With the absolute domination of the MCU across all forms of media, Marvel superheroes are constantly at the forefront of popular culture. Whether it's Iron Man, Captain America, or Ms. Marvel, these heroes are some of the most recognizable characters today. Playing a beloved character brings the spotlight, and the talented actors and actresses that bring our favorite Marvel characters to life are often associated with the MCU no matter what roles they take.

RELATED: 10 Funniest MCU Villains, from Loki to Agatha Harkness

While playing a superhero often opens the door for more lead roles, sometimes actors want to venture into the dark side for a change. They say being the bad guy is more fun, and the following ten Marvel heroes that broke bad prove it.

Chris Evans - 'The Gray Man' (2022)

Chris Evans as Lloyd Hansen have a drink in The Gray Man
Image via Netflix

An American super soldier who symbolizes integrity, loyalty, and an unbending desire to do what he believes is right, Captain America is the most heroic of The Avengers. Chris Evans' boy scout looks and persona perfectly fit Cap, and further amplified his credentials as the leader of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Thus, seeing Evans portray the villain in Netflix's latest action original, The Gray Man, is a surprise. Evans' Lloyd Hansen is a sociopathic mercenary who hounds Ryan Gosling's Six at every turn. The character's erratic behavior is a stark contrast to Cap's stoic nature, and it is clear that Evans is having a great time unleashing Hansen's chaotic energy. Please just shave the seedy mustache next time.

RELATED: 'The Gray Man' and 9 Other Great Non-Superhero Movies by MCU Directors

Paul Rudd - 'Mute' (2018)

A surgeon holding a glass

Paul Rudd is one of the most wholesome people in Hollywood, his friendly and humble nature bleeding through into his portrayal of Scott Lang/Ant-Man. Rudd's effortless likability is on full display as Lang, as the small-time thief finds himself fighting alongside literal gods in order to save the universe.

For Mute, however, Rudd plays Cactus Bill, a black market surgeon with a violent temper. While the film itself is nothing special, Rudd shines in a role that lets him explore his darker side. Despite being abusive and intimidating, Rudd's natural charisma shines through and creates a villain that becomes the highlight of the film.

Jeremy Renner - 'S.W.A.T.' (2003)

Jeremy Renner in SWAT

Before he was shooting arrows Jeremy Renner was endangering hostages as a rogue SWAT officer. When a reckless operation causes Brian Gamble (Renner) to be removed from the force, he returns to torment his former partner Jim Street (Colin Farrell) and his new SWAT team.

Also starring Samuel L. Jackson, S.W.A.T. is a typical 2000s action movie, trading over-the-top gunfights and car chases for meaningful plot and direction. Released before Renner's star-making turn in The Hurt Locker, it is entertaining to see the master archer in a villainous role before he achieved leading man status.

Samuel L. Jackson - 'Unbreakable' (2003)

Samuel L. Jackson in Unbreakable
Image via Buena Vista Pictures

One of the most accomplished actors in Hollywood, Samuel L. Jackson possesses a filmography five times longer than the MCU. He has played a variety of roles across his 50-year-long career, which made him the ideal choice to play Nick Fury, the mentor for the motley crew of Avengers.

While he has played countless villains across his career, one of Jackson's best performances is Elijah Price in Unbreakable. Going by the nickname Mr. Glass, due to being crippled with brittle-bone disease, his obsession with comic books drives him to stage terrorist attacks in order to create real-world superheroes. The film itself offers a more restrained look at a superhero origin story, a more thoughtful perspective compared to the bombastic MCU.

Brie Larson - 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' (2010)

The Clash at Demonhead concert in Scott Pilgrim vs the World

Rather than being a supervillain that Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) must defeat, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World's Envy Adams (Brie Larson) is the ex-girlfriend whose ending of their relationship represents a trauma he must overcome. No longer the person he used to know, Envy has become a famous musician.

Released a decade before Larson's debut as Captain Marvel, her supporting role as the snarky front-woman for The Clash at Demonhead results in a memorable character in this beloved cult classic. Her cover of Metric's 'Black Sheep' is an absolute banger as well.

RELATED: Every Edgar Wright Movie Ranked from Worst to Best

Dave Bautista - 'Spectre' (2015)

Dave Bautista in Spectre
Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Being a former professional wrestler, it is easy to see why Dave Bautista is often cast in roles that require a big physical presence. While his portrayal of Drax Guardians of the Galaxy shows he possesses great comedic timing, a look through his filmography shows he has mostly been used for his appearance rather than his acting chops.

This is most obvious in his performance as Mr. Hinx in Spectre, the fourth James Bond film starring Daniel Craig. The main henchman for the film's big bad, Hinx is silent for almost his entire time on screen, with Bautista still shining in the role thanks to his imposing physical performance. Thankfully further roles in films such as Blade Runner 2049 and Dune have allowed Bautista to showcase more of his acting abilities.

Idris Elba - 'Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw' (2019)

Idris Elba as Brixton in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
Image via NBCUniversal

Speaking of Bond, the man fans want to next take up the mantle made a big impression in the MCU as Thor's best friend and confidant, Heimdall. The guardian of the Bifrost, Idris Elba shone with the limited screen time he received and has gone on to star in more superhero films such as The Suicide Squad.

Despite being one of Hollywood's most charming leading men, Elba took up the mantle of the bad guy in the Fast & the Furious spin-off Hobbs & Shaw. Given the insurmountable challenge of squaring off against Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, Elba holds his own against the two titans of the action genre.

RELATED: Every 'Fast & Furious' Movie Ranked

Benedict Cumberbatch - 'Star Trek Into Darkness' (2013)

Benedict Cumberbatch in Star Trek Into Darkness
Image via Paramount Pictures

Before giving life to the MCU's Sorcerer Supreme, Benedict Cumberbatch was best known for playing the titular detective in TV's Sherlock. The popularity of the classic character's revival led to roles on the big screen for Cumberbatch, and one of his best performances is playing the legendary villain Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness.

It is not easy to join a franchise and outshine the established cast, but that is exactly what Cumberbatch achieved. His turn as Khan is as charismatic as he is terrifying, and the actor's deep voice lends the character a commanding presence. His brooding portrayal is a far cry from the arrogant and self-assured Doctor Strange.

Paul Bettany - 'The Da Vinci Code' (2006)

An albino monk holding a knife to a woman's throat
Image via Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group

It is hard to imagine now, but The Da Vinci Code was once the most popular work of fiction in the world. A best-selling book that became a hit movie, the plot follows two investigators as they travel across Europe trying to solve a mystery that has far-reaching consequences concerning Jesus Christ.

One half of the MCU's power couple, Paul Bettany stars in the film adaptation as Silas, a murderous monk who chases Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou throughout their journey. A self-flagellating albino, Silas is a unique character among Bettany's body of work, and the talented Brit's committed performance makes for an unnerving villain.

Chris Hemsworth - 'Bad Times At the El Royale' (2018)

A shirtless man standing in a field
Image via 20th Century Fox

The MCU's golden boy, Chris Hemsworth has proven to be one of its brightest stars. Taking Thor from stoic hero to comedic himbo, his character has received some of the franchise's biggest development across its duration. Hemsworth himself has also become one of the most likable performers in Hollywood.

This likability must have played a part in his casting as Billy Lee in Bad Times At the El Royale, a charismatic cult leader who draws heavy parallels to Charles Manson. The film itself is an ode to crime thrillers such as the ones made famous by Quentin Tarantino, where a cast of diverse characters is thrown together in a single location with deadly consequences.

NEXT: The MCU's Phase 4's New Heroes, Ranked