TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas some of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars, and many actors in the franchise would be perfect for new hero or villain roles in theDC Universe. After directing some of theMCU’s best movieswith the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise,James Gunn has left Marvel for DC. The director has already cast some MCU stars in theannounced DCU projects, including actors like David Harbour, Maria Bakalova, Frank Grillo, and more.
The MCU is rumored to be facing some form of a reboot after 2027’sAvengers: Secret Wars. That could lead to major players departing the franchise in favor of a new generation taking over. That possibility and the fact that Gunn wants to cast Guardians of the Galaxy and MCU actors infuture DCU moviescould lead to some huge character swaps. Here are 20 MCU stars who could find perfect roles for them in the DCU.
20Dave Bautista
Bane
First up is Dave Bautista. The actor has made it clear thathe wants to work with Gunn at DC, and given the director’s comments about Guardians of the Galaxy stars joining the DCU, that should happen at some point. There is a chance it is already in the works.
A Bane and Deathstroke movie is reportedly in development. Dave Bautista has revealed thatBane was his DC dream rolefor a long time. The actor has the physicality needed for the role, and his drama skills in movies likeBlade Runner 2049show that he would also make Bane a compelling intellectual foe like he is in Batman comics.
19Josh Brolin
Deathstroke
Josh Brolin almost joined the DCU already. The MCU’s Thanos actor was offered the role of the Green Lantern Hal Jordan in HBO’sLanternsseries, which he chose not to take. Still,Brolin is open to joining the DCUin another role.
Brolin’s turn as Thanos shows he can play an overarching villain like Deathstroke well.
With the Deathstroke and Bane movie in development, that character could be none other than Slade Wilson. Brolin’s turn as Thanos shows he can play an overarching villain like Deathstroke well. His take onCable inDeadpool 2also shows the actor could deliver thrilling action scenesin the role, bringing grit and confidence to the DC villain.
18Karen Gillan
Poison Ivy
Karen Gillan wants to play Poison Ivy in the DCU. More than that, the MCU’s Nebula actress has revealed that she would love for herPoison Ivy to be dating Harley Quinn in James Gunn’s DCU. That could very well happen.
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Gillan looks pitch-perfect for the role. The actress alsohas the skills to make Poison Ivy a multi-faceted DCU character. Gillan’s body of work includes plenty of action roles, hilarious characters, and strong dramatic work. Alongside Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn — or someone else in the role — she would be a delight to watch.
17Hayley Atwell
Big Barda
Hayley Atwell isnow having more fun in the MCU, thanks to Captain Carter. The actress has always been one of the franchise’s fan favorites, and Atwell could play another powerful character if she joins the DCU. Perhaps too old for the DCU’s Wonder Woman, she has another possible exciting role.
The DCU’s Chapter One is called “Gods and Monsters.“That could lead to a project or more focused on DC Comics' New Gods. Big Barda would have to be part of that, and Atwell is perfect for the character. A fierce and determined warrior like Barda matches Atwell’s Peggy Carter and Lara Croft characters in key ways, showing she is a good fit.
16Sebastian Stan
The Riddler
Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnescontinues to be an important part of the MCU. The actor will be one of the stars of 2025’sThunderbolts*, a new Marvel team. However,Stan recently said he could see himself as the Riddler.
Geraldine Viswanathan
Unconfirmed
Stan’s Winter Soldier shows that a merciless villain is within his skills. The actor’s turn as theMad Hatter inOnce Upon a Timeoffers proof that his Riddler could be as quirky and fearful as required. No Batman villains have been confirmed forThe Brave and the Boldyet.
15Chris Hemsworth
Aquaman
Jason Momoa and the rest of the DCEU’s Justice League are reportedly out. As such, the Aquaman role is up for any actor to take. Since the character is so important, a major MCU star could do the role justice.
Jason Momoa is rumored to be playing Lobo in the DCU.
Chris Hemsworth’s Thor experience makes him perfect for Aquaman. It would also allow the DCU to go fora more comic book-accurate route with Arthur Curry. Hemsworth could make Aquaman regal and a defender of his people, using a little of his Thor humor when needed to balance the character out.
14Scarlett Johansson
Mera
If Hemsworth were to play the DCU’s Aquaman, then there is another MCU star who could be by his side. Scarlett Johansson has made it clear thatshe is done playing Black Widow. However, her stance on a move to DC is unknown.
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Mera is every bit as capable as Aquaman. Johansson would be able to make it so that the character’s importance to Atlantis and the larger DCU is felt. Mera could even be part of the DCU’s Justice League instead of Aquaman, switching things up from what the DCEU did, and Johansson has the star power to make it work.
13Zendaya
Starfire
Zendaya is one of the most popular fancasts for the DCU’s Starfire. With aTeen Titans movie in development, Starfire is most likely going to be part of it. At 28, Zendaya could help James Gunn’s 10-year DCU plan take shape.
The actress has been part of some major franchises.In the MCU, she does not get to have powers of her own. With two Emmys to her name and popular dramatic roles, she could make Starfire a fierce fighter. Zendaya also has great comedic timing, which could suit the DCU’s Starfire if they go with the more innocent version of the character.
12Tom Holland
Nightwing
While it would be shocking to see Tom Holland join the DCU, if Zendaya plays Starfire, then he could follow her in a major role.Nightwing is very much like Spider-Manin many regards. Due to that, Holland could excel in the DC world of characters.
Like Holland’s Peter Parker,Dick Grayson is also his franchise’s most charismatic character. The hero often serves in a leadership role, and with the actor’s huge box office impact, he has what it takes to make Nightwing the star he should be. Holland can deliver a compassionate, charming, strong, and funny Nightwing.
11Robert Downey Jr.
Brainiac
Robert Downey Jr. is one of Hollywood’s most talented stars. The actor is making a return to the MCU,now playing Doctor Doominstead of Iron Man. If he were to join DC, a villain role would suit him.
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RDJ could be the ideal pick for Brainiac. The villainwas requested by fans for Henry Cavill’sMan of Steel 2and, more recently, for David Corenswet’s Superman. Brainiac is extremely intelligent, shows no emotion, and tries to collect civilizations and knowledge from every place in the universe. Downey could make Brainiac a frightening DCU foe.
