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The key differences between the Marvel and DC cinematic universes, from someone who's been in both: Carl Lumbly
"I claim both worlds. I think they do different things," Lumbly says about existing in both the Marvel and DC extended universes
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Carl Lumbly has been lucky enough to play in both Marvel and DC’s sandbox. The actor voiced Martian Manhunter in the 2001 Justice League animated series. In 2021 he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Isaiah Bradley in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and reprised the role for the 2025 film Captain America: Brave New World.
As someone who has been on the frontlines for both the Marvel and DC Universe, Lumbly has a unique perspective on the differences between the two franchises.
“It’s fun to be a hybrid,” Carl Lumbly says during a panel at Space Con 2025. “I claim both worlds. I think they do different things. This is simply my opinion, and I don’t really know what I’m talking about except for myself. But the DC world does I think character depth and stories that hew a little more closely to normal humanity. And Marvel releases the imagination to all sorts of possibilities. In between the two of them, it’s been a lot of fun.”
Last year I wrote an article about the differences between Marvel and DC, and it was roughly 2,500 words. In just a few sentences I think Lumbly was able to sum it up much better than I could. But that’s the power of being Captain America and the Martian Manhunter.
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About Spacecon
SPACECON is America’s newest comic con created by PMX Events. Attendees will see celebrity guests from the likes of Star Wars, Star Trek, Guardians of the Galaxy and other intergalactic movies and TV shows. Con goers will discover an immersive show experience to get up-close and personal with their favorite celebrities, voice artists, and comic artists with hundreds of exhibitors and special attractions to exhilarate any fandom.
Dates
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Location
San Antonio
USA
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