Doom's Day: 10 actors who can play the Fantastic Four's arch-enemy in the new MCU movie

It’s news Marvel fans have been waiting a long time for as the company has officially cast the MCU Fantastic Four movie. It looks great, especially Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. However, fans are more excited as to who will play the fifth most important character in the saga: Doctor Doom. 

Since the beginning, Doctor Victor Von Doom has been the FF’s greatest enemy and arguably the greatest villain in Marvel Comics. A former college frenemy to Reed, Doom was scarred in an experiment of his own making. Donning armor and a mask, he rules his small nation of Latveria while plotting to conquer the world. 

Doom has been played on film by Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell, neither of whom captured the character well. Marvel’s great track record in casting actors promises to get someone unique for the role. The challenge is finding the right actor to play Doom, who may be evil but also strangely compelling and, at times, even winning fans over. 

It’s one of Marvel’s biggest castings ever, especially if Doom appears in more of Phase 5. These may rank as the ten best contenders to bring the not-so-good Doctor to life and make the new Fantastic Four movie even better. 

1. Cillian Murphy

So far the top contender, it’s little wonder why Cillian Murphy is a top choice for Doom. He’s played the Scarecrow in the Christopher Nolan Batman films and an Oscar contender for Oppenheimer. The cold gaze and unique mannerisms lend well to Doom, and that voice would be good coming out of Murphy’s mouth. With talk on how he’s all but assured the role already and his star rising bigger than ever, landing Murphy as Doom would be a coup for the MCU. 

2. Mads Mikkelsen

There may be some overlap here, as Mads Mikkelsen played Kaecilius in Doctor Strange. However, Marvel has reused actors before, and the fact that Doom wears a mask would keep the audience from being too confused. The fact is, Mikkelsen has what it takes for the role with his regal bearing and that glorious voice would be perfect for Doom. He’s shown his stuff as the evil wizard Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts movies and is used to the FX work. The guy who once played Hannibal Lecter on TV should be a top contender to take on the role of Marvel’s biggest baddie. 

3. Henry Cavill

Superman as Doom? Daring, but then Henry Cavill showed he had the capability to play bad guys in the Mission: Impossible series. The hulking actor could easily carry Doom’s armor, and The Witcher shows he can put on an exotic and foreign air to fit the character. He also has the unique charm needed for Doom and seeing those famous looks scarred up would be a wild sight. His Doom would be more physical in a fight rather than just his armor and magic to be more dangerous. If Cavill wanted to break out of Superman for good, taking on Marvel’s biggest baddie is the best way to do it and spark the movie up. 

4. Ethan Peck

Best known for playing the younger Spock in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Ethan Peck could easily sell the master scientist Doom. He can put a nice spin on his Spock voice, lacing the logic with arrogance and a darker edge, calm one moment then exploding in rage the next. That Star Trek experience also means Peck can handle the FX for the part easily. It would be a big boost for the rising young actor and makes him a very good contender to take on the role of Doom. 

5. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Fans have been wanting to see the Game of Thrones star in a regular MCU role, and Doom would be just it. In many ways, Doom isn’t unlike Jamie Lannister: Arrogant, bold, sardonic humor, a twisted code of “honor,” and can be utterly ruthless. Coster-Waldau can capture all that along with the regal bearing Doom requires. Some may be upset about covering that handsome face in a mask, but with his past acting roles, Coster-Waldau would make a fine Doom. 

6. Michael Fassbender

The big question is if Michael Fassbender would be open to another epic comic book movie role. Yet casting the guy who played Magneto as Marvel’s other most famous villain would be an intriguing turn. Magneto and Doom are so much alike, from their belief it’s their right to rule to being fearsome and sinister threats. From the costume to the FX, Fassbender already has experience with what the role requires and just needs to unleash more evil for the part. It’s uncertain if it could happen, but Fassbender has practically made his audition for Doom already with the X-Men films.

7. Alexander Skarsgård

Best known for his daring role in True Blood, Alexander Skarsgard is moving up into big-budget fare such as The Northman. He has the exotic aura for Doom, not to mention a fantastic voice yet also an abounding charm that fits the part. He excelled playing a sinister figure in the likes of Big Little Lies and other films and his True Blood role swapped from seductive anti-hero to ruthless killer. Another handsome actor hidden in a mask, Skarsgard, would be a compelling Doom. 

8. Luke Evans

A younger actor but quite compelling, Luke Evans is used to big-budget fare such as The Three Musketeers and The Hobbit, so he knows how to handle Marvel. His turn as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast was just like Doom, the villain who thinks he’s the hero. Plus, he’s got a smooth voice that would be good when erupting into a rage. Evans also showed his action chops so he can be believable in fight scenes, making this Doom a better warrior and a good conflict against the FF. 

9. Rami Malek

The Oscar-winning actor has a resume that lends well to Doom. His breakout turn in Mr. Robot shows he can play the genius with a twisted mind. The Bond movie No Time to Die had him as a scarred villain. His turn in Oppenheimer shows a tragic scientist. Put it all together with that distinctive voice, and Malek would turn Doom into a more sinister figure, not ranting and raving but scarier, hissing out threats. The guy seems set for some sort of Marvel movie role, and Doom could be just the one for him. 

10. Billy Crudup

An offbeat choice to some, but the Emmy-winning actor has built up a great resume of unique turns, including The Morning Show, Hello Tomorrow, and more. His big brush with comic book fame came when he played Dr. Manhattan in the Watchmen movie. Anyone who could do that can easily handle Doom. There’s also how Manhattan’s ability to play with all-powerful energies is just like Doom as well. He’s about the same age as Pascal to be believable as a friend of Reed’s, so while not as A-list as others, Crudup can bring a special air to Doom. 

Fantastic Four premieres in theaters July 25, 2025.