Elba, Cumberbatch, Hiddleston... The Marvel Actors Who Would Make Great DC Characters

Marvel and DC have an insanely complex relationship, with directors and actors usually restricted from working for 'the enemy.' They do, however, acknowledge each other decently, even going as far as calling each other the 'distinguished competition.' Furthermore, both these companies make typically amazing casting choices (although they don't seem that way initially). But every so often, we think, What if? What if DC claimed this actor or actress before Marvel, or vice versa? How amazing would that have been? Well, that's what this article is all about, so let's begin:

Benedict Cumberbatch - Brainiac

Current Role: Doctor Strange

Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the of those elite actors that can be thrown into any role and he'll do great. He plays an arrogant but loveable Sherlock Holmes on BBC's Sherlock, played a fantastic villain in Star Trek (Khan), and will soon be an amazing Sorcerer Supreme. Now, why would he be an amazing Brainiac? Well, Sherlock Holmes (and Khan) are both practically robots in human form. They're quick and calculating, while constantly maintaining a (potentially) menacing deep voice. Bottom line, Benedict Cumberbatch's Brainiac would be a great adversary to his primary villain Superman, as well as any allies he has by the time Brainiac finds Earth (perhaps in November 2017?). You can't deny that he looks great as the green skinned villain.

Emma Stone - Supergirl

(Not so) Current Role: Gwen Stacy

While it's true that after Gwen Stacy bit the dust in the latest (and final) The Amazing Spider-Man film, the whole franchise bit the dust, it's 100% not her fault. In fact, many say that Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy was one of the best parts of the whole series. So why not bring her geeky, nerdy friendliness to a geeky, nerdy, and friendly character? Melissa Benoist's Kara Zor El will be on TV screens across the country in a few months' time, but isn't (as of yet) going to be up on the big screen. That's why we need someone who's already used to a big budget blockbuster and can hold her own around big name stars. If she doesn't appear in the Justice League films, we can probably see her in the Man of Steel sequel.

Tom Hiddleston - Hush (Dr. Thomas Elliot)

Current Role: Loki in the MCU

Tom Hiddleston has basically started a cult following for his portrayal of the God of Mischief. Loki and Hush are both charming, sadistic villains with a brotherly relationship to their heroes (Thor and Batman respectively). Considering his mastery of these necessary characteristics (not to mention his insanely loyal, already established fan-base), Warner Bros. would be remiss not to at least approach Tom Hiddleston about taking on the role. With Batman's next solo outing expected to come in 2018, one might say there's a scheduling issue, seeing as Loki is set to appear in [The Avengers: Infinity War](tag:738027), but Warner Bros. could easily go another route villain-wise until post-Phase 3.

Benedict Cumberbatch - Martian Manhunter

Current Role: Doctor Strange

While it may be cheating to include Benedict Cumberbatch twice on this list, I don't care. He would make an amazing last-of-his-race, green-skinned, and immensely powerful villain, but he could make an even better last-of-his-race, (again) green-skinned, and immensely powerful hero. Martian Manhunter wise, God-like voice seems like a perfect fit for Benedict Cumberbatch.

Idris Elba - John Stewart

Current Role: Heimdall

Yes, it's an idea that's been done to death, but it's worth saying. Idris Elba has previously stated his hatred of his Marvel role (though backtracking almost immediately), even comparing it to 'torture.' Although Tyrese Gibson will most likely claim the role in 2020's Green Lantern Corps movie, Idris Elba would be have been much better. With a wider acting range and being much more mature, he would have owned the role in a way that (I assume) Tyrese Gibson never could.

There you have it. Four Marvel actors who would've made five amazing DC characters!

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