The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for casting big stars like Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Tom Hiddleston, who have become iconic figures in blockbuster Marvel films. Still, some celebrities made appearances that might have slipped your mind.
Since some had brief cameos or minor roles, it's easy to forget they were part of the MCU. So, here are five actors you may not recall being part of the Marvel universe!
Donald Glover (Aaron Davis - Spider-Man: Homecoming)
The multi-talented Donald Glover is known for his work in popular TV shows like Community, 30 Rock, and Atlanta. Yet, he also made a brief appearance in the 2017 film Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Much like Peter Parker’s swift web shooters, Glover’s role was fleeting and unexpected. He portrayed Aaron Davis, also known as The Prowler, whom Parker tries (and hilariously fails) to intimidate.
Though Glover's natural comedic timing stands out in the scene, his two-minute cameo in a two-hour film might have gone unnoticed by some. He later returns to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, reprising the same role in a different setting.
Matt Damon (Asgardian Loki Actor - Thor: Ragnarok)
Matt Damon is known for his action-packed roles, having made his mark in The Bourne franchise. That's why his appearance in Thor: Ragnarok caught many by surprise.
In the film, Damon hilariously portrays an actor playing Loki in a stage play on Asgard, alongside Luke Hemsworth as the Thor actor. His over-the-top performance was one of the funniest moments in the movie, yet some viewers either didn’t realize it was him or simply forgot, perhaps because they aren’t used to seeing him in such a lighthearted role.
Interestingly, he returns to Thor: Love and Thunder in the same role, this time with Melissa McCarthy joining the act as a Hela actress.
Michelle Yeoh (Aleta Ogord - The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)
Everything Everywhere All at Once star Michelle Yeoh has proven herself to be one of the finest actors in recent years, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress and starring in Wicked. But some may not remember that she played Aleta Ogord, a member of the Ravagers, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Yeoh’s appearance in James Gunn’s film was short-lived, which contrasts with her supporting role in another Marvel film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, where she plays Ying Nan, the fearless aunt of the protagonist and the guardian of Ta Lo village.
Miley Cyrus (Mainframe - The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)
Miley Cyrus is one of the biggest pop stars, known for hits like Party in the U.S.A. and Flowers. What many may not know is that James Gunn featured her voice in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as Mainframe, one of the elite members of Stakar Ogord’s Ravager team.
Incidentally, Mainframe is in the same group as Michelle Yeoh’s character, and the film’s post-credits scene hinted that their team might get its own movie. If a film featuring Stakar Ogord’s crew happens, Cyrus’ small role in the franchise could expand. But for now, her portrayal of Mainframe remains a lesser-known part of the MCU.
Jenna Ortega (Vice President’s Daughter - Iron Man 3)
Jenna Ortega is one of the most requested actors fans want to see in the MCU, but if asked about her plans to star in a Marvel movie, her answer would likely be no.
The reason? The Wednesday star recently revealed to Entertainment Tonight that she actually appeared in Iron Man 3. At around 11 years old, she played the Vice President’s daughter, but most of her scenes were cut, and she wasn’t credited, making the experience an unpleasant one for her.
Because of this, Ortega has no interest in taking on a larger, more prominent role in the MCU.