In 2009, Disney CEO Bob Iger signed a deal, bringing Marvel Studios to The Walt Disney Company. Just three years later, the beloved CEO inked another deal that partners are Disney and Lucasfilm. In less than five years, Disney brought the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies to the House of Mouse. Since then, Marvel has become one of the company’s biggest money makers. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has opened at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Disney has also expanded the Star Wars universe with not just more movies, but hit Disney+ shows like The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
While Disney will always use some actors that fans know and love, they will also cast lesser-known actors to take on new roles in Star Wars and the MCU. Sometimes, Disney and fans love the actor so much, they appear in both franchises. One of those was actor Ray Stevenson. During his time with Disney, Stevenson appeared as Volstagg in the Thor trilogy. He also portrayed Gar Saxon in the Star Wars universe, including films like The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels.
Sadly, we have learned that Ray Stevenson has passed away at the age of 58.
News of Stevenson’s death was shared by The Hollywood Reporter:
Stevenson died Sunday, four days shy of his birthday, his publicist Nicki Fioravante told The Hollywood Reporter. The Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported he had been hospitalized on the island of Ischia while in production on the film Cassino on Ischia, directed by Frank Ciota.
In addition to playing beloved characters in both the Marvel and Star Wars franchises, Stevenson appeared in a number of other hit films. Most recently, he played the role of Scott Buxton in the Oscar-winning film RRR. He also played Othere in the popular show Vikings. Movie-lovers may also remember him as Marcus Eaton in the Divergent films, which also starred Shailene Woodley and Theo James.
Stevenson will also appear in the new Star Wars series, Ashoka, on Disney+
At this time, Stevenson’s cause of death has not been released. He was born in Northern Ireland and leaves behind three children.
