10 Actors Given A Second Chance In Superhero Franchises

The Failure(s) - Sinestro – Green Lantern (2011)

The Second Chance - Thaddeus Sivana – Shazam! (2019)

There was a period during the late 2000s and early 2010s where Mark Strong seemed to be the villain (or as a Middle Eastern character, despite being of Italian descent) in absolutely everything – from Sunshine and Stardust to Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood. He even kickstarted his association with comic adaptations by excelling as Frank D’Amico in Kick Ass.

This pattern was bucked somewhat by his appearance in Green Lantern, where he played Sinestro. Typically the archenemy of the title character, in this instance he functioned as a mentor and ally in the fight against Hector Hammond, with the foundations laid for a sequel (ultimately quashed by the film’s failure) where he would presumably assume the antagonist role.

Strong has expanded his horizons in recent years, bringing warmth and humour to the Kingsman adaptations through his performance as gadget master (and huge John Denver fan) Merlin. His death was certainly the high point of a hit and miss sequel to the original romp.

He has now returned to his villainous roots with his showing in the hugely enjoyable Shazam!, which is currently the highest audience scoring entry in the DC Extended Universe on RottenTomatoes. Already signed up for a sequel, Strong has more to bring to the table yet.