Black Actresses Who Have The Most Chance To Be Aliens

The science fiction genre often looks for performers who can convey a sense of the extraordinary while maintaining a grounded emotional core. Many Black actresses have demonstrated a unique ability to portray characters that feel otherworldly through their physical grace and striking screen presence. These performers often excel in roles that require elaborate costuming or the interpretation of non-human mentalities. Their work across film and television has proven that they can navigate the complexities of cosmic storytelling with ease. This list explores the talented women whose features and acting styles make them the most likely candidates for future extraterrestrial roles.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has already shown her incredible range in the genre through her motion capture performance in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel films. Her role as a thousand year old space pirate required her to convey wisdom and history through digital eyes. She also displayed a haunting and uncanny presence in the horror film ‘Us’ which proved her ability to play characters with non-human traits. Directors often highlight her expressive face and controlled movements as key assets for high-concept storytelling. Her regal stature and deep emotional intelligence would make her a perfect fit for a leader of an advanced alien civilization.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is essentially a veteran of the science fiction world after leading several major space franchises over the last decade. She has portrayed green and blue characters in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Avatar’ with remarkable physical dedication. Her background in dance allows her to move with a fluid and precise grace that feels inherently different from normal human movement. She also brought a sharp intellect to her role in the ‘Star Trek’ movies as a communications officer on a starship. Her extensive experience with prosthetic makeup and visual effects makes her the gold standard for cosmic casting.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris joined the superhero ranks in ‘The Marvels’ where she played a character capable of manipulating energy and traveling through space. She possesses a commanding presence that works well in futuristic settings and high-stakes narratives. Her performance in ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ showcased her ability to handle surreal and stylized stories with total conviction. She has an athletic build and a sharp gaze that would suit a warrior from a distant planet. Her versatility as an actress ensures she can handle the physical and emotional demands of portraying a being from another world.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green spent years exploring the final frontier as the lead in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ during its long run. She played a character deeply rooted in Vulcan logic and human emotion which is a common trope for extraterrestrial beings. Her performance often balanced intense stoicism with bursts of powerful feeling to create a unique character profile. She also faced survival challenges in ‘The Walking Dead’ which demonstrated her toughness and resilience on screen. Her deep familiarity with the visual language of science fiction makes her an obvious choice for any future alien roles.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has a history of playing characters with extraordinary origins in films like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and the ‘Men in Black’ series. She often brings a cool and detached confidence to her roles that can easily be interpreted as otherworldly. Her performance in the science fiction thriller ‘Annihilation’ showed her ability to handle quiet and psychological genre work. She has a look that can be both classical and futuristic depending on the styling and makeup choices. Her ability to deliver sharp and witty dialogue makes her ideal for a sophisticated alien character.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is best known for her roles as powerful warriors who exist in worlds far removed from everyday reality. In ‘Black Panther’ she played a protector of a hidden and highly advanced nation which required a distinct physical presence. She has a background in theatrical performance that gives her a heightened and disciplined way of moving on camera. Her work in ‘The Walking Dead’ proved she can thrive in environments that feel desolate and unfamiliar. Her striking features and intense focus would be incredibly effective for a high-ranking extraterrestrial official.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright brought a genius-level intellect to life in ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel through her portrayal of a tech innovator. She has a youthful energy and a sharp wit that could easily translate to a curious or mischievous alien visitor. Her work in the anthology series ‘Black Mirror’ showed she can navigate the darker and more experimental sides of speculative fiction. She often portrays characters who see the world differently because of their unique perspectives or talents. Her slender frame and quick movements would suit a character designed for speed or specialized environments.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe has built a career around an aesthetic that frequently blends Afrofuturism with cosmic imagery in both music and film. She starred in ‘Antebellum’ and the science fiction series ‘Homecoming’ where she handled complex and shifting realities. Her performance in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ demonstrated her ability to play dual roles with distinct and purposeful shifts in persona. She often adopts a precise and stylized way of presenting herself that feels intentional and precise. Her natural affinity for the avant-garde makes her a prime candidate for a visually stunning alien role.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel possesses an ethereal and striking look that has already been utilized in major science fiction and fantasy projects. She appeared in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ and played a key role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ as a skilled fighter. Her writing and acting in ‘I May Destroy You’ showed a depth of human understanding that could be flipped to explore non-human perspectives. She has a powerful and intense gaze that can communicate a vast range of internal thoughts without words. Her ability to transform her appearance and mannerisms makes her uniquely suited for the genre.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo has a background in musical theater that gives her an incredible command over her voice and body language. She has already ventured into fantastical storytelling in the upcoming film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ where she plays a supernatural character. Her performance in ‘Harriet’ showed her capacity for portraying immense strength and visionary leadership under pressure. She has a distinct and powerful facial structure that looks incredible in stylized makeup or high-fashion settings. Her ability to convey deep and ancient emotions would serve a character from a long-lived alien race well.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith has a statuesque and striking presence that often makes her the center of attention in any production. She starred in the science fiction series ‘Nightflyers’ which took place on a spaceship encountering strange phenomena. Her roles often emphasize her elegance and a sense of formidable power that feels larger than life. She has a look that bridges the gap between high-fashion and futuristic warrior aesthetics. Her ability to project confidence and authority would make her a convincing leader of an interstellar empire.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz has appeared in several comic book and genre films including ‘Deadpool 2’ and ‘Joker’ over the last few years. She often brings a grounded and realistic energy to fantastical situations which helps the audience connect with the story. Her work in ‘Atlanta’ showed she can handle surrealist elements and bizarre plot turns with complete poise. She has an effortless and natural style that could be adapted into a very human-like alien character. Her versatility allows her to fit into both gritty and highly stylized science fiction worlds.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris has a long career that includes roles in high-octane action films and intense dramas alike. She played a supernatural being in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise which required a total transformation of her speech and movements. Her performance in ‘Moonlight’ showed a level of emotional vulnerability that she can use to make any character feel real. She appeared in the science fiction series ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’ as a scientist dealing with an extraterrestrial visitor. Her sharp features and graceful presence make her a natural choice for sophisticated genre roles.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton became a central figure in modern science fiction through her award-winning role as Maeve in ‘Westworld’ on television. She mastered the art of playing a non-human character discovering its own consciousness and power over several seasons. Her precise and often robotic movements were punctuated by moments of deep and painful humanity. She also appeared in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ as a tough and capable criminal in the galactic underworld. Her ability to blend technical precision with emotional depth is a perfect combination for alien portrayals.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw has explored various facets of the science fiction genre in projects like ‘Fast Color’ and ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ throughout her career. She also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Loki’ where she played a character involved in managing different timelines. Her acting style is often described as soulful and elegant which brings a sense of importance to every role. She has a classic beauty that works well in futuristic or period settings alike. Her experience with complex and high-concept plots makes her a reliable choice for cosmic narratives.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch became a household name after her roles in ‘Captain Marvel’ and the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ where she played elite agents. She portrayed a powerful and skilled warrior in ‘The Woman King’ which required extreme physical training and discipline. Her presence on screen is often characterized by a sense of unwavering strength and professional competence. She has the physical capability to perform the stunts and action sequences common in space epics. Her confident and bold acting style would translate perfectly to an alien soldier or explorer.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga has a very distinct and expressive face that has earned her acclaim in both independent films and major franchise work. She starred in ‘Ad Astra’ as a base commander on Mars who had to navigate the loneliness of space travel. Her role in ‘Preacher’ showcased her ability to play a character who is unpredictable and highly capable in dangerous situations. She has a quiet intensity that can make a character feel mysterious and deeply intelligent. Her ability to say a lot with very little dialogue makes her an ideal candidate for an enigmatic extraterrestrial.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained international attention in the science fiction world with ‘The Hunger Games’ as a young tribute. She has since starred in ‘The Acolyte’ which is a series set within the ‘Star Wars’ universe where she plays a central role. Her features are soft but capable of conveying great determination and inner strength. She often chooses projects that explore social themes through the lens of genre and fantasy. Her youthful and modern energy would bring a fresh perspective to an alien character trying to understand Earth.

Zendaya

Zendaya has become a major figure in the science fiction genre through her role as Chani in the ‘Dune’ film series. She brings a fierce and survivalist energy to her performance as a desert dweller on a hostile planet. Her experience in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise also showed her ability to handle large scale productions and special effects. She has a very recognizable and striking look that is often celebrated for its versatility and elegance. Her ability to command the screen with minimal dialogue makes her a great fit for ancient or mysterious beings.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback has demonstrated a remarkable ability to play intense and emotionally complex characters in a short amount of time. She starred in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ where she navigated a world filled with massive alien machines. Her performance in ‘Swarm’ showed a commitment to a character that feels detached from normal social conventions. She has a grounded and relatable quality that could provide a bridge between the audience and a strange alien species. Her skill at portraying internal conflict would add depth to any science fiction narrative.

Wunmi Mosaku

Wunmi Mosaku became a standout in the science fiction community after her role as Hunter B-15 in the series ‘Loki’ for Marvel. She portrayed a character whose entire reality was shifted and reconstructed which required a nuanced performance. Her work in ‘Lovecraft Country’ involved navigating a world of supernatural horror and historical drama with equal skill. She has a powerful and steady presence that makes her characters feel dependable and formidable. Her experience with high-concept television makes her a natural fit for extraterrestrial roles.

Kirby Howell-Baptiste

Kirby Howell-Baptiste has appeared in a wide variety of genre projects including the fantasy series ‘The Sandman’ as a personification of Death. She often brings a sense of warmth and wisdom to her characters that feels comforting and ancient. Her role in ‘Killing Eve’ showed she can handle tension and high-stakes drama with a light and intelligent touch. she has a versatile look that can be adapted for many different types of cosmic or magical characters. her ability to play characters that exist outside of normal human life is well-documented and effective.

Anna Diop

Anna Diop has spent several seasons playing an actual alien from the planet Tamaran in the superhero series ‘Titans’ as Starfire. She successfully translated a beloved comic book character into a live-action setting with a focus on her royal origins. Her performance required her to balance a sense of wonder with the lethal skills of a trained warrior. She has a striking physical appearance and a regal bearing that perfectly suits a character from another world. Her experience with visual effects and stunt work makes her an excellent candidate for more space-based roles.

Sheila Atim

Sheila Atim has a background in theater and music that contributes to her incredibly controlled and intentional screen presence. She starred in ‘The Woman King’ and ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ where she played characters of great power. Her long limbs and expressive face give her an almost sculptural appearance on camera. She has a way of delivering lines that feels both modern and timeless which is useful for the science fiction genre. Her ability to project a sense of history and depth would be perfect for an alien elder.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu earned international acclaim for her intense and physically demanding lead role in ‘The Woman King’ alongside other stars. She has a youthful and expressive face that can shift from vulnerability to fierce determination in a single moment. Her work in the series ‘The Underground Railroad’ showed her incredible range as a dramatic actress. She possesses an energy that feels very focused and driven which works well for characters in high-pressure environments. Her ability to anchor a story would make her a great lead for an alien-focused project.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer recently entered the world of high-concept science fiction with a lead role in the film ‘Nope’ directed by Jordan Peele. She played a character dealing with an extraterrestrial presence in a way that was both grounded and highly energetic. Her performance showed she can carry the emotional weight of a genre film while providing necessary levity. She has been a professional actress from a young age and has the skills to handle any type of production requirements. Her charismatic and bold personality would make her a very engaging and memorable alien character.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett took on a superhero role in ‘Birds of Prey’ where she showcased her physical training and screen charisma. She also starred in ‘Lovecraft Country’ which blended historical themes with cosmic horror and science fiction elements. Her acting style is often described as raw and powerful which helps her characters feel alive in even the strangest settings. She has a look that can be easily transformed through makeup and costume design for more fantastical roles. Her experience with intense genre storytelling makes her a reliable choice for extraterrestrial casting.

Regina King

Regina King has won numerous awards for her work in projects like ‘Watchmen’ where she played a masked hero in an alternate reality. She often portrays characters who are deeply principled and physically capable of handling extreme situations. Her performance in ‘The Leftovers’ showed her ability to navigate a world where the impossible has become a reality. She has a steady and commanding presence that makes her characters feel like they have a long and storied history. Her skill as a director also gives her a unique perspective on how to bring a character to life visually.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is known for her legendary screen presence and her ability to play powerful figures with immense dignity. She played Queen Ramonda in the ‘Black Panther’ films which required her to lead a nation of advanced technology and tradition. Her voice has a resonance and authority that can make even the most fantastical dialogue sound important and real. She has a physical fitness and grace that have remained consistent throughout her long and successful career. Her portrayal of leadership and strength would be ideal for a high-ranking alien queen or general.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is one of the most respected actresses working today and has a history of playing formidable and complex women. She joined the superhero world as Amanda Waller in the DC films where she controlled a team of dangerous individuals. Her performance in ‘The Woman King’ proved she can handle intense physical training and lead a large scale action film. She has an ability to convey a sense of world-weariness and wisdom that is often found in ancient characters. Her gravitas would bring a level of prestige and reality to any extraterrestrial role she takes.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore became a star in the series ‘Pose’ where they demonstrated an incredible sense of style and emotional depth. They have a very distinct and ethereal look that has led to many opportunities in the fashion and film industries. Their role in the film ‘Escape Room Tournament of Champions’ showed they can handle the intensity of a high-concept thriller. They possess a natural poise and a unique way of moving that feels very intentional and different. Their appearance and presence would be incredibly effective for a visually distinct alien character.

Moses Ingram

Moses Ingram joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe in the series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ as a determined and powerful antagonist. She showed her ability to perform in high-stakes action scenes and use the specific visual language of a space opera. Her performance in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ showed she can also handle quiet and supportive character work with great skill. She has a sharp and modern look that works well in futuristic or highly stylized settings. Her experience with one of the biggest science fiction franchises in history makes her a perfect fit for more alien roles.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne starred in ‘The Old Guard’ where she played an immortal warrior learning to navigate her new and strange life. She showed a great aptitude for action choreography and physical storytelling alongside veteran genre actors. Her breakout role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ proved her ability to deliver a deeply emotional and grounded performance. She has a graceful and athletic build that would look impressive in the specialized costumes often used for alien characters. Her talent for playing characters who are out of their element would work well for a visitor to Earth.

Taylour Paige

Taylour Paige has built a reputation for being an incredibly versatile actress after her starring role in the film ‘Zola’ which was a critical hit. She has a background in dance that gives her a specific and disciplined way of using her body on screen. Her appearance in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ showed she can hold her own against some of the greatest actors in the industry. She has a look that is both striking and adaptable which is key for a genre that relies on transformation. Her energetic and focused acting style would be a great asset to a science fiction production.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey rose to global fame for her portrayal of a supernatural character in the live-action version of ‘The Little Mermaid’ for Disney. She spent a significant amount of time performing in harness rigs and working with digital effects to create a non-human performance. Her voice and presence have a very pure and melodic quality that can feel quite otherworldly and magical. She has already proven she can handle the pressure of lead roles in massive productions with extensive visual effects. Her ethereal beauty and youthful energy would translate well to a gentle or curious alien race.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain has spent much of her career in genre-based projects including the superhero series ‘Black Lightning’ as a powerful hero. She grew up in the industry and has a very professional and polished approach to her acting work. Her roles often involve some element of the supernatural or the extraordinary which she handles with total confidence. She has a sharp and expressive face that can convey a wide range of emotions quickly and effectively. Her familiarity with comic book tropes and action-heavy filming would make her a great choice for a cosmic warrior.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin became a star at a very young age and has already shown great skill as both an actress and a producer. She has a very bright and intelligent presence that could be used to play a highly advanced or scientifically minded alien. Her work in ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Little’ showed her incredible comedic timing and her ability to lead a story. She often portrays characters who are much smarter than the people around them which is a common trait for alien visitors. Her quick wit and modern energy would bring a fun and unique dynamic to a science fiction film.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid took the lead in the massive science fiction film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ where she traveled through different dimensions. She also appeared in ‘The Suicide Squad’ and the series ‘The Last of Us’ which both involve extreme and fantastical circumstances. She has a very natural and relatable way of acting that helps the audience feel the stakes of a supernatural story. Her experience with big-budget productions and complex visual effects is extensive for someone of her age. Her ability to play characters facing the unknown makes her a perfect candidate for space exploration stories.

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye has a long list of credits that include both intense independent dramas and major blockbuster franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She appeared in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ where she played a grounded character in a world of superheroes. Her performance in ‘Pariah’ earned her critical acclaim for her deep and nuanced emotional work. She has a very calm and steady presence that can make a character feel very wise and ancient. Her ability to bring a sense of reality to any situation would be very useful for an alien character living among humans.

Emayatzy Corinealdi

Emayatzy Corinealdi has a very elegant and striking look that has been featured in a variety of dramatic and genre-based roles throughout her career. She starred in ‘Middle of Nowhere’ and has appeared in several high-profile television series including ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Reasonable Doubt’ recently. Her acting style is often described as very refined and thoughtful which gives her characters a sense of depth and mystery. She has a statuesque presence that would look incredible in the avant-garde costuming often found in science fiction. Her ability to play complex and multifaceted women would suit a high-concept extraterrestrial story well.

Tell us which of these talented stars you would love to see in a science fiction epic in the comments.