18 Actors Who Played Marvel Superheroes But Actually Started Their Careers In Teen Movies And Shows

We all love Marvel, and it's not only because of its flashy visuals. Beyond the visual effects, action scenes, and witty dialogue, it's the actors who dress up as superheroes that truly characterize Marvel films.

From Samuel L. Jackson to Robert Downey Jr., some of Hollywood's biggest performers have played pivotal roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since its launch. With Oscar-winner Brie Larson appearing in Captain Marvel, it's evident that the MCU has captured the attention of Hollywood's top names.

No one could have imagined the influence Iron Man would have on the future of film when it was released in theaters in 2008. Since then, audiences have been introduced to a slew of superheroes played by a diverse cast of performers, each with their own unique story.

While Marvel helped several of these actors become household names, it wasn't their first professional acting gig for the majority of them. In fact, many of the individuals behind the MCU heroes you've come to know and love have a long history in the industry.

Here's how some of your favorite Marvel actors got their start, from teen soap operas to award-winning blockbusters. Take a look; you might be surprised:

1. Sebastian Stan played Carter Baizen in Gossip Girl before becoming Bucky Barnes.

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2. Brie Larson played Liz in Sleepover: The Movie before becoming Captain Marvel.

She was also a Six Chick in "13 Going on 30."

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3. Chris Evans played Kyle in The Perfect Score before becoming Captain America.

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4. Zoe Saldana played Eva Rodriguez in Center Stage: The Musical before becoming Gamora.

She was also "Maggie in Get Over It."

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5. Mark Ruffalo played Matty Flamhaff in 13 Going on 30 before becoming The Hulk.

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6. Scarlett Johansson played Francesca in The Perfect Score before becoming Black Widow.

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7. Emily VanCamp played Amy Abbott in Everwood before becoming Sharon Carter.

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8. Paul Rudd played Josh in Clueless before becoming Ant-Man.

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9. Sean Gunn played Kirk in Gilmore Girls before becoming Kraglin Obfonteri.

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10. Chris Pratt played Bright Abbott in Everwood before becoming Star-Lord.

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11. Jaimie Alexander was Jessi Hollander in Kyle XY before playing Lady Sif.

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12. Bradley Cooper played Ben in Wet Hot American Summer: The Movie before becoming Rocket.

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13. Tessa Thompson was Jackie Cooke in Veronica Mars before becoming Valkyrie.

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14. Gemma Chan played Ruth in Fresh Meat before she became Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel.

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15. Kat Dennings previously starred as Norah in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist before becoming Darcy Lewis.

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16. Jake Gyllenhaal played Donnie in Donnie Darko before becoming Mysterio in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

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17. Aaron Taylor-Johnson played Robbie in Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging before becoming Quicksilver.

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18. Michael B. Jordan played Vince Howard in Friday Night Lights before becoming Killmonger in Black Panther.

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Fun fact: Did you know that Emily Blunt might have played Black Widow?

Though it's hard to envision anyone other than Scarlett Johansson playing Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow now, Emily Blunt has spoken out about how she auditioned for the role in the past. However, with the success of her film A Quiet Place, the actress stated that she does not regret not being cast in the film.