10 Underrated Actors Who Could Shine as Doctor Doom in the MCU

10 Underrated Actors Who Could Shine as Doctor Doom in the MCU

Doctor Doom, one of Marvel Comics' most iconic villains, is set to make his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The casting for this pivotal role is crucial, and while there are some obvious choices, there are also underrated actors who could bring a new dimension to the character. Here are 10 underrated actors who have the potential to shine as Doctor Doom:

1. Richard Armitage

Background: Richard Armitage is a British actor best known for his roles in The Hobbit trilogy, where he played Thorin Oakenshield, and the TV series Strike Back, where he played John Porter. He has also appeared in films such as Captain America: The First Avenger and Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Armitage has the action expertise and dramatic skills to make Doctor Doom a feared and formidable villain. With his commanding presence and intense performances, he can convey both the character's intelligence and his ruthlessness, making him a truly menacing presence on screen.

Richard Armitage as Joe Burkett in Fool Me Once episode 8-2

2. Christopher Eccleston

Background: Christopher Eccleston is a British actor best known for his role as the Ninth Doctor in Doctor Who. He has also appeared in films such as Shallow Grave, 28 Days Later, and Thor: The Dark World, where he played Malekith.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Eccleston is a versatile actor who can bring depth and menace to Doctor Doom. With his ability to portray complex characters, he can add a new layer of intensity to the role. His commanding presence and powerful performances make him a strong contender for the role.

Christopher Eccleston Malekith looking up

3. Clancy Brown

Background: Clancy Brown is an American actor best known for his voice acting work in animated films and television shows. He has also appeared in live-action films such as The Shawshank Redemption, Starship Troopers, and John Wick: Chapter 4.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Brown's deep and resonant voice, combined with his ability to convey a wide range of emotions, would give Doctor Doom a terrifying and commanding presence. His experience in superhero projects and his voice acting prowess make him a perfect fit for the role.

Clancy Brown

4. Karl Urban

Background: Karl Urban is a New Zealand actor best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, where he played Éomer, and the Star Trek reboot films, where he played Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy. He has also appeared in films such as Dredd and Thor: Ragnarok.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Urban's charismatic and enigmatic presence would bring an unpredictable quality to Doctor Doom. With his ability to portray complex characters, he can add layers of depth to the role, making him a captivating and multi-dimensional antagonist.

Karl Urban as Billy Butcher in Gen V mid-credits scene

5. Sterling K. Brown

Background: Sterling K. Brown is an American actor best known for his roles in the TV series This Is Us, where he plays Randall Pearson, and Black Panther, where he played N'Jobu. He has also appeared in films such as Waves and The Predator.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Brown's dramatic chops and versatility would elevate Doctor Doom into an awards-worthy and complex character. With his ability to convey both intelligence and vulnerability, he can bring a new level of depth and sympathy to the role.

Sterling K. Brown as N

6. Lee Pace

Background: Lee Pace is an American actor best known for his roles in the films The Hobbit trilogy, where he played Thranduil, and Guardians of the Galaxy, where he played Ronan the Accuser. He has also appeared in TV series such as Pushing Daisies and Halt and Catch Fire.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Pace's commanding presence and ability to portray compelling and intriguing villains make him a strong choice for Doctor Doom. With his talent for conveying intelligence and ruthlessness, he can bring a formidable and captivating antagonist to the screen.

Young Ronan the Accuser looking serious in Captain Marvel

7. Ben Mendelsohn

Background: Ben Mendelsohn is an Australian actor best known for his roles in the films Animal Kingdom, where he played Andrew "Pope" Cody, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, where he played Director Orson Krennic. He has also appeared in TV series such as Bloodline and The Outsider.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Mendelsohn's previous villainous roles showcase his potential to bring depth and entertainment to Doctor Doom. With his ability to portray complex characters, he can add layers of intelligence and arrogance to the role, making him a formidable adversary.

Emilia Clarke and Ben Mendelsohn in Secret Invasion

8. Michael Rosenbaum

Background: Michael Rosenbaum is an American actor best known for his role as Lex Luthor in the TV series Smallville. He has also appeared in films such as Urban Legend and Sorority Boys.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Rosenbaum's experience playing complex villains, particularly his portrayal of Lex Luthor, makes him a standout choice for Doctor Doom. With his ability to bring humor and intelligence to the role, he can create a formidable and entertaining antagonist.

Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor in Smallville looking out from a forest

9. Christian Bale

Background: Christian Bale is a British actor best known for his roles in the Batman trilogy, where he played Bruce Wayne / Batman, and The Dark Knight Rises, where he played Gorr the God Butcher. He has also appeared in films such as American Psycho, The Prestige, and The Fighter.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Bale's talent for intense and chilling portrayals, as seen in The Dark Knight trilogy, would lend itself well to Doctor Doom. With his ability to convey intelligence and ruthlessness, he can bring a truly menacing presence to the character.

Christian Bale

10. Mads Mikkelsen

Background: Mads Mikkelsen is a Danish actor best known for his roles in the films Casino Royale, where he played Le Chiffre, and Doctor Strange, where he played Kaecilius. He has also appeared in TV series such as Hannibal and The Witcher.

Why he could be a good Doctor Doom: Mikkelsen's history with compelling villains, particularly his role as Kaecilius in Doctor Strange, makes him a strong contender for the role of Doctor Doom. With his ability to convey intelligence and arrogance, he can bring a captivating and menacing performance to the character.

Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius in Doctor Strange

These underrated actors have the potential to redefine Doctor Doom and become iconic MCU villains, bringing a fresh and thrilling dynamic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With their unique talents and compelling performances, they could truly shine as Doctor Doom and leave a lasting impact on audiences.