Invincible live-action fan cast: Our picks for who should play each key character

At some point in the future, there’s no doubt we’ll get a live-action adaptation of Invincible (a movie is already in development). So far, in its early stages, the Amazon Prime Video series is already one of the greatest cartoons ever.

Invincible is a Robert Kirkman series adapted from his famed comic book of the same name. In case you don’t know, the animated show follows Mark Grayson, a teenager who discovers his father is the world’s most powerful superhero, Omni-Man. As Mark develops his own powers, he grapples with the complexities of heroism, identity, and family secrets, leading to shocking twists and intense battles. It’s the perfect blend of classic superhero action with mature themes and emotional depth. If you love cartoons and superheroes with a twist, Invincible is a must-watch.

Long before the series debuted, Point Grey Pictures and Skybound Entertainment were set to produce a live-action adaptation of Invincible with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg attached as writers and directors, and Universal Pictures distributing it. Series creator Robert Kirkman was also set to produce the film, along with Rogen, Goldberg, David Alpert, Bryan Furst, and Sean Furst. In January 2021, Kirkman reaffirmed that the film is still in development despite the release of the streaming television adaptation and that Rogen and Goldberg are still involved with the project.

Fans have been fan-casting the series since the dawn of the first season. In a perfect world, the animated cast would bring it to life, but let’s be real—the ages for most of the characters mean we’ll likely see a massive shift. Honestly, some of the voice actors may very well reprise their roles, Robert Kirkland does have a history of casting his people. Speaking of casting... When it comes to fan casting it's all about fit, being unique, yet consistent, but sometimes the obvious choice makes sense. And guess what? I have the PERFECT cast for a live-action adaptation of Invincible. Just a heads up, there are a lot of heroes and villains you won't see here, but I promise this cast is money.

The Immortal - Joe Manganiello

I wanted to say Joe Manganiello’s Immortal would go toe-to-toe with Omni-Man, but we all saw how that turned out early on. Still, the Magic Mike actor would be the perfect choice for the Immortal. This hero has a wild backstory, having served as a knight for King Arthur and even President Abraham Lincoln. Yeah, you read that right.

Manganiello, often fan-cast as Sabretooth, is known for his roles in True Blood and his brief appearance as Deathstroke in BvS. He’s got the 6'5" superhero physique and the charisma to play a dynamic leader. With his towering presence and ability to command the screen, it's easy to see Manganiello as one of Earth’s greatest heroes, bringing depth and gravitas to the Immortal.

Black Samson - Chad L. Coleman

Black Samson, the resilient leader of the New Guardians in Invincible, needs an actor with a commanding presence and dynamic range. Fans of Chad L. Coleman know he is the man for it. Known for his intense performances in The Wire and as Bruno Mannheim in Superman & Lois, Coleman exudes toughness. Yet, he also showcases a softer side in The Walking Dead where he played Rick’s comic book BFF Tyreese. Bonus, Coleman is one of the Kirkland people who seems to stick around — back to Coleman's acting.

If you want to see him bring out his comedic side, watch The Orville. Coleman’s versatility makes him the perfect fit for Black Samson, a hero who balances strength and leadership with empathy and wit. It's high time Hollywood utilized Coleman's immense talent, and Black Samson is the role that can do just that. Actors like Cress Williams, Mike Colter, and Terry Crews would be dope as well. 

Dupli-Kate - Madison Hu 

One of the coolest and most underrated characters in Invincible is Dupli-Kate. She’s not just a hero; she’s an entire team wrapped into one, with the ability to clone herself and be everywhere at once. Now, imagine Madison Hu stepping into those shoes! Known for her roles in Bizaardvark and the recent thriller Night Shift, Hu’s got the perfect mix of talent and presence to bring Dupli-Kate to life.

Dupli-Kate is a key player in the Guardians of the Globe, using her unique powers to tackle threats from every angle. With Madison Hu’s knack for portraying dynamic and engaging characters, she’d add depth and charm to Dupli-Kate’s role.

Rex - Xolo Maridueña

You might know Xolo from his badass role as Blue Beetle or his time kicking ass in Cobra Kai. He’s proven he can handle both the intense action and the comedic beats, making him perfect for Rex’s mix of charm and douchiness. Rex Splode is that insanely charismatic character we love to hate. He’s got a way with the ladies, even if he’s a terrible boyfriend—let’s be real, he's a total tool, but you can’t help but be entertained by him.

In the show, Rex starts off as the ultimate arrogant jerk, but an event forces him to reevaluate his life. Beneath those thick layers of douchebaggery, there’s actually a softer side to him. Xolo can bring that depth, showing us the growth Rex undergoes without losing the character’s trademark snark.

With Xolo Maridueña give us a version of Rex who’s not just a one-dimensional douche but a complex, evolving character. He’s gonna make us laugh, roll our eyes, and maybe even root for Rex, despite all his flaws.

William - Jack Dylan Grazer

Don’t sleep on the importance of William Clockwell in Invincible, He’s our hero's loyal, funny, and sometimes awkward best friend, who provides much-needed comic relief and support. Jack Dylan Grazer, known for his roles in Shazam, It, and as the leading man in the critically acclaimed We Are Who We Are is the perfect fit for William.

Grazer excels at playing the quirky sidekick with a natural, relatable charm. His ability to blend humor with an underlying confidence makes him ideal to capture William's essence. Grazer’s dynamic acting skills would bring depth to William, making him the ultimate hype man and friend who stands by Mark through thick and thin. 

Donald Ferguson - Zach Gilford

Zach Gilford would be a dope choice for Donald Ferguson. Chris Diamantopoulos voiced Cecil’s assistant, Donald, who goes through a major transformation after a catastrophic event. Gilford, fresh off his role in The Fall of the House of Usher, nailed the part of a struggling genius with quirky mannerisms and undeniable coolness. This makes him ideal for Donald.

Gilford can bring the perfect blend of smoothness and awkwardness, making Donald a standout character as Cecil's right-hand man. Gilford’s talent would add depth to Donald's journey, making him a fan favorite in the live-action series.

Cecil - Hugh Laurie 

Cecil Stedman, the brains and brawn behind the Global Defense Agency in Invincible, is the guy you don’t want to mess with. He’s got the scars and the smarts to prove he’s seen some serious action. This dude is the puppet master, keeping our heroes in line and the planet safe from cosmic chaos. He’s all about making the tough calls, even if it means getting his hands a little dirty. Walton Goggins plays the voice, but picture Hugh Laurie stepping into those shoes. 

We all remember Laurie as the grumpy genius Dr. House, and he nailed that blend of sharp wit and deep intelligence. Laurie’s got that piercing stare that says he’s ten steps ahead of everyone else, which is exactly what Cecil needs.

Cecil isn’t just a background player; he’s a tactical mastermind with a moral grey area. Laurie can bring that complex character to life, making Cecil not just the guy behind the curtain but a real, flesh-and-blood force to be reckoned with. He’ll deliver those tough lines with just the right amount of bite, showing us the humanity beneath the tough exterior.

Amber - Latoya Tonodeo 

Let’s talk about Latoya Tonodeo stepping into the shoes of Amber Bennett in the live-action adaptation of Invincible. If you’ve seen her as Diana in Power Book II: Ghost, you know she’s got the chops to bring serious chemistry. 

Amber Bennett isn’t just Mark Grayson’s girlfriend; she’s a fierce, independent character who stands her ground in a world full of super-powered chaos. She’s the anchor to Mark’s whirlwind superhero life, providing a sense of normalcy and grounding him when everything else goes haywire.

Latoya Tonodeo is perfect for Amber. In Ghost, she oozes chemistry with her co-stars, making every scene she’s in unforgettable. Look no further than the epic dinner scene where she SNAPS. She’s got that effortless charisma and a commanding presence that makes her stand out. Sounds like Amber, doesn’t it? It doesn’t hurt that she looks like she’s been ripped straight from the pages of the comics—talk about perfect casting. 

Imagine Tonodeo bringing that same energy and flair to Amber. Her ability to handle intense, dramatic scenes while maintaining a relatable and down-to-earth vibe is exactly what the character needs. Amber isn’t just a side character; she’s a crucial part of Mark’s journey, and with Tonodeo in the role, she’d shine brightly.

To this writer, Latoya Tonodeo as Amber Bennett is a match made in comic book heaven, promising to bring a perfect blend of strength, charm, and authenticity to the Invincible universe. Get ready to see her light up the screen. 

Atom Eve - Sadie Sink

The show might be called Invincible but Atom Eve might be the second most beloved character in the series. So much so, that she got her own spin-off. And she’s arguably the most powerful given her ability to manipulate matter at a molecular level. What makes Eve interesting is that she’s incredibly powerful, yet she struggles with self-doubt, the immense responsibility her abilities bring, and her crappy parents. 

Who better to play the role than Sadie Sink? Yes, another Stranger Things star in a fan cast, but hear me out. If it makes sense, it makes dollars, and Sink is perfect for Atom Eve.

Sadie Sink has tackled some seriously dark and complex roles, look no further than her role in Netflix’s Fear Street. Her ability to dive deep into emotional depths was on full display in Dear Zoe and The Whale, which is exactly what Eve’s character demands. Eve isn’t just a superhero — she’s a young woman facing immense pressure, struggling with her sense of identity and purpose. Sink’s knack for portraying vulnerability and strength simultaneously makes her an ideal fit.

Plus, let’s not ignore the obvious: Sadie Sink looks like she’s been ripped straight from the pages of the Invincible comics, with her striking red hair and alluring appeal. She embodies the essence of Atom Eve, bringing both the physical and emotional attributes to the role.

Debbie Grayson -  Constance Wu

Debbie is a fiercely loyal and brave woman who stands tall even when her world starts crumbling. Remember the scene where she confronts Omni-Man after suspecting his involvement in the Guardians’ deaths? That took some serious… guts. Debbie’s bravery and unwavering love for her family make her a pivotal character in the series. To do justice to Debbie’s role, we need an actress who can seamlessly blend warmth, strength, and vulnerability. An actress who can stand toe-to-toe with the Omni-Man and Cecil actor.  Enter Constance Wu.

Constance Wu isn’t just a fan favorite for no reason. She’s shown her versatility and depth as an actress in critically acclaimed films like Hustlers and Crazy Rich Asians. Wu has proven she can handle complex, emotionally charged roles with grace and authenticity. In I Was a Simple Man, she displayed profound emotional depth, and in Wish Dragon, she literally voiced a loving mother, showcasing her range in playing maternal roles.

At the perfect age to convincingly play the mother of a teenager, Wu brings a combination of relatability and star power to the table. Her portrayal of Debbie would add layers to the character, who’s resilient and has some heart-wrenching moments. Wu is the perfect actress to portray Debbie as she navigates the wild world of superheroes. Actresses Ali Wong, Maggie Q, Moon Bloodgood, and/or Jaime Chung would be great as well.

Invincible - Dallas Liu

There’s no show without… Invincible (I did the thing) Mark Grayson. The teenage half-alien is the heart and soul of Invincible. He’s just your average teenage guy—until he finds out he’s half-immortal and the son of Omni-Man, the planet’s most powerful superhero. Imagine waking up one day to discover you can fly and punch through walls! Mark’s life goes from ordinary to superhero-level crazy in a flash.

Mark’s journey is a rollercoaster of growth and self-discovery. He starts as a high school kid juggling classes, friendships, and crushes, but everything changes when his superpowers kick in. Suddenly, he’s not just worried about homework but also about saving the world and living up to his dad’s legendary status. Through epic battles and moral dilemmas, Mark evolves from a wide-eyed rookie into a seasoned superhero, all while learning some tough life lessons along the way.

Admittedly, casting Mark was not easy. Fans know we need someone who can pull off that perfect blend of youthful charm and struggling hero. While there are plenty of talented Asian actors out there with most fan cast having guys in their late 20s to early 30s. For a character who’s still in high school when his journey begins, youth and star power potential.

That’s where Dallas Liu comes in. You might know him from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and PEN15. But most recently he starred in another cartoon turned live-action,  Avatar: The Last Airbender. He’s playing the iconic role of Zuko. While the Avatar enemy is different from Mark, the young actor has all the ability to bring the youthful energy and charisma we love from Invincible.

Omni-Man - Bradley Cooper

Sure, we’ve heard J.K. Simmons' nods to Ryan Reynolds or Hugh Jackman. We’ve even had fans cast John Hamm and Henry Cavill in the role, but let’s get real —  Bradley Cooper is the guy who would absolutely crush this role.

Omni-Man, a character who embodies the transition from hero to villain, requires an actor with immense range and star power. While Jon Hamm might seem like a great fit, Cooper brings something extra to the table. We’ve seen him charm audiences as Rocket Raccoon, balancing humor and depth effortlessly. Now imagine that charm, but with the added gravitas of an immortal, intergalactic hero who's also a loving father—until he reveals his dark side.

Omni-Man isn’t your typical superhero. He’s got centuries of experience, wisdom, and a complex moral compass that shifts dramatically. Cooper has proven his ability to portray multifaceted characters, making him ideal for the role. Plus, his experience with action-packed roles ensures he can handle the intense scenes Omni-Man demands.

Bradley Cooper can capture Omni-Man’s duality perfectly. He’s got that All-American appeal needed for the loving father figure, but also the intensity and menace for when Omni-Man’s true colors show. It’s not just about looking the part; it’s about delivering the emotional depth and complexity this character requires.

So, while the debate continues, with guys like Henry Cavill, Jensen Ackles, or even Chris Evans let’s put Bradley Cooper in the spotlight. He’s got the charisma, the talent, and the versatility to make Omni-Man a character we love to hate and hate to love.