Latino Actors Who Have The Most Chance To Be Aliens

Hollywood frequently turns to performers with distinct features and commanding screen presence to portray beings from other worlds. Latino actors have increasingly taken on roles in science fiction and fantasy that require heavy prosthetics or intense character work. Their ability to transform into complex characters makes them ideal candidates for extraterrestrial roles. This list explores male actors whose past performances or unique qualities make them strong contenders for playing aliens.

Oscar Isaac

This Guatemalan-born actor has already made his mark in the science fiction genre through major franchises. He portrayed the ancient mutant En Sabah Nur in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ under heavy blue makeup and prosthetics. His role as Poe Dameron in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy cemented his status as a space opera icon. Isaac possesses a versatile look that allows him to play everything from a charming pilot to a terrifying deity. His intensity and ability to project ancient wisdom make him a perfect fit for otherworldly characters.

Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro has a distinctive and intense gaze that filmmakers often utilize for mysterious roles. He portrayed The Collector in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a strange and eccentric energy. His performance as the codebreaker DJ in ‘Star Wars: The Last of Us’ showcased his ability to play morally ambiguous space dwellers. The actor often chooses roles that are unconventional and require a unique physical transformation. His captivating screen presence suggests he could easily portray a high-ranking alien leader.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal has become one of the most recognizable faces in modern science fiction television. He spent significant time acting behind a helmet as the title character in ‘The Mandalorian’ while conveying emotion through voice and body language alone. This skill is essential for playing alien characters that may be heavily costumed or CGI-enhanced. His role in ‘The Last of Us’ further proved his ability to navigate post-apocalyptic and strange worlds. Pascal has the range to play both a human warrior and a sympathetic non-human entity.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso famously provided the performance for the Na’vi warrior Tsu’tey in the blockbuster film ‘Avatar’. He mastered the movement and language required to bring the blue-skinned alien to life through motion capture. His physical stature and intense acting style translate well to warrior archetypes in sci-fi settings. Alonso has also appeared in the superhero satire ‘The Boys’ where he deals with superhuman abilities. His experience with motion capture makes him a prime candidate for future alien roles.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito is a master at playing cold and calculating villains with a terrifying stillness. His role as Moff Gideon in ‘The Mandalorian’ demonstrated his command over futuristic technology and spacefaring troops. He brings a level of sophistication that would suit an intellectually superior alien species. Esposito often conveys menace without raising his voice which is a common trait for sci-fi antagonists. His precise diction and piercing stare would work perfectly for an intergalactic emperor.

Rodrigo Santoro

This Brazilian actor is best known for his transformation into the god-king Xerxes in the movie ‘300’. He stood over everyone else as a golden giant with a voice deepened by studio effects. That performance alone proves he can handle characters that are larger than life and visually distinct from humans. Santoro also played a host in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’ where he acted as an artificial being. His physical discipline allows him to embody characters that move and act differently than regular people.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo is a chameleon who has disappeared into heavy makeup for various roles throughout his career. He played the grotesque Clown protagonist in ‘Spawn’ which required hours of prosthetic application. His voice acting work as Sid the Sloth in ‘Ice Age’ shows his ability to create distinct character voices. Leguizamo brings a chaotic energy that would fit a mischievous or trickster alien species. His willingness to be unrecognizable on screen is a huge asset for creature features.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña has appeared in several major sci-fi films including ‘The Martian’ and ‘Ant-Man’. His quick delivery and comedic timing could bring levity to a strange alien sidecharacter. He also played a mysterious role in the fantasy adaptation of ‘Fantasy Island’ involving supernatural elements. Peña has a relatable quality that grounds high-concept stories in reality. He would be excellent as a fish-out-of-water alien trying to blend in with humans on Earth.

Luis Guzmán

Luis Guzmán has one of the most recognizable faces in the industry and brings instant character to every role. He has appeared in sci-fi projects like ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ and ‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’. His unique facial structure and expressive eyes make him a great candidate for distinct creature design without needing full CGI. Guzmán excels at playing tough guys with a heart or eccentric supporting characters. Casting him as a grumbling alien mechanic would be a natural fit.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo has a rugged and weathered look that tells a story before he even speaks a line of dialogue. He has appeared in the ‘Predators’ movie as a cartel enforcer abducted to an alien planet. His involvement in the ‘Spy Kids’ franchise saw him dealing with high-tech gadgets and strange inventions. Trejo often plays the ultimate survivor who can endure harsh environments. He would be believable as a warrior from a hostile planet who refuses to go down without a fight.

Edward James Olmos

Edward James Olmos is a legend in the sci-fi community thanks to his role as William Adama in ‘Battlestar Galactica’. He also played the mysterious Gaff in the original ‘Blade Runner’ where he created his own street language. His pockmarked skin and grave demeanor give him a natural gravitas suitable for ancient alien elders. Olmos commands respect the moment he enters a room. He represents the kind of authority figure that could lead an interstellar federation.

Demián Bichir

Demián Bichir brought a grounded human element to the crew in ‘Alien: Covenant’. His experience in that franchise gave him a firsthand look at how terrifying extraterrestrial life can be. Bichir possesses a soulful quality that allows him to play characters with deep emotional burdens. This range is useful for playing the last survivor of a dying alien race. He can convey wisdom and sorrow effectively through subtle expressions.

Santiago Cabrera

Santiago Cabrera played the character Cristobal Rios in ‘Star Trek: Picard’ and also voiced various holograms. This required him to play slightly different versions of the same artificial intelligence. He has the dashing looks of a leading man combined with the technical skill to handle sci-fi jargon. Cabrera fits the mold of a handsome humanoid alien who serves as a diplomat or captain. His work in the ‘Heroes’ series also showcased his ability to deal with supernatural powers.

Esai Morales

Esai Morales recently gained attention as the villain Deathstroke in the ‘Titans’ series. He plays characters with intense focus and physical lethality. His sharp features and silver hair give him a distinguished look that works well for superior beings. Morales often portrays men of power who operate with their own strict code of honor. This archetype is very common for antagonists in space opera stories.

Jimmy Smits

Jimmy Smits played Bail Organa in the ‘Star Wars’ prequels and the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ series. As a senator from the planet Alderaan he navigated the complex politics of the galaxy. Smits has a regal bearing that makes him believable as royalty or high government officials. He projects a calming presence that suggests intelligence and diplomacy. He would be perfectly cast as a benevolent alien leader trying to maintain peace.

Clifton Collins Jr.

Clifton Collins Jr. portrayed the villainous Ayel in the 2009 ‘Star Trek’ film reboot. He acted under heavy Romulan makeup and prosthetics while delivering lines in an alien language. He also played a key role in ‘Pacific Rim’ dealing with giant alien monsters. Collins is a character actor who disappears into his roles and embraces physical transformation. His versatility makes him a reliable choice for any species requiring heavy makeup.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal starred in the Marvel special ‘Werewolf by Night’ as a monster hunter who is a monster himself. He played the character with a gentle nature despite his terrifying transformation. This duality is perfect for alien characters who are misunderstood by humans. Bernal brings a thoughtful and artistic approach to genre roles. He could easily play a traveler from the stars who is fascinated by humanity.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna leads the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’ as the rebel spy Cassian Andor. He has proven he can carry a massive sci-fi production on his shoulders. Luna brings a gritty realism to space fantasy that grounds the setting. His character is resourceful and desperate which fits the vibe of a refugee alien. He acts with an urgency that keeps the audience engaged in high-stakes galactic conflicts.

Wagner Moura

Wagner Moura acted alongside Matt Damon in the sci-fi dystopia ‘Elysium’. He played a spider-legged hacker named Spider who helps people escape Earth. His performance was manic and desperate in a way that stood out in a high-tech world. Moura brings a raw energy that would suit a scavenger or pirate from an outer rim planet. He commands the screen with a mix of danger and charisma.

Edgar Ramírez

Edgar Ramírez played the god of war Ares in ‘Wrath of the Titans’. He has the physical build to play powerful beings or enhanced soldiers. His role in the Netflix movie ‘Bright’ saw him playing an Elf working for the federal government. Ramírez looks comfortable wielding fantasy weapons and wearing elaborate costumes. He projects a stoic strength that works well for alien enforcers.

Tony Dalton

Tony Dalton became a fan favorite as Lalo Salamanca in ‘Better Call Saul’ and later joined the MCU in ‘Hawkeye’. He played the Swordsman with a charming but suspicious demeanor. Dalton has a smile that can be disarming or menacing depending on the context. This ambiguity is great for alien characters whose true intentions are unclear. He has the charisma to play a space rogue who talks his way out of trouble.

Gabriel Luna

Gabriel Luna played the advanced Rev-9 Terminator in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. He had to act as a machine that could mimic human emotion to infiltrate society. This required a performance that was precise and slightly uncanny. Luna also played Ghost Rider in ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ involving heavy visual effects. His experience playing artificial or supernatural beings makes him a top candidate for alien androids.

Marko Zaror

Marko Zaror is a martial artist and actor who appeared as a cyborg in ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. He has the physical size and fighting skills to play formidable alien gladiators. His background in stunt work means he can handle complex action sequences in heavy costumes. Zaror often plays silent but deadly henchmen in action films. He would be the perfect choice for an alien bodyguard or assassin.

Maximiliano Hernández

Maximiliano Hernández played Agent Jasper Sitwell in multiple Marvel films and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. While his character was human he was often adjacent to alien technology and conspiracies. He has a distinct look with his glasses and bald head that makes him memorable. Hernández plays bureaucrats and officious types very well. He could play the administrative head of an intergalactic council.

Raymond Cruz

Raymond Cruz is best known for playing Tuco Salamanca but he also had a role in ‘Alien Resurrection’. He played a soldier fighting against Xenomorphs in a futuristic setting. Cruz brings an intense and volatile energy to his performances. He is excellent at playing characters who are on the edge of snapping. This intensity would fit a feral alien species or a space marine pushed to the brink.

Raoul Max Trujillo

Raoul Max Trujillo played the villain Carapax in the superhero film ‘Blue Beetle’. He spent much of the film in a massive robotic suit of armor. Trujillo has a history of playing indigenous warriors and tough antagonists in films like ‘Apocalypto’. His strong facial features and imposing presence are ideal for warrior races. He brings a physicality to his roles that translates well to motion capture performance.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz acts as Dr. Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. He lives on a spaceship and deals with medical emergencies involving various alien species. Cruz brings a warmth and empathy to the sci-fi genre which is often cold and technical. His character has gone through resurrection and dimensional travel. He represents the human heart in a show filled with strange phenomena.

David Zayas

David Zayas is known for ‘Dexter’ but also appeared in the sci-fi film ‘Skyline’. He has a voice that is instantly recognizable and commands authority. Zayas often plays police officers or figures of law enforcement. This typecasting could be flipped to play an alien peacekeeper or sector guard. He brings a weary toughness that adds realism to fantastical situations.

Michael Mando

Michael Mando is famous for his role as Nacho Varga and for voicing the villain Vaas in ‘Far Cry 3’. He played the Scorpion in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ which hinted at a larger supervillain future. Mando has an intense gaze and a voice that can be very intimidating. He excels at playing characters who are trapped in dangerous situations. He would be great as a rogue alien trying to survive in the criminal underworld of a space station.

Nestor Carbonell

Nestor Carbonell is frequently noted for his naturally dark eyelashes that give him an intense look. He played the ageless Richard Alpert in ‘Lost’ which had many sci-fi elements. He also played the satirical hero Batmanuel in ‘The Tick’. His distinctive eyes make him look otherworldly without any makeup at all. Carbonell has the perfect visage for a mysterious alien observer who watches humanity from afar.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez played El Diablo in ‘Suicide Squad’ where he was covered in skull tattoos and summoned fire. He showed he could find the humanity inside a character who looks like a monster. This ability is crucial for playing sympathetic aliens who look frightening on the outside. Hernandez currently stars as Magnum P.I. showing his leading man charisma. He could combine these traits to play a heroic alien living in hiding.

Jacob Vargas

Jacob Vargas appeared in ‘Devil’ and has a long list of credits in genre films. He played the character Martinez in ‘Death Race’ alongside Jason Statham. Vargas brings a high energy to his supporting roles. He is often the comic relief or the nervous team member. He would be excellent as the panicked crew member who first spots the alien threat.

Jesse Borrego

Jesse Borrego has a background in dance and performance that gives him a fluid physical presence. He appeared in the 90s classic ‘Con Air’ and has maintained a steady career in television. His expressive face allows him to convey complex emotions quickly. Borrego could play an artistic or spiritual alien guide. His unique vibe sets him apart from the typical tough guy actors.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo starred in the action movie ‘6 Underground’ and the ‘Magnificent Seven’ remake. He has a rugged charm that works well in action-adventure stories. His characters are often skilled with weapons and unafraid of danger. Garcia-Rulfo has the look of a space western hero. He would fit perfectly in a show like ‘The Mandalorian’ as a bounty hunter.

Alfonso Herrera

Alfonso Herrera starred in the sci-fi series ‘Sense8’ where he was mentally linked to people around the world. The role required him to act as if he were in different locations and sharing emotions telepathically. Herrera has a classic leading man look with an international appeal. He brings a passionate energy to his dramatic scenes. He could play a romantic lead from another planet who falls for a human.

Diego Boneta

Diego Boneta starred in the video game adaptation ‘Monster Hunter’ fighting giant creatures. He handled the physical demands of running around in armor and wielding heavy weapons. Boneta is also a talented singer which speaks to his voice control. He has a youthful energy that suits rookie characters. He would be a good choice for a young alien cadet proving himself.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez is a massive star known for comedy but appeared in the disaster film ‘Geostorm’. He played an astronaut on a space station dealing with catastrophic failure. Derbez brings a likability that makes audiences root for him instantly. His expressive face is perfect for animated alien characters or lighthearted sci-fi adventures. He could play a friendly alien scientist who helps the heroes save the world.

Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale played the antagonist in ‘Ant-Man’ and appeared in ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. He has a larger-than-life personality that dominates the screen. His half-Cuban heritage brings him onto this list of talented Latino performers. Cannavale is excellent at playing arrogant characters who underestimate the hero. He would be hilarious and threatening as a corrupt intergalactic businessman.

Juan Pablo Raba

Juan Pablo Raba played the Inhuman Joey Gutierrez in ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. His character had the power to melt metal and had to deal with suddenly being different from humans. Raba conveyed the confusion and fear of transforming into something else. He has a strong jawline and intense eyes suitable for action roles. He would be a strong pick for a mutant or genetically modified soldier.

Yul Vazquez

Yul Vazquez has appeared in ‘Midnight, Texas’ and ‘War of the Worlds’. He often plays eccentric or creepy characters that unnerve the protagonist. His ability to deliver strange dialogue with conviction is a great asset. Vazquez has a unique look that directors love for character roles. He could play a mysterious alien merchant who sells forbidden items.

Clayton Cardenas

Clayton Cardenas is known for his role in ‘Mayans M.C.’ where he plays a loyal brother and soldier. He brings a raw emotionality to his performance that feels very grounded. Cardenas has a distinct look with his tattoos and intensity. He would fit well in a gritty sci-fi universe as a rebel fighter. His ability to show vulnerability beneath a tough exterior makes him compelling to watch.

Share your thoughts on which of these actors you would like to see in a sci-fi role in the comments.