Marvel and DC have found a great deal of critical and commercial success with their superhero films in recent years, launching cinematic universes, breaking box office records, and receiving many positives reviews. Part of this success has to be attributed to the talented actors who have portrayed these superheroes and villains on-screen, with multiple actors winning Oscars for their work in comic book films.
Despite the recent trend of dark and gritty comic book movies, there are still some superheroes who are, intentionally or unintentionally, goofy and ridiculous. These roles require skilled comedians who can convey both the power and silliness of their character.
Jay Leno As The Crimson Chin
Best known for his time on The Tonight Show, comedian Jay Leno became a household name during his time as one of the most popular late-night talk show hosts in America. Among his most recognizable qualities are his prominent chin and distinct voice.
Jay Leno shares those characteristics with the Crimson Chin, a superhero he voiced on The Fairly OddParents. The Crimson Chin was a talk show host who gained superpowers after he was bitten on the chin by a radioactive celebrity. Much of his character revolves around chin-related puns, such as his hometown of Chincinnati.
Whoopi Goldberg/Margot Kidder As Gaia
Captain Planet and the Planeteers has developed a reputation as one of the goofiest superhero shows. In the environment-minded show, Gaia is the embodiment of nature and the creator of Captain Planet.
Over the course of the show's run, the voice role of Gaia was split between Whoopi Goldberg, who played her for the first three seasons, and Margot Kidder, who played Gaia for the final three seasons. Whoopi Goldberg has had success across a wide range of ventures, proving herself in both dramatic and comedic roles. Margot Kidder is best known for her performances as Lois Lane in the Christopher Reeve Superman franchise.
Jason Mantzoukas As Rex Splode
Rex Splode is an arrogant, loudmouth superhero with the power to make anything he touches explode in Amazon Prime's Invincible. He is a powerful but obnoxious character that often causes unnecessary drama on the various superhero teams he joins.
Jason Mantzoukas has made a career out of playing ridiculous, over-the-top characters on shows such as The League, Brooklyn 99, and The Good Place. He is a hilarious comedian that brings a zany energy to every role he plays. He is also a well-known podcaster as one of the cohosts of How Did This Get Made?
Seth Green As Howard The Duck
Howard the Duck was the star of one of the most famous flops in movie history. Nearly three decades later, he returned to the big screen in cameo appearances in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and Avengers: Endgame. Howard the Duck is typically depicted as a cynical and sarcastic character.
For his MCU appearances, Howard the Duck has been voiced by Seth Green. Seth Green is best known for his roles as Dr. Evil's son in Austin Powers and Chris Griffin in Family Guy. Howard the Duck's minor appearances have been well-received by fans, opening the door to his potential inclusion in future movies.
Tara Strong As Bubbles
Debuting in the 1990s, the Powerpuff Girls are a team of superpowered sisters that have to deal with supervillains and kindergarten. Bubbles is the emotional core of the team, often depicted as sweet but naive. Because she is the naive one, Bubbles is frequently used as the comedic relief.
Since 1998, Bubbles has been voiced by voice acting legend Tara Strong. Tara Strong has an incredible filmography of animated work, voicing hundreds of characters in film and television. Some of her most famous characters include Timmy Turner in The Fairly OddParents, Dil Pickles in Rugrats, Ben in Ben 10, Barbara Gordon and Harley Quinn in various Batman projects, and many others.
Tracy Morgan As Captain Caveman
Best known for his work in 30 Rock and his time on Saturday Night Live, comedian Tracy Morgan often plays boisterous and over-the-top characters. His brand of comedy lends itself perfectly to larger-than-life roles.
In Scoob! Tracy Morgan voices the Hanna-Barbera character Captain Caveman. As a prehistoric caveman with the ability to fly, Captain Caveman calls himself the world's first superhero. He also possesses the ability to use his long body hair like a utility belt, conveniently pulling out whatever object is needed for the situation.
Jonah Hill As Green Lantern
While he has successfully become a respected dramatic actor, many of Jonah Hill's early roles highlighted his comedic ability. Jonah Hill made a name for himself appearing in comedies such as Superbad, Knocked Up, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Jonah Hill reunited with his 21 Jump Street costar Channing Tatum in The Lego Movie as Green Lantern and Superman respectively. In the film, Green Lantern clearly gets on Superman's nerves, and the two end up trapped in gum next to one another. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum's perfect comedic chemistry is in full display in this movie and their goofy take on these beloved DC heroes is hilarious.
Ed Helms As Captain Underpants
Ed Helms was catapulted into the spotlight when he became a regular on The Office and then starred in the hit comedy The Hangover. Since then, he has regularly appeared in television shows and movies such as Tag and Vacation. Many of his characters are often straight-laced guys who reach the end of their rope.
This character type is taken to its extreme in Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. He plays Mr. Krupp, an elementary school principal who is hypnotized by a couple of his students, causing him to believe that he is Captain Underpants, the fictional superhero they created.
John Mulaney As Spider-Ham
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse introduced audiences to the multiverse, parallel universes that are home to countless different versions of Spider-Man. Some of them were similar to Miles Morales but some were drastically different. The strangest version featured in Into the Spiderverse is Spider-Ham, an anthropomorphic talking pig with the powers of Spider-Man.
Spider-Ham is played to perfection by comedian John Mulaney. John Mulaney is a standup comedian and former writer on Saturday Night Live. His quirky and awkward delivery captures the goofiness of Spider-Ham.
Jim Cummings As Darkwing Duck
Jim Cummings is a Disney voice acting legend, responsible for bringing to life such characters as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Hondo Ohnaka, and Mickey Mouse's rival Pete. Beyond his Disney work, he is also known for playing the Tasmanian Devil.
One Jim Cummings character that still resonates with fans is the superhero Darkwing Duck from Darkwing Duck and DuckTales. A clear parody of Batman, Darkwing Duck is a wealthy duck who has no superpowers but uses his gadgets and wits to fight crime. While he is prideful and occasionally bumbling, Darkwing Duck somehow always manages to save the day.