8 stars who’ve appeared in Doctor Who and Marvel
Doctor Who and Marvel are two of the most beloved franchises in the world of science fiction and fantasy. Both have a rich history of captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and intriguing plotlines that continue to enthral fans across generations.
While these two universes may seem to exist separately, there have been several instances where the worlds of the Doctor and Marvel have intersected through a shared cast. These crossovers highlight the performers’ versatility and create a unique bond between the two iconic franchises.
Over the years, Doctor Who has seen a parade of gifted actors take on the roles of companions, villains, and even historical figures in the stories it tells. Similarly, the Marvel universe, including its films and television series, has cast impressive performers to bring its diverse characters to life. As fans, we can’t help but feel a sense of excitement when we spot familiar faces from one universe appearing in the other. These crossovers testify to the actors’ abilities to embody different personas and contribute to the rich tapestry of the Doctor Who and Marvel worlds.
Right, let’s get on with it. Who has been in both Doctor Who and Marvel?
Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston, best known to many for portraying the Ninth Doctor in Doctor Who, also appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the dark elf Malekith in “Thor: The Dark World.” Although the roles are vastly different, Eccleston managed to leave an impact in both universes. That’s two happy sets of fans!
David Tennant
The Tenth Doctor (and Fourteenth), David Tennant, ventured into the Marvel world when he took on the role of the sinister villain Kilgrave in the Netflix series “Jessica Jones.” Tennant’s portrayal of Kilgrave was chilling and memorable, demonstrating his acting range opposite an equally impressive turn from Krysten Ritter.
Karen Gillan
Karen Gillan, who played companion to Matt Smith’s Eleventh Amy Pond in Doctor Who has gained significant recognition for her role as Nebula in the MCU’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” series and “Avengers” films. Gillan’s portrayal of the complex anti-hero has resonated with fans and showcased her talent beyond the world of Doctor Who.
Jenna Coleman
Jenna Coleman, known for her role as Clara Oswald in Doctor Who, appeared in a minor role in “Captain America: The First Avenger” as Connie, one of Bucky Barnes’ dates. Although her Marvel appearance was brief, it’s an interesting crossover between the two universes which you can see below…
Toby Jones
Toby Jones appeared in Doctor Who as the Dream Lord in the episode “Amy’s Choice,” presenting a psychological challenge for the Eleventh Doctor. In the Marvel universe, Jones portrayed Dr. Arnim Zola, a scientist and Hydra member, in “Captain America: The First Avenger” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”
Andrew Garfield
Garfield took on the role of Frank in the two-part Doctor Who story “Daleks in Manhattan” and “Evolution of the Daleks,” set during the Great Depression in 1930s New York City. His character was a resourceful and determined young man who aided the Doctor and his companions in their battle against the Daleks. Garfield’s most prominent role in the Marvel Universe is that of Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, in “The Amazing Spider-Man” and its sequel “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.”
Tony Curran
In Doctor Who, Curran played the legendary painter Vincent van Gogh in the fan-favourite episode “Vincent and the Doctor.” His heartfelt performance brought depth and humanity to the troubled artist, earning him critical acclaim. In the Marvel Universe, Curran portrayed the villainous Bor in “Thor: The Dark World.” As the ruler of Asgard and father of Odin, Bor played a significant role in the film’s storyline, setting the stage for the events that would unfold throughout the movie.
David Bradley
In Doctor Who, Bradley portrayed Solomon in the episode “Dinosaurs on a Spaceship” and later took on the iconic role of the First Doctor, originally played by William Hartnell, in the 2017 Christmas special “Twice Upon a Time.” Bradley’s performance was widely praised for its faithfulness to the original portrayal. In the world of Marvel, Bradley played the character of the Tower Keeper in “Captain America: The First Avenger.”
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