Superstars who have not been Superheroes
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It seems like nearly every A-list actor these days has been a superhero in some movie or TV show. But that got me to thinking: _which star actors haven’t portrayed a superhero/villain?_
To answer this question, we’ll need to do two things:
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1. What counts as a _superhero/super-villain_
2. Decide who the movie stars are to consider.
## What counts as a _superhero?_
This is indeed tricky, but I’ll try to make this simple. Here goes:
1. A character with _enhanced_ (Captain America) or _magical_(Thor/Dr. Strange) abilities.
2. Any character that _suits up_ to fight with or against characters who meet criteria #1.
To me, the real debate comes down to characters like Black Widow and Hawkeye vs John Wick or Ethan Hunt. I would say that Black Widow and Hawkeye _are_ superheroes because they fight alongside and against other superheroes. On the other hand, Wick and Hunt exist in universes that lack any #1 characters, so they don’t qualify.
One other caveat: it has to be a live performance. Voicing a superhero for CGI, such as Bradley Cooper as Rocket, or for animated movies doesn’t count as playing a superhero.
## Who are the movie stars?
There’s no such thing as a definitive list of current movie stars. However, I consulted with a number of lists and compiled their responses into the table below. Argue with me if you want in the comments if you think I included someone who shouldn’t be there, or left someone out. And I can promise you, I left out plenty. But the list is long enough.
Actor Name | Superhero Status | Role(s) & Analytical Notes
---|---|---
**Adam Sandler** | No | Role: Zohan Dvir in _You Don’t Mess with the Zohan_ (2008). The film is a satirical action-comedy, not superhero fiction under the Genre-Context Rule. Was considered for Rocket Raccoon in _Guardians of the Galaxy_.
Adam Driver | Yes | You can argue with me in the comments, but I firmly believe that Jedi/Sith belong in the superhero/super-villain category.
Alicia Silverstone | Yes | Role: Barbara Wilson / Batgirl in _Batman & Robin_ (1997). A costumed, heroic partner to Batman within a DC superhero film.
**Amy Adams** | No | Role: Lois Lane in _Man of Steel_ (2013), _Batman v Superman_ (2016), _Justice League_ (2017/2021). Lane is a primary character in a superhero universe but is not a costumed hero herself. She does not fit the “Black Widow” exception.
Angelina Jolie | Yes | Role: Thena in _Eternals_ (2021). A super-powered, immortal warrior who is a core member of the titular superhero team in an MCU film.
Anne Hathaway | Yes | Role: Selina Kyle / Catwoman in _The Dark Knight Rises_ (2012). A costumed anti-heroine and key figure in a DC superhero film.
Anthony Mackie | Yes | Role: Sam Wilson / Falcon / Captain America in multiple MCU films and series. A core member of the Avengers.
Anya Taylor-Joy | Yes | Role: Illyana Rasputin / Magik in _The New Mutants_ (2020). A super-powered mutant and core member of the titular team in a Marvel film.
Arnold Schwarzenegger | Yes | Role: Dr. Victor Fries / Mr. Freeze in _Batman & Robin_ (1997). A primary, costumed supervillain in a DC superhero film.
**Austin Butler** | No | N/A
Ben Affleck | Yes | Roles: Matt Murdock / Daredevil in _Daredevil_ (2003); Bruce Wayne / Batman in multiple DCEU films. Multiple starring roles as iconic superheroes in both Marvel and DC properties.
Benedict Cumberbatch | Yes | Role: Dr. Stephen Strange in multiple MCU films. A core MCU hero.
**Brad Pitt** | No | No, I didn’t forget Brad’s one-second cameo as The Vanisher in _Deadpool 2_ (2018). That wasn’t a _role_. It was a cameo. One of the best cameos ever. I would be more willing to strip Brad Pitt’s superhero virginity after his portrayal of _Achilles_ in _Troy._
**Bradley Cooper** | No | Yes, he’s the voice of Rocket Raccoon in the _Guardians of the Galaxy,_ but voice acting doesn’t count. Neither does is cameo as Jor-El in _Superman_ (2025).
Brie Larson | Yes | Role: Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel in multiple MCU films. A core MCU hero.
**Cameron Diaz** | No | Role: Tina Carlyle in _The Mask_ (1994). The film is a supernatural comedy based on a comic, but it does not fit the superhero genre criteria and she wasn’t a _costumed_ character anyway.
Cate Blanchett | Yes | Role: Hela in _Thor: Ragnarok_ (2017). The primary, god-like supervillain in an MCU film.
Channing Tatum | Yes | Role: Gambit in _Deadpool & Wolverine_ (2024). A cameo as the popular X-Men character.
Charlize Theron | Yes | Roles: Clea in _Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness_ (2022); Mary Embrey in _Hancock_ (2008). A post-credits cameo as a major Marvel sorceress and a co-starring role as a secret superheroine.
Chris Evans | Yes | Roles: Johnny Storm / Human Torch in _Fantastic Four_ (2005/2007); Steve Rogers / Captain America in multiple MCU films. Iconic roles as two separate major Marvel superheroes.
Chris Hemsworth | Yes | Role: Thor in multiple MCU films. A core member of the Avengers.
Chris Pratt | Yes | Role: Peter Quill / Star-Lord in the _Guardians of the Galaxy_ franchise (MCU). A core MCU hero.
Christian Bale | Yes | Roles: Bruce Wayne / Batman in _The Dark Knight Trilogy_ (2005-2012); Gorr the God Butcher in _Thor: Love and Thunder_ (2022). Played an iconic DC hero and a major MCU villain.
Cillian Murphy | Yes | Role: Dr. Jonathan Crane / Scarecrow in _The Dark Knight Trilogy_ (2005-2012). A recurring supervillain in a DC superhero franchise.
**Daniel Craig** | No | N/A
**Daniel Radcliffe** | No | N/A
Dave Bautista | Yes | Role: Drax the Destroyer in the _Guardians of the Galaxy_ franchise (MCU). A core member of the superhero team.
**Denzel Washington** | No | N/A
Don Cheadle | Yes | Role: James “Rhodey” Rhodes / War Machine in multiple MCU films. A core member of the Avengers.
Dwayne Johnson | Yes | Role: Teth-Adam / Black Adam in _Black Adam_ (2022). The titular super-powered anti-hero in a DCEU film.
**Eddie Murphy** | No | N/A
Edward Norton | Yes | Role: Bruce Banner / The Hulk in _The Incredible Hulk_ (2008). Starred as the titular MCU hero before the role was recast.
Elizabeth Olsen | Yes | Role: Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch in multiple MCU films and series. A core MCU character.
**Emma Stone** | No | Role: Gwen Stacy in _The Amazing Spider-Man films_ (2012, 2014). A primary character in a superhero universe but not a costumed hero herself.
**Emma Watson** | No | N/A
Ewan McGregor | Yes | Role: Roman Sionis / Black Mask in _Birds of Prey_ (2020). The primary, non-powered but larger-than-life supervillain in a DCEU film. His role as Obi-wan Kenobi in _Star Wars_.
Florence Pugh | Yes | Role: Yelena Belova / Black Widow in _Black Widow_ (2021) and other MCU projects. A highly skilled spy operating within the superhero context.
Gal Gadot | Yes | Role: Diana Prince / Wonder Woman in multiple DCEU films. The iconic DC superheroine.
**Gary Oldman** | No | Role: Commissioner James Gordon in _The Dark Knight Trilogy_ (2005-2012). A key ally in a superhero universe but not a costumed hero.
George Clooney | Yes | Role: Bruce Wayne / Batman in _Batman & Robin_ (1997). Starred as the iconic DC superhero.
Gwyneth Paltrow | Yes | Role: Pepper Potts / Rescue in multiple MCU films. Eventually donned her own powered suit of armor and participated in the final battle of _Avengers: Endgame_.
Halle Berry | Yes | Role: Ororo Munroe / Storm in the X-Men film series. An iconic Marvel mutant and superheroine.
Harrison Ford | Yes | Role: Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in _Captain America: Brave new World_ (2025) and _Thunderbolts_ (2025). A key military figure in the MCU who becomes the Red Hulk in the comics.
Henry Cavill | Yes | Role: Clark Kent / Superman in multiple DCEU films. The iconic DC superhero.
Hugh Jackman | Yes | Role: James “Logan” Howlett / Wolverine in the X-Men film series and _Deadpool & Wolverine_ (2024). Holds the record for the longest career as a live-action Marvel superhero.
Idris Elba | Yes | Roles: Heimdall in the Thor franchise (MCU); Robert DuBois / Bloodsport in _The Suicide Squad_ (2021). Played a god-like Asgardian and a super-powered mercenary.
Ian McKellen | Yes | Role: Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto in the X-Men film series. The iconic Marvel mutant supervillain/anti-hero.
**Jack Black** | No | N/A
Jake Gyllenhaal | Yes | Role: Quentin Beck / Mysterio in _Spider-Man: Far From Home_ (2019). The primary supervillain in an MCU film.
James McAvoy | Yes | Role: Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men prequel series. The leader of the X-Men.
Jamie Foxx | Yes | Role: Max Dillon / Electro in _The Amazing Spider-Man 2_ (2014) and _Spider-Man: No Way Home_ (2021). A primary supervillain. Also starred in _Project Power_ (2020), which fits the genre criteria.
Jason Momoa | Yes | Role: Arthur Curry / Aquaman in multiple DCEU films. The iconic DC superhero.
**Jason Statham** | No | N/A
Jeff Bridges | Yes | Role: Obadiah Stane / Iron Monger in _Iron Man_ (2008). The first primary supervillain of the MCU.
**Jennifer Aniston** | No | N/A
**Jennifer Connelly** | No | She plays Betty Ross in _Hulk_ (2003), but isn’t a costumed character. She is also voiced Karen / Suit Lady in _Spider-Man: Homecoming_ (2017), the AI in Spider-Man’s suit, but voice acting doesn’t disqualify her.
Jennifer Garner | Yes | Role: Elektra Natchios in _Daredevil_ (2003) and _Elektra_ (2005). Starred as the titular Marvel anti-heroine.
Jennifer Lawrence | Yes | Role: Raven Darkhölme / Mystique in the X-Men prequel series. A core mutant character.
Jeremy Renner | Yes | Role: Clint Barton / Hawkeye in multiple MCU films and series. A core member of the Avengers.
Jessica Chastain | Yes | Role: Vuk / Margaret Smith in _Dark Phoenix_ (2019). The primary alien supervillain.
Jim Carrey | Yes | Role: Stanley Ipkiss in _The Mask_ (1994); Edward Nygma / The Riddler in _Batman Forever_ (1995). While _The Mask_ is borderline, his role as a primary, costumed supervillain in a Batman film is definitive.
Joaquin Phoenix | Yes | Role: Arthur Fleck / Joker in _Joker_ (2019). The titular character in a deconstructionist superhero-genre film focusing on a supervillain’s origin.
John Travolta | Yes | Role: Howard Saint in _The Punisher_ (2004). The primary, non-powered antagonist in a Marvel film.
**Johnny Depp** | No | N/A
Jude Law | Yes | Role: Yon-Rogg in _Captain Marvel_ (2019). A primary antagonist and Kree commander in an MCU film.
**Julia Roberts** | No | N/A
Julianne Moore | No | She plays Poppy Adams in _Kingsman: The Golden Circle_ (2017). The primary supervillain but there are no _enhanced_ individuals in the story.
**Kate Winslet** | No | N/A
Keanu Reeves | Yes | Role: John Constantine in _Constantine_ (2005). A DC Comics character.
**Kevin Costner** | No | Role: Jonathan Kent in _Man of Steel_ (2013). Superman’s adoptive father. Not a superhero.
**Kevin Hart** | No | N/A
**Kristen Stewart** | No | This is borderline: Snow White in _Snow White and the Huntsman_ (2012) has enhanced abilities, sort’a. I’m going to let her slide on this one. It’s more fantasy than superhero.
Kurt Russell | Yes | Role: Ego in _Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2_ (2017). A Celestial and the primary supervillain of the MCU film.
**Leonardo DiCaprio** | No | N/A
Laurence Fishburne | Yes | Roles: Dr. Bill Foster in _Ant-Man and the Wasp_.
Liam Neeson | Yes | Roles: Peyton Westlake / Darkman in _Darkman_ (1990); Ra’s al Ghul in _Batman Begins_ (2005). Starred as an original superhero and played a primary supervillain in a DC film.
Lupita Nyong’o | Yes | Role: Nakia in _Black Panther_ (2018) and _Wakanda Forever_ (2022). A highly skilled spy and warrior operating within the superhero context of Wakanda.
Mahershala Ali | Yes | Role: Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes in _Luke Cage_ (2016-2018); Voice of Aaron Davis / Prowler in _Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse_ (2018); Cast as Eric Brooks / Blade in the upcoming MCU film _Blade_. Multiple roles, including a confirmed future leading superhero role.
Margot Robbie | Yes | Role: Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn in multiple DCEU films. An iconic DC character.
Mark Ruffalo | Yes | Role: Bruce Banner / The Hulk in multiple MCU films. A core member of the Avengers.
**Mark Wahlberg** | No | N/A
**Matt Damon** | No | Role: Asgardian Actor playing Loki in _Thor: Ragnarok_ (2017) and _Thor: Love and Thunder_ (2022). A cameo playing an actor within the film, not a superhero himself. His uncredited cameo in _Deadpool 2_ as “Redneck #1” is not a superhero role.
**Matthew McConaughey** | No | He is the voice of Cowboypool in _Deadpool & Wolverine_ (2024). A brief voice cameo as a Deadpool variant from the Marvel comics. Neither of this break his superhero virginity.
**Mel Gibson** | No | N/A
**Meryl Streep** | No | N/A
Michael B. Jordan | Yes | Roles: Johnny Storm / Human Torch in _Fantastic Four_ (2015); Erik Killmonger in _Black Panther_ (2018). Played both a Marvel hero and an iconic MCU villain.
Michael Douglas | Yes | Role: Dr. Hank Pym in the Ant-Man franchise (MCU). The original Ant-Man who serves as a mentor and participates in action sequences.
Michael Fassbender | Yes | Role: Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto in the X-Men prequel series. The iconic Marvel mutant supervillain/anti-hero.
Michael Keaton | Yes | Roles: Bruce Wayne / Batman in _Batman_ (1989) and _Batman Returns_ (1992); Adrian Toomes / Vulture in _Spider-Man: Homecoming_ (2017). Played an iconic DC hero and a primary MCU villain.
Michelle Pfeiffer | Yes | Role: Selina Kyle / Catwoman in _Batman Returns_ (1992); Janet van Dyne / Wasp in the Ant-Man franchise (MCU). Played an iconic DC anti-heroine and a Marvel superheroine.
**Michelle Rodriguez** | No | N/A
**Morgan Freeman** | No | Role: Lucius Fox in _The Dark Knight Trilogy_ (2005-2012). A key ally and gadget-maker, but not a costumed hero. Played Sloan in _Wanted_ (2008), which is based on a comic but is more of an action-thriller
Natalie Portman | Yes | Role: Jane Foster / The Mighty Thor in _Thor: Love and Thunder_ (2022). Transitioned from a supporting character to a full-fledged superhero with powers.
Nicolas Cage | Yes | Roles: Johnny Blaze / Ghost Rider in _Ghost Rider_ (2007) and _Spirit of Vengeance_ (2011); Big Daddy in _Kick-Ass_ (2010); Voice of Spider-Man Noir in _Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse_ (2018); Voice of Superman in _Teen Titans Go! To the Movies_ (2018); Cameo as Superman in _The Flash_ (2023). Multiple roles across various superhero properties.
Nicole Kidman | Yes | Roles: Dr. Chase Meridian in _Batman Forever_ (1995); Queen Atlanna in _Aquaman_ (2018) and _Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom_ (2023). While Meridian is a supporting character, Queen Atlanna is a royal warrior with superhuman abilities who engages in major action sequences.
Oscar Isaac | Yes | Roles: En Sabah Nur / Apocalypse in _X-Men: Apocalypse_ (2016); Voice of Spider-Man 2099 in _Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse_ (2018); Marc Spector / Moon Knight in _Moon Knight_ (2022).
Paul Rudd | Yes | Role: Scott Lang / Ant-Man in multiple MCU films. A core MCU hero.
Pedro Pascal | Yes | Role: Maxwell Lord in _Wonder Woman 1984_ (2020); Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic in _The Fantastic Four: First Steps_ (2025). Played a major DC supervillain and is cast as a leading MCU superhero.
**Ralph Fiennes** | No | His role as Hades in _Clash of the Titans_ is mythological, not superhero fiction.
**Robert De Niro** | No | Role: Murray Franklin in _Joker_ (2019). A supporting character in a supervillain origin story.
Robert Downey Jr. | Yes | Role: Tony Stark / Iron Man in multiple MCU films. The foundational hero of the MCU. Set to play Doctor Doom in upcoming Avengers films.
Robert Pattinson | Yes | Role: Bruce Wayne / Batman in _The Batman_ (2022). The titular DC superhero.
**Ryan Gosling** | No | N/A
Ryan Reynolds | Yes | Roles: Hannibal King in _Blade: Trinity_ (2004); Hal Jordan / Green Lantern in _Green Lantern_ (2011); Wade Wilson / Deadpool in the Deadpool franchise. Multiple superhero roles, most iconically Deadpool.
Salma Hayek | Yes | Role: Ajak in _Eternals_ (2021). The super-powered leader of the titular superhero team in an MCU film.
Samuel L. Jackson | Yes | Role: Nick Fury in multiple MCU films and series; Voice of Lucius Best / Frozone in _The Incredibles franchise_. A foundational character in the MCU and a popular animated superhero.
**Sandra Bullock** | No | N/A
Scarlett Johansson | Yes | Role: Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow in multiple MCU films. A core member of the Avengers.
Seth Rogen | Yes | Role: Britt Reid / The Green Hornet in _The Green Hornet_ (2011). The titular masked crime-fighter.
**Shia LaBeouf** | No | N/A
Sigourney Weaver | Yes | Role: Alexandra Reid in _The Defenders_ (2017). The primary antagonist leading The Hand in the Marvel television series.
Sylvester Stallone | Yes | Roles: Judge Dredd in _Judge Dredd_ (1995); Stakar Ogord in the _Guardians of the Galaxy_ franchise (MCU); Joe Smith / Samaritan in _Samaritan_ (2022). Multiple roles as comic book and original superheroes.
Tilda Swinton | Yes | Role: The Ancient One in _Doctor Strange_ (2016) and _Avengers: Endgame_ (2019). The Sorcerer Supreme and a powerful mentor figure in the MCU.
**Timothée Chalamet** | No | N/A
**Tom Cruise** | No | N/A
**Tom Hanks** | No | N/A
Tom Hardy | Yes | Roles: Bane in _The Dark Knight Rises_ (2012); Eddie Brock / Venom in the _Venom_ franchise. Played an iconic DC supervillain and a leading Marvel anti-hero.
Tom Hiddleston | Yes | Role: Loki in multiple MCU films and series. A core MCU character.
Tom Holland | Yes | Role: Peter Parker / Spider-Man in multiple MCU films. The current live-action Spider-Man.
Tommy Lee Jones | Yes | Roles: Harvey Dent / Two-Face in _Batman Forever_ (1995); Colonel Chester Phillips in _Captain America: The First Avenger_ (2011). Played a primary DC supervillain and a key supporting character in an MCU origin story.
Vin Diesel | Yes | Roles: Voice of Groot in the _Guardians of the Galaxy_ franchise (MCU); Ray Garrison / Bloodshot in _Bloodshot_ (2020). A core MCU hero and the titular hero of a Valiant Comics adaptation.
Viola Davis | Yes | Role: Amanda Waller in multiple DCEU films and series. The formidable, non-powered mastermind behind the Suicide Squad. Fits the “Nick Fury” archetype of a non-costumed but central genre figure.
Will Ferrell | Yes | Role: Voice of Megamind in _Megamind_ (2010). The titular character in an animated film that satirizes and engages with superhero genre tropes, eventually becoming a hero.
Will Smith | Yes | Roles: John Hancock in _Hancock_ (2008); Floyd Lawton / Deadshot in _Suicide Squad_ (2016). Starred as an original, deconstructionist superhero and a leading member of a DC supervillain team.
Willem Dafoe | Yes | Roles: Norman Osborn / Green Goblin in the Spider-Man franchise; Nuidis Vulko in the Aquaman franchise. Played an iconic Marvel supervillain and a key Atlantean mentor in the DCEU.
Woody Harrelson | Yes | Role: Cletus Kasady / Carnage in _Venom: Let There Be Carnage_ (2021). The primary supervillain in a Marvel film.
**Zendaya** | No | Role: Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson in the MCU Spider-Man films. A primary character in a superhero universe but not a costumed hero herself.
Zoe Saldaña | Yes | Role: Gamora in the _Guardians of the Galaxy_ franchise (MCU). A core member of the superhero team.
### **The Finalists: A-Listers Who Have Never Worn the Cape**
Distilling the data from the comprehensive roster in Part II yields a surprisingly exclusive list of Hollywood titans who have, to date, abstained from participating in a live-action superhero genre film. These are the actors who form the core of this investigation—the true holdouts in an industry saturated by comic book adaptations. While many A-listers have appeared in supporting roles or as non-powered allies within these universes, this list represents those who have not played a superhero, supervillain, or a non-powered but central heroic figure in a superhero movie.
The most prominent members of this elite club include:
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* Amy Adams
* Adam Sandler
* Austin Butler
* Bradley Cooper
* Brad Pitt
* Cameron Diaz
* Daniel Craig
* Daniel Radcliffe
* Denzel Washington
* Eddie Murphy
* Emma Stone
* Emma Watson
* Gary Oldman
* Jack Black
* Jason Statham
* Jennifer Aniston
* Jennifer Connelly
* Johnny Depp
* Julia Roberts
* Kate Winslet
* Kevin Costner
* Kevin Hart
* Kristen Stewart
* Leonardo DiCaprio
* Mark Wahlberg
* Matthew McConaughey
* Mel Gibson
* Meryl Streep
* Michelle Rodriguez
* Morgan Freeman
* Ralph Fiennes
* Robert De Niro
* Ryan Gosling
* Sandra Bullock
* Shia LaBeouf
* Timothée Chalamet
* Tom Cruise
* Tom Hanks
* Zendaya
## Suggested Superhero/Super Villain roles for each unsupered actor
**Amy Adams**
Possibly: Jean Grey, Star Sapphire
Best fit: Poison Ivy. Her dramatic range could bring a tragic, eco-terrorist depth to the character, moving beyond simple seduction to a passionate, misguided scientist for a compelling new take on the iconic villain.
**Adam Sandler**
Possibly: The Thing (Ben Grimm), Booster Gold
Best fit: The Impossible Man. Sandler’s chaotic, comedic energy is perfect for this shapeshifting alien prankster from Marvel. The role demands over-the-top antics and a strange likability, which is the core of Sandler’s most successful characters.
**Austin Butler**
Possibly: Johnny Storm (Human Torch), Angel (Warren Worthington III)
Best fit: Superman (Clark Kent). After his transformative role as Elvis, Butler has proven he can embody an American icon with both charisma and underlying depth.[1] He has the classic look and the acting chops to ground the character.
**Bradley Cooper**
Possibly: Hal Jordan (Green Lantern), Adam Warlock
Best fit: The Question (Vic Sage). Cooper excels at playing intense, obsessive characters. The role of a faceless, paranoid detective would allow him to deliver a gritty, psychological performance, a perfect fit for a street-level DCU story.
**Brad Pitt**
Possibly: Captain America (Steve Rogers), Adam Warlock
Best fit: Sentry (Robert Reynolds). Pitt can perfectly portray the duality of a golden-haired, god-like hero tormented by his dark, all-powerful alter ego, The Void.[2] This complex, tragic role requires the gravitas and star power he commands.
**Cameron Diaz**
Possibly: Black Canary (Dinah Lance), Emma Frost
Best fit: Dazzler (Alison Blaire). A mutant pop star who converts sound into light beams. Diaz’s charisma, comedic timing, and experience in action-oriented roles make her a perfect fit for this vibrant, high-energy X-Men character.
**Daniel Craig**
Possibly: Mister Sinister, Captain Britain
Best fit: Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr). Craig has the gravitas and intensity to portray Magneto’s complex mix of charm, trauma, and ruthless conviction. His commanding presence would make for a formidable and compelling leader of the mutant cause.
**Daniel Radcliffe**
Possibly: Nightwing (Dick Grayson), The Penguin
Best fit: Wolverine (Logan). Radcliffe is eager to shed his heroic image and has the intense acting range for the role. His shorter stature is more comic-accurate, and he could bring a feral, raw energy to the character.
**Denzel Washington**
Possibly: Mephisto, Achebe
Best fit: Blue Marvel (Adam Brashear). As Adam Brashear, a super-genius forced into retirement by racism, Washington could portray a hero of immense power and quiet dignity. The role has a rich historical subtext that is perfectly suited to his legendary gravitas.
**Eddie Murphy**
Possibly: The Riddler, Plastic Man
Best fit: Mister Mxyzptlk. Murphy’s legendary comedic timing and manic energy are ideal for DC’s mischievous, reality-bending imp from the 5th dimension. He could bring a fun, chaotic, and unforgettable presence to the character.
**Emma Stone**
Possibly: Batgirl (Barbara Gordon), Jean Grey
Best fit: Spider-Gwen. Having already played Gwen Stacy, it would be a meta-perfect casting for her to portray the heroic, alternate-universe version. Her wit and charm are ideal for the character’s spirited personality.
**Emma Watson**
Possibly: Kitty Pryde, Zatanna
Best fit: Jean Grey. Watson can portray the intelligence, compassion, and inner turmoil of Jean Grey. Her experience playing a powerful, book-smart character who grows into her strength makes her a natural fit for the iconic X-Men telepath.
**Gary Oldman**
Possibly: Professor X, Doctor Octopus
Best fit: Brainiac. Oldman’s talent for disappearing into roles, combined with his ability to portray cold, calculating intelligence, makes him the perfect choice for Superman’s hyper-advanced, world-collecting AI antagonist.
**Jack Black**
Possibly: The Penguin, Mole Man
Best fit: The Thing (Ben Grimm). Black’s blend of comedic timing and surprising heart is perfect for the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing. He could capture both the gruff exterior and the tragic, lovable soul of Ben Grimm.
**Jason Statham**
Possibly: Bullseye, Kraven the Hunter
Best fit: Deathstroke (Slade Wilson). Statham’s real-life martial arts prowess and his established persona as a tough, no-nonsense anti-hero make him a perfect fit for the world’s deadliest mercenary. He has the physical presence and intensity required.
**Jennifer Aniston**
Possibly: Catwoman (Selina Kyle), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman)
Best fit: Queen Hippolyta. Honoring her past interest in playing Wonder Woman, Aniston has the regal presence and dramatic strength to portray the Queen of the Amazons—a powerful, authoritative role perfectly suited to her established star power.
**Jennifer Connelly**
Possibly: Hippolyta, Catwoman (Selina Kyle)
Best fit: Carol Ferris (Star Sapphire). Connelly has the elegance and dramatic depth to portray the powerful executive and love interest to Hal Jordan. The role requires balancing a corporate leader with a cosmically powered, emotionally driven character.
**Johnny Depp**
Possibly: The Joker, Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)
Best fit: The Riddler (Edward Nygma). Depp’s affinity for eccentric, quirky, and intellectually sharp characters makes him a natural fit for the Riddler. He could bring a unique, theatrical, and genuinely menacing energy to Batman’s cerebral foe.
**Julia Roberts**
Possibly: Moira MacTaggert, Hippolyta
Best fit: An older, sophisticated Poison Ivy. Roberts could portray Dr. Pamela Isley as a brilliant, committed eco-terrorist driven by a cause.[13] This would be a complex villain role that leverages her star power and dramatic talent.
**Kate Winslet**
Possibly: Emma Frost, Enchantress
Best fit: Poison Ivy (Pamela Isley). Winslet has the commanding presence and acting range to portray a brilliant, seductive, and dangerously committed botanist. She could bring a level of gravitas and complexity to the iconic Batman villain.
**Kevin Costner**
Possibly: An older Captain America (Steve Rogers), Cable
Best fit: Cable (Nathan Summers). Costner’s gravitas and experience playing world-weary soldiers make him ideal for the grizzled, time-traveling mutant leader. He can embody the character’s tactical brilliance and tragic backstory with commanding presence.
**Kevin Hart**
Possibly: Ant-Man (Scott Lang), The Atom (Ryan Choi)
Best fit: Mole-Man. Hart’s comedic energy could bring a unique, theatrical, and unexpectedly menacing quality to the classic Fantastic Four villain. It’s a perfect opportunity for a scene-stealing performance that balances humor with genuine threat.
**Kristen Stewart**
Possibly: Huntress (Helena Bertinelli), Jessica Jones
Best fit: A female Joker (Martha Wayne). Stewart expressed interest in playing a “freaky, scary person”. The Flashpoint version of Joker, a grief-stricken Martha Wayne, would be a dark, intense, and transformative role perfect for her acting style.
**Leonardo DiCaprio**
Possibly: Lex Luthor, Norman Osborn
Best fit: Doctor Doom (Victor von Doom). This is a complex, Shakespearean villain role that could attract an actor of his caliber. It requires portraying genius, arrogance, and tragedy—a character study worthy of his commitment to intense roles.
**Mark Wahlberg**
Possibly: The Punisher (Frank Castle), Guy Gardner (Green Lantern)
Best fit: The Comedian (Edward Blake). Wahlberg excels at playing tough, cynical characters with a skewed moral compass. The role of the government-sanctioned vigilante from *Watchmen* would perfectly match his established screen persona and dramatic range.
**Matthew McConaughey**
Possibly: Two-Face (Harvey Dent), Reverse-Flash
Best fit: Norman Osborn / Green Goblin. McConaughey’s ability to switch between charismatic charm and unhinged intensity is perfect for the dual role. He could portray the brilliant industrialist and his maniacal, cackling alter ego flawlessly.
**Mel Gibson**
Possibly: An older Batman (Thomas Wayne), Cable
Best fit: Deathstroke (Slade Wilson). Gibson’s experience in gritty action films and his ability to portray intense, world-weary characters make him a strong choice for the master assassin. He has the physical presence and gravitas for the role.
**Meryl Streep**
Possibly: Aunt May Parker, Amanda Waller
Best fit: Granny Goodness. Streep’s transformative ability is legendary. Portraying the monstrously evil but deceptively maternal leader of Darkseid’s Female Furies would be a terrifying and unforgettable villain performance, showcasing her incredible range.
**Michelle Rodriguez**
Possibly: Domino, Gamora
Best fit: Caiera the Oldstrong. Known for playing tough, formidable warriors, Rodriguez has the perfect physicality and screen presence to portray the powerful alien shadow priestess from the Planet Hulk saga, a role that demands intensity and strength.
**Morgan Freeman**
Possibly: The Spectre, Doctor Fate
Best fit: The Living Tribunal. Freeman’s iconic, authoritative voice and dignified presence make him the ideal choice to portray the omnipotent cosmic judge of the Marvel multiverse. It’s a role that demands gravitas over action.
**Ralph Fiennes**
Possibly: Doctor Doom, Mister Sinister
Best fit: Brainiac. Fiennes excels at playing cold, intelligent, and menacing villains (like Voldemort). His ability to convey immense intellectual superiority and detached cruelty would make him a terrifying and definitive version of Superman’s alien foe.
**Robert De Niro**
Possibly: Carmine Falcone, Uncle Ben Parker
Best fit: An older Kingpin (Wilson Fisk). De Niro is legendary for his gangster roles. Portraying an aging, powerful, and brutal crime lord of New York City would be a return to form and a formidable challenge for Spider-Man or Daredevil.
**Ryan Gosling**
Possibly: The Flash (Barry Allen), Nova (Richard Rider)
Best fit: Booster Gold (Michael Jon Carter). Gosling’s comedic timing and ability to play charmingly arrogant characters are perfect for the fame-seeking hero from the future. He could perfectly capture the character’s humor, heart, and surprising depth.
**Sandra Bullock**
Possibly: Catwoman (Selina Kyle), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman)
Best fit: Madame Web. Bullock has the gravitas to portray the powerful psychic clairvoyant. This long-rumored role would allow her to be a commanding, mysterious, and central mentor figure within the Spider-Man universe without extensive physical action.
**Shia LaBeouf**
Possibly: The Riddler, Moon Knight
Best fit: Red Hood (Jason Todd). LaBeouf’s renowned intensity and ability to portray tortured characters make him a fantastic choice for the resurrected, vengeful former Robin. He can capture the deep-seated rage and trauma that defines the anti-hero.
**Timothée Chalamet**
Possibly: Robin (Tim Drake), Harry Osborn
Best fit: Nightwing (Dick Grayson). Chalamet has the athletic build, charisma, and dramatic range to portray Batman’s original protégé stepping out of his shadow. He could perfectly capture the acrobatic grace and leadership qualities of the hero.
**Tom Cruise**
Possibly: Iron Man (Superior Iron Man variant), Captain Britain
Best fit: Hal Jordan (Green Lantern). Cruise’s persona as a charismatic, supremely confident, and fearless pilot in _Top Gun_ is the perfect template for Hal Jordan. Casting him as a veteran Green Lantern would be a widely celebrated choice.
**Tom Hanks**
Possibly: Pa Kent, The Living Tribunal
Best fit: Reverend William Stryker. Casting “America’s Dad” as a charismatic, anti-mutant zealot would be chillingly effective. Hanks’s inherent likability would make Stryker’s hateful ideology dangerously persuasive, creating a truly memorable villain.
**Zendaya**
Possibly: Vixen, Firestar
Best fit: Storm (Ororo Munroe). Zendaya has the grace, commanding presence, and star power to portray the powerful, weather-wielding mutant. She could embody both the regal queen of Wakanda and the formidable leader of the X-Men.
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Dan Gardner
Creator and developer of the RunPee app. When something doesn’t work right in the app it’s pretty much his fault. 🙂
Aspiring author. Would like to finish his “Zombie Revelations” trilogy if he could break away for working on RunPee and the cottage he’s building for RunPee Mom.
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