Black Stars Who Are Breaking Barriers in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Genres

Science fiction and fantasy are changing dramatically as Black actors are now taking center stage in major roles, moving beyond supporting characters to lead popular franchises and tell new stories. This isn’t just about seeing more representation; it’s also bringing fresh, diverse perspectives to genres that have traditionally lacked them. This change shows a growing desire for stories that are inclusive and appeal to audiences worldwide, with these actors redefining what it means to be a hero, villain, or adventurer in these imaginative worlds.

John Boyega

I first really noticed John Boyega when he was Finn in ‘The Force Awakens’ – he was amazing! It was so cool to see him as a stormtrooper who switched sides to fight with the good guys, and it felt like a really fresh take for ‘Star Wars’. But honestly, I was a huge fan even before that, because he was fantastic in ‘Attack the Block’ – defending London from aliens was a perfect role for him! He’s clearly become a big name in these huge sci-fi and action movies, like ‘Pacific Rim’, and it’s awesome that he’s also using his platform to push for more diversity and better representation in film. He’s a really talented actor and a great advocate!

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has become a standout performer in science fiction and fantasy films. She’s known for her role as Nakia in the ‘Black Panther’ movies, as well as voicing and providing the performance for the character Maz Kanata in the newer ‘Star Wars’ films. In the horror film ‘Us,’ she impressively played two different characters, exploring complex ideas about identity. Through these roles, Nyong’o has helped create strong, well-developed Black female characters in these genres, showing her skill in both traditional acting and motion-capture work.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman’s role as King T’Challa in ‘Black Panther’ made him a worldwide star and changed what people expect from superheroes. He brought a powerful and nuanced performance to the first big-budget, mainstream Black superhero. He also played a key role in the hugely popular ‘Avengers’ movies, shaping the story of one of the biggest film franchises ever made. Beyond Marvel, Boseman took on challenging roles that explored themes of strength and leadership. His work continues to inspire greater diversity and inclusion in movies.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is best known for playing Michonne on ‘The Walking Dead,’ where she became skilled at fighting with a katana. She then starred as Okoye, the strong and intelligent leader of the Dora Milaje, in ‘Black Panther’ and other Marvel movies. Gurira’s characters are consistently powerful, smart, and fiercely loyal. Her role as Okoye, in particular, has become an inspiring example of female strength in superhero films. She has expertly moved between television and movies, consistently standing out in action and adventure stories.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright became internationally known for playing Shuri in ‘Black Panther’ – the clever inventor and princess of Wakanda. Her character was groundbreaking, portraying a young Black woman as a leading scientific figure in a highly advanced country. Wright continued as Shuri in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and took on a heroic role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She also demonstrated her talent for science fiction in an episode of ‘Black Mirror’ called ‘Black Museum’. Through her work, she’s inspiring a new generation to explore science and technology.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña has appeared in three of the five highest-grossing movies ever made, all of which are science fiction or fantasy films. She’s famous for playing Neytiri in the ‘Avatar’ movies, a role that used cutting-edge motion-capture technology. She also starred as Gamora in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, a powerful and important character, and as Nyota Uhura in the recent ‘Star Trek’ films. Saldaña’s success shows how consistently she’s been a leading star in popular sci-fi and fantasy franchises.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is now a familiar face in action and sci-fi movies. He’s best known for playing Heimdall in the ‘Thor’ films and other Marvel movies. He’s also starred in big films like ‘Pacific Rim,’ where he gave a memorable speech about stopping the end of the world, and played the villain in ‘Star Trek Beyond.’ More recently, he’s voiced Knuckles in the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ movies and played the iconic Gunslinger in ‘The Dark Tower,’ a blend of fantasy and western genres. Elba consistently delivers powerful performances, making him a popular choice for challenging and important roles.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has become a prominent actor in science fiction and fantasy thanks to roles like Black Manta in the ‘Aquaman’ films. He’s received praise for his performances as Cal Abar and Doctor Manhattan in HBO’s ‘Watchmen,’ and he took on the famous role of Morpheus in ‘The Matrix Resurrections,’ bringing a fresh take to the character. His work often examines what it means to be human alongside extraordinary powers, and he’s widely considered one of today’s most adaptable actors in these genres.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green is a groundbreaking actress who made history as Captain Michael Burnham in ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ becoming the first Black woman to headline a ‘Star Trek’ series. The show followed her character’s compelling transformation from a troubled officer to a respected captain, allowing for a detailed look at the core values of ‘Star Trek.’ Before that, she gained popularity playing Sasha Williams on ‘The Walking Dead,’ where she fought to survive a zombie outbreak. Martin-Green is known for her powerful and emotionally resonant performances, and she continues to be a pioneer in expanding the world of ‘Star Trek.’

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa has made history as the first Black actor to play the lead role in ‘Doctor Who’, becoming the Fifteenth Doctor. This is a major moment for the show, which has been a British television staple since 1963. Before ‘Doctor Who’, Gatwa was well-known for his charming performance in ‘Sex Education’ – a quality that perfectly suits the Doctor’s unique personality. His portrayal signals a fresh, more diverse direction for this iconic science fiction character, and he’s already being celebrated for his innovative take on the role.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie is now a major star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, first known as the Falcon, Sam Wilson. He took on the role of Captain America after exploring the weight of that responsibility in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. Beyond Marvel, Mackie has starred in sci-fi shows like ‘Altered Carbon’ and the action-fantasy series ‘Twisted Metal’, based on a popular video game. His rise to leading roles shows how superhero stories are changing and who is taking on the mantle of leadership.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors powerfully portrayed Kang the Conqueror and his different versions in the Marvel series ‘Loki’ and the film ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’. Critics praised his ability to bring a classic, dramatic intensity to the complex threats within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also starred in ‘Lovecraft Country’, a unique series that combined historical fiction about the realities of Jim Crow America with elements of horror and fantasy inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Majors is known for his skill in making even fantastical stories feel real and emotionally resonant through his performances.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is known for her compelling performances in a variety of roles. She brought a tough, experienced edge to the character of Valkyrie in the ‘Thor’ films, eventually leading her to become King of New Asgard. Beyond Marvel, Thompson captivated audiences as Charlotte Hale in the thought-provoking series ‘Westworld’, exploring themes of AI and what it means to be conscious. She also joined the ‘Men in Black’ universe as Agent M, adding a fresh dynamic to the franchise. Throughout her career, Thompson consistently chooses roles that challenge typical expectations for both characters and storytelling.

Michael B. Jordan

I’ve been a huge fan of Michael B. Jordan for years! He absolutely blew me away as Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’ – seriously, that’s one of the most compelling villains I’ve ever seen. And I remember when he played Johnny Storm in ‘Fantastic Four’ too. But it’s not just acting for him; he really gets sci-fi and stories that push boundaries. He even starred in and helped create the HBO version of ‘Fahrenheit 451’, and he’s producing stuff like ‘Static Shock’ and ‘Raising Dion’! It’s awesome seeing someone so involved in bringing these kinds of stories to life, both on screen and behind the scenes.

Winston Duke

I was completely blown away by Winston Duke when he first appeared as M’Baku in ‘Black Panther’. He really brought something special to the Wakandan world, and his character quickly became a fan favorite – he was both hilarious and incredibly powerful! Seeing him in the huge battle scenes of ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’ was awesome too. Then, he really surprised me with his dual role in ‘Us’, proving he could handle both scary and funny roles with ease. Beyond just acting, I really admire that he’s a strong advocate for seeing more diversity in sci-fi and fantasy – it’s something I’m passionate about too.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya first became widely known for his starring role in ‘Get Out,’ a groundbreaking film that mixed social issues with scary psychological thrills. He continued to appear in science fiction projects, notably as W’Kabi in ‘Black Panther,’ where he was central to the story’s political conflicts. He also delivered a memorable performance in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Fifteen Million Merits,’ which offered a critical look at consumer culture and the entertainment industry. Most recently, he headlined Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope,’ a fresh and visually stunning take on the UFO story. Throughout his career, Kaluuya’s work consistently tackles important social topics using imaginative and thought-provoking stories.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has shown her range as an actress in recent years, notably starring in the sci-fi thriller ‘Nope’ as a horse trainer trying to film a UFO. She also lent her voice to the animated film ‘Lightyear’. Before these roles, Palmer appeared in the horror-comedy series ‘Scream Queens’. Her work in big sci-fi projects has proven she can lead major films, and she consistently brings an engaging and down-to-earth quality to her performances.

Regina King

Regina King gained widespread acclaim for her role as Angela Abar, or Sister Night, in the ‘Watchmen’ limited series, winning an Emmy for her powerful and nuanced performance. The show cleverly used the superhero format to delve into difficult topics like racial trauma and American history. King’s work on ‘Watchmen’ helped turn it into a major cultural event, going beyond typical comic book adaptations. She continues to be a highly respected actor, consistently choosing roles that push boundaries and address important social issues.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin became famous for playing Lucas Sinclair on the hit show ‘Stranger Things,’ which is inspired by 1980s science fiction and horror. Throughout the series, his character has developed from a cautious kid into a courageous young man who battles monsters from another dimension. McLaughlin has been a key part of the show’s popularity on Netflix, and while he’s taken on other acting roles, he’s still best remembered for his work on this popular sci-fi series. His performances have significantly shaped how coming-of-age stories are told in fantastical worlds.

Javicia Leslie

I was so excited when Javicia Leslie became Batwoman! She made history as the first Black actress to play the role in a live-action series. She joined the show in its second season as a brand new character, Ryan Wilder, and it was amazing to see her find her place as the hero Gotham needed. It wasn’t just a cool casting choice either; she brought a really fresh perspective to the show, especially regarding class and background. Plus, she got to team up with other heroes in the ‘Armageddon’ crossover, which was awesome! Honestly, seeing her in that role felt like a really important moment for both the LGBTQ+ community and for Black representation in superhero stories.

Dominique Thorne

Dominique Thorne first appeared as the character Riri Williams in the Marvel movie ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Riri is a brilliant teenager who creates her own high-tech armor, similar to Iron Man. Thorne will star in her own Disney+ show, ‘Ironheart’, which will delve deeper into her story as a young hero and inventor. She’s part of a new group of diverse characters becoming central to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest stories, and she brings a modern, energetic perspective to the world of superhero technology.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris became a part of the Marvel universe playing the grown-up Monica Rambeau in the unique series ‘WandaVision’. After her character gained superpowers by going through a strange energy field, Parris landed a main role in the movie ‘The Marvels’. She also starred in ‘They Cloned Tyrone’, a funny and inventive sci-fi film that mixes classic blaxploitation with thrilling conspiracy stories. These roles demonstrate her talent for both big action sequences and complex, creative storytelling, and she’s rapidly becoming a prominent star in science fiction movies.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch has become a prominent actress known for her powerful and skilled characters. She first gained recognition as Maria Rambeau, a talented pilot and mother, in ‘Captain Marvel,’ and later expanded the character’s story in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ Lynch also made history in ‘No Time to Die’ by playing Nomi, a character who took on the iconic 007 designation. Throughout her work, she consistently portrays strong, capable women who challenge expectations, and she remains a key figure in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and major action-fantasy films.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali will star as Blade in the upcoming reboot of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, taking on the role of the famous vampire hunter. Before this, he was known for playing the villain Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes in ‘Luke Cage’ and voicing the Prowler in the Oscar-winning ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. He also appeared as Vector in the sci-fi movie ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. With his Academy Award-winning talent, Ali brings a powerful presence to these action and genre projects.

Mike Colter

Mike Colter is best known for playing Luke Cage in the popular Marvel-Netflix series. His character, a man with incredibly durable skin and strength, dedicated himself to protecting the Harlem community. Colter also played Luke Cage in the team-up series ‘The Defenders’ and made appearances in ‘Jessica Jones’, becoming a central figure in Marvel’s street-level heroes. Currently, he stars in the drama ‘Evil’, a show that blends the supernatural with scientific and religious themes. Many consider his performance as Luke Cage to be a standout portrayal of a Black superhero who is deeply connected to the issues facing his community.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle has been playing Colonel James Rhodes, known as War Machine, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the movie ‘Iron Man 2’. His character is a military officer who tries to balance his responsibilities to the government with his dedication to the Avengers team. Cheadle has been in many successful MCU films, including the blockbuster ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and the series ‘Secret Invasion’. He’s also set to star in his own movie, ‘Armor Wars’, which will focus on the future of technology created by Tony Stark. Because he’s been part of the franchise for so long, Don Cheadle has become one of the most well-known Black actors in science fiction.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is a celebrated actor known for his work in science fiction and fantasy films. He’s particularly famous for playing Nick Fury, the head of S.H.I.E.L.D., in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in over a dozen movies and helping to connect the entire franchise. He also played Mace Windu in the ‘Star Wars’ prequels, famously wielding a purple lightsaber – a first for any actor in the series. Beyond Marvel and ‘Star Wars’, Jackson has starred in popular films like ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Unbreakable’, and ‘Kong: Skull Island’, solidifying his place as a highly influential and productive actor in the genre.

Billy Dee Williams

As a movie lover, I’ll always remember Billy Dee Williams as a total game-changer. He wasn’t just a great actor, but a real pioneer. Playing Lando Calrissian in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’ was huge – he brought this amazing charm and complexity to ‘Star Wars’ that we hadn’t seen before. It meant so much to see him return in ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ years later! And let’s not forget his role as Harvey Dent in the 1989 ‘Batman’ – he helped lay the groundwork for all the superhero movies we enjoy today. But for me, his portrayal of Lando is truly iconic, and a really important moment for Black representation in these big, blockbuster franchises.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols, who recently passed away, was a pioneer thanks to her role as Lieutenant Uhura on the original ‘Star Trek.’ She was one of the first Black women shown in a leadership position on television, and her character was part of a groundbreaking interracial kiss that became a significant moment for both the civil rights movement and television history. Later in life, Nichols worked with NASA to encourage people from diverse backgrounds, especially women and minorities, to become astronauts, connecting the world of science fiction with real scientific exploration. Her influence on both the science fiction genre and society as a whole was enormous.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton is best known for playing Geordi La Forge on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. As the Enterprise-D’s Chief Engineer, Geordi was a skilled technician and a dependable friend. His VISOR became a famous symbol of futuristic technology, offering a thoughtful look at disability and how technology can help. Burton continued to play Geordi in several movies and the third season of ‘Star Trek: Picard’, inspiring many fans to become interested in engineering and space.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz became well-known for playing Domino in ‘Deadpool 2’, a character with the power of luck who stood out for her calm personality and fresh look. She also starred in the thriller ‘Joker’ as Sophie Dumond, offering a realistic portrayal of a familiar story. Beetz showcased her versatility in the sci-fi and horror genres with an appearance in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Mazey Day’. Her skill at combining comedy with exciting, imaginative action has made her a popular actress in today’s films.

Erin Kellyman

Erin Kellyman has quickly become a recognizable face in popular franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. She played Karli Morgenthau, the leader of a rebellious group, in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’, and Enfys Nest, a pirate rebel, in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. More recently, she appeared as Jade, a knight-in-training, in the ‘Willow’ series. Kellyman often takes on roles as strong, complex characters who fight against established authority, and her work across these major Disney properties has cemented her status as a rising star in science fiction and fantasy.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo has become known for her work in fantasy and science fiction, notably as Siuan Sanche in ‘The Wheel of Time’. As the Amyrlin Seat, her character wields significant power in the show’s complex world. Okonedo’s experience also includes roles in films like ‘After Earth’ and voice work in animation, as well as a memorable appearance in ‘Doctor Who’ playing Liz X, a future British queen. Her deep background in theater and film allows her to bring a sense of weight and dignity to all her roles, especially in fantastical settings.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson is well-known for bringing the popular character Ahsoka Tano to life in live-action appearances on ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Book of Boba Fett’, eventually starring in her own series, ‘Ahsoka’. She’s also a familiar face from the Marvel-Netflix shows like ‘Daredevil’ and ‘Luke Cage’, where she played Claire Temple, and even voiced Wonder Woman in several DC animated movies. Most recently, she led the cast in the fantasy film ‘Haunted Mansion’. Throughout her career, Dawson has worked on projects within nearly every major science fiction and fantasy franchise currently being made.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs is known for his roles in several popular projects. He played Andre Layton, the leader of a rebellion, in the TV series ‘Snowpiercer,’ which takes place on a constantly moving train and examines issues of class and environmental disaster. He also voiced Sebastian in the recent live-action ‘The Little Mermaid,’ introducing the beloved character to a new audience. Diggs lent his voice to the Pixar film ‘Soul,’ a story about life after death. His experience in music and theater gives his acting a distinctive, energetic style.

Will Smith

Will Smith broke barriers as one of the first Black actors to lead major science fiction blockbusters. He’s famous for his role as Agent J in the ‘Men in Black’ movies, where he combined humor with action as he fought aliens. He also starred in the thrilling ‘I Am Legend’ and ‘I, Robot’, and played a crucial part in saving the world from aliens in the iconic film ‘Independence Day’. His success with these movies showed that films with diverse lead actors could be huge hits worldwide.

Laurence Fishburne

I’ve always been blown away by Laurence Fishburne. He was Morpheus in ‘The Matrix,’ and that role really defined his career – he was the perfect mentor to Neo. It’s hard to think of sci-fi without picturing him! He’s also great in the Marvel universe as Bill Foster, who eventually becomes Giant-Man. And then there’s the ‘John Wick’ movies, where he’s the Bowery King – a really cool, larger-than-life character. Honestly, his voice and how he carries himself have made him a legend in action and sci-fi for years, and I always enjoy seeing him on screen.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith is known for her roles in popular franchises like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Batman’. She played Niobe, a strong pilot and leader, in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’, ‘Revolutions’, and ‘Resurrections’, showing a more mature version of the character in the later film. She also starred as the memorable villain Fish Mooney in the series ‘Gotham’, bringing a dramatic flair to the role. These parts demonstrate her talent for leading in action-packed, futuristic worlds, and she continues to be an important part of the ‘Matrix’ story.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is known for his roles in popular franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he played Algrim and Kurse in ‘Thor: The Dark World’. He also brought the DC villain Killer Croc to life in ‘Suicide Squad’ with the help of extensive makeup effects. On the TV series ‘Lost’, he played the important character Mr. Eko, who was key to the show’s supernatural mysteries. He even appeared in ‘Game of Thrones’ as Malko, showcasing his ability to excel in science fiction and fantasy roles. His strong presence and acting range allow him to convincingly play a variety of unusual characters.

John David Washington

John David Washington gained recognition for his leading role in Christopher Nolan’s complex sci-fi film, ‘Tenet,’ where he performed challenging action scenes involving the innovative idea of time running backward. He also starred in ‘The Creator,’ a sci-fi movie about a future war between humans and artificial intelligence. Washington is known for bringing a realistic and physical presence to his characters, even in films with complicated and imaginative settings. This has made him a popular choice for directors who want to create groundbreaking science fiction.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw has impressed audiences with roles in several popular projects. She played Ravonna Renslayer, a judge at the Time Variance Authority, in the Marvel series ‘Loki,’ and starred in the sci-fi film ‘Fast Color’ as a woman with special powers who is trying to escape. She’s also known for her acclaimed performance in the ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror,’ a story exploring love and digital life. Additionally, she appeared as Dr. Kate Murry in ‘A Wrinkle in Time,’ a film that combines science and fantasy. Mbatha-Raw often brings a focus on relatable emotions and human experiences to even the most unusual stories.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first became well-known for her role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. She later starred in ‘The Darkest Minds’ as a teenager with special powers in a dangerous world. Now, she’s taking on a leading role in the new ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’, set in the final days of the High Republic. This casting marks an exciting addition to the ‘Star Wars’ universe on TV. Stenberg is also a passionate voice for diversity and inclusion in film and television.

Kingsley Ben-Adir

Kingsley Ben-Adir has been gaining recognition for his diverse acting roles. He played the intense and complex villain Gravik in the Marvel series ‘Secret Invasion,’ and previously appeared in the thought-provoking Netflix series ‘The OA.’ More recently, he was one of the Kens in the blockbuster ‘Barbie’ movie. Ben-Adir’s work showcases both his ability to handle challenging, dramatic parts and his presence in large-scale, popular projects.

Zawe Ashton

I was really impressed by Zawe Ashton’s performance as Dar-Benn in ‘The Marvels’! She played such a compelling villain, going up against Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Ms. Marvel. It was fascinating to see her character’s motivation – she was trying to save her planet by finding these incredibly powerful, old objects. Zawe brought a real intensity and sense of anger to the role, and it felt like a great addition to the cosmic side of the MCU. I’ve enjoyed her work in other shows and movies with similar exciting elements, and I think this role is a fantastic step forward in her career – she’s truly an international star!

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has become a prominent figure in blockbuster franchises, notably playing the villain Dr. Volumnia Gaul in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.’ She’s also well-known for her portrayal of Amanda Waller, the tough and calculating leader of the Suicide Squad, across the DC universe and its various iterations. Waller is a powerful character, feared for her lack of hesitation and questionable ethics. Davis also appeared in the sci-fi film ‘Ender’s Game’ as Major Gwen Anderson. Regardless of the genre, she consistently brings a commanding presence and intense energy to her roles.

Share your favorite performances from these groundbreaking stars in the comments.

2026-02-20 06:51