Not every comic book character is done justice in their first film adaptation. While villains like Magneto, Thanos, Loki, and Baron Zemo can boast pitch-perfect portrayals on the big screen, other enduring Marvel antagonists haven’t been so fortunate.
For a perfect example of this, look no further than En Sabah Nur, better known as Apocalypse. In the comics, he’s one of the X-Men’s most iconic enemies — an immortal, nigh-unstoppable tyrant from ancient Egypt, who’s bent on creating a world where the strong rule over the weak. Yet despite having the phenomenally talented Oscar Isaac cast in the role, Apocalypse’s film debut in 2016’s aptly namedX-Men: Apocalypseended up as a major disappointment to fans and critics alike.
RELATED:How Doctor Strange 2 Makes Spider-Man: No Way Home Even Better
However, now thatthe X-Men are on their wayto the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Apocalypse has a perfect opportunity to get the live-action adaptation he deserves, even though it’s sure to be several years before we get close to seeing him again. And while it’d be nice to see Oscar Isaac get a second shot at the role, he’s busy playing another Egyptian-themed Marvel character in the form of Moon Knight. So with him occupied, here are five other actors who could fill Apocalypse’s massive metal shoes — most likely with the aid of CGI.
Giancarlo Esposito
There are few actors alive who can play a villain quite like Giancarlo Esposito. Originally rising to stardom with his unforgettable turn as the ruthless Gus Fring inBreaking Bad,Esposito has stayed in the pop culture spotlightin recent years with his roles as Moff Gideon inThe Mandalorianand Stan Edgar inThe Boys. However, it doesn’t stop there — he’s played bad guys in everything fromHarley QuinntoFar Cry 6toDuckTales. In other words, he’s got plenty of experience portraying larger-than-life antagonists.
Plus, with Apocalypse likely to be depicted on screen using CGI in the same vein as other giant-sized characters like Thanos, the Hulk, and Colossus, he needs to be portrayed by an actor with a distinct, imposing voice. Esposito certainly fits that bill, and he has the voice acting credits to prove it. Apocalypse needs to feel like the kind of character who could stare down gods without blinking — a terrifying, unstoppable force of naturewho commands absolute authority.You’d have a hard time finding an actor who can capture that vibe better than Giancarlo Esposito. Even if he doesn’t fill the role of Apocalypse, there are some unconfirmed rumblings thatEsposito could be in the running to play Professor X.
Laurence Fishburne
Speaking of authoritative presences, it’s hard to find an actor more commanding than Laurence Fishburne. Most famous for his role as Morpheus inThe Matrix, Fishburne’s credits range fromOthelloandApocalypse NowtoJohn WickandMission Impossible. He also has plenty of experience in comic book adaptations — perhaps a bit too much. Aside from his recurring role as Perry White in the DC Universe, Fishburne has already appeared once in the MCU as Bill Foster inAnt-Man and the Wasp.
Of course, that alone wouldn’t be an issue. Plenty of actors have already pulled double duty in the MCU, and as previously stated, Apocalypsewould likely be CGIanyway. However, Fishburne’s Marvel history goes even deeper than that — he was also the voice of the Silver Surfer in 2007’sFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He’s even been cast as the Beyonder, a major Marvel Comics villain, in the upcomingMoon Girl and Devil Dinosaurcartoon on Disney Channel. Yet despite having so many comic book roles under his belt already, Fishburne is a lifelong comic book fan, so he could very well jump at the chance to bring another beloved Marvel villain to life.
Oded Fehr
Movie fans will likely recognize Oded Fehr from his role as Ardeth Bay inThe Mummy— another fantasy storyfeaturing an immortal Egyptianvillain. Since then, he’s had recurring roles inCharmed,Covert Affairs,and most recentlyStar Trek: Discovery. However, Fehr also has plenty of experience lending his voice to comic book characters. He’s portrayed Doctor Fate in theJustice Leaguecartoon, Equinox inBatman: The Brave and the Bold, Ra’s Al Ghul inYoung Justice, and N’Kantu the Living Mummy inUltimate Spider-Man. As such, it’s easy to imagine him stepping into the role of En Sabah Nur.
Keith David
When discussing actors with distinct, authoritative voices, it’s impossible to avoid bringing up Keith David. David has led a long and prolific voice acting career, including such famous roles as the Arbiter inHalo, Captain Anderson inMass Effect,and the titular anti-heroin theSpawnanimated series. Plus, he already has plenty of experience with Disney-owned projects, fromGargoylestoThe Princess and the FrogtoAmphibia. Keith David is a talented performer with incredible range, immense charisma, and a voice that’s the stuff of legends. Anyone who knows his work can attest that Apocalypse is practically the role he was born to play.
Rami Malek
Closing out this list with a rather unorthodox choice, Rami Malek is hardly the kind of actor who you’d picture when thinking of Apocalypse. He may be of Egyptian descent, but he’s much younger than the other actors on this list, and not exactlyknown for his imposing presenceeither. However, he’s received many an accolade for his roles inMr. RobotandBohemian Rhapsody, proving his prowess as an actor. And as the big bad of the latest James Bond movie,No Time To Die, Malek showed he has what it takes to play a truly chilling villain. Granted, his creepy, soft-spoken performance in that film is a far cry from the bombastic, larger-than-life Apocalypse from the comics. Even so, for those seeking a less traditional portrayal of the villain, Rami Malek’s name is worth bringing up.
