My Hero Academia is one of the greatest manga and anime that is currently out at the moment. With beloved optimistic characters, a bright and colorful world and a hidden dark undertone within its society, the series just seems to have it all for anyone with superheroic cravings. But like any good superhero thing that gets popular, there comes a moment when a live-action movie becomes a possibility. And when that becomes a possibility, comes many fan castings.
This list will focus on actors from all around the world, whether in Hollywood or outside of it. Here are ten actors who should play the main characters in a live-action movie.
10 Ryan Potter As Izuku Midoriya
Izuku Midoriya is the main character of My Hero Academia. Also known as "Deku," the important traits that define the character is his humanity, inner strength and his intelligence. These three aspects help shape Deku into one of the most endearing characters in manga currently.
As such, Ryan Potter would be a solid choice. Although he might be controversial due to his Titans role as Beast Boy, he can also capture the humanity, strength, and intellect of Deku thanks to his voice work as Hiro in Big Hero 6. A role that is basically Deku in everything but name only.
9 Hiroshi Fujioka As All Might
All Might is the Superman of the My Hero Academia universe. Just like Superman, he inspires a whole generation of superheroes and makes the crowd go wild whenever you see him doing his heroic duties. When you think of a hero, you think of All Might.
What better actor is there to show that sincerity, that power and that sense of duty than the original Kamen Rider Hiroshi Fujioka. Not only did he play a complete icon in Japanese tokusatsu, which is where shows like Power Ranger originate from, but his various cameo appearances in the Kamen Rider universe also shows him as a strong mentor figure and THE Kamen Rider. Having the same presence as All Might.
8 Sota Fukushi As Katsuki Bakugo
Katsuki Bakugo is the explosive hot-headed character who constantly belittles Deku in any way he can. Although he's constantly angry, he's incredibly talented and adapts through almost every situation whenever he is tested at U.A. Despite this, there are times when the character can be contemplative and deep in thought. With a character with that much range, you also need an actor who can pull off both anger and contemplation, with a dose of humor here and there. Sota Fukushi can fit that role and then some. The actor is incredibly versatile, as he played the highly emotional Ichigo Kurosaki from the famous manga Bleach, and can pull off strong humor and heart thanks to his role as Kamen Rider Fourze.
7 Tiffany Espensen As Ochaco Uraraka
Ochaco Uraraka is one of the students at U.A. Her quirk is the ability to nullify an object or opponent's gravity. This compliments the characters nice and bubbly nature which also means her personality helps her build chemistry with the rest of her colleagues.
Although Tiffany Espensen has mostly had appearances as the student Cindy Moon in Spider-Man Homecoming and Avengers Infinity War, it's easy to see that the actress has experience being in a teenage environment. Plus her experience as a child actress in a variety of Disney shows also means it's very easy for her to have chemistry with other actors, which is one Ochako's biggest strengths.
6 Hana Sugisaki As Tsuyu Asui
Tsuyu Asui is one of the most popular characters out of Class 1-A. Similar to the Toad, representative of the X-Men franchise at Marvel, Tsuyu or "Froppy" has the abilities and characteristics of a frog. Outside of that, she's one of the nicest characters out of the roster and is also very brave.
A perfect choice for the character is someone who is able to show that bravery, while also showing that kindness. For that, Hana Sugisaki is the chosen candidate, a Japanese actress who has a lot of range playing many characters like Rukia from the live-action Bleach film.
5 Leo Wu As Shoto Todoroki
Shoto Todoroki is one of the most tragic characters out of Class 1-A, having the genetic quirk to control both fire from the left side of his body as well as ice from the right side of his body. This is combined with a methodical personality filled with a hidden past thanks to his tumultuous relationship with his fire quirk father, Endeavor.
To find an actor who can capture these hidden depths was tricky, however, a good choice is Chinese award-winning actor Leo Wu. Best known for his drama roles back home, the actor is known as one of the "Four Little Heavenly Kings," and has portrayed a variety of different roles going from romances to fantasy action. The young versatile actor has done it all.
4 Hiroyuki Sanada As Shota Aizawa
Also known as the superhero Eraserhead, Shota Aizawa is one of the teachers teaching Class 1-A. His quirk is the ability to turn off the quirks of others, rendering them powerless. His personality is fairly grizzled with a hint of cynicism, but his heart is always with defending the new generation. Someone with that wisdom and cynicism is something that would most strongly be seen with veteran actor Hiroyuki Sanada. Fans might know him as the yakuza who fought Hawkeye in Avengers Endgame, but he has also played serious roles such as Ujio in the film Last Samurai with Tom Cruise.
3 Ki Hong Lee As Minoru Mineta
Minoru Mineta is often the butt of jokes in the world of My Hero Academia. The pervert of his class, Mineta has the ability to throw purple balls that are able to stick to a variety of surfaces. Although he is often seen as fairly timid and can even be seen as cowardly to his peers. He makes up for it for his intellect and having his heart at the right place. In a way, finding an actor for Mineta is difficult, but for someone who is able to convey both seriousness and a good sense of humor would be actor Ki Hong Lee. Known for his role as Minho in the Maze Runner franchise, his playful and sarcastic portrayal could be a great match for someone like Mineta if done right.
2 Kimiko Glenn As Mina Ashido
Mina Ashido is one of the most extroverted characters in Class 1-A. Her happy-go-lucky nature is nothing but contagious whenever she is on screen, including her infamous dance scene from Season 4 which has been all over the internet. With that, it is important to keep that aspect of her character intact, and for that reason having Kimiko Glenn would be a great choice for the role of Mina Ashido. Although far older than the rest of the actors on this list, being around 30, she is able to play youthful and bubbly characters such as her role as Peni Parker in the film Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse.
1 Mackenyu As Tomura Shigaraki
There wouldn't be an Izuku Midoriya without a Tomura Shigaraki. Arguably Deku's foil, the dangerous Shigaraki is both disturbing as he is cunning. With the terrifying quirk that has the ability to decay humans with a touch, viewers are enjoying Shigaraki's rise as the greatest villain of his era as Deku is pursuing to become the greatest hero.
As such, the actor to portray Shigaraki must be able to play along with those strengths effectively, someone like Mackenyu. Son of famous Japanese actor Sonny Chiba, he has played the villain Souta in Tokyo Ghoul S and shows that the actor is talented in playing deranged and sinister villains.