This critically acclaimed actor may have made hisMCUdebut inCaptain America: Brave New Worldearlier this year, but he is far from a stranger to the superhero genre. It’s impressive how expansive the superhero genre has gotten over the past decade, and there are nowmany more opportunities for actors to play superheroes or villains.
It’s common for an actor to be involved in multiple superhero projects, and it’s even unsurprising whenan actor has credits in both Marvel and DC projectsdespite the long-time unspoken rivalry between the two comic book publishers. One actor, who is a recent addition to the MCU,actually made his superhero debut over a decade ago in an animated DC film.
Giancarlo Esposito Debuted In The MCU As Sidewinder
Captain America: Brave New Worldmarkedthe debut of several actors to the MCU, including Giancarlo Esposito. He played Sidewinder,an assassin and leader of the Serpent Society crime organization. Sidewinder may not have been the main antagonist of the film, but he was a crucial link in the story.
Sidewinder was hired by the film’s main antagonist, Leader, to steal adamantium in order to frame President Thaddeus Ross for an illegal sale. However, the plan is stopped by Captain America, and though Sidewinder is able to escape once, he is arrested by the end of the film.
It was a short arc for Sidewinder, and it’s perhaps a bit disappointing that an actor like Esposito was wasted with so little screen time. However,Sidewinder does offer information about Leader for a reduced sentence, hinting at a future MCU return.
Giancarlo Esposito Played DC’s Black Spider Years Before His MCU Debut
Esposito may have made his MCU debut earlier this year, but it’sfar from his debut in the superhero genre. Over a decade ago, he took his first of several roles in a DC project.Esposito voiced the villain Black Spiderin the 2014 animated movieBatman: Assault on Arkham.
A lesser-known Batman villain, Eric Needham is an interesting character. He believes he’s doing good by targeting the drug trade, but he’s also willing to let innocent people die in the process. InAssault on Arkham, he is recruited as a member of the Suicide Squad, just as his comic counterpart has been.
Some comic book fans consider Black Spider to be DC’s take on Spider-Man. There are the obvious similarities, such as their respective spider-themed personas and the fact that they both focus on street-level crime. With Esposito voicing DC’s Spider-Man years ago, it’s no wonder he was destined to join the MCU.
Giancarlo Esposito Has Played Far More Superhero Show Roles Than You Might Think
Batman: Assault on Arkhamwas not Esposito’s only superhero project beforeCaptain America: Brave New World. He has played many roles in the superhero genre, both as a voice actor and a live-action actor. He voiced notorious DC villain Lex Luthor in the animatedHarley Quinnseries, then the stone hero Granite in Marvel’sMoon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.
PerhapsEsposito’smost recognizable role in the superhero genre is asStan Edgar inThe BoysandThe Boys: Diabolical. The former CEO of Vought International was one of the main antagonists for several seasons. It’s a treat to have Esposito in the superhero genre, especially in live-action roles, and hopefullyCaptain America: Brave New Worldis just the start of his MCU run.
