TheX-Menfranchise helped define the comic book movie genre, but many of its stars didn’t stop at one superhero universe. Several actors fromtheX-Menfilmshave since been recast as entirely different comic book characters. Many of whom went on to star in theMCU, theDCU, or other superhero franchises.

This list focuses only on actors who were inX-Menmovies first and then went on to play different roles elsewhere. Notably, this excludes cases like Josh Brolin, who was cast inDeadpool 2after playing Thanos. It also precludes Morena Baccarin, who was already inGothambeforeDeadpool.These are actors whose superhero careers began withX-Men.

13Halle Berry

Storm & Catwoman

Halle Berry portrayed Storm across four mainlineX-Menfilms. She boasts one of the more enduring roles in the franchise. Following herX-Mentenure, Berry shifted to the DC Universe by playing Patience Phillips,a reimagined version of Catwoman, in 2004’sCatwoman.

Despite Berry’s star power, the film was critically panned. It is widely considered one of the worst comic book adaptations ever made. Still, it marked her as one of the firstX-Menactors toheadline a solo superhero movieoutside the franchise, even if the result didn’t stick the landing with audiences or critics.

12James Marsden

Cyclops & Richard White

James Marsden played Cyclops in the originalX-Mentrilogy and briefly returned inX-Men: Days of Future Past. After his time as Scott Summers, Marsdenjoined another superhero universeinSuperman Returns(2006). Here he played Richard White, Lois Lane’s fiancé.

Though not a superhero himself, the role was significant and placed Marsden squarely within the DC film world.Superman Returnsattempted to revive the classic Donner-era films butfailed to launch a lasting franchise. Still, Marsden’s shift from mutant team leader to a supporting figure in Superman’s orbit gave him superhero credentials across franchises.

11Oscar Isaac

Apocalypse & Moon Knight

Oscar Isaac played the titular villain inX-Men: Apocalypse(2016),buried under heavy prosthetics and digital effectsas En Sabah Nur. Though the role was visually iconic, the film received mixed reviews, and Isaac’s performance was often lost beneath the makeup. However, he found comic book redemption in the MCU.

Isaac starred as Marc Spector in the Disney+ seriesMoon Knight. Unlike Apocalypse,Moon Knightallowed Isaac toshow range through multiple personalitiesand psychological depth. His dual portrayal inX-Menand the MCU highlights how actors can transcend a misfire with a truly layered superhero role.

10Nicholas Hoult

Beast & Lex Luthor

Nicholas Hoult portrayed the younger version of Hank McCoy/Beast inX-Men: First Class. Hereprized the role through multiple sequels, includingDays of Future PastandDark Phoenix. After years as the brainy but gentle mutant, Hoult took a villainous turn.

Hoult played Lex Luthor in James Gunn’sSuperman(2025), part of the rebooted DC Universe. The casting marks a major shift from his heroicX-Mendays to playingone of the most iconic antagonistsin comic book history. Hoult’s transition from conflicted hero to calculating genius villain signals a bold new chapter in his comic book career.

9Zoë Kravitz

Angel Salvadore & Catwoman

Zoë Kravitz had a brief but memorable role inX-Men: First Classas Angel Salvadore, a mutant with insect-like wings and acidic spit. Although the character was killed off quickly, Kravitz latermade a bigger splash in the DC Universe. She played Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Matt Reeves’The Batman(2022).

Kravitz delivered a grounded, nuanced take on the iconic anti-hero. The performance was praised as one of the best parts of the film, showing her range and maturity as an actress. Kravitz’supgrade from a supporting mutant to a major Gotham playerhighlights her genre evolution.

8Edi Gathegi

Darwin & Mister Terrific

Edi Gathegi played Darwin inX-Men: First Class, a mutant with the power to adapt to survive any environment. Ironically, his character was killed off early in the film,sparking controversygiven Darwin’s supposed invincibility. Gathegi later joined the DC Universe with a far more central role.

Gathegi was cast as Mister Terrific in James Gunn’s upcomingSupermanmovie. This marksa significant upgradefrom his previous comic book appearance, with Mister Terrific being a central character. Gathegi’s trajectory shows how early missteps in superhero films don’t always define a career.

7Peter Dinklage

Bolivar Trask & Eitri

Peter Dinklage portrayed Bolivar Trask in X-Men: Days of Future Past. He played the brilliant butmorally ambiguous scientistbehind the Sentinel program with a chilling menace. Though not a mutant, his role had a significant impact on the film’s dystopian timeline.

Dinklage later made a surprising appearance in the MCU as Eitri, the giant dwarf blacksmith inAvengers: Infinity War. The role was more fantastical and mythological, contrasting with Trask’s grounded nature. His ability to deliver commanding performances in both worlds showcases his versatility and adds him to the list ofX-Menalumni whomade the leap to Marvel’s main cinematic universe.

6Rebecca Romijn

Mystique & Lois Lane

Rebecca Romijn originated the role of Mystique in the originalX-Mentrilogy. She portrayed the shapeshifting mutant witha deadly, silent presence. After herX-Menrun, Romijn transitioned into the DC Universe, voicing Lois Lane in the animatedDeath of Supermanand its sequels.

While it wasn’t a live-action role, her contribution to DC’s animated film continuity is noteworthy, as those movies are all highly regarded. Romijn’s post-X-Menwork demonstrates how actors can continue influencing comic book media in voice roles. Romijn has maintained a superhero presenceeven outside traditional on-screen performances.

5Kelly Hu

Lady Deathstrike & China White

Kelly Hu appeared inX2: X-Men Unitedas Lady Deathstrike, Wolverine’s silent nemesis and fellow Weapon X experiment. Although her character had few lines, the brutal fight between her and Loganremains a highlight of the film. Later, Hu entered the DC Universe.

Hu has voiced several superhero characters and appeared as China White inArrow. The character became a recurring villain in the CW’s Arrowverse, giving Hu a longer-lasting comic book role than she had inX-Men. Her ability to transition from big-screen menace to small-screen adversaryreflects her staying power in superhero media.

4Elliot Page

Kitty Page & Viktor Hargreeves

Elliot Page played Kitty Pryde inX-Men: The Last Stand. Page returned forX-Men: Days of Future Past, where Kitty’s phasing abilitybecomes crucial to the time travel plot. After theX-Menfilms, Page went on to star in Netflix’sThe Umbrella Academy.

Page appeared as Viktor Hargreeves, a character with explosive, reality-warping powers. While not based on Marvel or DC comics,The Umbrella Academyis apopular comic book adaptation, and Page’s performance is central to the show’s success. This transition gave Page a more emotionally complex and central superhero role than he had inX-Men.