Long before they donned capes and fought for justice, or embraced the dark side as iconic supervillains, some of our favorite actors and actresses flexed their acting muscles in films far from the comic book universe. From dark comedies to dramatic thrillers, these stories gave them a stage to shine and hone the skills that would one day captivate audiences in blockbusters around the globe. Without further ado, let’s reveal the projects that caught our eye with gripping narratives and memorable performances.
10. SAM DID IT
Before he was a superhero or villain, Alfred Molina was a corpse in Sam Did It. A dark comic twist on the meet-your-hero narrative, this film is about a mortician who meets his celebrity idol… the only problem is, Sam works in a morgue… and his idol is dead…
9. Following Chase
Before he became Superman, we got to see David Corenswet as Chase in ‘Following Chase’. This high-stakes thriller follows the story of Ted, a rookie field operative who gets separated from his partner, Chase, during their first mission. Facing his greatest fear, Ted must find Chase and accomplish their objective before they are caught.
Watch Following Chase on Reveel
8. Legion of Honor
Before becoming Venom and Bane, a young Tom Hardy starred in ‘Legion of Honor’. The plot follows the emotional journey of Simon, a young Englishman entangled in the complexities of love and war amidst Algeria’s tumultuous fight for independence from France.
Watch Legion of Honor on Reveel
7. The Artist’s Way Out
In what would read as a picturesque novel, The Artist’s Way Out showcased a compelling story of Millennials Carmen and Sam, who find themselves battling their personal demons and pressures of their relationship in the stillness of a remote cottage during a bitter Canadian winter. Kandyse McClure from CW’s The Flash stars in this romantic short film.
Watch The Artist’s Way Out on Reveel
6. Still Breathing
Long before Brendan Fraser brought to life comic book hero Cliff Steele in DC’s ‘The Doom Patrol’, he starred in the dreamy romantic adventure, Still Breathing. The New York Times referred to this magical romance as “Impossibly wonderful.” Fraser plays the role of Fletcher, a Texan street performer who has a vision of his perfect girl. Determined to find her, he embarks on a journey that intertwines destiny and true love.
Watch Still Breathing on Reveel
5. Glass Walls
He was the Man of Steel in the 1990s hit series ‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’, and now Cain steps back in front of the camera to play Ozzy in the inspiring new film “Glass Walls.” This movie follows two burned-out pastors and their wives as they attend a life-changing retreat aimed at breaking through the barriers holding them back from living their purpose. Cain brings warmth and wisdom to the role of Ozzy, who helps guide the characters on their journey to shatter their glass walls
4. Desperate Waters
Matthew Lawrence is know for his role in Boy Meets World but he was also voiced a superhero in ‘Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad’. In Desperate Waters, we follow a widowed doctor setting sail for Hawaii with an inexperienced couple as his crew. As the voyage advances, the shifting chemistry and motivations among the crew members fuel a high stakes survival game that pushes them to their absolute limits.
Watch Desperate Waters on Reveel
3. Forgiving God
Another Dean Cain film, this film wonderfully encapsulates themes of redemption, resilience, and rejuvenation. Jon Moore, orphaned at nine and raised in an abusive foster system, learns about faith and forgiveness from a mysterious girl he meets while placed in a final foster home. He falls in love only to learn that she harbors a tragedy of her own.
2. Woodstock or Bust
It was the height of the Summer of Love in 1969, a tipping point for music and culture. Woodstock or Bust is a poetic nod to this era of change, following two 17-year-old singer-songwriters, Lorian and Meryl, on their cross-country journey to perform at the world’s largest rock festival. Before we knew these actresses in their respective roles in The Hunger Games and Stargirl, they were two ambitious teens in a film that carries the spirit of friendship, ambition, and of course, rock ‘n roll.
Watch Woodstock or Bust on Reveel
1. Cherry
You may know Kyle Gallner as The Flash in Smallville but in this film, he plays a young man undergoing an unconventional coming-of-age story. This story is about a young man who navigates his feelings for an older woman, while her 14-year old daughter develops an innocent crush on him.
