Some performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe completely squandered the actor, each of whom would have been perfect as a character in the MCU’s X-Men. The MCU has had its fair share of actors who were given roles far below their capabilities. With the X-Men finally making their way into the MCU timeline, there’s an opportunity to rectify some of these casting missteps. Many talented actors were confined to underdeveloped roles or killed off too soon. However, with the Multiverse being established, there’s hope that some of these performers could return in far more fitting roles within the MCU’s X-Men.
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The MCU has long been criticized for misusing some of Hollywood’s most talented actors in minor or forgettable roles. Even those who played significant characters sometimes found themselves underutilized or written out too soon. With the recent resurgence of multiversal storytelling and major players like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans returning, Marvel Studios has a chance to right some past wrongs. The X-Men franchise presents a unique opportunity to recast certain actors in roles that better suit their strengths.
You are watching: 10 Wasted MCU Actors Who Should Have Been Cast As X-Men Characters
10
Giancarlo Esposito Would Have Been Perfect As Magneto
Originally Played Sidewinder In Captain America: Brave New World
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Giancarlo Esposito is an actor known for portraying intelligent, ruthless, and commanding figures, making him an ideal candidate for Magneto. While he was captivating in Captain America: Brave New World, it’s quite a minor role, only appearing in a handful of scenes added in reshoots. Despite this, he delivered the most compelling performance in the movie. Esposito deserves a character with the depth and complexity of Erik Lehnsherr.
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Magneto is one of Marvel’s most nuanced villains, often toeing the line between revolutionary and extremist. Esposito’s performances in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian demonstrate his ability to portray both calculated menace and raw emotional depth. His delivery, intensity, and presence would make him an excellent successor to Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender. With the X-Men’s MCU debut looming, Marvel has the perfect opportunity to elevate Esposito into a role that fully capitalizes on his talents.
9
Idris Elba Would Be A Compelling Bishop
Originally Played Heimdall In Thor
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Idris Elba’s Heimdall was an impressive character, but he was continually sidelined throughout the Thor movies and barely received any meaningful screen time. Even Elba himself voiced frustration with how the character was handled and the MCU production process. However, he would be a perfect fit for Lucas Bishop, the time-traveling mutant from a dystopian future.
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Bishop is a battle-hardened warrior who carries the burden of his grim past, and Elba’s signature intensity would bring that to life. From Luther to Beasts of No Nation, Elba has proven he can portray characters who balance grit, pain, and resilience. His commanding voice and imposing physicality would also suit Bishop’s role as a seasoned fighter. Given how Marvel sidelined Heimdall, Elba deserves another shot at the MCU, and the role of Bishop would finally give him the spotlight he deserves.
8
Christopher Eccleston Should Return As Professor Xavier
Originally Played Malekith In Thor: The Dark World
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Christopher Eccleston was utterly wasted as Malekith in Thor: The Dark World, a forgettable villain in one of the MCU’s weakest films. However, he would be an outstanding choice for Professor Charles Xavier. With his experience as Doctor Who, Eccleston has demonstrated his ability to play an authoritative yet compassionate leader who can inspire those around him.
Xavier is a character who must balance kindness with tough decision-making, and Eccleston’s range would allow him to embody both aspects. His natural gravitas and commanding presence would ensure that his Xavier stands apart from Patrick Stewart’s and James McAvoy’s portrayals. Given that Eccleston has aged into the role in the years since Thor: The Dark World, he would be a compelling choice to lead the X-Men in their MCU debut – righting the wrongs of his wasted first stint in the franchise.
7
Laurence Fishburne Would Be Great As Beast
Originally Played Goliath In Ant-Man And The Wasp
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Laurence Fishburne was introduced as Bill Foster, aka Goliath, in Ant-Man and the Wasp, but his role was minor and has yet to lead to any meaningful elaboration. An actor of Fishburne’s caliber deserves a far more meaty role, and would be a phenomenal choice to play Hank McCoy, aka Beast. As seen in The Matrix trilogy, Fishburne excels at playing wise mentors who possess both intellect and physical prowess, making him perfect for Beast’s dual nature.
McCoy is not only one of the smartest mutants in the Marvel universe, but also a powerful fighter when necessary. Fishburne’s deep voice and commanding presence would make him the ideal Beast, delivering the character’s scientific wisdom and occasional savagery with equal weight. With the X-Men’s arrival, recasting Fishburne in a more significant role could be one of the smartest moves Marvel makes.
6
Cobie Smulders Would Flourish As Jean Grey
Originally Played Maria Hill In The Avengers
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Cobie Smulders was excellent as Maria Hill in numerous MCU appearances, but the franchise repeatedly sidelined her, reducing her to minor cameos rather than a fully realized character. Despite her prominence in the comics, Maria Hill never had the same impact on screen. However, Smulders would be a fantastic Jean Grey. She has already demonstrated the ability to balance authority, warmth, and intensity – qualities that define Jean.
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Smulders’ tenure on How I Met Your Mother showed her ability to play a compelling love interest, which would be crucial in Jean’s relationships with Cyclops and Wolverine. More importantly, Smulders has the dramatic depth to take on the Phoenix Saga, conveying both Jean’s kindness and the darker edge of the Phoenix with conviction. Given the right script, she could bring Jean Grey’s complex evolution to life beautifully.
5
Mads Mikkelsen Could Be A Thrilling Mister Sinister
Originally Played Kaecilius in Doctor Strange
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Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Kaecilius in Doctor Strange was compelling, but the character was ultimately underwhelming, and his death wasted the actor’s potential in the MCU. With his sophisticated menace and eerie charisma, Mikkelsen would be a perfect fit for Nathaniel Essex, aka Mister Sinister. His performance as Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal demonstrated his ability to bring elegance and psychological complexity to a villain, qualities essential for Sinister’s manipulative and calculating nature.
Mister Sinister is one of the X-Men’s most enigmatic foes, blending scientific genius with a terrifying obsession over genetic perfection. Mikkelsen’s intense screen presence and ability to balance charm with an unsettling undercurrent of menace would make him an unforgettable Sinister. His deep, deliberate line delivery and commanding presence would ensure that the character would be both mesmerizing and deeply intimidating in the MCU’s X-Men.
4
Will Poulter Would Make A Great Angel
Originally Played Adam Warlock in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
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Will Poulter’s portrayal of Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was fun but ultimately underutilized. Rather than a fully fleshed-out character, he was played mostly for comic relief, undermining his immense potential. However, Poulter would be a perfect fit for Warren Worthington III, aka Angel. His striking features align with Angel’s almost ethereal beauty – an essential aspect of the character’s identity.
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Poulter’s comedic chops would serve well in portraying Warren’s early arrogant, spoiled-rich-kid persona, while his performances in Midsommar and Dopesick prove he has the emotional depth needed for Angel’s tragic transformation into Archangel. The role would allow him to explore a fascinating character arc, from privileged playboy to tormented warrior. Poulter’s versatility would make Angel’s internal struggles compelling, ensuring that both his charm and his eventual descent into darkness would feel authentic.
3
Donald Glover Is A Natural Fit For Iceman
Originally Played Aaron Davis In Spider-Man: Homecoming
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Donald Glover’s role in Spider-Man: Homecoming as Aaron Davis (the Prowler) was a great Easter egg, as Glover was the inspiration for Miles Morales. However, it never evolved into anything significant and has not returned to the MCU timeline. Given his immense talent, Glover deserved more from the MCU, and would be ideal to portray Iceman.
Bobby Drake is one of the funniest and most charismatic X-Men, known for his relentless quips and lighthearted demeanor, traits Glover has perfected in Community and his stand-up comedy. At the same time, Iceman’s evolution into a more mature and emotionally complex character would allow Glover to showcase his dramatic abilities, as seen in Atlanta. His effortless charm would make Bobby’s humor shine, but Donald Glover could also bring gravitas to the more serious aspects of the character as he matures.
2
John Krasinski Should Lead The Team As Cyclops
Originally Played Mr Fantastic In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
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John Krasinski’s cameo as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was an exciting nod to fan casting, but it was ultimately a throwaway appearance that only served to highlight Scarlet Witch’s newfound villainy. However, Krasinski’s natural leadership qualities and earnest heroism make him an excellent fit for Cyclops. Nearly cast as Captain America, Krasinski has the noble and heroic presence needed for Scott Summers.
Cyclops is often misunderstood as a rigid authority figure, but he is also a deeply passionate and burdened leader. Krasinski’s work in Jack Ryan shows he can embody a strategic and capable commander, while his role in A Quiet Place demonstrates his ability to portray the requisite emotional depth. With his commanding yet approachable demeanor, Krasinski could redefine Cyclops for the MCU, restoring the character’s heart and significance.
1
Natalie Dormer Would Be Stunning As Mystique
Originally Played Private Lorraine In Captain America: The First Avenger
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Natalie Dormer made a brief MCU appearance as Private Lorraine in Captain America: The First Avenger, but the role was fleeting and relatively unremarkable. Dormer is far too talented to have been relegated to such a minor role. Indeed, she would make an excellent Mystique, a role that requires both alluring charm and fierce cunning. Dormer’s striking and unconventional beauty would translate well to Mystique’s signature blue skin, while her performances in Game of Thrones and The Tudors prove she can bring intelligence and depth to morally ambiguous characters.
Mystique’s complex motivations – ranging from ruthless assassin to devoted mother – demand an actress with immense range, and Dormer is more than capable of delivering. With her ability to captivate audiences and navigate complex, layered roles, Dormer would bring an electrifying new take on the iconic shapeshifter. As one of the most wasted MCU castings, her return in the MCU’s X-Men would be thrilling.
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