Giancarlo Esposito's Superhero Journey: From DC's Black Spider to MCU's Sidewinder

This critically acclaimed actor may have made his MCU debut in Captain America: Brave New World earlier this year, but he is far from a stranger to the superhero genre. It’s impressive how expansive the superhero genre has gotten over the past decade, and there are now many more opportunities for actors to play superheroes or villains.

It’s common for an actor to be involved in multiple superhero projects, and it’s even unsurprising when an actor has credits in both Marvel and DC projects despite the long-time unspoken rivalry between the two comic book publishers. One actor, who is a recent addition to the MCU, actually made his superhero debut over a decade ago in an animated DC film.

Giancarlo Esposito Debuted In The MCU As Sidewinder

Giancarlo Esposito's Sidewinder in a church in Captain America Brave New World (2025) — Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder in a church in Captain America Brave New World (2025)

Captain America: Brave New World marked the debut of several actors to the MCU, including Giancarlo Esposito. He played Sidewinder, an ᴀssᴀssin and leader of the Serpent Society crime organization. Sidewinder may not have been the main antagonist of the film, but he was a crucial link in the story.

Sidewinder was hired by the film’s main antagonist, Leader, to steal adamantium in order to frame President Thaddeus Ross for an illegal sale. However, the plan is stopped by Captain America, and though Sidewinder is able to escape once, he is arrested by the end of the film.

It was a short arc for Sidewinder, and it’s perhaps a bit disappointing that an actor like Esposito was wasted with so little screen time. However, Sidewinder does offer information about Leader for a reduced sentence, hinting at a future MCU return.

Giancarlo Esposito Played DC’s Black Spider Years Before His MCU Debut

Black Spider in his suit in Batman ᴀssault on Arkham (2014)

Esposito may have made his MCU debut earlier this year, but it’s far from his debut in the superhero genre. Over a decade ago, he took his first of several roles in a DC project. Esposito voiced the villain Black Spider in the 2014 animated movie Batman: ᴀssault on Arkham.

A lesser-known Batman villain, Eric Needham is an interesting character. He believes he’s doing good by targeting the drug trade, but he’s also willing to let innocent people die in the process. In ᴀssault on Arkham, he is recruited as a member of the Suicide Squad, just as his comic counterpart has been.

Some comic book fans consider Black Spider to be DC’s take on Spider-Man. There are the obvious similarities, such as their respective spider-themed personas and the fact that they both focus on street-level crime. With Esposito voicing DC’s Spider-Man years ago, it’s no wonder he was destined to join the MCU.

Giancarlo Esposito Has Played Far More Superhero Show Roles Than You Might Think

Giancarlo Esposito's Stan Edgar walking in The Boys — Giancarlo Esposito’s Stan Edgar walking in The Boys

Batman: ᴀssault on Arkham was not Esposito’s only superhero project before Captain America: Brave New World. He has played many roles in the superhero genre, both as a voice actor and a live-action actor. He voiced notorious DC villain Lex Luthor in the animated Harley Quinn series, then the stone hero Granite in Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.

Perhaps Esposito’s most recognizable role in the superhero genre is as Stan Edgar in The Boys and The Boys: Diabolical. The former CEO of Vought International was one of the main antagonists for several seasons. It’s a treat to have Esposito in the superhero genre, especially in live-action roles, and hopefully Captain America: Brave New World is just the start of his MCU run.