A Thunderbolts* actor has revealed how he was able to land parts in both a Marvel film and a DC movie releasing in 2025 – and what happened when they found out.
Wendell Pierce, 61, joked about ‘finally’ entering the superhero world with the one-two punch of the latest MCU movie and James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, which re-introduces the DU Universe.
A Julliard-trained actor, Pierce is best known for playing Detective Bunk Moreland in groundbreaking HBO series The Wire, but has also appeared in TV shows Suits and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan for Prime Video, as well as films including Malcolm X, Selma and Ray.
However, many would assume a lot of negotiation would be necessary to be allowed to appear in two superhero movies for rival studios – not least, ones releasing only two months apart.
And is it not a cardinal sin as far as each studio is concerned? Well, it turns out that’s not quite the case.
‘What was great about it is I couldn’t tell either one of them. People said, “How did you work that out?” I said, “Well actually, I had an agreement not to say anything about what I was doing, so I couldn’t tell them about the other one” – and that’s how I snuck in!’ he revealed to Metro at the Thunderbolts* European premiere on Tuesday night.
‘It’s a unique experience to be in the position that I’m in, but they’re happy for me, I feel, in both worlds,’ he added.
In fact, the news broke of his Superman gig – where Pierce is playing Perry White, editor-in-chief of The Daily Planet newspaper employing Clark Kent (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) – while he was filming Thunderbolts*.
‘I remember the day; I came to set and Jake [Schreier, director] was like, “Oh, so I understand you’re in another superhero movie? It came out.” And I said, “Yeah.”
‘“So why didn’t you tell me?!”
‘And I said, “You guys, I have an NDA!” It was funny.’
Of course, the US star is far from being the only actor to have worked for both studios – notable examples include Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool and Green Lantern), Ben Affleck (Batman and Daredevil) and Michael Keaton (Batman and The Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming) – but he’s possibly the first to do it in such quick succession.
In Thunderbolts*, the Horrible Bosses actor plays a bit of a mystery part, known as Congressman Gary – although other reports identify him as a senator.
Asked to say a little more about his role, Pierce told Metro: ‘He can be a pain in your butt. But there’s a reason for it. I have to be the dad in the movie – “Thou shalt not do this, thou shalt not do that… You better get it right!”
‘So it may not be as much fun as all the other guys get[ting] to jump off buildings and blow up things – but it’s fun to be part of something special.’
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He promised there’s a reason for his ‘parental’ approach too – ‘There’s a purpose, yes – a method to my madness’.
Pierce was also confirmed as a very last-minute guest to the premiere, suggesting he is part of the sprawling cast for Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently shooting at Pinewood Studios, just outside London.
So Gary may be of further significance, alongside his cast-mates Florence Pugh as Yelena, Sebastian Stan as Bucky, David Harbour as Red Guardian, Lewis Pullman as Bob/Sentry, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/US Agent and Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost – all of whom are also in the 2026 film.
Thunderbolts* is released in cinemas on Friday, May 2. Superman will be out on July 11.
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