The Two Huge MCU Actors You Forgot Starred In The Office
With over two dozen films under its belt, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has an impressive collection of acting alums. Some of the actors are legends of film, like Robert Redford, Tommy Lee Jones, and Michael Douglas, while others cut their teeth in television like Chris Pratt, Evangeline Lilly, and Zendaya.
A few of these MCU actors also appeared on another phenomenon of the aughts, the NBC sitcom "The Office." Lauded as one of the best sitcoms of the 21st century (via The New York Times), "The Office" follows the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company as the staff of the navigate work and their personal lives, and the often inappropriate ways they intersect. The remake of the British comedy from Ricky Gervais stars Steve Carell as the well-meaning but utterly inept office manager, alongside a large ensemble cast that includes John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, and Rainn Wilson.
With both of these franchises coming to fame around the same time, it was inevitable that there would be a crossover between the two. Here are two MCU actors you may not know who also starred in "The Office."
Ultron replaced Michael Scott
James Spader lent his crisp voice to the personality of artificial intelligence villain, Ultron, in "Avengers: Age of Ultron." While you never see the actor's face, his voice is unmistakable as he schemes his way to world domination for the sake of peace. His terrifying notes during his monologues scream villainy when he tries to reason with the likes of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), and Vision (Paul Bettany).
However, before Spader was Ultron, he debuted as Robert California on "The Office." The enigmatic character was introduced in the finale of Season 7 when Robert California interviewed for the Regional Manager position at the Scranton branch. He served as the CEO of Dunder Mifflin throughout Season 8, terrorizing the employees for seemingly his own amusement.
Sadly, Spader didn't reprise his voice role of Ultron in the animated Disney+ series "What If...?" which saw the character return as a principal antagonist. But you can still see him regularly as the lead character Red Reddington in NBC's "The Blacklist."
Idris Elba clashed with the Scranton branch
In 2011, Idris Elba made his MCU debut as Heimdall in "Thor." He stood guard at the Bifrost, ensuring the safe travels of Asgardians and protecting the entry to Asgard itself. Even though it seemed like a relatively small part for a man of Elba's craft, Heimdall grew to be an essential character in Thor's life. In "Thor: The Dark World," he was seen destroying an entire ship of Dark Elves singlehandedly when they invaded Asgard. He played a vital role in the survival of the people of Asgard in "Thor: Ragnarok," before meeting his end in "Avengers: Infinity War" at the hands of Thanos.
Two years before his first MCU appearance, Idris Elba appeared on "The Office" as Charles Miner, the new Vice President of Dunder Mifflin's Northeast Sales Region. While he had a profound effect on some of the women of Dunder Mifflin, he ended up being the main antagonist in Season 5. His serious approach to managing and cost-cutting measures lead Michael to quit and start his own paper company, with Pam (Fischer) choosing to with him. Ultimately, the Michael Scott Paper Company comes out on top, and Miner is removed from the branch as part of Michael's buyout deal. Eventually, Miner is fired along with the rest of corporate when Sabre acquires Dunder Mifflin.
While we never know if Heimdall will make a return to the MCU, what with the possibilities of the multiverse, Elba is busy these days with the DC Extended Universe, recently playing Bloodsport in "The Suicide Squad." He's also making a much-anticipated return to his first major starring vehicle with the upcoming "Luther" film.