Now that Disney and Sony have settled their feud over Spider-Man 3 currently in development for 2021, more Spider-Man characters are bound to enter the MCU in the coming years. Of course, Spider-Man having one of the most iconic cast of villains in all of comics, audiences will be most intrigued to find out who Spidey goes up against in future films.
Spider-Man's two most formidable foes are Sinister-Six leader Doc Ock and Oscorp Executive Experiment-Gone-Wrong, the Green Goblin. Although neither character has been hinted at in the MCU yet, it is only a matter of time before they enter the canvas. When they do, casting the right actors will be imperative. Here are five actors who could make great Doc Ocks in the MCU, and five other actors who could make great Green Goblins.
Doc: Christoph Waltz
An Austrian-German actor, Christoph Waltz has proven himself an unnerving cinematic villain through his roles as the Nazi Colonel Hans Landa in Spectre. The actor's mix of haughty confidence, imposing dialogue, and freakish humor would make him a frightening Doc Ock and a wonderfully antagonistic addition to the MCU. It's not hard to imagine Waltz taking on the role of a mad scientist, and it would be delightfully uncanny to watch him do it with mechanical arms sprouting from his back.
Goblin: Javier Bardem
Christoph Waltz is not the only No Country For Old Men, has the antagonist role down to a T. With a capacity for stoicism, but also a face that bleeds expression, he could make the switch from Norman Osborn to the Green Goblin like no other. Watching Bardem deliver this performance would be spooky, yet enticing, and it would add a novel flavor to the MCU.
Doc: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Legend has it that James Cameron was in conversation to direct a Spider-Man movie. The fact that this never came to fruition is a lost opportunity, for the former Mr. Universe has the proper build and energy to really nail this role.
The MCU could give Arnold a late second shot at the part. After all, Schwarzenegger already has extensive experience playing cybernetic organisms. Plus, he is now the father-in-law to Chris Pratt. If the Guardians find their way into the next Spider-Man film, Arnold's presence could create some great opportunities for meta-humor.
Goblin: Christopher Walken
Another actor who is versed in villainous roles, Tim Burton's 1992 Batman Returns.
Doc: Oscar Isaac
Disney likes to take twists on its catalog of Marvel characters. They do not always adhere strictly to their comic book counterparts. Thus, if the MCU wanted to reimagine Doc Ock as a younger villain, X-Men: Apocalypse.
Goblin: Leonardo DiCaprio
If Disney wanted to take the younger route on the Green Goblin, perhaps Oscar-winning actor filmography spans all sorts of roles and genres, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him take a part in the MCU and step into the Goblin suit and makeup for a bit of fun.
Doc: Tom Hardy
Another young take on Spidey's six-armed nemesis, Venom.
Unfortunately, Sony's Spider-Man franchise is not yet promising that Hardy will ever actually go toe-to-toe with the webslinger. Perhaps the MCU can grant audiences that image in the form of him playing Doc Ock.
Goblin: Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman did a great job playing a good guy in Sirius Black, and Winston Churchill if need be. The man is deeply versatile, so he could very well immerse himself in the MCU and bring to life an older, but nonetheless evil, version of the Green Goblin.
Doc: Jon Hamm
If Disney wanted to keep the sleekness of an Oscar Isaac Doc Ock, but age him appropriately, the MCU could find the perfect match in Mad Men and various films, the actor has an affinity for playing clever, suave characters with a touch of snarky energy and a whole lot of dominant characteristics. He could thus play the genius Doctor Octavius quite well while retaining a constant aura of mystery surrounding his villainous alter ego. Peter Parker wouldn't suspect a thing!
Goblin: Jim Carrey
the Riddler was still a highlight. With immense talent and a face that can twist into an endless multitude of shapes and expressions, Carrey could definitely play the Green Goblin. Being one of the greatest comedic actors of his time, Carrey could also help the MCU capitalize on the Goblin's sillier characteristics and contribute to the humor that sets Tom Holland's Spider-Man movies apart.
