15 Actors Who Could Bring Gorilla Grodd to Life in the DCU

Gorilla Grodd, the telepathic, super-intelligent ape villain from DC Comics, is a challenging role that demands a unique mix of menace, intellect, and physical presence. With James Gunn leading the DC Universe into a fresh chapter, Grodd’s hinted appearance in projects like ‘Creature Commandos’ (2024) has us excited about who could embody this iconic Flash antagonist.

The role calls for an actor skilled in voice acting and motion capture to capture Grodd’s towering stature and cunning mind. Here’s our ranked list of 15 actors we believe could excel as Gorilla Grodd, starting from the 15th and counting down to our top choice.

15. Michael C. Hall

Michael C. Hall’s chilling performance in ‘Dexter’ (2006-2013) shows he can handle complex, calculating characters. His smooth yet unsettling voice could give Grodd a sophisticated, dangerous edge.
Hall’s ability to convey cold intelligence would make Grodd’s telepathic schemes feel authentic. His experience with morally gray roles aligns perfectly with Grodd’s blend of brilliance and brutality.

14. Peter Cullen

Peter Cullen’s iconic voice as Optimus Prime in the ‘Transformers’ franchise (1984-ongoing) proves he can bring gravitas to larger-than-life characters. His deep, commanding tone could make Grodd feel like a true king of Gorilla City.
While Cullen typically voices heroic roles, his vocal range could shift to a villainous growl, giving Grodd a regal yet menacing presence.

13. Ron Perlman

Ron Perlman’s gravelly voice and rugged persona in ‘Hellboy’ (2004) and as Clayface in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992-1995) make him a strong candidate. He could bring raw power to Grodd’s savage side.
Perlman’s experience with prosthetics and voice acting suits a motion-capture role. His ability to blend intensity with depth would make Grodd a formidable foe.

12. Keith David

Keith David’s rich voice, heard in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009) and ‘Gargoyles’ (1994-1997), could give Grodd a commanding, almost hypnotic quality. His vocal work carries weight and authority.
David’s skill in playing wise yet intimidating characters fits Grodd’s dual nature as a cunning intellect and physical powerhouse, making him a versatile choice.

11. Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie’s sharp wit and commanding presence in ‘House M.D.’ (2004-2012) show he can portray brilliant, manipulative characters. His voice could lend Grodd a cunning, almost aristocratic tone.
Laurie’s ability to mix charm with menace would make Grodd’s telepathic manipulations chillingly real. His lesser-known voice work could shine in this unique role.

10. Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer’s role as Frasier Crane in ‘Frasier’ (1993-2004) highlights his skill with articulate, sophisticated dialogue. Grodd’s intellectual side could benefit from Grammer’s polished delivery.
His voice work as Sideshow Bob in ‘The Simpsons’ (1989-ongoing) shows he can tap into villainy, making him a great fit for a calculating yet brutal Grodd.

9. David Sobolov

David Sobolov voiced Grodd in ‘The Flash’ (2014-2023), bringing a menacing yet tragic depth to the character. His prior experience makes him a natural choice for the DCU’s version.
Sobolov’s deep, gravelly tone captures Grodd’s primal power while hinting at his inner turmoil, offering a chance to build on his already impressive performance.

8. John DiMaggio

John DiMaggio’s booming voice as Bender in ‘Futurama’ (1999-2023) and Jake the Dog in ‘Adventure Time’ (2010-2018) shows his range for larger-than-life characters. Grodd could be his next big role.
DiMaggio’s ability to mix humor with intensity would give Grodd a dynamic edge, balancing the ape’s ferocity with his cunning schemes.

7. Clancy Brown

Clancy Brown’s commanding voice as Lex Luthor in ‘Superman: The Animated Series’ (1996-2000) and Mr. Krabs in ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999-ongoing) proves he can handle iconic villains. Grodd would be a perfect fit.
Brown’s deep, authoritative tone could make Grodd’s telepathic threats chilling, while his experience with complex characters adds depth to the ape’s ambitions.

6. James Spader

James Spader’s silky, manipulative voice as Ultron in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015) shows he can play a cunning villain. Grodd’s intellect would shine through Spader’s delivery.
His ability to sound both charming and dangerous would make Grodd’s schemes feel personal, turning the ape into a psychological threat for the DCU’s heroes.

5. Benjamin Byron Davis

Ben Davis, noted for his deep voice and physicality in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023), is a fan-suggested pick. His lesser-known status could bring a fresh take to Grodd.
Davis’s ability to portray ruthless characters would suit Grodd’s cold, calculated nature, making him a dark horse for this iconic role.

4. Jamie Campbell Bower

Jamie Campbell Bower’s chilling performance as Vecna in ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-2025) shows he can embody terrifying, otherworldly villains. Grodd could tap into that same eerie energy.
Bower’s knack for blending elegance with menace would give Grodd a unique flair, making him a standout in the DCU’s roster of villains.

3. Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis, the motion-capture legend behind Caesar in ‘Planet of the Apes’ (2011-2017) and Gollum in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (2001-2003), is our top pick. His expertise would bring Grodd to life.
Serkis’s ability to convey emotion through physicality and voice would make Grodd a complex, unforgettable villain, perfectly suited for James Gunn’s vision.

2. Winston Duke

Winston Duke’s powerful performance as M’Baku in ‘Black Panther’ (2018) shows he can bring strength and charisma to larger-than-life roles. His physicality would suit Grodd’s imposing presence.
Duke’s deep voice and ability to convey both leadership and menace could make Grodd a compelling and grounded villain in the DCU.

1. Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista’s work as Drax in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014-2023) and his imposing physical presence make him an ideal choice for Grodd. His ability to blend strength with nuance would elevate the role.
Bautista’s experience in motion capture and his commanding voice could bring Grodd’s intelligence and ferocity to life, making him a standout in the DCU.

Who’s your pick to play Gorilla Grodd, or is there another actor you think would nail it? Share your thoughts in the comments!