Comic books have had an impact on pop culture for decades, but the current generation of film and television has reappraised these touchstones in a way where DC and Marvel have more weight than ever before. There is no end in sight when it comes to the run of DC adaptations that are in production and there continues to be an impressive stable of actors that join the growing DC Extended Universe.
DC is the home for some of the comics world's most memorable superheroes, but it’s also where some of the most complex and fascinating supervillains originate. In the next few years, there are set to be tons of iconic DC villains that will hit the screen, but there are some even more interesting actors that fans are eager to see fill these roles.
10 Neil Patrick Harris Carries The Twisted Charisma Of Batman’s Riddler
The Riddler is a DC villain from Batman's roster of foes that is often unfairly treated like a less psychotic version of the Joker, but Edward Nygma is twisted in very different ways. The methodical and mysterious criminal is about to receive a lot of attention due to Paul Dano's Zodiac Killer-esque take on the character in Matt Reeves' upcoming Batman movie. However, Neil Patrick Harris is a strong embodiment of the more traditional take on the DC villain and he's even donned the classic costume before on Halloween.
9 Bryan Cranston Is A Phenomenal Actor That Can Properly Elevate Someone Like Lex Luthor
The beauty in great casting decisions is that they're not immediately obvious and Bryan Cranston is someone that lots of people have envisioned as the iconic Superman antagonist, Lex Luthor, simply because the public has grown comfortable with Cranston's bald look back in Breaking Bad. Cranston as Luthor may be predictable in some respects, but it doesn't change the fact that he'd absolutely nail the gravitas and menace that's necessary for such an individual. He could easily make Luthor feel like someone that's frightening in contrast to Superman, purely through his voice and expressions.
8 Lakeith Stanfield Would Surprise People And Open Eyes As The New Joker
Lakeith Stanfield is one of the most compelling fresh actors of this generation and it's only a matter of time until he's swallowed up into a major superhero franchise. Stanfield is no stranger to genre movies and unconventional casting choices are becoming more of the norm.
Stanfield has actually been vocal about his desire to show what he can do as Batman's deranged archenemy, the Joker. Matt Reeves' new take on the DC hero seems like a great fit for Lakeith Stanfield. The Joker has been done to death, but there's still lots of potential in Stanfield up against Pattinson.
7 Daniel Radcliffe Has Immense Depth To Explore Through A Heightened Villain
Actors like Daniel Radcliffe that become known for a role like Harry Potter early on in their careers can often struggle to escape from the shadow of their previous work. Radcliffe has made some excellent choices with the roles that he's chosen post-Harry Potter and there's a very edgy side to the actor that can be both threatening and hilarious. Radcliffe isn't afraid to truly throw himself into a performance and he'd be amazing in a role like the Mad Hatter, Professor Pyg, or even something a little more mature like Two-Face.
6 Javier Bardem’s Skills Would Elevate Villains Like Clayface And Bane To Greatness
The Coen Brothers helped put Javier Bardem on the map for American audiences due to his chilling work as villain Anton Chigurh and ever since Bardem has helped do the heavy antagonist lifting for some major franchises, like the James Bond movie Skyfall or The Pirates of the Caribbean. Javier Bardem has a commanding energy where his voice alone can reduce people to wrecks. Javier Bardem could excel as many classic DC villains, but some of the foes that match his physique and attitude, like Bane or Clayface, are excellent uses of Bardem's talents.
5 Jesse Plemons Carries The Seething Rage And Intensity That’s Perfect For DC Villainy
Jesse Plemons has played some marvelously slimy characters and he has a rich career ahead of him. Plemons feels like the right kind of actor who is currently on the cusp of greatness that would be perfect to headline a DC film as a scene-chewing villain.
Plemons is versatile enough to fit as a lot of different enemies, but the Penguin would be an absolute delight and the type of role that Plemons could really do something different with and make his own. It’s hard to top Danny DeVito’s rendition of Cobblepot, but Plemons could turn out something raw and disturbing.
4 Christoph Waltz’s Calculated Insanity Is A Natural Fit For Certain DC Lunatics
Christoph Waltz has become quite revered for his notable roles in Quentin Tarantino films and whether he's a hero or a villain he's able to command a scene with his presence. There's a level of calm intensity to Waltz's delivery and performance that would make more deranged villains like Doctor Death or Professor Pyg even more disturbing than they usually are. Waltz would also make for an exceptional Victor Zsasz or even be able to do strong work as Lex Luthor, even if it feels a little obvious.
3 Edward Norton Is The Perfect Choice For An Unleashed Madman Like Eobard Thawne
Comic book films have gotten a lot of mileage out of casting actors that previously played heroes or villains and then putting them on the opposite side of things this time around. Edward Norton briefly brought Bruce Banner to life in The Incredible Hulk, but there's a quiet and entitled anger within Norton that's honestly perfect for Eobard Thawne's Reverse Flash. Norton has struggled to connect in recent years and a committed performance as a villain as evil as Thawne could be exactly his career needs. He’d also make for an interesting Riddler or Victor Zsasz, too.
2 Steve Buscemi Has The Look And Energy To Dominate As Creepy DC Threats
Steve Buscemi is a legendary character actor who's done everything from star in prestige dramas on HBO to headline subversive comedies and everything in between. Buscemi is a major name that somehow hasn't become aligned with DC or Marvel at this point. His unique look and talent make him someone that would really stand out as some of DC's more unhinged villains, like the Scarecrow or the Mad Hatter. However, Buscemi has the style and energy to become an iconic Sinestro if the Green Lantern universe ever gets developed enough in live-action.
1 Daniel Day-Lewis Would Bring Excellence And Professionalism To DC’s Egomaniacs
There’s a certain breed of sophisticated actors that seem like they’d never even consider a superhero film, but now that esteemed performers like Joaquin Phoenix have not only crossed the threshold, but won an Oscar for their performance, the stigma has largely vanished. Daniel Day-Lewis commits so thoroughly to his work that it’d be a dream come true for him to channel intense DC villains like Ra’s Al Ghul, Lex Luthor, or even Mr. Freeze. He was even Zack Snyder’s original choice for General Zod in Man of Steel.