The MCU and the DCEU currently exist as the most prominent superhero franchises in Hollywood, bringing the characters and worlds of Marvel and DC, respectively, to life onscreen. Given their increasing popularity, fans of both franchises have wondered what roles some of the actors from the DCEU could play if they joined the MCU for whatever reason.

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Now there have already been several actors who have played roles in both franchises. This is proof that there would undoubtedly be roles aplenty in the MCU for other DCEU actors if they ever decided to give a different cinematic universe a try.

10 Jesse Eisenberg Would Make A Maniacal Arcade

Jesse Eisenberg previously played the DCEU’s take on Superman’s archnemesis Lex Luthor. If the versatile actor ever came to the MCU, there might be no character that better fits his chops than Arcade.

Arcade is essentially a theatrical hitman in the Marvel Universe, trapping numerous heroes in amusement parks filled with death traps that he calls Murderworld. Eisenberg would be a blast in the role, making Arcade maniacal, conniving, and charismatic in equal measure.

9 Michael Shannon Could Bring Nuance To Rev. William Stryker

William Stryker has served as an antagonist in several previous X-Men films, though he was a U.S. Army colonel in those appearances. In the comics, however, he was originally a minister with a fanatical hatred for mutants. An MCU version of the character that sticks closer to the comics has the potential to really hone in on mutants as a metaphor for people of other races, genders, and sexualities by showcasing how the vile and corrupt teachings of religious figures like Stryker.

Michael Shannon would be an excellent pick to portray Stryker. The actor is no stranger to playing ruthless figures of power with unwavering beliefs, such as the DCEU’s General Zod. He could make Stryker a horrific yet nuanced villain that commands the audience’s attention.

8 Leslie Grace Would Soar As Jean Grey/Phoenix

Leslie Grace had been cast as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl in the Batgirl solo film before it was unfortunately canceled. While it’s not impossible for Grace’s Batgirl to show up in another DC project, there are plenty of roles in the MCU that she would be perfect for, with Jean Grey being one of them.

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The role of Jean Grey requires someone that radiates warmth, strength, and confidence but can also convey being under pressure because of the numerous expectations thrust upon her. Grace’s performance as Nina in In the Heights hits all of these notes, and she could deliver the right multi-layered performance as Jean if given a chance.

7 Corsair Would Be Another Great Comeback Role For Brendan Fraser

Another actor in the Batgirl film was Brendan Fraser, who would have played the deadly pyromaniac Ted Carson/Firefly. Getting a role in the MCU would be an excellent opportunity for the actor, and the role of Corsair, in particular, could bring him back to his roots.

Christopher Summers/Corsair is the long-lost father of Scott Summers/Cyclops, who was kidnapped by members of the Shi’ar alien species. He escaped and soon became the leader of a band of heroic space pirates called the Starjammers. Corsair’s best known for being a roguishly charming swashbuckler character. Fraser could have a blast in the role by imbuing him with the same kind of devilish charm and likability that he gave Rick O’Connell in The Mummy films.

6 Ray Fisher Could Make Night Thrasher An Icon

The New Warriors is one Marvel team that needs to come to the MCU. The team’s leader Dwayne Taylor/Night Thrasher, is an interesting character both with the team and on his own, as his billionaire parents were murdered when he was younger, and he now fights back against crime with an armored suit of his own design.

Best known for playing the DCEU’s Victor Stone/Cyborg, Ray Fisher would be a solid pick to bring Night Thrasher to life. The stoic persona and underlying warmth that he gives to Cyborg would work just as well for Night Thrasher and could make the character a new fan-favorite in the MCU.

5 Jurnee Smollett Could Bring A Tough Presence To Callisto

While characters like Callisto and Caliban have appeared in previous X-Men films, the group of mutants to which they belonged, the Morlocks, were never explored in detail. This is one aspect of the X-Men’s lore that the MCU could highlight, as the Morlocks are mutants living underground in sewers or tunnels because of their more deformed appearances.

Callisto served as the ruthless leader of the Morlocks before being bested in combat by Storm. The character needs an actress who can be threatening physically and emotionally but can be understood because of her nature as an outcast. Jurnee Smollett, who played the heroic Dinah Lance/Black Canary in Birds of Prey, isn’t a stranger to roles that are more cynical and combative but can make them easy to root for. She could bring a more vicious version of that kind of attitude to Callisto and make her a force to be reckoned with and feel sorry for at times.

4 Mary Elizabeth Winstead Could Bring Her Multifaced Talents To Mystique

Another Birds of Prey actress who would be excellent in the MCU is Mary Elizabeth Winstead. She’s an exceptional performer who could play any number of roles, but Raven Darkholme/Mystique might be the one that fits her best.

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Winstead’s role in the Netflix action thriller Kate isn’t too far removed from Mystique personality-wise: an unstoppable, intelligent assassin driven by her need to survive by whatever means necessary, but isn’t above having some fun while doing so. With the MCU as her playground, the charismatic Winstead could make the role of Mystique her own.

3 Pedro Pascal Would Fire On All Cylinders As Trickshot

One villain that will hopefully make their MCU debut in the near future is Barney Barton, the older brother of Avengers member Clint Barton/Hawkeye. The two brothers have had an antagonistic relationship since childhood, which became even more troubled when Barney joined Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers as their marksman Trickshot. It would be great to see a version of this compelling storyline play out in live-action.

Pedro Pascal is a household name nowadays and is no stranger to superhero cinematic universes after starring as Maxwell Lord in Wonder Woman 1984. His usual charisma, grit, and experience with weapons would be a blast to see pitted against Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye onscreen.

2 Jeremy Irons Has The Right Otherworldy Voice For Galactus

While Kang the Conqueror is currently the next main villain of the MCU, more iconic villains from Marvel Comics are sure to come, with Galactus certainly being one of them. The idea of the Devourer of Worlds on the big screen is too tantalizing to resist, and it’s exciting to think about who could bring him to life.

Jeremy Irons brought his esteemed chops to the role of Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler Alfred Pennyworth in the DCEU, though he would make an inspired choice for Galactus. His presence and commanding vocals would give the character the otherworldy aura he needs to make an impact.

1 Henry Cavill Could Bring The Complexity And Depth Of The Silver Surfer To Life

Speaking of Galactus, the Silver Surfer will undoubtedly be a main character in the upcoming phases of the MCU. The Surfer has always been a nuanced character with a rich history, a lot of which the MCU should pull from. What makes the Surfer a great character isn’t just his powers and cool look but his contemplative nature, given his past and actions under the command of Galactus and how he continues to redeem himself as one of the galaxy’s heroes.

There’s a lot that a talented actor could do with a role like the Surfer, and Henry Cavill feels like the right pick for the part. The DCEU’s Superman could bring the right kind of depth and complexity to the Sentinel of the Spaceways that makes audiences feel for and connect to him throughout his journey.

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