There are many notable characters from Marvel Comics whoViola Daviscould debut as in theMCUfollowing her recent comments about wanting to join Marvel Studios. Viola Davis is one of the most well-known and acclaimed actors in history, having earned both the Triple Crown of Acting and the EGOT, so it would be fantastic to see her bring her incredible talents to the MCU. After portrayingAmanda Waller in the DC Extended Universeand the rebooted DC Universe, we can easily see Viola Davis taking on a Marvel role next.
While speaking toEntertainment Weeklyat the red carpet premiere of her new movie,G20, Viola Davis was asked whether she’d be up for joining the MCU.She noted that she would"absolutely"be interested in a Marvel role, stating,“I don’t know what hero I would be, you know. I just, my daughter is a Marvel fanatic, so I’ve watched, I think almost all of them five, six times.“This creates the opportunity for Marvel Studios to bringViola Davis into the MCUin any number of brilliant roles, and there are many exciting characters that would be perfect.
10Glory Grant
Glory Grant Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1975’s The Amazing Spider-Man #140
In Marvel Comics, Glory Grant is depicted as a friend to Peter Parker during his time as a photographer at the Daily Bugle. If bringing Viola Davis into the MCU as Glory Grant, Marvel Studios would likely make several changes to the character. Following thereveal ofSpider-Man: Brand New Day’stitle, it’s high time Peter Parker’s life outside of Midtown High gets explored.Glory Grant is connected to some of Marvel’s most iconic villains, including Kingpin, the Lobo Brothers and Calypso, so it would be great to see her appear in the MCU.
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One of Glory Grant’s strongest connections in Marvel Comics is to J. Jonah Jameson, and we think it would be fantastic to see Viola Davis team up withJ. K. Simmons in the MCU, as both are remarkable actors who would have electric chemistry on-screen.Viola Davis could bring a maturity and status to Glory Grant that the character is often missing in Marvel Comics, perhaps making her more of a mentor to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man than a peer and ally. This would work well to develop his possible Daily Bugle-focused story inSpider-Man: Brand New Day.
9Vanessa Brooks
Vanessa Brooks Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1973’s Tomb Of Dracula #13
Vanessa Brooks is a little-known character in Marvel Comics, but still a character of huge significance, as she is the mother of Eric Brooks.Vanessa was killed by vampiric doctor Deacon Frost during labor, while infecting her son with enzymes that altered him into a Dhampir, which would later allow him to become the antihero, Blade. In 2007, Vanessa Brooks was herself resurrected as a vampire, which could set up the character for a much larger role in the live-action MCU, making Viola Davis perfect for the role.
Vanessa Brooks was born in Latveria in Marvel Comics, so her debut in the MCU could also develop the mythology surrounding Doctor Doom, the savior and ruler of the Eastern European nation.
Viola Davis being cast as Vanessa Brooks would spell good news forMarvel Studios’Bladereboot, as she would provide the movie with some serious star-power, especially as the mother to Mahershala Ali’s Eric Brooks.It would be fantastic to see Blade’s retrospective origin story explored in the MCU, which means his mother must appear inBlade, should it ever actually release. Viola Davis has proven her ability to play vulnerable but strong characters, and her debut as Vanessa Brooks could connect her to several highly-anticipated upcoming characters.
8Madame Web
Cassandra Webb Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1980’s The Amazing Spider-Man #210
Following Dakota Johnson’s disappointing portrayal of a younger Cassandra Webb in Sony’sMadame Webmovie,it would be great to see Marvel Studios bring a more comic-accurate and successful depiction of Spider-Man’s clairvoyant mentor into the MCU. Cassandra Webb is typically depicted as an older woman with myasthenia gravis who helps Spider-Man in many adventures from the safety of her web-like life-support system.2024’sMadame Webcompletely changed this backstory, but Viola Davis being cast as Madame Web could bring it to the MCU.
Viola Davis would be an inspired casting choice for the role of Spider-Man’s mutant mentor.This could also see her take on a more heroic role in the MCU after portraying a minor antagonist in DC’s live-action projects for almost a decade. This would also see Davis be a key character in the MCU’s upcoming mutant-centric stories, making Madame Web more comic-accurate and providing Spider-Man with a formidable new ally. Viola Davis would have a central role in theMCU’s futureSpider-Manprojectsas Madame Web.
7Bast
Bast Debuted In Marvel Comics As Idol In 1966’sFantastic Four #52
Based on the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet,Bast is a crucial member of the Wakandan pantheonin Marvel Comics and in the MCU, the patron of the Black Panther mantle.Bast has technically already appeared in the MCU, as Akosia Sabet appeared as an interpretation of the panther goddess in 2022’sThor: Love and Thunder, but Bast deserves a much larger role in the franchise, and Viola Davis would be a brilliant choice for the powerful character. There may be no better casting choice for the role of a literal goddess than Viola Davis.
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Ryan Coogler is currently developingBlack Panther 3for the MCU, while Marvel’s Wakanda-based stories are set to expand inEyes of Wakandaand more spinoffs, too. This presents a number of opportunities for Viola Davis to appear as Bast, perhaps guiding Shuri’s Black Panther or T’Challa’s own son, Toussaint, as he grows up.It would be fantastic to see Hollywood legend Viola Davis in a regal and godly role in the MCU, and she could use her experience playing West African General Nanisca inThe Woman Kingto inform her delivery of Bast.
6Ma Gnucci
Ma Gnucci Debuted In Marvel Comics In 2000’s The Punisher (Vol. 5) #4
While it would be brilliant to see Viola Davis take on a more heroic role in the MCU, her experience as a formidable and steadfast minor antagonist means it would be great for her to play an honest-to-goodness villain in the MCU.Keeping this believable and grounded, however, creates the opportunity for Viola Davis to debut as Ma Gnucci, a little-known enemy to the Punisher in Marvel Comics. When the Punisher returned to New York City, he signaled his return by killing the three sons of Isabella “Ma” Gnucci, who became the head of New York’s most powerful crime family.
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Jon Bernthal returned asFrank Castle’s Punisher inDaredevil: Born Again, and is set to star in his own Special Presentation.Ma Gnucci would be a fantastic villain for the Punisher’s Special Presentation at the center of a small-scale story, and Viola Davis would certainly do an incredible job at portraying the sinister villain. Davis has played a number of villains in her career, most recently as Dr. Volumnia Gaul inThe Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which could inspire her dramatic, theatrical and intense delivery of Ma Gnucci.
5Genesis
Genesis Debuted In Marvel Comics In 2020’s X-Men (Vol. 5) #12
Despite being introduced in 2020, Genesis is one of Marvel’s oldest characters, as she ruled the ancient nation of Okkara alongside her husband, the mutant supervillain Apocalypse.As a formidable mutant ruler, wife to Apocalypse and mother of the First Horsemen, Genesis would be an inspired role for Viola Davis upon her MCU debut. This could also make her one of the most significant characters in the MCU’s upcoming mutant-centric storylines, as she could be introduced as a legendary historical Queen, and could establishApocalypse as a prominent threat to the entire MCU.
Oscar Isaac previously portrayed Apocalypse in 20th Century Fox’sX-Menfranchise, but now plays Marc Spector’s Moon Knight in the MCU. Apocalypse is expected to be reinvented for the MCU’s upcoming X-Men storylines.
Perhapsfuture unconfirmed storylines featuring Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knightcould debut Genesis and Apocalypse, as the former manifests the Eye of Horus when using her mutant abilities. Viola Davis and Oscar Isaac previously starred together in 2012’sWon’t Back Down, so it would be great to see them reunite in the MCU, especially as hero and villain.Marvel would benefit from implanting Viola Davis into many periods of the MCU’s history, and casting her as Genesis and having her rule Okkara, the nation that would become Krakoa, would be a great way to do this.
4Morgan Le Fay
Morgan Le Fay Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1955’s Black Knight #1
Morgan le Fay is one of Marvel Comics' most powerful and popular female characters, so it would be incredible to see someone of the caliber of Viola Davis take on this iconic Marvel role. She became a Master of the Mystic Arts thanks to the immortality granted to her by the elven heritage, and used this power to become a long-running enemy to the Avengers, and was at one time Doctor Doom’s love-interest.This would be an excellent role for Viola Davis, casting one of the most acclaimed actors of our generation as one of Marvel’s most notable characters.
Morgan le Fay was previously played by Jessica Walter in 1978’sDr. Strangeand Elizabeth Hurley in the third season ofRunaways.
Morgan le Fay would fit into any number of upcoming and unannounced MCU projects, which would give Viola Davis many opportunities to appear in the franchise.Davis has a level of gravitas, confidence and charisma that would be perfect for Morgan le Fay, even though the immortal villain has typically been depicted as a younger woman. It would be great to see Davis bring an air of wisdom and experience to the role, perhaps debuting as one of the MCU’s most powerful and terrifying new characters.
3Lilith, Mother Of All Demons
Lilith Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1992’s Ghost Rider (Vol. 3) #28
Sticking on the theme of Viola Davis portraying a powerful villain in the MCU, a fantastic choice would be Lilith. The Mother of All Demons is an ancient demon goddess and sorceress who lived in Atlantis prior to its sinking and gave birth to many other villainous children, known as the Lilin. Many have theorized thatMarvel Studios has been setting up a project for the Midnight Sons, andLilith was the team’s first antagonist in Marvel Comics. It would make a lot of sense for Lilith to fill this role in the MCU.
Viola Davis would be incredible in this significant villainous role, for many of the same reasons she would work so well as Morgan le Fay. Lilith is an age-old villain who has unprecedented power and a mastery of all manner of magic.Viola Davis' esteem and acclaim demand a high-profile role in the MCU, and a demon goddess would fit the bill, as long as Lilith, Mother of All Demons, became a long-running villainin the MCU’s future. Lilith is a practically unbeatable character, so casting Viola Davis in the role could set her up for a very lengthy future in the MCU.
2Miss Sinister
Claudine Renko Debuted In Marvel Comics In 2008’s X-Men: Legacy #214
While there has been speculation that Nathaniel Essex’sMister Sinister will be the primary antagonist to the MCU’s upcoming X-Men stories, Marvel Studios could put a major spin on this introduction. Mister Sinister might have never been seen in live-action, but it would be fantastic for Marvel to debut Viola Davis as a female iteration of this iconic X-Men villain, Miss Sinister. In Marvel Comics,Claudine Renko became Miss Sinister after being infected with a virus containing Essex’s own DNA following his death, with her body becoming a perfect genetic clone of Sinister.
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Whether playing Claudine Renko herself or a female variation of Nathaniel Essex, Viola Davis would be a remarkable choice for the role of Miss Sinister. Mister Sinister was teased throughout20th Century Fox’sX-Menfranchise, but never introduced. Marvel Studios can do better, but a villain this game-changing would benefit from having someone of huge esteem portray them. Viola Davis is perhaps one of the best choices for this role, finally bringing a version of Mister Sinister to life, but with a brilliant twist that brings an Academy Award-winner into the role.
1Iron Mania
Iron Mania Would Be An Original Character For Viola Davis' MCU Debut
Speaking toEntertainment Weekly, Viola Davis pitched her vision for which Marvel character she’d want to play, and this could be a brilliant choice for the actor, noting thatshe would want to play"an Iron Man. I would be — maybe Iron Mania? Iron Shaniqua Mania?“Of course, this was delivered as a joke, but casting Viola Davis as an original Iron Man-like character would be a great option.Robert Downey Jr. portrayed Tony Stark’s Iron Manbetween 2008’sIron Manand 2019’sAvengers: Endgame, but his sacrifice could open the door for a new armored hero to debut.
Dominique Thorne will soon be developingRiri Williams' story as Ironheart in the MCU, andthe expansion of Ironheart’s story could create the opportunity for Viola Davis' Iron Mania to appear, too. Her armored character could be a variant of Iron Man, or indeed someone following in Tony Stark’s footsteps or acting as a mentor to Ironheart, with no limitations from Marvel Comics restricting the MCU.Viola Daviswould be an incredible asset to the MCU, and since she wants to portray Iron Mania, there’s no doubt that Marvel Studios could indeed make this happen.
