Iconic Actor Takes His Shot at Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has never struggled to attract star power. From Oscar winners to prestige TV standouts, the franchise has built an almost absurdly long list of performers who’ve stepped into spandex, capes, and morally complicated roles. At this point, joining the MCU feels less like a career risk and more like a rite of passage for actors who want to leave a lasting mark on pop culture.

Lately, though, Marvel’s casting conversation has shifted. It’s no longer just about who has joined the universe, but who might be lining up next. Fans have been watching closely as the studio recalibrates after a bumpy stretch, looking for performers who can bring weight, depth, and something genuinely new to the screen.

Now, it appears another iconic actor is raising his hand—someone who isn’t chasing a generic superhero gig, but something far more layered.

Marvel’s Reset Era Needs More Than Heroes

Marvel Studios finds itself in an interesting place. The early years of the MCU were defined by clear heroes, charismatic villains, and interconnected storytelling that felt effortless. Recently, however, the franchise has faced criticism for prioritizing quantity over character.

That’s why the next wave of casting feels especially important. Marvel doesn’t just need familiar faces—it needs performers who can elevate the material, particularly on the villain side. The most memorable MCU antagonists have always been the ones audiences understood, even sympathized with.

Which brings us to the actor quietly positioning himself for precisely that kind of role.

The Actor Finally Steps Into the Spotlight

The two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo has now openly revealed his interest in joining the MCU—and not as a straightforward hero. Domingo has made it clear he wants to play a villain, one with emotional depth and complexity.

Most audiences know Domingo from his powerful performances in Fear the Walking Dead, HBO’s Euphoria, and The Color Purple (2023). His career has been defined by characters who embody both strength and vulnerability, often simultaneously. That balance is precisely what Marvel has been missing in some of its recent antagonists.

And this isn’t coming out of nowhere.

Domingo Already Has One Foot in the MCU

Domingo technically joined the Marvel Studios bandwagon this past year, lending his voice to Norman Osborn in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. He’s expected to reprise that role in Season 2 on Disney+, further cementing his relationship with the studio.

While voice acting is a distinctly different lane from live-action MCU appearances, it provided Marvel with a clear preview of what Domingo brings to the table. Even without being seen on screen, his performance carried authority, menace, and restraint—all traits that define Marvel’s most effective villains.

While promoting his upcoming film Dead Man’s Wire, Domingo spoke exclusively with The Direct and didn’t shy away from discussing his future with Marvel beyond animation.

Why Domingo Passed on Kang

Before diving into his latest comments, it’s worth revisiting the rumors that swirled in 2024. At the time, Domingo was reportedly being considered as a possible replacement for Jonathan Majors’ Kang after the actor was fired following his assault conviction.

Domingo later addressed those rumors on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, confirming that conversations did happen. He explained that he had met with Marvel Studios leadership and openly discussed the broader landscape of the franchise, including the speculation surrounding Kang.

Still, he made it clear that stepping into someone else’s role didn’t sit right with him. Domingo said he would rather create something original—something that belonged entirely to him.

That mindset speaks volumes. He isn’t looking for an easy entry point. He wants ownership.

“I Think I’m Meant to Play a Villain”

When The Direct asked Domingo what kind of character he’d want to play in the MCU, his answer was immediate and confident.

“Villains,” he said, laughing as he acknowledged the irony. Domingo explained that antagonists interest him because they allow space for complexity. He wants audiences to feel something—even empathy—for characters who do terrible things.

For Domingo, the appeal lies in tapping into a villain’s humanity. He wants to explore what breaks them, what drives them, and why they feel justified in their actions. In his view, that emotional terrain is far richer than playing a straightforward hero.

That desire to make audiences “pull a tear” for a villain feels very on-brand for the kind of performances Domingo has built his career on.

A Villain Who Feels Earned

Domingo expanded on that idea by explaining that villains aren’t just evil for the sake of it. They’re wounded, conflicted, and often desperate for power or control. That internal struggle is where he finds the real story.

For Marvel, this philosophy could be a game-changer. The studio’s most beloved villains—from Loki to Killmonger—worked because viewers understood their pain, even when they rejected their choices.

Domingo isn’t asking Marvel to hand him a cape. He’s asking for room to build a fully realized character.

Where He Could Fit in the MCU

Interestingly, Marvel Studios is rumored to be planning the official MCU introduction of Norman Osborn in a future project. After Willem Dafoe’s unforgettable return in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), the studio may want a fresh take that feels distinct from past iterations.

Domingo already proved, through animation, that he can bring gravitas to the role. Giving him the chance to “build something from the ground up,” as Osborn could satisfy both the actor’s creative goals and Marvel’s need for a reinvigorated villain.

There are other possibilities, too. A magical antagonist like Brother Voodoo could tap into Domingo’s dramatic range, while a pivot to heroism could see him thrive as Blue Marvel. Even Jefferson Davis, Miles Morales’ father, would benefit from the warmth Domingo naturally brings to the screen.

A Career Still Gaining Momentum

Beyond Marvel speculation, Domingo’s schedule remains stacked. He recently voiced the Cowardly Lion in Wicked: For Good (2025) and starred opposite Glen Powell in The Running Man (2025). His career trajectory suggests he’s choosing projects carefully—and deliberately.

That selectiveness makes his Marvel comments feel intentional, not aspirational.

Final Thoughts

Colman Domingo isn’t campaigning for a Marvel role. He’s setting terms. He wants depth, ownership, and emotional truth—especially if he’s stepping into the role of a villain. For a franchise searching for its next defining chapter, that kind of clarity could be precisely what Marvel Studios needs.

If Marvel is brilliant, it won’t just hear his interest. It’ll meet him where he stands.