the MCU starting in 2008. After substance abuse issues in the '90s hurt his career, Downey Jr. regained success in the mid-2000s with films likeKiss Kiss, Bang BangandZodiac, but his role as an alcoholic high school principal in the 2007 teen dramedyCharlie Bartlettis one of his most underrated performances.

Charlie BartlettAnton Yelchin stars as a teenager who becomes a psychiatrist for his classmates. He listens to their problems and sells them prescription drugs after getting an ADHD diagnosis. Downey Jr. handles harsh subject matter in this film, showing his real-life struggles. This creates an authentic, touching supporting performance just a year before he became a comic book legend.

Chadwick Boseman is known for Black Panther. Boseman starred in roles before that famous character. Boseman gained recognition starring as baseball player Jackie Robinson in the 2013 biopic.Get on Up is number 42., but another starring role a year later gets overlooked. This refers to his part as singer James Brown in the film.Get on Up..

Boseman gives an incredible performance emulating the singer. Critics praised Boseman's portrayal of Brown. His star power grew, but the exciting portrayal of this classic performer gets little attention now.

Chris Hemsworth is now known as Thor. However, he played some campy early roles on his journey.A Perfect Getaway.This is a forgotten 2009 mystery thriller full of schlock. Its entertainment value is undeniable. Hemsworth appears in his second film role as a supporting character who remains memorable.

A Perfect Getaway.Milla Jovovich and Steve Zahn star as a couple on their Hawaii honeymoon. Unknown murderers operate around the island. The friendly couple meets two pairs who match the perpetrators. The twist reveals Jovovich and Zahn's characters are the killers. Hemsworth plays part of one pair but gets less screen time than the other two. Despite this, Hemsworth delivers an unsettling, impressive performance, showing the star power the actor has today.

Scarlett Johansson finished her Black Widow run in the MCU. That was one of her most beloved roles. The talented performer has appeared in many other films she should be known for. One such title is the indie cult classic.Ghost World..

Based on a graphic novel by Daniel Clowes.Ghost World.Enid (Thora Birch) tells the colorful story of her relationship with best friend Rebecca (Johansson) tested when Enid falls for a nerdy older man named Seymour (Steve Buscemi). Critics liked the film when it opened in 2001, giving it a 4-star review from Roger Ebert. Audiences now appreciate this comic book-style coming-of-age film. Johansson, who plays superheroes, an alien, and an A.I., gives a rare performance as an ordinary recent high school graduate. Fans of Black Widow will enjoy Johansson's deadpan delivery in this film.

Mark Ruffalo plays the third cinematic version of Hulk in the MCU. He has not yet starred in his own movie.HulkBefore playing Hulk, the prolific actor appeared in many movies, including Kenneth Lonergan's.You Can Count On MeThis is a fan-favorite romantic-comedy.13 Going on 30The actor appeared in a great film, Liza Cholodenko's, that has faded from view.The Kids Are All Right.

The Kids Are All RightJulianne Moore and Annette Benning star as a married couple. Their two kids seek their sperm donor (Ruffalo) behind their mothers' backs.The Kids Are All RightThis film shows a same-sex married couple with teenage children early on. Ruffalo gives a heartfelt, raw performance as a caring man in a difficult spot. He earned a nomination for best supporting actor at the 2011 Academy Awards.best supporting actorRuffalo shows a different side in this film at the 2011 Academy Awards. Viewers will see Ruffalo differently than in the MCU.

Don Cheadle gained new fans joining the cast ofIron Man 2Cheadle played War Machine. He gave jaw-dropping performances in films since the '80s. One of Cheadle's acclaimed but now forgotten performances is as Mouse in the 1995 noir.Devil in a Blue Dress.

Devil in a Blue DressDenzel Washington stars as a man caught in a murder mystery involving politicians after hiring someone to find a missing woman. Cheadle's performance as Washington's character's “anti-sidekick” stole the show.

Chris Evans plays Captain America, a celebrated MCU character. Evans also gave a notable performance outside that role. After starring in the parodyNot Another Teen MovieEvans took the lead role in the little-known indie drama,London.

LondonEvans stars as a man who goes to a wild NYC party to win back his girlfriend, played by Evans's former girlfriend Jessica Biel. The film also features action star Jason Stathamplaying against type.LondonThis film came out around the same time asFantastic FourEvans broke out as a leading man.Evans was a leading man.His starring performance showed heartbreak in a real way. This signaled Evans' amazing career ahead.

Paul Bettany plays Vision in the MCU. However, the actor has played many memorable humans. One film starring Bettany that gets overlooked is Danish filmmaker Lars Von Trier's avant-garde drama.Dogville.

DogvilleNicole Kidman stars as Grace, a fugitive hiding in Dogville. She faces an uncertain future as townspeople turn on her. Lars von Trier's experimental film uses a soundstage with limited set design. Bettany plays the male lead, acting rivetingly as someone who seems right but is just as inhuman as others. Some called the film pretentious, but others, including Quentin Tarantino, acclaimed it. The film appeared in the BBC's 2016 poll of best films since 2000.

Tom Hiddleston started his career starring Joanna Hogg, who directed A24'sThe SouvenirHiddleston starred in Hogg's critically praised sophomore film before appearing as Loki in the MCU and its sequel.Archipelago.

ArchipelagoHiddleston stars as part of a family that breaks apart during a trip to Sicily in Archipelago. The film's style helped Hiddleston's career. This is Hiddleston's second film credit. It stars the actor as a family disintegrating.ArchipelagoArchipelago released in 2010. It is one of Hiddleston's pre-Loki roles since the first Thor film.ThorThe Thor film released in 2011.

Zoe Saldaña is known by many Marvel fans for playing Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy.Guardians of the GalaxySaldaña has a longer filmography than some MCU fans first thought. She appeared in popular films likeCrossroadsandAvatarbefore Guardians of the Galaxy.Guardians of the GalaxyFew people know about her shocking performance in the dark anthology movie.Burning Palms.

Happy Death DayandFreakyChristopher Landon's 2010 directorial debut is Freaky.Burning PalmsBurning Palms is called “Five Stories That Will Mess You Up for Life,” which is true. The film's theme shows the dark side of Los Angeles. Saldaña plays Sarah Cotton in the last, possibly darkest story. Sarah Cotton starts a strange relationship with a man who assaults her. People forget the film since its limited release, but those who handle its dark satire will see Saldaña's nuanced, calculating performance that sets up her future work.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays Doctor Strange in the MCU. He got his first standalone sequel film inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of MadnessIn 2022, Cumberbatch acted in other well-done, less-seen films. He gained wider recognition after his Oscar-nominated role as Alan Turing inThe Imitation GameThe actor starred in other underseen films, including the 2013 Julian Assange biopic,The Fifth Estate.

The film wasThe movie is based on a book. Inside WikiLeaks: My Time with Julian Assange at the World's Most Dangerous Website.Daniel Domscheit-Berg wrote this. The film shows WikiLeaks' rise and fall. Assange called the film a “massive propaganda attack.” Critics did not like it much, but Cumberbatch's acting earned high praise. Cumberbatch showed his talent in the film. Watch it for huge action.Doctor Strangefans.

Brie Larson became a major success after winning the role of Captain Marvel.she starred in the moviebased on the character back in 2019. Before becoming an MCU icon, the actress already starred in well-received indie films. Although 2015'sRoommay have won her an Oscar, but the real defining role of her career might be the emotional 2013 dramaShort Term 12.

Directed by futureShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton,Short Term 12tells the story of a staff member at a teen treatment facility struggling to balance work and her relationship with her boyfriend and co-worker. Larson got big praise for her lead role, earning her a nomination forBest Female Leadat theIndependent Spirit Award.Short Term 12Many critics called Short Term 12 the best movie of 2013.

Anthony Mackie, who plays the Falcon in the MCU now, once starred in an underappreciated Spike Lee joint early in his career. That film is from 2004,She Hate Me.

Mackie headlined Disney+'s miniseries long before this.The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,he starred in the strange comedy directed by a filmmaking legend. The film follows Jack, a biotech executive who loses his job and starts a business impregnating lesbian women who want to be mothers after meeting his ex Fatima (Kerry Washington). The film failed at the box office, but Mackie got praise, earning him a nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance at the Black Reel Awards. Given Mackie's current impressive career, that nomination makes sense.