In today’s world of multimedia franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Star Wars, it’s become pretty common to see characters appear in multiple films. With the rise of crossovers, familiar faces often pop up in related projects, much to the delight of fans.
But it wasn’t always like this. Not too long ago, it was rare to see a character from one movie show up in another, especially in an official capacity.
That doesn’t mean it never happened, though. In fact, there are quite a few notable instances where actors reprised the exact same character across different films—and you might not have even realized it!
Long before we got used to seeing stars like Samuel L. Jackson or Robert Downey Jr. continuing their roles in interconnected Marvel films, these actors were already doing it quietly. Let’s take a look at some surprising cases where actors brought their characters to life more than once.
Peter O’Toole as King Henry II in Two Different Films
Peter O’Toole, one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors, left an indelible mark with roles in films like Lawrence of Arabia. However, not many people know that he portrayed the same historical figure—King Henry II—twice!
First, in Becket (1964), O’Toole played Henry II alongside Richard Burton, where the plot centered around the tense relationship between the king and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
O’Toole returned as Henry II in The Lion in Winter (1968), acting alongside Katharine Hepburn in a film that follows the complicated political dynamics within the king’s family.
Netflix’s Vince McMahon Doc: First Trailer Drops – You Won’t Believe What He Reveals!
Michael Parks: The Texas Ranger Across Multiple Tarantino Films
Michael Parks’ collaborations with Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez made him a standout character actor. One of his most iconic roles was as Texas Ranger Earl McGraw, a character who pops up in several movies across both directors’ filmographies.
McGraw first appeared in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), and Parks went on to reprise the role in Kill Bill, Planet Terror, and Death Proof.
His real-life son even played his character’s son in several of these movies. Tarantino has mentioned that he wrote the character specifically with Parks’ laid-back Texas drawl in mind.
Netflix’s ‘The Perfect Couple’ Is Almost Here—Who’s Ready for a Wedding Gone Wrong?
Martin Starr: From Computer Nerd to Mr. Harrington in the Marvel Universe
You probably know Martin Starr from comedies like Silicon Valley, but did you realize that his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are actually the same character?
Starr first appeared as a student in The Incredible Hulk (2008), officially credited as “Computer Nerd.” He then resurfaced as Mr. Harrington, the high school teacher in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
It was later confirmed by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige that the two roles are, in fact, the same character.
Netflix’s Hit Series ‘Monster’ Returns with a Chilling New True Crime Tale!
Sung Kang as Han: More Than Just a Fast & Furious Character
Fans of the Fast & Furious franchise know Sung Kang as Han, the smooth, mysterious racer who was introduced in Tokyo Drift. Though his character seemingly dies, Han’s popularity brought him back for future films in the series.
Interestingly, Han’s origins lie in a completely different film—Better Luck Tomorrow—directed by Justin Lin. Lin has confirmed that the character of Han in Better Luck Tomorrow is the same Han we see in the Fast & Furious films, explaining the criminal backstory that eventually leads him to the racing world.
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 Release Date: When Will It Be on Netflix?
Thomas Lennon’s Doctor Role in Two Christopher Nolan Films
Thomas Lennon, best known for his comedic work in Reno 911!, also had roles in two different Christopher Nolan films—Memento and The Dark Knight Rises.
Lennon first appeared as a doctor in Memento (2000), where he tested the memory of Sammy Jankis, a character suffering from severe amnesia. Then, in The Dark Knight Rises (2012), he pops up again as Bruce Wayne’s doctor.
While Nolan hasn’t confirmed it, Lennon himself likes to think that these two roles are the same character, connected within Nolan’s film universe.
The Best Film of 2024? Find Out What’s Coming to Netflix This Month!
Ian Holm: Napoleon Across Different Eras
Ian Holm might be best remembered by modern audiences as Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings, but he also played Napoleon Bonaparte multiple times in his career.
Holm first portrayed the French emperor in the 1974 TV series Napoleon and Love, which focused on Napoleon’s romantic life.
He took up the role again in the 1981 fantasy film Time Bandits and once more in The Emperor’s New Clothes (2001), making him one of the few actors to portray the same historical figure across such varied projects.
Netflix Is Saying Goodbye to These Popular Titles—Catch Them While You Can!
Angela Bassett as Betty Shabazz: A Civil Rights Icon Reprised
Angela Bassett’s portrayal of civil rights activist Betty Shabazz first caught attention in Malcolm X (1992), where she acted alongside Denzel Washington. Just three years later, she played Shabazz again in Panther, a film about the rise of the Black Panther Party.
And while she didn’t take on the role a third time in Betty and Coretta, she did appear in the film, playing Coretta Scott King, another iconic civil rights figure. Bassett’s ability to take on such significant roles makes her a powerhouse in any film she’s in.