The worlds of Game of Thrones and Marvel might seem galaxies apart, but over the years, plenty of Westeros favorites have crossed into the superhero realm. From Sophie Turner’s fiery turn as Jean Grey to Richard Madden suiting up as Ikaris and Emilia Clarke making her MCU debut in Secret Invasion, these stars brought their acting chops into a universe filled with gods, mutants, and cosmic entities.
However, not all of their Marvel characters stand on equal footing regarding raw power. Some can bend reality or wield galaxy-shaking weapons, while others rely on grit, skill, or a hint of trickery. Here’s a countdown of the most powerful Marvel characters played by Game of Thrones actors, ranked from least to absolute god-tier.
15. Richard Dormer – Agent Donald Prescod
Richard Dormer is no stranger to bringing intensity and depth to his roles. In Game of Thrones, he portrayed Beric Dondarrion, the charismatic leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners, known for his fiery sword and multiple resurrections. His portrayal added a layer of mysticism and resilience to the series.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Dormer took on the role of Agent Prescod in the Disney+ series Secret Invasion (2023). Prescod is a CIA operative who becomes entangled in the complex web of Skrull infiltration on Earth. His character’s involvement adds a grounded, human perspective to the series, highlighting the tension and paranoia of espionage in a world where anyone could be an imposter.
Dormer’s transition from the mystical realms of Westeros to the covert operations of the MCU showcases his versatility as an actor. His performances continue to captivate audiences, proving that Dormer brings a unique intensity to every role, whether wielding a flaming sword or navigating intergalactic conspiracies.
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14. Hannah John-Kamen – Ghost
When Game of Thrones fans first met Hannah John-Kamen, it was in a blink-and-you-miss-it role as Ornela, one of the Dothraki widows at Vaes Dothrak. She may not have had dragon-level screen time, but even then, she had a presence that stuck.
Fast-forward to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and John-Kamen got her breakout geek-culture moment as Ava Starr, a.k.a. Ghost, in Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018).
Ghost started out as one of Marvel’s more tragic “villains.” She was a woman phasing in and out of reality because of a botched quantum experiment, living in constant pain, and desperate for a cure. John-Kamen leaned into the humanity of that struggle, making Ghost feel less like a stock baddie and more like someone audiences could empathize with.
Now, with Thunderbolts* (2025), she’s officially back and in a big way. John-Kamen has described her return as a chance to explore a “very different Ghost.” During an interview with Forbes, she said,
She has matured and is all grown up and in control of her powers. She’s got a very hard exterior … and she doesn’t depend on anyone.
It’s a glow-up that proves Marvel isn’t done with her yet, and neither are fans.
13. Chuku Modu – Soh-Larr
When you think of Game of Thrones warriors, the Dothraki instantly come to mind, fierce, loyal, and deadly on the battlefield. That’s exactly the world Chuku Modu stepped into when he played Aggo, one of the horse-riding fighters who crossed paths with Daenerys Targaryen in Season 6.
Even though his screen time was brief, Modu made his mark with the intensity and raw presence the Dothraki are known for.
But Modu didn’t stop at Westeros. He crossed galaxies into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he suited up as Soh-Larr in Captain Marvel (2019). Soh-Larr is a Kree warrior, which, for the uninitiated, means he’s built tougher, faster, and stronger than your average human.
Kree physiology grants superhuman strength, enhanced durability, and even a healing factor, making Soh-Larr a force in combat. In contrast, the character wasn’t a centerpiece of the movie, his role tied into the larger Kree-Skrull conflict that shaped Carol Danvers’ story.
While Chuku Modu’s turn as Soh-Larr wasn’t a major role in Captain Marvel, it still added another layer to the Kree story. It’s one of those cameo Marvel moments.
12. Jessica Henwick – Colleen Wing
Jessica Henwick carved out a name for herself in Game of Thrones as Nymeria Sand, one of Oberyn Martell’s infamous Sand Snakes. Her weapon of choice, a deadly whip, and fierce, calculating energy brought fire to Dorne’s storyline.
Even though the Sand Snakes weren’t the most universally loved part of the series, Henwick stood out, proving she could command attention even in limited screen time.
From the deserts of Dorne, Henwick jumped into the neon-lit streets of New York City, taking on the role of Colleen Wing in Marvel’s Iron Fist (2017). Colleen wasn’t just another supporting character; she was a dojo master, a master swordswoman, and a woman who could go toe-to-toe with superpowered enemies without breaking a sweat.
Colleen would go on to appear in The Defenders and Luke Cage, earning a cult following among Marvel fans who loved her quiet strength and unwavering determination.
Henwick herself has openly admitted just how much the role means to her. She even turned down a chance to join Shang-Chi because it would have meant closing Colleen’s chapter for good. She revealed to The Hollywood Reporter,
If I did [Shang-Chi], I would effectively be putting Colleen to bed. It wasn’t the main factor, but it definitely came up in conversation. I love Colleen. She changed my life. Of course, if I was given the opportunity to revisit her, I would, but I just don’t know how likely that is.
Colleen Wing might not have superpowers in the traditional sense, but her skill, grit, and heart made her one of the most compelling fighters in Marvel’s Netflix era. And who knows, she might return for a new show!
11. Finn Jones – Danny Rand / Iron Fist
Before he became the Immortal Iron Fist, Finn Jones was best known to audiences as Loras Tyrell, the handsome Knight of Flowers from Game of Thrones.
Beloved for his charm, jousting skills, and tragic romance with Renly Baratheon, Loras was a softer, more vulnerable character than most warriors of Westeros. His story arc may not have ended on the happiest of notes, but it cemented him as a familiar face in one of television’s biggest fantasy epics.
Jones traded the flowery sigil of House Tyrell for the mystical city of K’un-Lun when Marvel tapped him to play Danny Rand / Iron Fist in their Netflix universe. First appearing in Iron Fist (2017) and later in The Defenders and Luke Cage, Danny was a martial arts master whose power came from focusing his chi into his fist, turning it into a weapon capable of shattering steel.
The actor has talked about juggling between his roles, by the time the (GoT) finale aired he was three months into filming Marvel’s Iron Fist. He told Entertainment Now,
I was cut off from the world, in that respect. I had my head pretty much in work mode.
While Iron Fist divided critics and fans, Jones approached the role with laser focus. Whether you loved or loathed the series, his transformation from Westerosi knight to mystical martial artist was one of the boldest leaps any GoT alum has made into Marvel territory.
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10. Maisie Williams – Rahne Sinclair / Wolfsbane
Maisie Williams went from running the streets of Westeros as Arya Stark to prowling the halls of Marvel’s mutant world as Rahne Sinclair, better known as Wolfsbane.
On GoT, Arya was the ultimate underdog — young, underestimated, but razor-sharp, stealthy, and driven by her own code of justice. Williams brought the perfect mix of intensity and vulnerability to the role, transforming Arya from a curious child into one of the series’ deadliest assassins.
In The New Mutants (2020), Williams leapt into the shoes (or paws) of Rahne Sinclair, a mutant with lycanthropic powers. Wolfsbane can shift into a full wolf or a hybrid human-wolf form, retaining her intelligence while gaining enhanced senses, reflexes, and natural weapons like claws and fangs. She goes from human to wolf with ease, embodying the physicality and raw emotion the character demands.
Williams has admitted that joining the X‑Men universe was a new experience (via Digital Spy)
I watched certain X‑Men films, but I haven’t watched all of them… I asked Sophie [Turner] about being in an X‑Men movie
Maisie Williams continues to prove she can handle anything, whether human or wolf, from the cold streets of Winterfell to the haunted halls of a mutant institute.
9. Richard Brake – Einherjar Captain
Long before he marched into Asgard’s elite ranks, Richard Brake was sending chills down viewers’ spines as the Night King in Game of Thrones. Even with minimal lines, Brake brought a chilling presence that terrified and mesmerized fans. It was a role that proved he could command a scene through sheer aura alone, no words required.
Brake carried that same intensity into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, suiting up as the Einherjar Lieutenant in Thor: The Dark World (2013). The Einherjar are Asgard’s elite warriors, and while Brake’s character doesn’t steal the spotlight like Thor or Loki, his presence is impossible to ignore.
On-screen, he embodies the discipline, strength, and combat skills expected of these legendary fighters. Every move he makes, every swing of his weapon, every stance in formation screams training and deadly precision.
8. Clive Russell – Tyr
Clive Russell has a knack for bringing gravitas to every role he touches, and that skill carried him from the war-torn lands of Westeros to the legendary halls of Asgard. On Game of Thrones, he was Ser Brynden “Blackfish” Tully, the fiercely independent and cunning uncle of Catelyn Stark. Loyal to his family and unafraid to stand his ground, Russell’s Blackfish was the kind of character who could command respect in any room or battlefield.
Transitioning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Russell suited up as Tyr, the Asgardian God of War and older brother of Thor, in Thor: The Dark World (2013). While Tyr’s screen time was brief, Russell’s imposing presence made him unforgettable.
The character embodies superhuman strength, endurance, and unparalleled combat skill, perfectly suited to Russell’s physicality and commanding aura. Fans may have only caught glimpses of him in battle formations or royal councils, but every moment exuded authority.
Whether holding the line in Westeros or standing among Asgardian gods, Clive Russell brings undeniable gravitas to Tyr. His presence may be brief on screen, but it leaves a lasting impact.
7. Kit Harington – Dane Whitman / Black Knight
From the frozen battlefields of Winterfell to the mystical world of Marvel, Kit Harington has made quite the journey. On Game of Thrones, he was Jon Snow, the brooding hero who rose from the shadows of the Night’s Watch to become a key player in the war against the Night King. There were even talks of a spin-off show based on his character.
Fast forward to the MCU, and Harington has swapped swords for a very different kind of legacy. In Eternals (2021), he plays Dane Whitman, a mild-mannered history professor with a hidden destiny. While his screen time was short, the post-credits scene hinted at big things.
Dane discovers the legendary Ebony Blade, a mystical sword capable of cutting through nearly anything, including vibranium. But here’s the kicker: the sword carries a curse, feeding on its user’s anger and bloodlust. It’s the perfect setup for Harington to evolve from quiet academic to heroic Black Knight.
Harington’s Whiteman is the MCU character you want to root for. Fans are already buzzing about what’s next, imagining epic battles, moral dilemmas, and maybe even a little Game of Thrones-style brooding under the weight of destiny. With Kit at the helm, the Black Knight feels ready to claim his rightful spot among Marvel’s greatest heroes.
6. Peter Dinklage – Eitri
From the political intrigue of King’s Landing to the fiery forges of Nidavellir, Peter Dinklage continues to prove his versatility. On Game of Thrones, he was Tyrion Lannister, the quick-witted, sharp-tongued, and endlessly clever member of House Lannister. Fans loved watching him outsmart enemies, navigate deadly politics, and survive against all odds — proving that size doesn’t determine power.
In the MCU, Dinklage got to flex a different kind of muscle as Eitri, the King of the Dwarves, in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). This wasn’t the small-statured Eitri from the comics — he was scaled up to towering proportions for the big screen, but the heart and craftiness remained.
Eitri’s story is tragic: Thanos destroyed his people and even took his hands to stop him from forging again. But the king still uses his genius to help Thor, Rocket, and Groot create Stormbreaker, the weapon powerful enough to kill Thanos himself.
Dinklage’s Eitri is more than just a cameo; he’s a mix of vulnerability, brilliance, and heroism packed into one unforgettable forge-master. Even in a film full of gods and superheroes, Eitri’s presence stands out.
5. DeObia Oparei – Boastful Loki
If you thought Loki was complicated before, wait until you meet Boastful Loki, brought to life by DeObia Oparei. Before stepping into the MCU, Oparei was known to Game of Thrones fans as Xaro Xhoan Daxos, the flashy and ambitious Qarth merchant who tried to charm his way into power. That mix of swagger and cunning made him a perfect fit for the multiverse mischief ahead.
Enter the Disney+ series Loki (2021), where Oparei’s character takes boasting to a whole new level. This Loki variant isn’t shy about talking himself up, he claims to have defeated Captain America and Iron Man, collected all six Infinity Stones, and generally acts like the biggest deal in the multiverse.
But behind the bravado lies a character navigating betrayal, identity crises, and the chaos of being one of many Lokis. Oparei nails the balance of comic relief and genuine depth, making even a short screen time feel impactful.
Boastful Loki is the kind of character fans love to quote and meme, larger-than-life, mischievous, and impossibly entertaining. DeObia Oparei proves that even a variant can steal scenes and add a whole new flavor to the Loki mythos. With charm, swagger, and a hint of menace, this Loki might be small in screen time but huge in personality.
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4. Emilia Clarke – G’iah
From ruling Westeros with dragons to navigating intergalactic intrigue, Emilia Clarke proves she’s unstoppable. On Game of Thrones, she was Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, whose rise from exiled princess to one of the most iconic rulers in TV history made her a global superstar. Fast forward to the MCU, and Clarke takes on G’iah, the fierce Skrull agent in Disney+’s Secret Invasion (2023).
G’iah is no side character, she’s the daughter of Talos, a former child from Captain Marvel, now grown into a skilled and conflicted agent. Frustrated with her people’s plight and the slow progress of diplomacy, she joins the radical faction led by Gravik, determined to shake things up.
But G’iah isn’t all aggression, as the story unfolds, she wrestles with the morality of her choices, ultimately making decisions that define her as a hero in her own right.
Clarke’s energy was infectious on set and said she had “the most amount of fun” filming the stunts (via Marvel). She reflected,
I literally was like, this is my best day ever
With Clarke leading the charge, G’iah proves that Skrulls can be just as compelling, complex, and badass as dragons ever were.
3. Richard Madden – Ikaris
From the battlefields of the North to the cosmic expanse of the MCU, Richard Madden knows how to command attention. On Game of Thrones, he was Robb Stark, the young and noble King in the North, who led his people with honor, strategy, and a touch of heart.
Jumping to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Madden stepped into the role of Ikaris, one of the most powerful Eternals, in Eternals (2021). Ikaris isn’t just strong; he can fly, shoot cosmic energy beams from his eyes, and boasts superhuman durability that makes him nearly unstoppable.
But what sets him apart is the emotional depth Madden brings. Ikaris is loyal, driven by duty to the Celestials, yet torn by love for Sersi. His internal conflict adds layers to the character, turning him from a simple superhero into a tragic, compelling figure.
During a press conference for the movie, Madden said,
I really loved it. I’m kind of used to playing lovers often, and to play someone who’s such a soldier but is completely driven by love. All his decisions are driven by love and it’s actually him that’s wrestling with that.
In a film filled with immortal beings and epic stakes, Madden makes sure Ikaris stands out, balancing might, emotion, and charisma. With him in the mix, the MCU proves that even gods can struggle with matters of the heart.
2. Sophie Turner – Jean Grey
From the icy halls of Winterfell to the chaotic battles of the X-Men, Sophie Turner knows how to handle power and the consequences that come with it. On Game of Thrones, she was Sansa Stark, the ultimate glow-up queen of Westeros. From a naive girl learning to survive in King’s Landing to a savvy, strategic leader, Sansa showed fans that brains, patience, and resilience can be just as deadly as swords.
Fast forward to the MCU-adjacent X-Men universe, and Turner takes on Jean Grey, one of the most iconic mutants ever. Introduced in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) and later taking center stage in Dark Phoenix (2019), Jean grapples with the overwhelming power of the Phoenix Force.
She’s telepathic and telekinetic and capable of feats that could literally destroy planets, but the bigger battle is always inside her, as she struggles with control, responsibility, and identity.
Turner has expressed her deep connection to the character, stating, (via Refinery29)
I think that’s the way superhero movies are going to go
highlighting the shift towards more complex and nuanced portrayals of female characters in superhero films.
Turner’s portrayal added a layer of emotional complexity to the series, making Jean Grey one of the standout characters in the X-Men universe.
1. Ralph Ineson – Galactus
From Westeros’s harsh seas to the cosmos’ far reaches, Ralph Ineson has a knack for commanding attention. On Game of Thrones, he was Dagmer Cleftjaw, a brutal Ironborn warrior whose loyalty and ruthlessness made him memorable in the Iron Islands. Fans loved his raw intensity and how he brought menace to every scene.
Fast forward to the MCU, and Ineson transforms into Galactus, the planet-devouring cosmic entity in Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025). This isn’t just another villain; Galactus is a literal force of nature, an ancient being whose hunger for planets drives him. But Ineson has a different perspective and thinks God is just doing its job, he said, (via Empire)
He’s a cosmic force. He’s a god, of sorts. I don’t think Galactus is evil.
Physically, Ineson went all-in, adapting his movements and posture to embody a being towering over worlds. He even spent time atop buildings to channel that cosmic presence. With his imposing voice and presence, Ineson’s Galactus isn’t just terrifying; he’s awe-inspiring, larger-than-life, and strangely relatable in his cosmic motivations.
Whether battling in Westeros or looming over planets, Ralph Ineson proves that he can deliver menace, gravitas, and even a little personality, no matter the universe.
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From Westeros to the Marvel multiverse, these Game of Thrones alumni have taken on some truly iconic roles, from Emilia Clarke’s shapeshifting G’iah to Sophie Turner’s powerful Jean Grey and Richard Madden’s cosmic Ikaris. Even fan favorites like Kit Harington and Peter Dinklage left their mark on the MCU.
So, which Marvel character from this list is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!