Like a kid in a candy shop, we’re going to explore six actors/actresses who desperately need to be seen in a future MCU entry. Advanced warning however – this isn’t a bucket list of which actor would be best suited with which Marvel character. Rather, there’s a wealth of mainstream talent out there that Marvel would be suckers to not at least try and convince them to come on board a future superhero flick.
Let’s have a look then at six of those talents who we’d love to see cut their chops via suiting up in spandex, wrapping a cape around themselves, and soaring to the skies as additional characters in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.
6. Harrison Ford
By all accounts, Harrison Ford is still very much alive despite his recent aerobatic misadventures, so let’s fantasize a little. Ever since Robert Redford gave us a delightfully smoky performance in Captain America: The Winter Solider, the door appears to have been blown wide open for classic action/adventure stars to appear in Marvel films.
Granted, Ford is the more action/adventure than Redford, but doesn’t that just make him the perfect candidate? Going from the Sundance Kid to Han Solo seems like a perfectly legitimate route for me! Go on Harrison, if no-one wants you for future Indiana Jones films, Marvel will surely welcome you with open arms!
5. Michael Caine
When I say Michael Caine, I don’t mean the Michael Caine who played the endearingly warm Alfred – I mean the Michael Caine we saw back in the 1960’s, when Caine was playing unlikeable protagonists such as Harry Palmer in The Ipcress File and the titular scoundrel from Alfie. It’s true that such films as Kingsman: The Secret Service have dropped hints at how the former Caine had a knack for playing the most devious characters and giving them an engrossing spin, and such a style would be what we’d want to see should he join the Avengers.
I mean, let’s face it – if Samuel L. Jackson, who’s contract with Marvel is now running short, ends up getting gunned down in Age of Ultron, wouldn’t Michael Caine be the perfect replacement for him? You KNOW it makes sense!
4. Lacey Turner
Don’t be too ashamed if you don’t recognise this actress. If anything, you may be ashamed if you DO know this actress. Lacey Turner has spent much of her career playing the mouthy yet adorable Stacey Branning in Eastenders, but unlike many soap actors who appear to be one-trick ponies, she’s had an impressive and versatile career in a short space of time.
Leaving the soap in 2010 gave way to a bunch of well-received performances in supernatural dramas (Bedlam, Switch) and tough war-based action (Our Girl), showing that Turner isn’t with out skill. Additionally, given that fellow Eastenders cohort Ben Hardy is set to join X-Men: Apocalypse and that Sam Strike was rumoured to be playing the MCU Spider-Man (for about five seconds) soap operas are looking to be the garden where actors are plucked for Hollywood superhero stardom.
3. Felicia Day
The queen of new media geekery has had film and TV-goers falling at her feet in just about everything she’s appeared in. What character she could portray is debatable, but thanks to Agent Coulson, Marvel aren’t strictly tasked with including comic book-only characters, and have the freedom to create characters specifically for the big screen.
With that in mind, wouldn’t Felicia Day make the perfect sister to Natasha? Its a dumb thing to think of, but I can’t help smile when I picture Black Widow doing the usual rounds of kicking arses, and Felicia would be close behind, bumbling her way forward and trying her best not to get killed. Something worth considering, no?
2. Uma Thurman
Yeah yeah yeah, she was in THAT Batman film, but she was also in THOSE Quentin Tarantino films! That’s the Uma Thurman I remember, the actress who tapped into that persona of the cold killer who would never stand down in a fight. Isn’t that the kind of character you’d want to see go up against either Ultron or the Avengers?
1. Neil Patrick Harris
WHADDYA MEAN YOU NEED A REASON?! IS THAT FACE NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU PEOPLE?!
What do you think of this list? Would these guys be the perfect persons to take over from the Avengers, or would you rather see someone else in an upcoming Marvel flick? Sound off in the comments or send us your thoughts on Twitter!