Top 15 Actors Perfect for the Role of Knull in the MCU

Knull, the dark god and creator of the symbiotes, is one of Marvel’s most chilling villains. His looming presence in the comics, marked by raw power and a thirst for destruction, demands an actor who can embody menace, charisma, and otherworldly intensity. With Knull’s cinematic debut in Sony’s ‘Venom: The Last Dance’, played by Andy Serkis, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could soon introduce its own version, especially with the multiverse opening new storytelling doors. The right casting choice would need to capture Knull’s ancient evil while fitting the MCU’s dynamic tone.

Choosing the perfect actor for Knull involves balancing physical presence, emotional depth, and the ability to portray a cosmic threat. The MCU often casts actors who can bring layers to complex characters, making this role a unique challenge. Below is a list of 15 actors, including several without prior MCU roles, who could nail Knull’s terrifying essence, each bringing their own flair to the god of the symbiotes. These picks consider their past performances, physicality, and ability to command the screen.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy’s piercing eyes and quiet intensity make him a strong contender for Knull. Known for roles like Thomas Shelby in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and Scarecrow in ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy, Murphy excels at playing characters with a chilling edge. His ability to convey menace through subtle expressions would suit Knull’s calculating nature. He could portray the symbiote god as a brooding, almost hypnotic figure.

Murphy’s experience with complex villains ensures he can balance Knull’s cosmic power with emotional depth. His lean frame and haunting presence would make Knull feel like an ancient deity, both terrifying and magnetic. Murphy’s knack for understated menace would set him apart in the MCU’s roster of villains.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy already has a foot in the symbiote world as Eddie Brock in Sony’s ‘Venom’ trilogy. His gritty physicality and raw energy make him a natural fit for Knull, who requires a commanding presence. Hardy’s ability to shift between intense rage and brooding calm, seen in films like ‘Bronson’ and ‘The Revenant’, aligns with Knull’s volatile personality. He could bring a visceral edge to the character.

Hardy’s familiarity with the symbiote mythos gives him an edge in understanding Knull’s connection to Venom. His muscular build and intense delivery would make Knull a formidable foe, capable of dominating any scene. Hardy’s star power would also draw audiences to the MCU’s take on this cosmic villain.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed’s intense and versatile performances make him a fresh pick for Knull. His roles in ‘Sound of Metal’ and ‘Nightcrawler’ show his ability to portray complex, driven characters with raw emotion. Ahmed’s commanding presence and sharp delivery would suit Knull’s godlike arrogance. He could bring a modern, dynamic energy to the symbiote god.

Ahmed’s ability to convey inner turmoil and intensity would add depth to Knull’s destructive motivations. His unique screen presence and rising star status would make him an exciting addition to the MCU, offering a fresh take on a cosmic villain.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio’s commanding performances make him a strong candidate for Knull. His roles in ‘The Revenant’ and ‘Django Unchained’ showcase his ability to portray intense, larger-than-life characters. DiCaprio’s emotional depth and raw power would align with Knull’s chaotic and destructive nature. He could make the symbiote god a captivating, terrifying figure.

DiCaprio’s ability to fully immerse himself in roles would ensure a nuanced portrayal of Knull’s ancient evil. His star power and intense delivery would make Knull a standout villain, bringing a new level of gravitas to the MCU’s multiverse saga.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton’s otherworldly presence makes her a unique choice for Knull. Her roles in ‘Suspiria’ and ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ show her ability to portray unsettling, powerful characters. Swinton’s ethereal quality and commanding delivery would suit Knull’s cosmic, godlike nature. She could bring a haunting, almost alien energy to the role.

Swinton’s ability to blend menace with sophistication would add layers to Knull’s motivations, making him more than just a destructive force. Her distinctive appearance and bold acting choices would make Knull a visually striking and memorable villain in the MCU.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling’s understated intensity makes him an intriguing pick for Knull. His performances in ‘Drive’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’ show his ability to portray quiet, menacing characters with depth. Gosling’s subtle charisma and physicality would suit Knull’s calculating and destructive nature. He could bring a modern, brooding edge to the symbiote god.

Gosling’s ability to convey complex emotions through minimal dialogue would make Knull feel like a true force of darkness. His rising popularity and versatile range would ensure a fresh and compelling portrayal in the MCU’s cosmic landscape.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem’s intense performances make him a great fit for Knull. His roles in ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘Skyfall’ show his ability to portray cold, terrifying villains. Bardem’s deep voice and commanding presence would suit Knull’s ancient, destructive nature. He could make the symbiote god feel like a force of nature.

Bardem’s ability to convey raw emotion would add depth to Knull’s hatred for the Celestials and his thirst for power. His physicality and intense gaze would make Knull a visually striking villain, perfect for the MCU’s epic scope.

Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes’ chilling performances as villains like Voldemort in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and Amon Goeth in ‘Schindler’s List’ make him a strong candidate for Knull. His ability to portray cold, calculated evil would align with Knull’s godlike arrogance. Fiennes could bring a quiet menace to the role. His commanding presence would captivate audiences.

Fiennes’ experience with larger-than-life characters ensures he could handle Knull’s cosmic scale. His ability to convey complex emotions would make Knull more than just a one-dimensional villain, adding depth to the MCU’s multiverse saga.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson’s intense and versatile performances make him a dark horse for Knull. His roles in ‘The Batman’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ show his ability to embody brooding, complex characters. Pattinson’s physicality and emotional depth would suit Knull’s chaotic and destructive nature. He could bring a fresh take to the symbiote god.

Pattinson’s ability to transform for roles, seen in ‘Good Time’ and ‘Tenet’, would allow him to fully embrace Knull’s otherworldly presence. His rising star power would also make him an exciting addition to the MCU, appealing to younger audiences.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis’ legendary commitment to his roles makes him a dream pick for Knull. His performances in ‘There Will Be Blood’ and ‘Gangs of New York’ show his ability to portray intense, larger-than-life characters. Day-Lewis could bring a terrifying gravitas to Knull’s ancient evil. His methodical approach would ensure an unforgettable portrayal.

Though retired, Day-Lewis’ return for a role like Knull would be a massive coup for the MCU. His ability to disappear into characters would make Knull feel like a true cosmic threat, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender’s magnetic presence makes him a strong choice for Knull. His roles as Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ films and in ‘Prometheus’ show his ability to play powerful, complex villains. Fassbender’s intense delivery would suit Knull’s godlike arrogance and destructive tendencies. He could make the symbiote god a commanding figure.

Fassbender’s physicality and emotional range would bring depth to Knull’s motivations, particularly his hatred for the Celestials. His experience with comic book films ensures he could handle the MCU’s scale, making Knull a memorable villain.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe’s iconic portrayal of Green Goblin in ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ proves he can handle Marvel villains with ease. His ability to blend menace and charisma would suit Knull’s chaotic nature. Dafoe’s distinctive voice and intense expressions could make Knull a terrifying presence. His experience with the multiverse adds to his appeal.

Dafoe’s knack for playing unhinged characters, seen in ‘The Lighthouse’ and ‘Antichrist’, would bring a unique energy to Knull. His return to the MCU in a new role would excite fans and elevate the symbiote god’s impact.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver’s intense physicality and emotional depth make him a compelling choice for Knull. His roles in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and ‘Marriage Story’ show his ability to portray complex, powerful characters. Driver’s commanding presence and deep voice would suit Knull’s godlike arrogance. He could bring a raw, visceral energy to the role.

Driver’s ability to convey inner conflict and menace would add layers to Knull’s destructive motivations. His towering frame and intense delivery would make Knull a formidable and unforgettable villain in the MCU’s cosmic saga.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix’s transformative performances make him a bold choice for Knull. His roles in ‘Joker’ and ‘Gladiator’ show his ability to portray unhinged, menacing characters with emotional depth. Phoenix’s intense physicality and raw energy would suit Knull’s chaotic and destructive nature. He could make the symbiote god a haunting figure.

Phoenix’s ability to dive deep into complex characters would add layers to Knull’s motivations, making him more than just a cosmic threat. His unique approach to acting would ensure a standout performance in the MCU’s multiverse saga.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington’s commanding presence and emotional depth make him a perfect fit for Knull. His roles in ‘Training Day’ and ‘Man on Fire’ show his ability to portray intense, authoritative characters. Washington’s gravitas and powerful delivery would make Knull feel like a true deity. His ability to convey menace with subtlety would captivate audiences.

Washington’s experience with complex roles ensures he could handle Knull’s cosmic scale and emotional layers. His star power and commanding screen presence would make Knull a terrifying and unforgettable villain in the MCU.

Who would you cast as Knull in the MCU? Drop your picks in the comments and let’s discuss!