8 Superhero Shows You Didn’t Realize Had Future A-List Stars

Superhero TV shows have always been a great place to discover new acting talent. Even before the popular Marvel and DC movies, these shows often featured actors who weren’t well-known yet. Looking back, this approach unintentionally created a unique record of future stars practicing their skills while wearing costumes or making brief appearances.

Superhero shows, both animated and live-action, have quietly launched the careers of many actors who later became major stars in critically acclaimed dramas and blockbuster franchises. Looking back, it’s remarkable how many well-known performers got their start in these projects, especially considering the success they would later achieve.

Superboy (1988–1992)

The series Superboy explored Clark Kent’s college days, combining typical teenage stories with simple superhero adventures. It showed Superman as he was learning to use his powers and introduced two actors who would later become famous. Joaquin Phoenix, then known as Leaf Phoenix, played the character Billy Hercules in an episode called “Little Hercules.” Billy was a smart high school student who became friends with Clark.

In a standout moment, Billy imagines himself as Superboy, and Joaquin Phoenix playfully takes on the role, complete with the classic costume and powers of Superman. Phoenix later became famous for his performances in films like Joker, Gladiator, and Walk the Line.

Stacy Haiduk played Lana Lang on Superboy, Clark Kent’s early love interest, before she became famous for her roles in daytime dramas like Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. While those performances didn’t seem like much at the time, looking back, they add to the show’s importance and legacy.

Misfits (2009–2013)

The popular British show Misfits centered around a group of young offenders who develop strange superpowers during an unusual storm. Two of the actors became internationally famous. Iwan Rheon played Simon Bellamy, a shy character whose story became one of the show’s most heartbreaking and interesting.

Iwan Rheon later became well-known worldwide for his role as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones. Robert Sheehan played the boisterous, immortal Nathan Young, quickly becoming the show’s main source of comedy. Following Misfits, Sheehan continued to work on various projects, eventually gaining widespread recognition as Klaus Hargreeves in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy. Though Misfits initially felt like a small, unconventional show, it clearly had an incredible eye for talent.

The Flash (1990–1991)

The Flash, a CBS show from the early 2000s, was a bold first step in bringing DC Comics superheroes to network television with a big-budget, dramatic style. Though it didn’t last long, the show featured a number of actors who later became very famous, including some already well-known stars. Notably, Bryan Cranston played a villain named Philip Moses years before his breakout roles in Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle.

Before becoming famous for roles in movies like What’s Love Got to Do with It and Black Panther, Angela Bassett played investigative reporter Linda Lake. Similarly, Jeri Ryan appeared as the recurring villain Felicia Kane years before gaining recognition as Seven of Nine on Star Trek: Voyager. Looking back, The Flash seems like a surprising place where these future science fiction stars first crossed paths.

Heroes (2006–2010)

The TV show Heroes perfectly captured the spirit of the mid-2000s by focusing on everyday people who suddenly developed superpowers, all told through a continuing, emotionally engaging story. The show helped launch the careers of many actors who went on to become stars, with Zachary Quinto’s performance as the villain Sylar being particularly memorable and establishing him as a genre icon.

This success landed him the role of Spock in the new Star Trek movies. Kristen Bell played Elle Bishop, which helped launch her career before she became a well-known actress in comedy and animated films. Hayden Panettiere’s character, Claire Bennet, quickly made her a familiar face on television.

Greg Grunberg became a frequent collaborator on J.J. Abrams’ projects. Justin Baldoni found success as both an actor and director, and looking back at Sydney Sweeney’s early role as a child is surprising considering how famous she is now. While Heroes didn’t have a flawless conclusion, it’s clear the show had a significant impact on the careers of its actors.

Lois & Clark: The New Superman Adventures (1993–1997)

This version of the Superman story focused on the relationships between characters and had a lot of humor, similar to a workplace comedy. While it still featured superhero action, it prioritized the drama and connections between people. Terri Hatcher starred as Lois Lane, and the role helped make her a household name before she became famous for Desperate Housewives. Interestingly, the show also launched the careers of many actors who would later become well-known stars.

Before becoming famous for The Drew Carey Show, Drew Carey played a small role as Herbie Saxe in a tabloid story. Denise Richards appeared as Angela, and later rose to prominence as a leading actress in 1990s films. Howie Mandel brought a playful and mischievous quality to the character of Mr. Mxyzptlk, well before he became a well-known game show host.

As a lifelong movie and TV fan, I always enjoyed seeing familiar faces pop up in things, even in small roles. I remember Richard Belzer as Inspector Henderson long before he became a household name on Law & Order: SVU. And it’s funny looking back now – even quick appearances by guys like Hal Sparks and Brad Garrett feel special. What seemed like just a fun casting choice at the time now feels like a glimpse back at these actors before they really hit it big – it’s like a little time capsule of talent on the rise!

Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)

Many consider Batman: The Animated Series to be one of the best superhero cartoons ever created, and it showcased a remarkable cast of characters, including actors who later became famous. For example, Megan Mullally, who won an Emmy for Will & Grace, provided the voice for Cindy, Robin’s girlfriend. Jeffrey Tambor, known for his roles in Arrested Development and Transparent, also appeared as a SWAT team leader on the show.

Before becoming well-known genre stars, Ron Perlman gave a perfect performance as Clayface, John Glover brilliantly played The Riddler, and Kate Mulgrew starred as Red Claw. These roles all came before their later, iconic work – Perlman’s rise as a genre legend, Glover’s acclaimed television roles including Smallville, and Mulgrew’s famous portrayal of Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager.

Elisabeth Moss actually voiced a character named Kimmy, the daughter of Lloyd Ventrix, well before she became famous in shows like Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale. Similarly, Seth Green’s role as Wizard hinted at the successful animation and comedy career he would later have. The voice acting in Batman: The Animated Series was remarkably talented, featuring a wide range of skilled actors.

Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000)

Building on the popularity of Batman: The Animated Series, this show broadened the DC universe with a strong new cast. Brad Garrett voiced both Bibbo Bibbowski and Lobo just before becoming well-known for his role in Everybody Loves Raymond. Lisa Edelstein played Mercy Graves before achieving fame on House.

Ron Perlman reprised his role as Jax-Ur, further solidifying his reputation in the science fiction and fantasy world. Ted Levine lent his voice to Sinestro before becoming well-known for his work in The Silence of the Lambs and various TV shows. Peri Gilpin, later famous for Frasier, actually played Volcana earlier in her career.

Looking back, William H. Macy’s small role as a director seems remarkable considering how famous he later became. Melissa Joan Hart, who was a teen star on Sabrina, voiced Saturn Girl during that time, and Stephen Root’s part in the show hinted at the long and impressive career he would have as a character actor. Just like the original Superman: The Animated Series, this show featured a voice cast that truly took superhero animation to the next level.

Smallville (2001–2011)

Smallville was a groundbreaking show that changed superhero television. It uniquely combined the familiar elements of a teen drama with the rich lore of comic books, influencing the genre for ten years. Over its ten seasons, the series also launched the careers of many actors who later became famous stars.

Kelly Brook played Victoria Hardwick, a scheming girlfriend of Lex Luthor, in four episodes of the first season. This role came well before she became a well-known model and TV star. Alan Ritchson first appeared as Aquaman in a few episodes, giving audiences one of the first live-action looks at the hero and hinting at his future as an action movie lead.

Before starring in Supernatural, Jensen Ackles was on Smallville in season 4, playing Jason Teague, a major villain that season. Shawn Ashmore also appeared in Smallville, in two episodes as Eric Summers, a teenager affected by the meteor shower. He later became known for playing Iceman in the X-Men movies.

I always think back to Amy Adams’ early work, especially her role as Jodi Melville in “Cravings.” It’s amazing to see now, considering all her Oscar nominations, how memorable she was even then, playing a student with such a unique and challenging power! And it’s fun remembering Lizzy Caplan as the shapeshifting Tina Greer – she was a fantastic villain. Adam Brody was great too, as Justin Gaines in “Crush,” that telekinetic teen who had a little romance with Chloe. It was a really strong cast all around!

Cobie Smulders played Shannon Bell in “Bound,” the ex-girlfriend who falsely accuses the main character of murder. She later became famous for her role as Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Dave Bautista appeared as Aldar in “Static” long before becoming a wrestling star and joining the cast of “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Ian Somerhalder, known from Lost, portrayed Adam Knight, a teenager brought back to life by Lionel Luthor to keep an eye on Clark during season 3. Paul Wesley, famous for The Vampire Diaries, played Lucas Luthor, Lex’s half-brother, in the episode “Prodigal.” Looking back, Smallville featured a remarkably talented cast.

2025-12-28 22:12