At this point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems like there are no Marvel characters that are too "out there" to introduce into the live-action universe. From Ego the Living Planet to the Red Guardian to Black Knight, Kevin Feige and company have the confidence to attempt any character. That means it is only a matter of time before Marvel's own version of Hercules makes his live-action debut.
Some fans might not be aware that Hercules is in the Marvel universe as part of the Greek gods' side of things. With a hero that is so well-known in other forms outside of Marvel comics, from live-action adventures to Disney cartoons, it might seem strange to include him in the MCU world.
However, Hercules has established himself as a key member of the Avengers in the comics and could be a really fun new hero. It appears as though the stage is already being set for his inevitable appearance with Russell Crowe playing his father Zeus in Thor: Love and Thunder. While there has been no confirmation of his appearance in the Thor sequel, fans might as well start their casting speculations now.
Updated on May 26, 2022 by Kristy Ambrose: There are already plenty of Hercules movies out there, none from the Marvel Universe as of yet, but the Greek aesthetic is always hot and the mythology of this ancient hero has a fanbase that goes back thousands of years. As the MCU keeps expanding, so do the actors that have roles in it, so we've tried to give a few new faces a chance. There are plenty of ripped and meaty candidates from which to choose, and being hot and buff never goes out of style.
Scott Adkins
The guy who has a gymnast and martial artist on his resume next to acting is an obvious choice for Hercules, provided that he has the time. Scott Adkins is hot at the moment, working on various projects including Day Shift and John Wick 4, movies that are demanding from both a physical and dramatic point of view. He's also got an impressive career behind him already, with experience that includes The Expendables 2 and The Legend of Hercules. He didn't play the title character in the latter, and it might have been an improvement if he had.
Adkins has been in MCU movies, but he's always played henchmen or been a supporting cast member. He was one of Kaecilius' followers in Dr. Strange and played the main bad guy in Ip Man 4. It's time to give him a leading role, and an ideal one would be Hercules.
Dwayne Johnson
The obvious choice for the role of Hercules seems to be Dwayne Johnson. The superstar has even played Hercules already in the live-action adventure movie. It is not very difficult to buy Johnson as this muscle-bound warrior with a love of battle. And while Johnson is currently in the midst of his own DCEU adventure, starring as the powerful Black Adam, he has previously spoken about meeting with Marvel executives about finding something to collaborate on.
It's hard to think of a more perfect character than Hercules. Johnson's star power might be a drawback in ways as it is not likely Hercules will be leading the MCU nor is it likely Johnson is interested in a supporting role. But he would certainly bring a lot of charisma and humor to the part while handling the action side of the character just fine.
Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is another actor known for the DCEU where he played Superman to much acclaim. But Cavill's non-DC roles have been even more exciting and hint at the kind of fun movie star he is sure to become. His Superman physique makes it easy to believe he could pull off this Greek god while Mission: Impossible – Fallout proves he can grow the necessary facial hair. And of course, The Witcher gives him practice as the warrior who battles monsters and the like.
It would also be fun to see Cavill loosen up within the lighter world of the MCU. As great as he was as Superman, the tortured hero role didn't give him much chance to show off his charm and humor that has been on better display in movies like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. With new plans in place for Superman, now might be the perfect time for Cavill to try his hand at the other comic book universe.
Stephen Amell
Here's a former DC comic star that could be converted to the MCU as Hercules. Stephen Amell already has some claim to fame as a superhero when he starred in the series Arrow as Oliver Queen, the main character. He's also appeared in other shows that share the same setting, known as the Arrowverse, so the actor is certainly no stranger to the whole concept of a superhero universe.
Aside from the acting experience, Amell also spent some time as a professional wrestler, so he's got some heroic meat on those bones. Put it all together and it's a great formula for the MCU Hercules.
John David Washington
John David Washington has had an incredible rise to fame over the last few years and it seems like just a matter of time before he joins a big superhero franchise. Washington first wowed audiences with his funny yet powerful performance in BlacKkKlansman. He then went on the secure the lead action hero role in Christopher Nolan's ambitious sci-fi spy thriller Tenet. Both of these movies show that Washington has what it takes to carry his own MCU movie, or at the very least, play a standout character like Hercules.
It would be nice to see Washington embrace the fun energy he brought to BlacKkKlansman again. Hercules could be the stoic hero that Washington plays well in Tenet, but he could also be a bit off-kilter which would be fun to see the actor take on. Tenet also showed Washington can handle himself in a fight scene and is suitably large to pull off an intimidating warrior like Hercules.
Kristofer Hivju
When looking for someone to play a big and strong bearded hero who can swing a sword believably, the cast of Game of Thrones is a pretty good place to start. While there are a number of actors from the show who might fit the bill, Kristofer Hivju stands out as a particularly fun choice.
The Norwegian actor memorably played the Wildling warrior Tormund Giantsbane on the hit HBO series. What started as a supporting villain role grew into a fan-favorite character thanks to Hivju's lively performance. He played Tormund as a warrior whose years of battle and mayhem have left him a bit eccentric. He had a goofy and friendly sense of humor even in the midst of war. It is easy to see a similar approach working well for Hercules as he could be a madman who loves a good fight and has a warped mind.
Terry Crews
A former linebacker turned actor, Terry Crews has it where it counts both physically and mentally to play the MCU Hercules. He actually got his start as a creator and producer back in the day, and one of his earliest jobs was doing courtroom sketches for a television station in his hometown of Flint, Michigan.
Crews has been working in big-budget films since the year 2000, and his breakout role was as Pigeon Flipper in Training Day. The actor's more recent projects include Cesar in The Expendables franchise and Deadpool 2. He looks equally great in a toga or a lion skin, so why not cast Crews as Hercules?
Brett Goldstein
Perhaps the most talked-about show on television now is Ted Lasso. The comedy has recently scored big at the Emmys with plenty of fans singing the praises of the charming sports comedy. And likely the most popular thing to emerge from the show has been Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent. Goldstein plays the role of the grumpy and foul-mouthed soccer star who secretly has a very soft side underneath it all. As likable as Roy is when he is being nice, it is endlessly entertaining and hilarious to see his bursts of fury and profanity-filled rants.
Though the language might be a bit salty for the MCU and Hercules Marvel, Goldstein could Hercules into a similar lovable grump. It would be fun to see him played as a warrior who is not a team player and has little patience for joining forces with the other Marvel heroes. It would be especially fun with the young roster of Avengers that seem to be getting set up.