We’ve seen some fantastic and uncanny performances in Marvel and DC movies and well will see more. But which actors should play our favorite superheroes and villains?
The comic book / superheroes movie genre has been profitable for the last couple of decades. There seems to be no sign of the momentum stopping either. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been making billions. Despite what people may think about the DC Comics movie universe, they’re making big time money as well.
The MCU movies are continuing with a new phase and DC Comics has Wonder Woman and Aquaman sequels in production. Recently, Robert Pattinson has been cast to play Batman in the new Matt Reeves project. This has left a lot of fans upset about this selection. Especially since Ben Affleck did such an amazing job. But it’s mostly because he was in Twilight.
We all have performers that we think should have been cast to play our favorite superheroes and villains. I’ve ranted to anyone who would listen that Angela Bassett should have played Storm in the original X-Men movies. On the flip side, no one could play Deadpool better than Ryan Reynolds. We saw how good he would be as Wade Wilson way back in Blade Trinity.
Eventually our favorite superheroes and villains will be recast and there are more characters that haven’t been used yet. Here’s a list of 30 actors we’d love to see some of our favorite Marvel and DC comic superheroes and villains.
1. Iron Man
It’s going to be a while before we see someone play Tony Stark and Iron Man again. Not only has it not been long enough since Avengers: Endgame, but Robert Downey Jr. was too good at the role. He perfectly portrayed a drunk and irresponsible Tony Stark. What makes him even better was he helped the character evolve.
Stark evolved more than anyone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He may be the most popular hero in a comic book movie as well. Maybe we should give him a time away before bringing him back. Instead of Tony Stark, how about another person? Let’s make the new Iron Man, Ironheart Riri Williams.
Our Dream Casting: Marsai Martin
Marsai Martin isn’t 16 yet and she’s already directed her own movie. Her role playing one of the twins (Diane Johnson) in black-ish shows it would be easy for her to play the ultra intelligent Riri Williams.
Riri Williams is a smart aleck genius who’s still growing as a person and a hero. Marsai Martin is going to be one of the greats in Hollywood when the book closes on her career. It would be a smart move for Marvel Studios to get in on her path to greatness early. Ironheart coming to the MCU could lead into the younger team called The Champions. A group that has Miles Morales, a younger and female Vision, and Amadeus Cho as the Hulk.
2. Batman
Batman may be the most popular comic book character of all time. Everyone loves him regardless of how much of a sullen, grumpy jerk he is. It’s probably because he has no powers and can fight alongside and against beings that are considered modern-day gods. Batman uses his intellect and superior fighting skills to defeat his opponents. But he makes it look good too.
An actor playing him has the disadvantage of having to play Bruce Wayne as a goofy, sometimes naive billionaire and playboy, and then switch to being the grim Dark Knight and genius detective. Robert Pattinson is currently cast to play him. While Pattinson could be good, he wouldn’t be my first choice. I’d go in a different direction.
Our Dream Casting: Jon Hamm
He was the first person to come to mind when this section came up. Ben Affleck showed that you don’t need a young Batman that’s just getting into the swing of things. Since we know his back story, so we can skip the long drawn out scene with his parents dying. Jon Hamm has the Bruce Wayne look.
He’s handsome, looks distinguished, and has a strong jaw. We’ve seen he can play a serious role from his time in Mad Men and Black Mirror. We also know he can play naive from what we’ve seen in 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This also means the next Robin could be Damian Wayne.
3. Thor
Chris Hemsworth has been Thor for the last eight years and, thankfully, it doesn’t look like he’ll be slowing down any time soon. He’s played Thor in different ways. We’ve gotten unworthy Thor, goofy Thor, The Big Lebowski Thor, and now it looks like he’ll be an Asgardian of the Galaxy in the future.
Hemsworth’s acting skills have shown that he’s more than capable to play different versions of the God of Thunder. The person who plays Thor next will have to do the same thing. It was recently reported that Jane Foster will be the Mighty Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder. Natalie Portman is bringing back her role, but I had another choice for Jane Foster as the Mighty Thor.
Our Dream Casting: Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway is the way to go. She’s one of the more beloved actors in Hollywood and an award-winning performer. Hathaway has played drama, sang in musicals, and proved everyone wrong when she was a good Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises.
Replacing Natalie Portman with Hathaway would have been great. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Jane Foster. It wouldn’t be shocking if Thor made a joke that she looks different. I wrote this before Thor: Love and Thunder was announced and I stand by my pick of Anne Hathaway instead of Natalie Portman.
4. Joker
Joker has been one of the more talked about comic book characters in movies. Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger have all been praised for their interpretation. Then there’s Jared Leto.
Leto received harsh criticism for his portrayal of Joker in Suicide Squad. Talk bad about the movie, but he wasn’t as bad as people made him out to be. Next up is Joaquin Phoenix. Considering his track record, we assume he’ll be amazing. Since Joker is such a beloved character, people are going to be more critical of the performer. The person who should be cast as the Joker in the next movie will have to be phenomenal.
Our Dream Casting: Evan Peters
Evan Peters proved he can play this role after everything he’s done in American Horror Story. He’s been psychotic, funny, eccentric, and a terrible person. All traits that are in the Joker’s personality. Picture him doing one of Joker’s crazy speeches or wielding a crowbar (most likely at the same time). He would look as insane as Joker in the comics.
There’s also his physique. Joker is a tall and slender guy. With Peters being close to six feet tall and having a slim frame, he even has the build. You can even see he has the smile for it in the picture above. Lastly, Peters is fairly young. This means he could play the character for years to come.
5. Captain America
Chris Evans is one of the best actors to portray a comic book character. When he was originally cast, it seemed like a strange pick. Any doubt went away once Captain America: The First Avenger started. He was the epitome of Steve Rogers from the first time we saw him until his very last moment in Avengers: Endgame.
Whenever he was knocked down and got back up. It resembled the will to never give up that we’ve seen from Cap in the comics. When the team needed to be motivated or when he was standing up for what was right. Evans made the character come to life. Sure, the action was great too. But it takes more than fighting to make someone Steve Rogers.
Our Dream Casting: Joel Kinnaman
One of the biggest issues with casting Steve Rogers is the look. They have to have an all-American look and a believable bad-@$$. Joel Kinnaman has that in spades.
In Suicide Squad, he showed that he can play a believable tough guy. His turn as Rick Flag was one of the few bright spots of Suicide Squad. Kinnaman is in his late 30’s, but he’s still in fantastic shape. He also has a very military look when he’s clean shaven. In the picture above, you can see he even has the Steve Rogers hair swoosh. Somebody get this man a shield!
6. Poison Ivy
The last time we saw Poison Ivy in a movie was Uma Thurman’s turn in Batman and Robin. The movie itself was bad, but she wasn’t terrible. She had all of the seductive looks and moves that you’d want from Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley. Had the movie gone with a more serious direction, she would have been received better.
The next Poison Ivy has to be able to pull off seduction and switch to aggression quickly. She has to be able to move in a way that entices her victims. Hand movements are also a big part as well. When Poison Ivy is controlling plants it has to look like a maestro directing an orchestra.
Our Dream Casting: Sophie Turner
From what we’ve seen in Game of Thrones and X-Men Dark Phoenix (she was the best part of that movie), Sophie Turner can act in an action movie. She’s also no stranger to playing a villain. In Dark Phoenix, she showed that she can be good at playing dark and intense. She showed that she can be just as sadistic as you’d need her to be.
All of this would be needed to play Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley. We’ve also seen her have a seductive look in her eyes. Something that may seem like a small feat, but a necessary one nonetheless.
7. Black Widow
Black Widow has to do a lot. She has to be a spy, a master of seduction, look weak to fool her enemies, and be a believable bad-ass. Scarlett Johansson did all of that and did it well for nine years in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
A lot of people didn’t think she would be able to pull this off, but she did. So much so that she’ll be in her own solo movie in 2020.
Maybe Johansson’s most memorable time as Black Widow was in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. She had to really play a spy. She was incredibly entertaining and funny while beating the snot out of bad guys. The next actress to play Natasha Romanoff will need to have all the layers I’ve mentioned here.
Our Dream Casting: Daisy Ridley
Black Widow has to look tough and make it believable. It’s a good thing we know this to be the case for Daisy Ridley. Daisy took her role as Rey in the Star Wars movies seriously. Not only did she continuously go through workouts to stay in shape, but she went through sword training as well. This is one of the reasons that she looked near flawless during her action scenes.
Dedication like this is always appreciated by the fans. She would do the same thing as Black Widow. Daisy Ridley would be a welcomed addition to the MCU. Especially since she’s already worked on one Disney company.
8. Superman
Superman is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. When people think of heroes, he’s usually one of the first two names that are mentioned.
It isn’t just the super strength and powers. He’s one of the most wholesome and infallible characters in any genre. He always seems to be able to do the right thing. Whether it’s something as simple as helping someone across the street or as difficult as fighting Doomsday, Superman always gives 100%.
Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill both had the look and performances that showed who both Superman and Clark Kent truly are.
Our Dream Casting: Matt Bomer
You can look at Matt Bomer and see Superman and Clark Kent. He has the calming smile that Superman has and you know he would rock the comic book Superman curl. It also helps that Colton Haynes (who plays Arsenal in the CW’s Arrow) says that he’d be a good choice to play the Man of Steel.
It would be easy to see him dawning the cape and saving the world. He even has a soothing voice. It’ll work when Superman is talking to someone he’s saving or trying to hide the fact that he’s really Superman. DC Comics, make this happen.
9. Wolverine
Hugh Jackman was Wolverine for 16 years. Every time he played Logan, he seemed to get better. Not just as an actor. He sculpted his body into what Wolverine looks like in the comics. Jackman spent years in the gym creating the perfect physique.
His last time as Wolverine was in Logan. It was one of the best comic book movies and performances of all time. It’s sad to see him go, but it’ll be good to see someone new pop their adamantium claws.
Whoever plays Logan next has to look tough, act tough, but also be able to show a gentler side. Despite Wolverine’s rough exterior, he’s one of the most caring people on the X-Men. He’s a protector and does whatever he can to keep his family safe. Even if it’s just a shoulder to cry on.
Our Dream Casting: Dafne Keen
Oh, you thought this was going to be a pick for Logan’s Wolverine? Nope. No way you’re going to give us this amazing X-23 for one movie? Absolutely not.
In Logan, Dafne Keen showed that she is the Laura Kinney we’ve been waiting for. After Wolverine died in the comics, Laura took the mantle. Even before that, X-23’s growth was similar to how Logan was when he first joined the X-Men.
Since Wolverine is dead in the movies, let’s keep it that way for a little while. It’s not like Marvel Studios can’t bring him back later. It would be amazing to see her grow as a character. Even if she’s only Wolverine for a short time.
10. Lex Luthor
Every hero needs a villain who can challenge them. Since Superman is one of the greatest heroes of all time, it makes sense that he’d need a villain to match.
Lex Luthor challenges Superman despite not having superpowers. Luthor’s incredible intellect is more than enough. His plans are some of the best we’ve seen and have caused the Man of Steel problems for decades.
Jesse Eisenberg wasn’t a good Lex Luthor (he should have been the Mad Hatter). Kevin Spacey should have been great. Unfortunately, the story in Superman Returns was awful. Whoever’s next needs to play Luthor as the serious genius that he is. Not someone seems more random than calculated.
Our Dream Casting: Mark Strong
This may seem like the cheat code because Mark Strong can be the answer for everything. In this case, it’s absolutely true.
Lex Luthor has to look and be calm when he’s in his business life. However, when he’s battling Superman, he has to look obsessed with his foe’s destruction. Strong has played that role on more than a few occasions in his long career. When Luthor puts on that super suit to fight Superman, Strong would look perfect.
If the movie went with the DC Rebirth story, he could do that as well. He’d be extraordinary when he’s speaking to the public about him being Metropolis’ savior.
11. The Hulk
Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno were the first to play the Hulk. Next up was Eric Bana (we try to forget that), Edward Norton, and, finally, Mark Ruffalo. It was a struggle to get a Bruce Banner fans would get behind.
When Mark Ruffalo appeared, he was terrific. His Bruce Banner was great as was his Hulk. He managed to play the insecure genius and have the Hulk’s facial expressions down pat (thanks to technology).
Since we’ve already had more than a few Bruce Banner’s, maybe it’s time for a different Hulk. Let’s bring in Jennifer Walters. Jennifer Walters is smart, funny, and incredibly witty. All qualities that make for great characters in the MCU.
Our Dream Casting: Gal Gadot
With Jennifer Walters, the actor has to be believable when she’s smart and have sarcasm down. When she’s mean and green, she has to be tough. Gal Gadot is a dream casting for this role.
She’s proven that she can be the toughest actor in the room. Not just by her role as Wonder Woman either. She’s a martial artist and served in the Israel Defense Forces. She’s also an intelligent woman so her playing a lawyer isn’t a stretch. You also wouldn’t need to CGI her either. She already has the perfect physique and stand at five feet ten inches.
12. Green Lantern
Not every comic book movie is going to be a hit. Even if the actor is good. The 2011 Green Lantern is a perfect example of this.
Ryan Reynolds is one of the better actors in Hollywood. His performance as Deadpool is one of three perfect comic book castings. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a good representation of Hal Jordan. He even acknowledged this in the end of Deadpool 2.
The Green Lanterns have more than a few characters to choose from that could star in a movie. Other than Hal, there’s Kilowog, Guy Gardner, Sinestro (before his downfall), Kyle Rayner, and more. When there’s a new Green Lantern movie, the star should John Stewart.
Our Dream Casting: Idris Elba
In the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited cartoons, John Stewart was the first Green Lantern to join the Justice League. Why not replicate this in the movies?
Idris Elba has shown that he has a vast amount of range as an actor. Playing the former U.S. Military man and Green Lantern would be a breeze for him. It would be easy to see him show the confidence and willpower needed to use a lantern ring. Idris Elba also brings in people who may not know the Green Lanterns, but love him as an actor.
13. Daredevil
Ben Affleck’s Daredevil movie is looked at as one of the biggest comic book movie letdowns. Later, Marvel and Netflix collaborated to give us the Daredevil series.
Charlie Cox starred playing the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. Cox was incredible as both the blind lawyer Matt Murdock and a vigilante. He was everything that we wanted. The hero with a ton of guilt and had the need for vengeance you’d want him to was all there. One thing that should be noted is his lack of eye contact.
Since Matt Murdock is blind, making eye contact wouldn’t be something he’d do. He was also played the smart aleck part well too. If we’re being completely honest, no one else should play him yet.
Our Dream Casting: Charlie Cox
Charlie Cox’s version of Daredevil is a perfect representation of the comic book character. So much so that casting someone else anytime soon would be a mistake.
Fans already know him as Daredevil. He’s going to be looked at the same way people look at Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. in their roles. It may be awhile before we see Daredevil on TV or the big screen, but when the time comes, Charlie Cox is the way to go. Especially since he wants to continue the role.
When asked if he’d like to play Daredevil again Cox said, “Oh my God, yeah. I don’t know how this would happen, but maybe one day we could pick up the baton and do it again.” He and Tom Holland together in a Spider-Man movie would be epic.
14. Robin
Robin has been a staple in the Batman lore. The most recent version we’ve had in the movies is Chris O’Donnell’s Dick Grayson in Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. Brenton Thwaites is currently playing Robin on the DC Universe streaming service show Titans.
On that show, Robin’s more dark than we’ve seen in the comics. There have been more Robins than Dick Grayson over the years. Even still, Grayson is the most famous. Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne have all been Robin and are all different in fighting style and personality. With so many Boy Wonders, you could go with any era of Batman and any age. Damian Wayne may be the best way to go with an older Batman.
Our Dream Casting: Jackson A. Dunn
Damian Wayne, simply put, is a little snot. Considering that he’s the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul, it makes sense. Here’s the best part, he can back up being the way he is.
Jackson A. Dunn would destroy this part. He has the ability to play cold-hearted and arrogant. He showed his uncaring side in Brightburn. He even had a few scenes where he was just as narcissistic as Damian Wayne is. Picture him with black hair going “TT” and you have Damian Wayne.
15. Nightwing
After Dick Grayson had enough of being Robin, he left and reinvented himself as a hero. He became Nightwing. Since then, he’s been the protector of Blüdhaven.
Dick Grayson has all of the fighting style and skills that Batman does. He’s not the genius detective that Batman is or as intelligent as Tim Drake is, but he’s no slouch. So much so that he’s actually been Batman after Bruce was thought to be dead.
Dick Grayson isn’t as grim as Batman. He quips with the best of them, he’s smooth, and enjoys life. Whoever plays him has to look jovial, have the ability to be funny, and look and be athletic.
Our Dream Casting: Zac Efron
Zac Efron is an underrated actor. It may be because he started out as one of the kids from High School Musical. Despite that, he’s talented. He can sing, dance (see The Greatest Showman), be dramatic (check him out in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile), funny, and he’s athletic. It would be easy to see him as Dick Grayson.
He could get down and dirty during the fight scenes, make jokes while flipping around, and it would be believable. Efron looks like the type of person who tries to get everything he can out of life. This would help sell the Nightwing character.
16. The Punisher
Playing the Punisher is more than just shooting guns and punching people. When Jon Bernthal and Thomas Jane played him, they showed a side of Frank Castle people didn’t know existed. He was caring. Punisher does spend most of his time killing and torturing bad guys, but he is more than that. His relationship with Amy (in The Punisher on Netflix) and his neighbors in the Thomas Jane version are perfect examples.
However, Frank Castle still has to look hardened and scary. It should also be someone in their thirties at least. It’ll be easier to give the character a weathered look. Someone who looks like they wake up every morning and eat broken glass and nails for breakfast and survives on three hours of sleep.
Our Dream Casting: Karl Urban
Karl Urban has already played one of the toughest characters in comic books, Judge Dredd. You could actually look at Dredd as the future version of Frank Castle. Well, if Punisher was a cop. He was violent, smart, and had a gruff voice that would be perfect for the Punisher.
A quick look at Karl Urban’s IMDB page will show you that he’s no stranger to action movies or playing dark characters. Urban is playing a tough character named Billy Butcher in Amazon’s The Boys series, a show based off Garth Ennis’ comic book series. Someone who has a similar backstory and morals to Frank Castle. He could be Frank Castle in a movie or in a TV series and can be extremely grim when he needs to be.
17. The Flash
Whether it’s Barry Allen or Wally West, everyone loves The Flash. It helps that The CW show has made him more popular than he’s ever been.
Flash is quick-witted and has a wholesome vibe to him. His powers are more than just running fast. He has the ability to vibrate at speeds to phase through solid objects, heal faster than normal people, travel through time, and a whole lot more. Whoever plays him has to be able to be upbeat, friendly, and entertaining. At first, the pick was going to be Ryan Reynolds. Then I remembered a character from Future Man who’d be perfect.
Our Dream Casting: Josh Hutcherson
He’s no longer the kid from the Red Dawn remake or The Hunger Games movies. Josh Hutcherson’s role as Josh Futturman in Futureman has shown he can play something other than a guy in a movie geared towards tweens.
He’s hilarious and proved that he can be the lead in a project. Hutcherson has the ability to be entertaining, which is a major part of The Flash’s character. After all, you can’t have a boring Barry Allen or Wally West. It wouldn’t look right. Wouldn’t it be cool to see him as Barry Allen and Aaron Paul as Reverse Flash?
18. Storm
It’s been almost 20 years since the first X-Men movie debuted in theaters and we still haven’t gotten the Storm we deserve. Halle Berry was a bad choice from the beginning (it should have been Angela Bassett).
Alexandra Shipp was good with the material she was given, but her time was cut short. With Marvel Studios now having the keys to the X-Men castle, Storm will likely be a high priority.
Not only is she one of the few black female superheroes, she’s one of the most popular characters in comic books. The woman playing Storm has to have a commanding presence on-screen. Whenever she speaks, she has to be able to captivate the audience.
Our Dream Casting: Lisa Berry
You want to talk about a presence? You don’t have to look any further than Lisa Berry in Supernatural. Lisa played a reaper by the name of Billie. Even Sam and Dean Winchester knew not to cross her. She had a look that said, “I’m not the person to be messed with.” Storm has to have that same dominant look.
The MCU is full of actors and characters that are going to be amazing. Storm has to stand out. Lisa Berry can do that with ease. She’s also tall and dark-skinned making her a perfect selection when it comes to her physique. And when she speaks, the elements and her teammates will listen.
19. Catwoman
Selina Kyle is one of the most important characters in Batman’s storied history. So far, the people casting her have been lucky. All of them have been great. Julie Newmar, Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Anne Hathaway have all been fantastic at playing Catwoman. Hopefully this streak will continue.
The actress playing Catwoman has to be able to pull off seductive and persuasive all while being tough as nails. She also needs to be convincing playing the cat and mouse game with Batman. She isn’t really a villain, but she’s not exactly hero either. Who knows, maybe they’ll actually get married in a movie.
Our Dream Casting: Morena Baccarin
Despite Morena Baccarin being older, she can play Catwoman since she looks half her age. We’ve seen her play everything necessary to be Selina Kyle. In Firefly, she was sexy, proud, and confident in her ability. We’ve also seen her fight when she needed to. In Deadpool and Deadpool 2, she took no guff from anyone. She was talking trash even though she was probably going to be killed.
Morena looking good with short hair helps too. This way, if they go with a more modern Catwoman look it will still fit. Morena Baccarin has the hearts of nerd culture everywhere before Deadpool. Her role as Inara Serra is still beloved. Which means there wouldn’t be a lot of people complaining about her being cast.
20. Jean Grey
You want to know one thing that people can’t take away from 20th Century Fox? They cast Jean Grey right twice. Even if X-Men: The Last Stand was bad, Famke Janssen was good. Jean Grey is a difficult character to cast.
The actor has to look good with red hair, be able to pull off being scared of her inner demons, but also be confident. Then there’s the transformation into Dark Phoenix. She’ll have to be able to look crazy on command even if she was calm two seconds ago. Sophie Turner was incredible at doing that.
Both she and Famke Jannsen were tall which helps sell the character as well. It’ll be awhile before we get another attempt at The Dark Phoenix Saga. So the actor playing Jean Grey should have some time to grow into the role before she plays the iconic character.
Our Dream Casting: Millie Bobby Brown
If you’ve seen Stranger Things, you can see why this works. Millie Bobby Brown has shown that she can pull off being telekinetic and telepathic. We’ve also seen that she can look crazy and powerful while using her powers.
Right now, she’s only 15 years old. By the time they start casting for Jean Grey, she will have had more experience and acting credits to her name. Even if they cast her in the next year, we could get a young Jean Grey and Cyclops who can grow together. You know, before Jean Grey eventually dies and comes back.
21. Red Hood
Jason Todd (Red Hood) was once Batman’s sidekick Robin. That was until the Joker killed him. When he came back, he became the Red Hood. Of all the members of the Bat-Family, he’s the one who doesn’t fit. Jason Todd believes some people should be killed and has no remorse pulling the trigger. Despite being an outcast among his family, he loves them. He just can’t show it because he has an image to maintain. Jason has to keep that harsh outer exterior.
A Red Hood project would be amazing. As a buddy of mine put it, Jason Todd is ninja Punisher. Red Hood is also one heck of a wise @$$. Adding the comedy to a dark movie involving Red Hood would fit what DC Comics is currently trying to do. Violent, but it’s still fun.
Our Dream Casting: Jensen Ackles
With everything we’ve seen from Jensen Ackles in Supernatural, there’s no way he wouldn’t succeed as Jason Todd. He has the gruff voice and he’d look believable fighting in Gotham city and arguing with Batman.
It also helps that he looked good in the costume as well. Like he popped right out of Red Hood and the Outlaws comic book. In the movie Under the Red Hood, Jensen Ackles voiced the Red Hood/Jason Todd. Last year, he dressed up as Red Hood and the internet went crazy. Despite his age, he’s a perfect pick. His age will add to Jason Todd’s look of being defeated by life.
22. Magneto
There have been two Magnetos in the movies and both of them were amazing. Ian McKellen’s older Magneto had all of the dramatic and motivational speeches with the unbelievable usage of his powers you’d expect from the Master of Magnetism. Michael Fassbender was flat-out great in everything he did. It was believable that he was Erik before he got old (despite looking forty years younger).
The next Magento is going to be judged harshly. They’ll have to combine the action of Michael Fassbender with the superior speaking and acting skills of Ian McKellen. Not an easy job, but Magneto is complicated character to play. It doesn’t matter if they portray him as young or old.
Our Dream Casting: Hugo Weaving
This was another difficult casting. I came across this pick by accident and it made sense. If you’ve ever seen V for Vendetta, then you understand. For those of you who haven’t, here’s why he’s perfect.
Hugo has mastered giving intense and moving speeches. In V for Vendetta, you couldn’t see his face, but you felt the emotions whenever he spoke. This is the epitome of Magneto. He motivates his followers with his powerful words.
Sure, Magento goes into battle as well, but he is all about inspiring mutants. Everything we saw from Ian McKellen is what we’d want and Hugo Weaving can deliver it. Weaving being bit older so it helps sell the look as well.
23. The Riddler
Jim Carrey’s portrayal of The Riddler (Batman Forever) was more comical than anything. The comic book version can be funny, but he’s also very psychotic.
In Batman: The Rebirth, there was a story called War of Jokes and Riddles. A series where Joker and Riddler were battling for supremacy. Riddler was dark. He carved a question mark on his just and used the bullet hole from Joker shooting him as the period. He still had his riddles and genius, but he was different.
This wasn’t The Riddler from Batman the Animated Series. This was a new and improved version. A Riddler that fans would intrigue fans. He also challenges Batman unlike anything we’ve seen in the movies.
Our Dream Casting: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
This is another actor who used to get tight cast and ended up being better than he was given credit for. Joseph Gordon-Levitt used be recognized as the goofy kid in Third Rock from the Sun. Then he did Inception and The Dark Knight Rises and he became more than just a comedic actor. Y
ou can look at Gordon-Levitt and tell he’d make an unbelievable Edward Nigma. Riddler has to be smart and arrogant. Gordon-Levitt could do that in his sleep. He could even play the more psychotic Riddler that was discussed above. Just put him in a green suit and roll the cameras.
24. Doctor Doom
Victor Von Doom may be the only person who rivals Storm in the bad comic book adaptations. Neither actor who played Doctor Doom has come close to what he should be.
Julian McMahon was arrogant, but he didn’t have the anger and hatred for Reed Richards and didn’t boast the way Doom normally would. Toby Kebbell was just bad. There were no redeemable qualities from what the creators wanted him to do.
Next time around, they’ll have to get it right. We need the Doctor Doom that has all of the mannerisms of the iconic comic book character such as his tendency to talk in the third person and they have to combine science with magic. Simply put, Doctor Doom should be looked at the way we saw Thanos in Avengers: Endgame.
Our Dream Casting: Adam Driver
Adam Driver made his name as a Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. His next big role came in a Spike Lee Joint called BlacKkKlansman. He was absolutely brilliant. Why should he be Doctor Doom based on those two roles?
He has the voice and the acting skills to play The Lord of Latveria. Picture him saying, “The applause shall continue for another hour. The first to stop clapping will be executed” while in the metal mask. Driver would also be believable as the jerk that Doctor Doom is. Don’t be shocked when Marvel Studios actually makes this happen.
25. Green Arrow
Stephen Amell has been playing Oliver Queen on CW’s Arrow for seven years. A show that remains popular to this day. Unfortunately, Arrow will be coming to an end in this upcoming season, but even if the show was going to continue, Oliver Queen was still going to be cast in a future movie or another TV show.
Green Arrow is another DC Comics character who people should appreciate more. He’s not just a rich guy with a bow and arrow. He’s one of the more skilled fighters in any comic book genre. His aim extends past arrows as well. He once flicked a peanut in a guy’s mouth with little effort. The character also needs to be likeable, but also slightly cocky.
Our Dream Casting: Chad Michael Murray
Look at Chad Michael Murray’s face. Sure, you may want to look at him longingly, but he also has a very smug look. Murray has been around a while and spent a good portion of his career playing characters in tween movies and shows.
He’s currently playing a cult leader named Edgar Evernever in the CW hit Riverdale. On Fox’s Star he plays a charming guy named Xander McPherson. So he’s not just some random pretty boy.
He can play arrogant and charming. Both qualities of Oliver Queen. His tall physique could also helps sell the role. Plus, he could pull off the trademark Oliver Queen beard.
26. Galactus
In Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Galactus made his first appearance in a movie. The problem was he was more of a smoke cloud than a giant and intimidating world eater. It was disappointing to say the least.
Galactus is supposed to tower over buildings and build a machine that helps him eat the world. Not look like a space fart.
The advantage of this character is not having to be cast based on the actors looks. They need to have a commanding voice and the voiceover skills to sound like a god. This is a moment where Michael Clarke Duncan would have been perfect. Even when they use the technology to mimic his movement, the voice is going to be the most important thing.
Our Dream Casting: Keith David
It’s one thing to have the deep voice. It’s another to be able to deliver the lines. Keith David not only has the acting skills to play the Mighty Galactus, but he also has a ton of voice acting experience as well.
He was Goliath in Gargoyles; T’Chaka in Avengers Assemble; and Spawn in the HBO cartoon. Those are only a few of the voices he’s done. Keith David has the deep voice that fits World Eater as well.
If Keith David was to play this role, he would be unforgettable. It would be amazing to hear him order the Silver Surfer around or call the heroes ants as he destroys cities.
27. Supergirl
Kara Zor-El is the cousin of Kal-El (Superman) and one of the only beings from Krypton that didn’t die when the planet was destroyed. Like her cousin, she has a vast amount of powers and a remarkable sense of right and wrong.
Melissa Benoist has been playing Supergirl for the past four years. Even cancellation at CBS couldn’t stop her as she enters her fifth season on the CW.
Supergirl will have to be someone who looks wholesome, but not weak. A younger girl might be a good idea. Someone who can grow with the character and play her until she’s done or the franchise stops making money.
Our Dream Casting: Erin Moriarty
The biggest part of this role is the look. Supergirl has to appear to be innocent. Performers like Lena Headey or Eva Green have the skill, but look too evil and ruthless to play the role.
Erin Moriarty will be playing Starlight in the upcoming Amazon Series The Boys. She already has experience playing a superhero with virtuous morals. Except, as Supergirl, she won’t have to become something else after a terrible experience.
She would be an easy pick to play Kara Zor-El. Erin Moriarty is only 25 years old, she has a perfect voice for it, and, from what I’ve seen in the previews of The Boys, she throws a mean punch.
28. Mystique
Rebecca Romijn played Mystique in the first three X-Men movies. To this day people don’t appreciate how good she was. Mystique is one of the baddest characters in comic books and she showed it. Not just in her action scenes, but as a smart and manipulative evil mutant.
Jennifer Lawrence played a different kind of Raven Darkholme, one that was trying to be a hero. Hopefully, the next Mystique will go back to the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants version of Mystique. Someone that can’t be trusted. Whoever plays her has to have range. This next pick may shock you. By the end of my explanation, hopefully you’ll see where I’m coming from.
Our Dream Casting: Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is one of the most talented people in the world. She can sing, perform, and we now know she can act. Her roles in Hidden Figures and Moonlight showcase that she’s more than capable of taking on a serious role. Having her play Mystique would be amazing.
Picture her giving a speech on why she shouldn’t have to hide her blue skin to make human comfortable. Or watching her flat-out destroy someone for underestimating her skills. This could be her first shot at an action movie, but she hasn’t disappointed us yet. It’s doubtful she ever will.
29. Harley Quinn
Dr. Harleen Quinzel made her first appearance in the popular 1990’s cartoon Batman the Animated Series. It’s been over 20 years since she debuted and she has become one of the most recognized characters in pop culture.
Even if you don’t read comic books, you know who she is. Kids and adults alike also flock to the store to dress as her for Halloween and comic book conventions.
Playing Harley Quinn isn’t just about being crazy. People forget that she’s a psychiatrist. So she has to play dumb and be crazy so people underestimate her intelligence. She also has to be able to play damaged and obsessed with Joker. Hopefully, not for long. Her relationship with the Joker is terrible. Poison Ivy is the way to go.
Our Dream Casting: Chloe Grace Moretz
Remember the little girl from Kick-Ass who was cursing and literally shocking the poop out of people? Well, that was nine years ago and she’s done a lot since then. She’s continued to play roles that are fun, but she’s also acted in some dramatic roles as well.
Chloe Grace Moretz would kill the role as Harley Quinn. She could easily pull of the brainy psychiatrist who worked at Arkham. When she transforms from Dr. Harleen Quinzel to Harley Quinn, it will be even better than what we saw Margot Robbie do and Robbie was amazing.
30. Mr. Sinister
It’s a travesty that we have yet to see Nathaniel Essex in a movie. People love Doctor Doom, but Mr. Sinister may be just as good. Sinister has a rare quality where even if he loses, he somehow manages to win. And, like Doom, you never know if you’re actually fighting Sinister. It could be one of his clones (Doom uses Doombots, but you get the idea).
The actor playing Mr. Sinister has to be portrayed by someone who appears sophisticated, extremely arrogant, and make it look good. They also have to be believable when they’re torturing someone for science. Sinister has the potential to be the best and despicable villains of all time.
Our Dream Casting: Lakeith Stanfield
This was one of the more difficult choices. Mr. Sinister is a terrific character and deserves an actor that can pull off multiple traits. The guy playing Mr. Sinister has to speak like the person he’s conversing with is a lesser being. They have to portray a level of narcissism that would make Doctor Doom blush.
Lakeith Stanfield is that guy. Stanfield has proven that he can play a calm and eccentric in Atlanta. Actually, a quick trip to his Instagram page and you’ll see that he’s more than capable of being a colorful villain. Picture him with a glass of wine talking down to his minions as he’s cutting a patient open. Or yelling at the X-Men as they ruin his experiments.
Do you agree with the 30 actors we’d like to see portray some of Marvel and DC’s most iconic superheroes and villains? Who tops your dream casting list? Keep the conversation going in the comments section below!