The Marvel Cinematic Universe has always been a magnet for big names. Oscar winners, prestige TV favorites, and respected stage actors have all taken their turn inside Marvel’s sprawling superhero machine. For many performers, landing an MCU role now feels less like a gamble and more like a milestone—a way to cement cultural relevance in an ever-changing industry.
But the conversation around Marvel casting has shifted. Instead of celebrating who’s already inside the franchise, fans are paying closer attention to who might be next. After a rocky stretch filled with mixed reactions, Marvel appears to be reassessing what it needs most: depth, conviction, and characters that resonate beyond spectacle.
And quietly, one acclaimed actor has made it known that he’s interested—but on his own terms.
Marvel Needs Stronger Characters, Not Just Bigger Names
Marvel Studios isn’t in crisis, but it is in a state of transition. The early MCU thrived on emotional clarity, memorable villains, and stories that felt carefully connected. More recently, critics and fans alike have questioned whether the franchise has leaned too far towards quantity over quality.
That’s why casting matters more than ever right now. Familiar faces still draw attention, but they aren’t enough on their own. Marvel needs actors who can elevate material and bring emotional grounding, especially when it comes to villains. Historically, the MCU’s most potent antagonists worked because audiences understood them—even when they disagreed with them.
That context sets the stage for an actor who believes complexity matters more than capes.
Colman Domingo Makes His Intentions Clear
Two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo has openly expressed interest in joining the MCU, and he’s not aiming to play a traditional hero. Instead, Domingo wants a villain—one with layers, vulnerability, and purpose.
Audiences know Domingo for commanding performances in Fear the Walking Dead, HBO’s Euphoria, and The Color Purple (2023). His work consistently strikes a balance between power and sensitivity, making his characters feel grounded and relatable. It’s a quality many fans feel Marvel’s recent villains have sometimes lacked.
And his interest in Marvel didn’t come out of nowhere.
A Marvel Connection Already Exists
Domingo already has a foothold in the Marvel universe. This past year, he voiced Norman Osborn in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, a role he’s expected to reprise in Season 2 on Disney+. While animation differs from live-action, the performance gave Marvel a clear sense of his presence and authority.
Even without physicality, Domingo brought menace and restraint—traits that define the MCU’s most compelling villains. While promoting his upcoming film Dead Man’s Wire, Domingo spoke with The Direct and addressed his openness to exploring Marvel further.
Why Kang Wasn’t the Right Fit
Rumors in 2024 suggested Domingo might be considered as a replacement for Jonathan Majors’ Kang following Majors’ dismissal after his assault conviction. Domingo later confirmed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that discussions with Marvel did occur.
However, he explained that replacing another actor never felt right. Domingo emphasized that he wants to create something original—something that belongs entirely to him rather than inheriting an existing arc.
That perspective says a lot. He isn’t chasing an easy entry point. He’s looking for creative ownership.
“I’m Meant to Play a Villain”
When asked by The Direct what role he’d want in the MCU, Domingo didn’t hesitate. Villains, he said, interest him most. He finds them more complex and emotionally rewarding than straightforward heroes.
Domingo wants audiences to feel something for antagonists—to understand their pain and motivations. That desire to make viewers empathize, even briefly, aligns perfectly with Marvel’s most successful villain stories.
Where He Could Fit
Marvel Studios is rumored to be planning a future introduction of Norman Osborn into the MCU proper. After Willem Dafoe’s return in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), a fresh take could help the studio redefine the character.
Domingo’s animated portrayal already demonstrated his gravitas. Other possibilities include roles like Brother Voodoo, Blue Marvel, or even Jefferson Davis, Miles Morales’ father—each offering space for emotional depth.
The Bottom Line
Colman Domingo isn’t lobbying for a Marvel role. He’s setting expectations. He seeks complexity, humanity, and the opportunity to build something meaningful. For a franchise searching for renewed emotional grounding, that clarity may be precisely what Marvel needs next.
