Despite having some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, there haven't been many actors from the Harry Potter franchise who have appeared in Marvel movies. The Harry Potter movie series concluded with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 more than a decade ago. So far, the most significant Marvel role played by a Harry Potter actor is Toby Jones, who portrayed Arnim Zola after playing Dobby in the Harry Potter films. This leaves the door wide open for other Harry Potter actors to join future MCU projects.
Although many Marvel characters are American, actors like Tom Holland and Benedict Cumberbatch have shown that they can convincingly portray American characters. Even if not all actors can nail an American accent, there are still many British Marvel characters available for casting. Despite some characters like Dane Whitman and Elsa Bloodstone being already confirmed for the MCU, there are still plenty of opportunities for Harry Potter actors to make their mark in the Marvel universe.
Thankfully, the Harry Potter cast is filled with talented actors who have proven their ability to take on diverse roles. Many of them are deserving of a chance to debut in the MCU and bring their talents to the world of Marvel movies and shows.
Daniel Radcliffe As Wolverine
Originally Portrayed Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe shirtless in Miracle Workers season 4 - Originally Portrayed Harry Potter - Daniel Radcliffe As Wolverine
The MCU is known for giving fans what they want, and one popular fan suggestion is to cast Daniel Radcliffe as Wolverine. It may seem unexpected at first, given his history as Harry Potter, but Radcliffe's recent physical changes and his willingness to take on diverse roles make him a strong contender for the role.
Emma Watson has been rumored to be cast as Betsy Braddock in the MCU, but she has not confirmed any involvement in the role.
Originally Portrayed Hermione Granger
Betsy Braddock in Marvel comics - Originally Portrayed Hermione Granger - Emma Watson As Betsy Braddock
Betsy Braddock, the twin sister of Brian Braddock, has taken on the roles of Captain Britain and Psylocke in Marvel Comics. Psylocke, with her rich and intricate backstory, is known for her impressive powers such as telekinesis, telepathy, and creating weapons from psychic energy. She also has a background in modeling before transitioning into the world of superheroes.
While Psylocke has been portrayed by Mei Melançon and Olivia Munn in previous X-Men movies, she has yet to appear in the MCU. With Braddock's complex history, Marvel should consider casting an actor who can bring depth and resilience to the character, qualities befitting both Psylocke and Captain Britain. Emma Watson, known for her performances in films like Little Women and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, could be a strong contender for the role.
Rupert Grint As Pete Wisdom
Originally Portrayed Ron Weasley
The ABC Murders Rupert Grint's Crome looks inquisitive - Originally Portrayed Ron Weasley - Rupert Grint As Pete Wisdom
Rupert Grint, known for his role as Ron Weasley, has caught attention for his portrayal of Inspector Crome in The ABC Murders. This character shares similarities with Marvel's Pete Wisdom, an English mutant who can create plasma blades. In the comics, Wisdom has been part of groups like Excalibur and MI13, which could be introduced in the MCU with Olivia Coleman's character. Grint's talent as an abrasive field agent would make him a great addition to this potential storyline.
Tom Felton As Angel
Originally Portrayed Draco Malfoy
Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy Scared and Angry in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Originally Portrayed Draco Malfoy - Tom Felton As Angel
Felton, known for his American accent, has showcased his talent in comic book productions such as The Flash. While Draco Malfoy defined his career, he demonstrated his ability to portray a more empathetic side to his character, making him a suitable choice for Warren Worthington III in the MCU. Just like Psylocke, Angel has been featured in the X-Men franchise, but Felton could bring a fresh take to an older version of the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Gary Oldman as Norman Osborne
Originally Portrayed Sirius Black
Gary Oldman screaming in Leon The Professional - Originally Portrayed Sirius Black - Gary Oldman as Norman Osborne
Gary Oldman's acting skills make him a great fit for various roles in the MCU, especially for playing Norman Osborne, also known as Green Goblin. He can easily portray the contrast between Osborne's public persona and his villainous side. While Willem Dafoe's portrayal of the character is iconic, the anticipation for the MCU's version of Green Goblin is so high that it seems only fitting for a Hollywood legend like Oldman to take on the role.
Helena Bonham Carter takes on the role of Selene
Helena Bonham Carter, known for her diverse and captivating performances, has taken on the role of Selene. Similar to Oldman, who embraced comic book movie roles, Carter brings her talent and charisma to the character of Selene. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Norman Osborne's role carries significant weight, much like Dafoe's iconic portrayal in Spider-Man. Despite initially criticizing the MCU, Oldman has shown interest in being a part of it, signaling exciting possibilities for his future in the franchise.
Originally Portrayed Bellatrix Lestrange
Helena Bonham Carter's Bellatrix Lestrange smiles and points a wand at her head in Harry Potter - Originally Portrayed Bellatrix Lestrange - Helena Bonham Carter as Selene
A Marvel villain known as "Black Priestess" seems fitting for an actress who portrayed the villainous Bellatrix Lestrange. However, the functionally immortal mutant with the power to absorb human life is akin to a goddess, a role that Carter's strong presence could easily take on. Marvel's most powerful gods are usually portrayed by legendary actors like Russell Crowe and Anthony Hopkins, making Carter a perfect fit. Selene's affinity for captivating Gothic characters makes her an ideal match for the role.
Selene Gallio has a rich history as a mystical Marvel villain, spanning millennia, with a brief period as a genuine goddess. She is an External, a small group of mutants that includes Apocalypse, but Selene is the oldest at 17,000 years. Her frequent encounters with the X-Men hint at a promising future for Selene in the MCU, especially with the X-Men making their way to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ralph Fiennes as Annihilus
Originally Portrayed Lord Voldemort
Annihilus. cries out in Marvel comics - Originally Portrayed Lord Voldemort - Ralph Fiennes as Annihilus
Ralph Fiennes, known for his role as Voldemort in Harry Potter, has the acting chops to take on various roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The similarities between Voldemort and Annihilus are striking, especially in their megalomaniac tendencies. Fiennes could bring a new level of complexity to Annihilus, a character who has yet to make his mark on the big screen.
Jason Isaacs as Mister Sinister
Originally Portrayed Lucius Malfoy
Jason Isaacs with a gun in The Death of Stalin - Originally Portrayed Lucius Malfoy - Jason Isaacs as Mister Sinister
Mister Sinister, one of Marvel's most famous villains, is expected to make his debut in the MCU soon. To do justice to his character, it is crucial that his arrival is met with the appropriate level of seriousness. Jason Isaacs, known for his role as Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter, has the perfect demeanor to bring Nathanial Essex to life on the big screen. With his history of portraying complex villains, Isaacs would be a great choice to take on the role of Mister Sinister.
Domhnall Gleeson As Banshee
Originally Portrayed Bill Weasley
Banshee, mid-flight, screaming at the viewer. - Originally Portrayed Bill Weasley - Domhnall Gleeson As Banshee
Banshee, the Irish X-Man, is known for his red hair and wise demeanor. In the X-Men movies, he could be portrayed by either 40-year-old Domhnall Gleeson or his 68-year-old father, Brendan Gleeson. Domhnall Gleeson's experience playing Bill Weasley in Harry Potter shows he has the skills to bring Sean Cassidy to life.
Harry Melling As Legion
Originally Portrayed Dudley Dursley
Malcolm looking serious in The Tragedy of Macbeth - Originally Portrayed Dudley Dursley - Harry Melling As Legion
Harry Melling has been praised for his versatile acting skills, from playing Dudley in Harry Potter to embodying Edgar Allan Poe. This makes him a perfect fit for the complex character Legion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Legion is a powerful mutant with multiple personalities, each possessing unique abilities. He has the ability to shape realities and defeat powerful beings, making him one of the most versatile characters in Marvel Comics. It's clear that Melling is well-equipped to bring this intricate character to life on screen.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a compelling case for casting Harry Potter actors in future Marvel movies. It showcases the talented cast's versatility and ability to portray diverse characters. The suggested pairings of actors with Marvel roles are well-reasoned, highlighting the actors' physical similarities, acting abilities, and potential to bring depth and complexity to the characters.
Furthermore, the article acknowledges the growing presence of British actors in Marvel movies, demonstrating their ability to portray American characters convincingly. This opens up even more opportunities for Harry Potter actors to join the MCU and showcase their talents on a global stage. Overall, the article presents a strong argument for the inclusion of Harry Potter actors in Marvel projects, offering exciting possibilities for fans of both franchises.