Vanessa Kirby has finally made her Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in the first trailer for the highly-anticipated movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
First introduced in the Marvel comics in the 1960s, fans once again see Marvel’s first family, composed of Kirby as Susan Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (aka Mr Fantastic), Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (aka the Thing), and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch).
As one of the most talented and versatile actresses today, known for her powerful performances across various genres, the 36-year-old has a remarkable career with major roles in both film and television.
To that effect, here’s a detailed look at her biggest roles before joining the MCU.
1. Genius
Vanessa Kirby plays Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of the famous American author F. Scott Fitzgerald (Guy Pearce), in the historical drama Genius.
Focusing on the relationship between Fitzgerald and his editor, Maxwell Perkins (Colin Firth), explores themes of love, ambition, and the struggles of creative genius.
With her incredible performance, Kirby manages to capture Zelda’s vibrant personality and the complexities of her mental health, providing a poignant glimpse into the life of a woman often overshadowed by her husband's literary fame.
2. Me Before You
Based on Jojo Moye’s bestselling novel Me Before You, Kirby portrays Lily Traynor, the free-spirited best friend of Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke).
The story revolves around Louisa's relationship with Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy man left paralyzed after an accident.
Kirby's performance brings warmth and humor to the film, serving as a supportive friend who encourages Louisa to embrace life despite its challenges.
The film was well-received for its emotional depth and strong performances, further establishing Kirby as a rising star in Hollywood at the time.
3. The Crown
Kirby gained international acclaim when she played Princess Margaret in Netflix’s The Crown. The series chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and gives a detailed look into the monarchy's personal and political challenges.
The English actress effortlessly captured the complexities of Margaret's life, including societal expectations within the royal family and her struggles with identity.
That said, it’s no surprise that she earned a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress and an Emmy nomination for the role, proving her great acting prowess.
4. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
The English actress appeared in Fallout, the sixth installment of the Mission Impossible franchise, as Alanna Mitsopolis, aka the White Widow, a black-market arms dealer.
The film follows Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he races against time to prevent a global catastrophe that involves nuclear weapons.
As one of the major roles, providing support and intrigue throughout the action-packed movie, Kirby received praise for her incredible performance.
5. Hobbs & Shaw
Kirby is once again seen as MI6 agent and Deckard (Jason Statham) and Owen Shaws’ (Luke Evans) sister Hattie Shaw in the Fast & Furious spin-off, Hobbs & Shaw.
Also featuring Dwayne Johnson as former agent Luke Hobbs, Luke and Deckard collaborate to defeat a cyber-genetically enhanced villain while safeguarding Hattie, who becomes entangled in a high-stakes plot involving a deadly virus.
With her fierce and capable performance as Hattie, Kirby proves she, too, can be a force to be reckoned with in action cinema.
6. Pieces of a Woman
Kirby stars as Martha Weiss, a woman grappling with profound grief after a traumatic home birth experience leads to a tragedy, in the critically acclaimed Pieces of a Woman.
Exploring themes of loss, motherhood, and resilience, the actress showcases raw and emotional performance that earned her numerous accolades, including the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
7. The World to Come
Set in the 19th century, Kirby portrays Tallie, a woman residing on a secluded farm who forms an emotional bond with her neighbour, Abigail (Katherine Waterston), in the romantic drama The World to Come.
The film explores themes of love and isolation against a backdrop of harsh landscapes and societal constraints.
As someone who doesn’t know what is to come but honoring everything she has shared with Abigail, Kirby’s portrayal of Tallie is noted for its depth and sensitivity.
8. Italian Studies
In the drama Italian Studies, Kirby plays Alina Reynolds, an author who loses her memory while wandering the streets of New York City.
Alina manages to confront her past and identity as she interacts with various characters in the movie.
As the film emphasizes themes of memory and self-discovery, Kirby delivers a nuanced performance that highlights her range as an actress.
9. The Son
Directed by Florian Zeller, Kirby plays Beth, the estranged mother of a troubled teenager played by Zen McGrath, in The Son.
The film delves into familial relationships and mental health issues, showing how past decisions can affect the present and the future.
With its complex narrative, critics praised Kirby’s performance for its emotional depth.
10. Napoleon
Kirby is also featured in Ridley Scott’s historical epic, Napoleon. Chronicling the rise to power of Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix), she portrays the role of Empress Joséphine, showcasing the tumultuous relationship between the two.
Kirby’s portrayal adds layers to Joséphine’s character, showcasing both strength and vulnerability within the historical context.
Each role has contributed to Kirby’s role as a versatile actress capable of delivering powerful performances across various genres. With her upcoming role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is set to be released on July 25, 2025, fans are now excited to see how she will bring Susan Store to life on the big screen.