When you watch a movie based on a Marvel or DC comic, chances are you’re going to see a powerhouse woman somewhere on the screen. The films produced by both companies feature a diverse cast of women who typically steal scenes from their male counterparts, whether as heroes or villains.
Keep reading to learn more about the women who bring to life some of the best characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Extended Universe — including who they’re involved with when they aren’t crushing it on the big screen.
Gal Gadot (DC)
Character: Wonder Woman
First Appearance: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016)
It’s hard to believe it’s only been two years since Gal Gadot first played Wonder Woman, given that she’s such a natural in the role. Despite the short span of time, the 33-year-old Israeli star has already played Wonder Woman in three DC Extended Universe movies so far, and will reprise the role in 2019’s “Wonder Woman 1984.” Before that, she appeared in three “The Fast and the Furious” movies. In real life, she’s married to Yaron Varsano, a real estate developer who’s also Israeli, and with whom she shares two daughters.
Gwyneth Paltrow (Marvel)
Character: Pepper Potts
First Appearance: “Iron Man” (2008)
When it comes to women of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Gwyneth Paltrow is the O.G. She’s been playing Pepper Potts, the colleague/love interest of Tony Stark, since the first MCU movie, 2008’s “Iron Man.” Paltrow, 45, has played the part in six films so far and is also one of the world’s biggest movie stars and lifestyle writers. She previously dated actors Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck and was married to Coldplay singer Chris Martin from 2003 to 2016, with whom she shares two kids. Since 2018, she’s been engaged to TV producer Brad Falchuk.
Amy Adams (DC)
Character: Lois Lane
First Appearance: “Man of Steel” (2013)
In three DC Extended Universe movies so far, Amy Adams has brought to life Clark Kent’s closest confidante, journalist Lois Lane. Adams is regarded as one of the best actors in the world, racking up five Oscar nominations and two Golden Globe wins in her career to date. The 44-year-old star’s personal life rarely makes news but she’s been with fellow actor Darren Le Gallo since 2001. They married in 2015 and have a daughter.
Natalie Portman (Marvel)
Character: Jane Foster
First Appearance: “Thor” (2011)
Dramatic powerhouse Natalie Portman has played Jane Foster, the love interest of Thor, in two MCU movies. She appears to be finished with her role in the franchise but remains one of the most acclaimed actors in the world, as well as a director and political advocate. Portman, 37, has been married to French ballet dancer Benjamin Millepied since 2012. She met him while making her Oscar-winning movie “Black Swan.” The couple has two kids together.
Diane Lane (DC)
Character: Martha Kent
First Appearance: “Man of Steel” (2013)
At 53, Diane Lane is technically old enough to play Superman’s mom, Martha Kent, in the DC Extended Universe movies — but she honestly could pass for his sister. Lane has played the part in three films since 2013 and has been a Hollywood mainstay since the early ’80s. Lane has been married twice, first to actor Christopher Lambert, with whom she shares a daughter, and most recently to actor Josh Brolin, whom she split from in 2013. She appears to be loving life as a single woman, saying in 2016 that she’d been traveling more than ever.
Brie Larson (Marvel)
Character: Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
First Appearance: “Captain Marvel” (2019)
When Brie Larson makes her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in 2019’s “Captain Marvel,” she’ll be the first woman to ever lead one of the franchise’s films. Her character is a former U.S. Air Force pilot who ends up with some serious superhuman powers. At 28 years old, Larson has already won an Oscar and a Golden Globe and has appeared in some notable blockbusters and TV shows. Larson is famously private about her personal life but has been engaged to musician Alex Greenwald since 2016, whom she occasionally gushes about to reporters.
Lupita Nyong’o (Marvel)
Character: Nakia
First Appearance: “Black Panther” (2018)
Another of Hollywood’s brightest young actors, 35-year-old Lupita Nyong’o was raised in Kenya but has been a star in American movies since 2013’s “12 Years a Slave.” In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she plays Nakia, the love interest and confidante of King T’Challa, the Black Panther. Despite being a massive star and constant red-carpet presence, Nyong’o has kept her love life a complete mystery, never answering questions about who she dates. In February 2018, posts on social media hinted at her possibly dating her “Black Panther” co-star Michael B. Jordan, but it was probably just wishful thinking from fans.
Liv Tyler (Marvel)
Character: Betty Ross
First Appearance: “The Incredible Hulk” (2008)
In just the second film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Liv Tyler played Betty Ross, the love interest of Bruce Banner, back when the part was played by Edward Norton. Unfortunately for Tyler, when Norton’s Banner was scrapped and replaced by Mark Ruffalo in “The Avengers,” Betty was also left behind. It was rumored that she would return to the MCU in 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” but it didn’t come to pass. From 2003 to 2008, the 41-year-old actor was married to musician Royston Langdon, with whom she shares a son. She’s been engaged to Dave Gardner, a close friend of David Beckham, since 2015 and she shares two kids with him.
Cate Blanchett (Marvel)
Character: Hela
First Appearance: “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)
Playing the villainous Hela in “Thor: Ragnarok,” Australian actor Cate Blanchett showed a physical toughness she hadn’t shown before in her dozens of previous starring roles. At 49, Blanchett is widely regarded as one of the best actors of all time, winning two Oscars and racking up another five nominations since 1999. She has been married to Australian playwright Andrew Upton since 1997 and shares four kids with him.
Margot Robbie (DC)
Character: Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn
First Appearance: “Suicide Squad” (2016)
Australian star Margot Robbie has been a constant Hollywood presence since 2013, when she wowed audiences in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Now 28, she’s starred in the DC Extended Universe as the energetic and mostly mad Batman villain Harley Quinn in “Suicide Squad.” In 2017, Robbie was nominated for an Oscar for playing figure skater Tonya Harding in “I, Tonya.” Offscreen, she’s been married to British filmmaker Tom Ackerley since 2016 after dating since at least 2014.
Marisa Tomei (Marvel)
Character: Aunt May
First Appearance: “Captain America: Civil War” (2016)
When comics fans imagined Peter Parker’s Aunt May, they probably pictured a white-haired little lady — but 53-year-old Marisa Tomei is anything but that. She’s played Spider-Man’s guardian in two Marvel Cinematic Universe films so far and has turned the character into one that is as wise as she is vibrant and attractive. Vogue has called Tomei the “ultimate ageless beauty icon,” and the star has always kept her private life low-profile. She’s never been married but was dating actor Logan Marshall-Green as recently as 2013 and was also linked to “How I Met Your Mother” star Josh Radnor in 2014.
Viola Davis (DC)
Character: Amanda Waller
First Appearance: “Suicide Squad” (2016)
Another talented actor who’s decided to jump into superhero movies is Viola Davis. The 53-year-old star played Amanda Waller, the woman who gets the team together in the DC Extended Universe film “Suicide Squad” in 2016. Davis is probably best known for her roles in ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder” and the 2011 film “The Help” and is the only black actor ever to win an Oscar, Emmy and Tony. Davis’ life seems pretty great offscreen, as she’s been married to actor Julius Tennon since 2003. The two share a daughter and Davis is a stepmom to Tennon’s two other kids.
Robin Wright (DC)
Character: Antiope
First Appearance: “Wonder Woman” (2017)
In the DC Extended Universe, Robin Wright plays Antiope, the tough-as-nails Amazonian general who trains Wonder Woman to kick butt. It’s a perfect role for Wright, who has transitioned from softer parts in classic movies like “The Princess Bride” and “Forrest Gump” to powerhouse roles in “House of Cards” and “Blade Runner 2049.” Wright, 52, has been linked to several actors in her personal life, including marriages to Dane Witherspoon and Sean Penn, with whom she shares two kids. She was also engaged to actor Ben Foster but ultimately married French businessman Clement Giraudet in 2018 after a quiet romance.
Rachel McAdams (Marvel)
Character: Christine Palmer
First Appearance: “Doctor Strange” (2016)
Who doesn’t love Rachel McAdams? The Canadian actor broke out in 2004’s beloved “Mean Girls” and has been a constant star ever since. In 2016’s Marvel movie “Doctor Strange,” the 39-year-old McAdams played Dr. Christine Palmer, a surgeon and ex-flame of Dr. Stephen Strange. She’s managed to keep a low profile in terms of her romantic life, but McAdams has been dating writer Jamie Linden since 2016, with whom she welcomed a son in 2018.
Zoe Saldana (Marvel)
Character: Gamora
First Appearance: “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
Actor Zoe Saldana plays one of the key roles in Marvel’s hilarious and offbeat film series “Guardians of the Galaxy.” She’s played the green-skinned Gamora in three movies so far, showing off her sharp wit and physical skills in equal measure. In real life, Saldana, 40, is married to Italian artist Marco Perego, who added her last name to his when they wed in 2013. The couple shares three adorable sons, including twins!
Tilda Swinton (Marvel)
Character: The Ancient One
First Appearance: “Doctor Strange” (2016)
One of the world’s most intriguing actors, British star Tilda Swinton, 57, is mostly known for her acclaimed roles in serious dramas, but she’s also dipped her toes into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2016’s “Doctor Strange,” she played the title character’s mysterious mentor, the Ancient One. Swinton’s personal life has been the cause of much tabloid tittering, as false rumors that she was in an open, three-way marriage spread in the late 2000s. In reality, she has twin kids with her ex, John Byrne, and has been dating German painter Sandro Kopp since 2004.
Scarlett Johansson (Marvel)
Character: Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow
First Appearance: “Iron Man 2” (2010)
Scarlett Johansson has been a major part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2010, appearing in six movies in the series as of 2018. She plays the agile butt-kicker Black Widow, who started as an apparent villain but was revealed to be an ally of S.H.I.E.L.D. Outside the MCU, Johansson, 33, is one of the world’s most recognizable actors and also works as a musician. In her personal life, she’s been linked to several actors and has been divorced twice, once from Ryan Reynolds and once from French businessman Romain Dauriac. Since 2017, she’s been dating “Saturday Night Live” star Colin Jost.
Zendaya (Marvel)
Character: Michelle “MJ” Jones
First Appearance: “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)
Former Disney Channel star Zendaya has found success as both a musician and an actor. In addition to starring in 2017’s “The Greatest Showman,” she had a big role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man reboot. The 22-year-old star has reportedly been dating her “Spider-Man: Homecoming” co-star Tom Holland since 2017.
Tessa Thompson (Marvel)
Character: Valkyrie
First Appearance: “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017)
California native Tessa Thompson’s career has really taken off in the past few years, with starring roles in “Creed,” HBO’s “Westworld” and Marvel’s “Thor: Ragnarok.” In the MCU, she plays Valkyrie, a legendary warrior who begrudgingly teams with Thor. Thompson, 34, is bisexual and has recently been rumored to be in a relationship with singer Janelle Monae.
Holly Hunter (DC)
Character: Sen. June Finch
First Appearance: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016)
Holly Hunter is an American treasure, even if she did play a jerk politician who wants to shut Superman down in 2016’s DC Extended Universe blockbuster “Batman v Superman.” The 60-year-old star has been nominated for about every screen-acting award under the sun and is probably best known for her work in films like “The Piano,” “Raising Arizona” and Pixar’s “The Incredibles” series. Hunter has been dating actor Gordon MacDonald since 2001, with whom she shares twin boys.
Jaimie Alexander (Marvel)
Character: Sif
First Appearance: “Thor” (2011)
Most people probably know Jaimie Alexander from her starring role in NBC’s “Blindspot,” but she’s been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe from early on. She played Thor’s warrior ally Sif in 2011’s “Thor” and 2013’s “Thor: The Dark World,” as well as in ABC’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Alexander didn’t reprise her role in 2017’s “Thor: Ragnarok” but fans are hoping she’ll be back in the future. Alexander, 34, was previously engaged to “Twilight” actor Peter Facinelli but has recently been dating fellow Marvel actor Tom Pelphrey.
Kat Dennings (Marvel)
Character: Darcy Lewis
First Appearance: “Thor” (2011)
Like Jaimie Alexander, Kat Dennings appeared in the first two “Thor” films but is probably best known for her work in television. Her starring role in CBS’s “2 Broke Girls” launched her to fame after appearances in movies like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.” In the MCU, she played the spirited intern Darcy Lewis, who worked under Natalie Portman’s Jane. The 32-year-old actor was previously linked to singer Josh Groban until 2016 but has apparently been single since they split.
Letitia Wright (Marvel)
Character: Shuri
First Appearance: “Black Panther” (2018)
You may not have known Letitia Wright before this year, but the 24-year-old actor has had an amazing 12 months. Not only did she star in 2018’s two top-grossing movies, “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War,” but she also was nominated for an Emmy for her work in Netflix’s “Black Mirror.” Wright’s confident performance as King T’Challa’s sister Shuri made her one of the biggest breakout actors in the entire MCU. Wright’s personal life hasn’t made headlines, so it’s unclear if she’s dating anyone at the moment.
Hayley Atwell (Marvel)
Character: Peggy Carter
First Appearance: “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011)
British actor Hayley Atwell has played the pioneering S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Peggy Carter in four Marvel movies, as well as the ABC series “Agent Carter.” Aside from her work with Marvel, she’s done a lot of British television work and has had big roles in two Disney films: 2015’s “Cinderella” and 2018’s “Christopher Robin.” In her personal life, the 36-year-old star recently said that her boyfriend, a doctor whom she’s known since childhood, will not appear on the red carpet with her unless they get married.
Karen Gillan (Marvel)
Character: Nebula
First Appearance: “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
You wouldn’t recognize red-haired Scottish lass Karen Gillan in her role as the blue-skinned mercenary Nebula from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, but the role has helped make her a star in America. The 30-year-old actor has played the part in three Marvel movies so far, in addition to having starring roles in BBC’s “Doctor Who” and the 2017 smash hit “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” Gillan has been very quiet so far in terms of her personal life. In 2014, she told Britain’s Telegraph that the American dating scene “terrified” her.
Cara Delevingne (DC)
Character: The Enchantress
First Appearance: “Suicide Squad” (2016)
After starting her career as a model in her teens, England native Cara Delevingne has been getting steady work as an actor since 2015. The 26-year-old played the powerful Enchantress in DC’s 2016 film “Suicide Squad,” which has been one of her biggest roles to date. Delevingne is bisexual and has had high-profile relationships with several other famous women, including actor Michelle Rodriguez and musician St. Vincent. She currently appears to be dating “Pretty Little Liars” star Ashley Benson.
Pom Klementieff (Marvel)
Character: Mantis
First Appearance: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (2017)
Another Canadian, 32-year-old Pom Klementieff has played the big-eyed and big-hearted Mantis in two Marvel movies since 2017. Klementieff has been active in Hollywood since 2013 but her work as Mantis has been her most recognizable yet. It’s unknown if she’s involved with anyone romantically.
Elizabeth Olsen (Marvel)
Character: Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch
First Appearance: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014)
The younger sister of the Olsen twins, Elizabeth Olsen has been a major part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2014, appearing in four films so far as the extremely powerful Scarlet Witch. Olsen, 29, broke out in the 2011 indie drama “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” where she played a young woman who escaped a cult. Offscreen, she has been romantically linked to musician Robbie Arnett since 2017.
Evangeline Lilly (Marvel)
Character: Hope van Dyne / Wasp
First Appearance: “Ant-Man” (2015)
Canadian actor Evangeline Lilly has a knack for starring in awesome projects that geeks love. She broke out as Kate in ABC’s “Lost” and also had a starring role in “The Hobbit” movie trilogy before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since 2015, she’s played the superhero Wasp in two “Ant-Man” movies. In addition to acting, she’s written a children’s book. The 39-year-old actor has been dating Norman Kali, who worked behind the scenes on “Lost,” since 2010. She shares two sons with him.
Danai Gurira (Marvel)
Character: Okoye
First Appearance: “Black Panther” (2018)
Iowa-born Danai Gurira is great at playing tough women. She’s best known for her work as the sword-swinging survivor Michonne in AMC’s “The Walking Dead” but has also been kicking butt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the no-nonsense Wakandan warrior Okoye. In real life, it’s unclear if Gurira is dating anyone.
