Why the Ideal Candidate to Portray Doctor Doom in the MCU Post-Phase 5 Demise Has Emerged

A Marvel Cinematic Universe star, whose character was killed in Phase 5, has expressed interest in playing Doctor Doom for Phase 6. With Marvel Studios reportedly moving away from Kang the Conqueror as the main antagonist for the Multiverse Saga, Doctor Doom is now being considered as a potential replacement leading up to Avengers: Secret Wars. Given Doom's significant role in the Secret Wars comic books and the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot in 2025, this could be a viable option.

While Galactus is rumored to be the villain in the Fantastic Four movie, Doctor Doom could still be hinted at for a future appearance. As Marvel fans speculate on how Doom will be introduced into the MCU, the focus has shifted to who will portray this iconic character. Ben Mendelsohn, known for his role as Talos, has already expressed his interest in playing Doctor Doom following his character's demise in Phase 5's Secret Invasion. Mendelsohn's enthusiasm and talent could make him a strong contender for the role.

The recent trailer for Deadpool and Wolverine also ignited speculation about a potential Doom cameo in the upcoming 2024 film.

Why Ben Mendelsohn is the Ideal Choice to Portray Doctor Doom

Several prior aspects of Mendelsohn's career prove he could be amazing as Victor von Doom.

Ben Mendelsohn as Talos in the MCU next to Marvel Comics artwork of Doctor Doom - Several prior aspects of Mendelsohn's career prove he could be amazing as Victor von Doom. - Ben Mendelsohn Has The Acting Talent & Marvel History To Be A Perfect Doctor Doom

Mendelsohn's interest in playing Doom is not only logical due to his ties to the Marvel brand but also because of his exceptional acting skills. Known for his acclaimed performance in Netflix's Bloodline and his contributions to major franchises like the MCU and Star Wars, Mendelsohn's talent is undeniable. Additionally, he has expressed multiple times his eagerness to take on the role of Doctor Doom.

During the promotion of his upcoming MCU project Secret Invasion in June 2023, Mendelsohn expressed his admiration for Doctor Doom, considering him the best Marvel character ever created. He highlighted Doom's compelling backstory, even humorously remarking that "the Fantastic Four suck," poking fun at Doom's primary adversaries. Given Mendelsohn's acting prowess, his history with Marvel Studios, and his evident passion for portraying Doom, he appears to be the perfect choice to embody this iconic villain.

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Why Doctor Doom Avoids The Only Downside Of Recasting A Pre-Existing MCU Character In The Franchise Again

Doctor Doom's character has a built-in trait that avoids the problems of an MCU recast.

Doctor Doom in his green hood in Marvel Comics - Doctor Doom's character has a built-in trait that avoids the problems of an MCU recast. - Why Doctor Doom Avoids The Only Downside Of Recasting A Pre-Existing MCU Character In The Franchise Again

Mendelsohn's expressed interest in portraying Doctor Doom sparks a discussion on the challenges of recasting a previous MCU actor. One solution could be adapting Doctor Doom from Marvel Comics, as his iconic metal mask would differentiate the character enough to avoid comparisons with Mendelsohn's previous role as Talos. This unique physical appearance of Doom would provide Mendelsohn with the opportunity to embody the character without being overshadowed by his past performances.

Underneath the metal mask, Victor von Doom's face is scarred due to an explosion in his Marvel Comics backstory. Furthermore, another aspect of Doom's character means that even the removal of his iconic mask would allow Mendelsohn to play the villain. This means that even in the instances that Doom is unmasked in the MCU, the prosthetics that would likely be used to disfigure his face would cause a disparity in likeness between him and Mendelsohn's Talos.

The MCU's Casting History Proves Ben Mendelsohn Could Be Doctor Doom

The franchise is no stranger to casting actors in multiple roles.

Sersi using the Uni-Mind in Eternals - The franchise is no stranger to casting actors in multiple roles. - The MCU's Casting History Proves Ben Mendelsohn Could Be Doctor Doom

Finally, the last element of the MCU that proves Mendelsohn could play Doctor Doom is the franchise's history with recasting. A commonly, albeit wrongly, held belief regarding the MCU is that actors are not permitted to play multiple roles. This belief stems from the idea that major actors such as Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, or the other original Avengers for instance, have not played anyone other than their main characters. That said, there are several characters in the MCU played by actors with multiple Marvel roles.

While there are numerous MCU actors with multiple roles, the examples highlighted demonstrate Mendelsohn's potential to portray Doctor Doom. His initial character, Talos, a Skrull, showcased his ability as a shape-shifter. Given the MCU's history of recasting major roles, Ben Mendelsohn emerges as a strong contender to revive the character of Doctor Doom.

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a compelling argument for Ben Mendelsohn as the ideal choice to portray Doctor Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mendelsohn's exceptional acting skills, passion for the character, and the unique physical traits of Doctor Doom all contribute to his suitability for the role. Additionally, the MCU's history of recasting actors reinforces the viability of Mendelsohn playing multiple characters.

The article also highlights the potential for Doctor Doom to avoid the pitfalls of recasting by utilizing his iconic metal mask and facial scars. These elements would differentiate the character from Mendelsohn's previous role as Talos, allowing him to fully embody the villain without drawing comparisons. Overall, the article provides strong evidence and reasoning to support Ben Mendelsohn as a prime candidate for the role of Doctor Doom in the MCU.