Summary
TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas always found a good balance between casting little-known actors and casting some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. For every Chris Hemsworth or Simu Liu, who essentially had their careers launched by their Marvel roles, the studio would cast a Brie Larson or a Michael Douglas. Withthe MCU timelinehaving now been going on for well over a decade, the universe has grown yet larger, and even more great performers have been lured to join. This is especially true forMarvel’s 2025 movie roster, which sees a wide variety of stars set to join the franchise.
Following a lighter year in 2024, 2025 is intended to be a big year for Marvel Studios. WhiletheThunderbolts*castis filled chiefly with returning stars from the MCU,Captain America: Brave New Worldintends to introduce some exciting new characters, andThe Fantastic Four’s multiverse settingneeds to be made from an entirely new cast. WithBladestill set to release in 2025,a great deal of new characters will be joining the MCU, and familiar faces will play a fair number of them.
10Natasha Lyonne
The Fantastic Four
Natasha Lyonne has had a long career in Hollywood, starring in films likeBut I’m a CheerleaderandAmerican Piein the 1990s and continuing to work steadily throughout the years. A spunky performer with an unusual, blasé charm, Lyonne’s effortless cool has recently found the actor appearing in more contemporary projects.Lyonne starred inRussian Dollon Netflix to great acclaim, and has most recently led the detective seriesPoker Face.
Natasha Lyonne recently joined the growingcast forThe Fantastic Fourin an undisclosed role. She will certainly be an asset to an already wonderful cast, although exactly how she could best be used is unclear. Her wit and voice could suit a cosmic CGI character just as well as a human, with a popular fancasting theory placing her as The Thing’s girlfriend, Alicia Masters.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Cast
The Fantastic 4: First Steps features Marvel’s First Family navigating their dual roles as superheroes and family members in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. They defend Earth from a formidable space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer, testing their familial bonds and heroic resolve.
10 Best Characters Natasha Lyonne Could Be Playing In The Fantastic Four
Natasha Lyonne has joined The Fantastic Four’s cast in an undisclosed role, and there are several iconic Marvel characters she could bring to the MCU.
9Joseph Quinn
Joseph Quinn has quickly become one of the most in-demand stars in the world.Following a star-making turn in the hit Netflix seriesStranger Thingsas fan-favorite character Eddie Munson, the actor has been in talks for all kinds of roles in all sorts of projects. In 2024, he co-ledA Quiet Place: Day Onealongside Lupita Nyong’o, and he will next be appearing in the highly anticipatedGladiator II.
Next year,Quinn will follow in the footsteps of superstars Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan in playing Johnny Storm. A different kind of actor who exudes a different kind of cool, Quinn’s charm and ability promise to play a major part in the upcoming film. Seeing how Quinn fits into the MCU and its upcoming stories is set to be a bright spot in the franchise’s future.
MCU Fantastic Four Actor Joseph Quinn Talks “Big Boots" To Fill After Chris Evans’ Human Torch
Stranger Things breakout star Joseph Quinn comments on Chris Evans' Human Torch and how he is taking on Johnny Storm in Marvel’s The Fantastic Four.
8Vanessa Kirby
Vanessa Kirby has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. She rose to prominence on Netflix’sThe Crownwhere she played Princess Margaret. Following this, Kirby has appeared in action films and dramas alike,appearing in movies likeMission: Impossible - FalloutandFast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and gaining award recognition for dramatic portrayals in films likePieces of a Woman.
Kirby will play Sue Storm inThe Fantastic Fourand, if early rumors still apply, may be the lead of the film. With her talent and screen presence, the actor is a perfect choice for The Invisible Woman. Imagining future interactions with figures like Namor the Sub-Mariner who have comic Fantastic Four ties - and the character’s integration into the Multiverse Saga and potentially beyond - becomes more exciting with such a strong performer.
7Giancarlo Esposito
Captain America: Brave New World
Giancarlo Esposito has built a career out of playing villains, and it appears that the pattern will not end in 2025. After casting rumors suggested the performer was interested in playing a hero in the MCU, new set photos seemingly confirmed thatGiancarlo Esposito would be playing a villain inCaptain America: Brave New World. This is supposed to be a smaller role that the actor has said will lead to an appearance in a series, although his role in theBrave New Worldtrailerseems quite prominent.
Following villainous turns inThe MandalorianandThe Boys, Esposito has carved a niche for himself with his cold, stoic demeanor, though he’s also proved himself as capable of playing a far broader range across the course of his history. The actor has been around for decades, butit wasn’t until his portrayal of Gus Fring onBreaking Badthat he became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after performers. With experience, range, and an ability to express an indomitable will for his characters, Esposito will make a strong addition to the MCU.
Captain America: Brave New World (formerly titledNew World Order)marks Sam Wilson’s first MCU big-screen appearance as Steve Rogers' successor after receiving the suit and shield in Phase 4’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie returns as the titular Avenger alongside Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Carl Lumby as Isaiah Bradley, and Tim Blake Nelson as The Incredible Hulk’s former ally Samuel Sterns. Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.After meeting President Thaddeus Ross, Sam is caught in a global crisis. He must expose the mastermind behind a sinister plot before the world descends into turmoil. Captain America: Brave New World marks the big-screen debut of Sam Wilson as Captain America, and Harrison Ford makes his MCU debut, replacing the late William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross.
New MCU Villain Actor Sports Striking Look In Captain America: Brave New World Set Photo
Captain America: Brave New World will pit Sam Wilson against the Leader, Giancarlo Esposito’s mysterious character, and more MCU villains.
6Anthony Ramos
Ironheart
Anthony Ramos has been rising in Hollywood these past years. The actor first came to fame after a run on Broadway in the mega-hit musicalHamiltonand has been appearing in prominent movie and TV projects ever since.Most prominently, the actor appeared in the cast ofIn the HeightsandTransformers: Rise of the Beasts, and is set to next appear inTwisters.
Ramos will be playing The Hood on the Disney+ seriesIronheart.With ties to the spiritual realm, The Hood is a new kind of supervillain that will tie the world of technology to the world of magic and the occult.Ironheartis currently intended to be released near September of 2025, allowing audiences to see Ramos appear alongside Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams on-screen.
Ironheart: Following Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart introduces Riri Williams, a prodigious inventor navigating her path back in Chicago. Balancing her inventive prowess in creating iron suits with the enigmatic presence of Parker Robbins, known as The Hood, Riri finds herself at the intersection of technology and magic.
Ironheart Show Cast & Marvel Character Guide
Following her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart will explore Riri Williams’s story with a talented new cast joining the MCU.
5Rosa Salazar
Rosa Salazar has had a successful career in Hollywood for years, appearing in various films and television.The actor is perhaps best known for portraying the titular character in the James Cameron-producedAlita: Battle Angel.Based on theGunnmmanga, Salazar was animated over her performance in the film, but her ability and charm shone through the CGI visage.
Following appearances inThe Maze Runnerfilms, Salazar also led the trippy and strange Prime Video seriesUndonein another animated role.She is intended to show her natural face, however, in the upcomingCaptain America: Brave New Worldwhere she will be playing the villain Diamondback, setting up a promising opportunity for the actor to flex her ability to make larger-than-life worlds and characters feel real.Notably, this Diamondback has nothing to do with the villain of the same name inLuke Cage.
Captain America: Brave New World Cast & Marvel Character Guide
Sam Wilson’s big-screen debut as the MCU’s Captain America will bring back several familiar faces, while also introducing new and exciting characters.
4John Malkovich
John Malkovich has had a long, successful career in Hollywood. Starring in films likeOf Mice and MenandCon Air,the actor built such a following that Charlie Kaufman wroteBeing John Malkovich, a meta film that required the famed performer to play himself.Following several Academy Award nominations, the performer has built an incredible resume and will lend his talents to the MCU in 2025.
Malkovich’s role inThe Fantastic Fourhas not been disclosed. However, the actor’s casting feels analogous to the great Michael Douglas as Hank Pym in theAnt-Manfilms.Malkovich, who nearly played the Vulture in Sam Raimi’s canceledSpider-Man 4,will likely play a human character- perhaps even one of the heroes' fathers, if some theories are to be believed.
10 Best Marvel Characters John Malkovich Could Be Playing In The Fantastic Four
Marvel has confirmed that John Malkovich is joining the cast of the MCU’s The Fantastic Four, but which character he will play is still unknown.
3Mia Goth
Blade
Mia Goth, currently one of the most prominent actors, made a mark with her roles inHigh LifeandEmma. Her performances inXandPearlfurther solidified her star status. In her latest project,Maxxxine, she delivers her most bizarre, compelling, and disturbing performance yet, showcasing her unparalleled versatility.
There are strong rumors that Mia Goth will portray the villainous Lillith in the highly anticipatedBladereboot.Her unique presence is expected to add a new dimension to the film, especially alongside Mahershala Ali’s return to the MCU. Even in the midst of intense action, a Mia Goth performance is impossible to ignore.
Marvel Studios' Blade sees the return of the iconic vampire hunter more than two decades after Wesley Snipes first played the character in live-action. Starring Mahershala Ali as Eric Brooks, the Blade reboot officially introduces vampires to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Eternals' second post-credits scene teased the Daywalker’s MCU debut.
6 Marvel Characters Mia Goth Could Play In MCU’s Blade
Mia Goth’s MCU casting in Blade has kept her role a secret, but there are a few Marvel characters that the horror movie star could be playing.
2Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal has already played a villain in the DCEU inWonder Woman 1984, and now he is finally crossing over to the MCU. The actor, who rose to prominence during a season-long appearance inGame of Thrones, has grown in popularity and fame throughout the years, starring inThe MandalorianandThe Last of Us.
Pascal has captured the hearts of audiences with his dad-like look and charm and will next appear beside hisFantastic Fourco-star Joseph Quinn inGladiator II. After a rotation of rumored names for the role, including Adam Driver, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Matt Smith,Pascal was cast inThe Fantastic Fouras Reed Richards. As the anchor for Marvel’s first family, they couldn’t have chosen anyone more stable.
Fantastic Four Is Pedro Pascal’s Fifth Comic Book Adaptation (& You Can Only Watch 3 Of Them)
Pedro Pascal’s comic book adaptation career has spanned five movies including the MCU’s Fantastic Four, but only three of them are viewable.
1Harrison Ford
One of the biggest stars of all time, carpenter-turned-actorHarrison Ford will join the MCU inCaptain America: Brave New Worldas Thaddeus Ross.The recasting came as a surprise following the passing of William Hurt, although Ford is an excellent choice to succeed Hurt. Following iconic roles inStar WarsandIndiana Jones, Harrison Ford has become one of the most enjoyable actors to see onscreen, with a considerable selection of past work that demonstrates his acting prowess effectively and efficiently.
While his more recent work has leaned into the gruff, grumpy side of Ford, the actor still has a dynamic range, as evidenced by his performance in the Apple TV+ seriesShrinking. Still, even if the actor approaches his MCU role solely in this gruffer manner, Ford will add a great deal of gravitas to the film. Following the recent trailer, he may also transform into the villainous Red Hulk, which could make for some of the most wildly exciting and fun moments in theMarvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
