Summary

  • Casting the right actor to play Galactus in the MCU is crucial due to the character's importance and immense power as one of Marvel's biggest villains.
  • The actor who plays Galactus would need to have a commanding presence and the ability to communicate either a morally imive nature or deep-seated rage.
  • Mark Hamill, Andre Braugher, Gerard Butler, Bryan Cranston, and Laurence Fishburne are all potential actors who could bring Galactus to life in the MCU.

The character of Galactus is a powerful and important villain in the comics, so casting the right actor to play him in the movies of the MCU seek to adapt the stories and characters of the comics, it seems all but certain that Galactus will make his way into the shared movie universe as one of the franchise's major threats.

The MCU's movie timeline has seen a wealth of villains introduced into the franchise, many of which have been played to perfection by respected and esteemed actors. Due to his comic book importance and Earth-threatening power, casting the role of Galactus for the MCU is a delicate task, as it would need an actor with a particular set of capabilities to bring the character to life. Whoever plays Galactus in the MCU would need to be commanding, with the potential to communicate either a morally imive nature or deep-seated rage. With that in mind, here are 10 actors who could potentially play Galactus in the MCU.

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10 Mark Hamill

Relevant performances: Star Wars sequel trilogy, various voice roles

Despite being a main hero of Star Wars, Mark Hamill would actually be a good fit for the villain role of Galactus in the MCU. The villain's potential introduction as part of the MCU's Fantastic Four cast would see him added into the franchise sooner rather than later, and Hamill has already proven why he'd be a good fit. Hamill is no stranger to franchise roles or voice work, equipping him to deal with the likely motion-captured role of Galactus in one of cinema's biggest franchises. His past credits showcase his ability to play powerful, commanding figures and villains, making him one potential casting for Galactus in the MCU.

9 Andre Braugher

Relevant performances: Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (voice)

Andre Braugher as Captain Raymond Holt With Grenades Brooklyn 99

Andre Braugher might be known primarily for his work in the comedy genre, but he could potentially be a good fit for one of the MCU's biggest villains. Braugher's deep, booming voice commands respect, and should it be employed as the voice of Galactus, it being issued from the colossal being of the cosmic entity would be distinctly fitting. Braugher's versatility is something that makes him a plausible choice for the role, even if he seems an unlikely candidate.

8 Gerard Butler

Relevant performances: 300, Gods of Egypt

Gerard Butler's distinctive Scottish accent might qualify him as an unlikely choice for the powerful cosmic villain, but he's an interesting candidate for the role. Butler's past credits show he's more than capable of playing heroes, villains, and everything in between, with action, comedy, and drama all very much in his repertoire. His gruff voice and capacity to communicate deep-seated roaring anger make him a potentially fearful casting for one of Marvel's most powerful villains should he play Galactus in the MCU.

7 Bryan Cranston

Relevant performances: Breaking Bad, Power Rangers

Bryan Cranston is one of the most respected actors in the world, and he'd be perfect to play Galactus in Marvel movies. He has played morally complex characters before, most notably in Breaking Bad, and has also performed motion capture for a powerful cosmic being in the ill-fated 2017 reboot of Power Rangers. Cranston's range and ability make him an excellent choice for any powerful or complicated villain, with his talents uniquely suited to bringing Galactus to life as the MCU's next major villain.

6 Laurence Fishburne

Relevant performances: John Wick franchise, Ant-Man and the Wasp

laurence fishburne as bill foster in ant-man and the wasp-1

Although Laurence Fishburne already played a role in the MCU, he could feasibly return to play Galactus in future movies. Fishburne played Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp, but his relatively minor role wouldn't necessarily prevent him from performing the voice and motion capture for Galactus. Fishburne's deep voice and proven acting ability make him a sound contender for any villainous character, and his previous experience in the MCU and as the voice of the Silver Surfer in past Marvel movies more than qualifies him for the role.

5 Michael Shannon

Relevant performances: Man of Steel, The Flash

Michael Shannon as General Zod in his atmospheric suit in The Flash movie

Michael Shannon's career has seen him act in a number of successful movies, but his turn as General Zod in the DCEU is by far the best indicator of why he'd be perfect as Galactus. Shannon's ability to portray powerful, morally ambivalent otherworldly villains has been proven, and his capacity to command a level of both fear and respect is an irable trait. Shannon's age and previous credits make him a near-perfect choice to play Galactus in the MCU, potentially reprising the role over a period of years as the franchise's next Avengers-level threat.

4 Ving Rhames

Relevant performances: Pulp Fiction, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Ving Rhames in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2

Ving Rhames may seem an unlikely contender for the role of Galactus, but he'd actually be perfect as the villain. Rhames is known for his size and deep voice - two things that make him an excellent choice for Galactus. As much of the work would involve motion capture and visual effects, the voice is perhaps the most important aspect, and few actors possess as fitting a sound as Rhames. Though he's mostly known for more heroic roles, Rhames could feasibly play against type to become the MCU's Galactus.

3 Gary Oldman

Relevant performances: Hannibal, Bram Stoker's Dracula

Widely considered one of the finest living actors, Gary Oldman could potentially play Galactus in the MCU. Oldman's talent for immersing himself in practically any role is one of his most famous traits, and his acting ability is astounding. Over his career, Oldman has played multiple terrifying villains of varying degrees of evil and indifference, placing Galactus squarely within his proverbial wheelhouse. His willingness to wear prosthetics for a role may also come into play, and could see one of the world's most celebrated actors play Galactus in the MCU.

2 Antonio Banderas

Relevant performances: Uncharted, Interview with the Vampire

Antonio Banderas in Acts of Vengeance

Antonio Banderas is one of the names most often mentioned as an unlikely but popular choice to play the MCU's Galactus, and he's certainly well-suited to the role. Over the course of his career, he has played a handful of villains, most recently in the video game adaptation Uncharted. His distinct voice and look would give Galactus a different air, and his celebrated acting talent could contribute to a dark and tortured iteration of the incredibly powerful Marvel villain should Banderas play Galactus in the MCU.

1 Mark Strong

Relevant performances: Shazam!, Green Lantern, Sherlock Holmes

Of all the contenders for the role of the MCU's Galactus, Mark Strong stands out as an obvious choice. He's no stranger to powerful comic book movie villains, having previously played Dr. Sivana in Shazam! and Sinestro in Green Lantern​​​​​​. He has played villains many times throughout his career, and his distinct gravelly voice and ability to play complex rage-filled characters make him an excellent potential casting. Thanks to his previous acting credits and his specific talents, Strong would be perfect to play Galactus in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.