Henry Cavill is one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood, known for becoming a household name as Superman in Zack Snyder’s DC films. With his massive build, charm, and strong acting skills, he was the perfect choice for the Man of Steel. But Cavill is not just about noble heroes. He has shown he can play darker, more complex characters, proving his range goes far beyond capes and heroics.
When he stepped into the role of a villain in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, he showed a much darker side, reminding audiences that he can easily handle both good and evil characters.
That kind of versatility has many fans wondering what Cavill could bring to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since the release of Avengers: Endgame, Marvel has been pushing into new territory with fresh faces and bold storylines, creating endless opportunities for Cavill to join the franchise.
10. Union Jack
Union Jack is a no-brainer when fans think about a Marvel part Henry Cavill could play. In the comics, the Union Jack name has been worn by several heroes, but one of the most notable is James Montgomery Falsworth. Falsworth served with the 3rd Independent Parachute Brigade in World War II.
If his name rings a bell, that is because a version of him appears briefly in Captain America: The First Avenger. In the film, he is one of the British soldiers captured by Hydra and later rescued by Steve Rogers.
According to Marvel, Union Jack is tall, broad, and built like a tank, which makes Cavill an ideal physical match. He is also British, which would help the role land with authenticity. Cavill also brings the charm that helps make supporting characters into standouts.
As his recent work shows, he is equally capable of playing noble heroes and complex villains. That versatility means Union Jack could be written in many ways, from a patriotic soldier to a darker, conflicted figure.
Marvel is moving into new corners of its universe, and a British hero could add a breath of fresh air. With Cavill in the part, Union Jack could finally get the big-screen treatment he deserves. Cavill would give the character muscle, depth, and star power, and could become one of his best.
9. Cyclops
Cyclops is another Marvel character where Henry Cavill feels like a natural fit. In the comics, Scott Summers is a mutant with the ability to fire optic energy blasts from his eyes, which he controls with a special visor.
This power, paired with his leadership, has made him one of the most important members of the X-Men. Often portrayed as responsible, Cyclops carries the burden of guiding the team while balancing his struggles with power and responsibility.
On screen, James Marsden brought Cyclops to life in the original X-Men films. Marsden gave the role a calm, steady energy, but many fans felt Wolverine overshadowed the character and never truly developed into the leader he was meant to be.
Marsden himself reflected on this, telling Heroic Hollywood:
I thought there was a chance. But I think once 10 years passed and then 20 years passed it was like ‘Well, that was a nice idea’. But now I guess they were waiting for us to all get a little grey in the hair and long in the tooth to bring us back.
This is where Cavill could shine. With his commanding presence, natural authority, and heroic charm, he could finally give Cyclops the powerful and memorable representation the character deserves in the MCU.
8. Captain Britain
Captain Britain is perhaps the most fitting role Henry Cavill could take on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The character, Brian Braddock, is known as the United Kingdom’s most outstanding defender.
Originally a scholar, Brian’s destiny changed dramatically when he chose between the Sword of Might and the Amulet of Right.
Choosing the Amulet transformed him into Captain Britain under the guidance of Merlyn and Roma, setting him on a path as protector of Earth-616 and the British Isles. Later, his journey even led him to take on the mantle of Captain Avalon, guarding his family’s mystical kingdom.
Surprisingly, Marvel has yet to spotlight this character, especially considering how vast the MCU has become. Fans caught what seemed like a small hint in Avengers: Endgame, when Peggy Carter is overheard in the 1970s saying, “They’re trying, ma’am, but Braddock’s unit has been stopped by lightning strikes.” Many believe this was a subtle nod to Captain Britain’s existence in the universe.
For years, fans have made trailers, posters, and theories imagining Cavill as Captain Britain. With his British heritage, presence, and skill at playing both leaders and complex heroes, he feels perfect to finally bring the character to life and give the MCU a true UK champion.
7. Sabretooth
Sabretooth, also known as Victor Creed, is one of Marvel’s most dangerous and feral mutants. Built like an animal, towering and brutal, he is not a superhero or even an anti-hero. He is a pure villain, driven by savagery and a deep rivalry with Wolverine. With his razor-sharp claws, heightened senses, and incredible healing factor, Sabretooth is a force of nature who thrives on chaos and bloodlust.
On screen, the character has been portrayed a few times, most notably by Tyler Mane in Bryan Singer’s original X-Men movie and later by Liev Schreiber in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Both actors brought different energy to the role, but Sabretooth has never quite received the big, terrifying portrayal he deserves.
This is where Henry Cavill could step in. With his massive build, commanding presence, and ability to completely transform himself, Cavill could bring a version of Sabretooth that feels both intimidating and unforgettable.
If anyone doubts Cavill’s ability to play a villain, his performance in Mission: Impossible – Fallout should erase that. He was cold, ruthless, and physically imposing, proving he can step into darker roles just as easily as heroic ones. Seeing Cavill take on Sabretooth would not only give Wolverine a truly fearsome rival but also breathe new life into a character who deserves a fresh start in the MCU.
6. Hercules
Hercules, straight out of Greek mythology, has been part of Marvel since the 1960s. And honestly, who better to play him than someone who already looks like a Greek god? Cavill’s size, presence, everything about him just screams Hercules. Put him next to Thor, and it would feel real, like two legends going toe-to-toe, and it wouldn’t even look like he’s trying.
Cavill isn’t new to these larger-than-life, almost mythic roles. Superman? Immortal, godlike, but still human and vulnerable. The Witcher? Monster-slaying warrior, scary as hell but layered. All of that experience, that presence, just fits Hercules perfectly. If he ever stepped into that role, you can already see him taking the MCU by storm and people going berserk in the theaters.
And the comics? Where to even begin. You can already see that Thor and Hercules love to go on some friendly clashes. A few friendly sparrings, if you want to call it that, showing off each other’s strength.
Now imagine this happening with Cavill and Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. It would be a field day for anyone who loves these two. Cavill has the muscle, the charm, and the charisma to make Hercules unforgettable.
5. Annihilus
While exploring potential roles for Henry Cavill, it was reported that he nearly joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe this year as a supervillain in the series Nova. According to insider @MyTimeToShineH, Cavill was being eyed to play the cosmic warlord Annihilus. With the project now shelved, only time will tell if Cavill ever expands his filmography with Marvel.
Seeing Cavill play a villain like Annihilus would be something special. He has a commanding screen presence, and he captures the audience’s attention the moment he enters a frame. That trait alone makes him an ideal choice for a character who radiates authority and menace.
Unlike Superman, Cavill wouldn’t get the chance to show off his physique in a skintight suit, but that is where his deep, commanding voice becomes the real weapon. Combined with CGI and alien armor, Cavill could make Annihilus sound regal, terrifying, and larger than life all at once.
For now, Annihilus remains a missed opportunity, but the idea of Cavill stepping into that role is still exciting. If he ever gets the chance, fans could finally have the conversation about how convincingly he brought one of Marvel’s most dangerous villains to life.
4. Gladiator (Kallark)
Come on, does this even have to be explained? Kallark is basically Marvel’s version of Superman: super strength, speed, flight, heat vision, and near invulnerability. For someone who already embodied Superman, stepping into Gladiator’s skin wouldn’t be much of a stretch for Henry Cavill.
The twist is that Gladiator’s strength is tied to his confidence, while Superman’s power comes from hope. Cavill could really lean into that difference and bring something fresh to the role.
Unlike Superman, Gladiator isn’t just a hero. He leads the Shi’ar Imperial Guard through loyalty and fear. Cavill showed in The Witcher that he can radiate authority while staying human. And honestly, fans would love him rocking that iconic mohawk.
The real opportunity for Cavill here lies in the emotional core. Since Gladiator’s power is fueled by self-belief, moments of doubt become dangerous weaknesses. Cavill has proven he can capture inner conflict, just think of Clark Kent questioning his place in the world.
That same vulnerability could make Gladiator more than just a cosmic powerhouse and turn him into one of Marvel’s most layered characters.
3. Hyperion
Hyperion is Marvel’s twisted mirror of Superman, which makes Henry Cavill the perfect choice. After nearly a decade as DC’s most iconic hero, seeing him step into Marvel’s version, one who can be brutal and morally gray, would be both clever and exciting.
Cavill has already shown he can play both sides. He was noble and inspiring as Superman, but in Mission Impossible: Fallout, he proved he could be ruthless and intimidating. Hyperion shifts between hero and tyrant depending on the story, and Cavill’s ability to balance charm with menace makes him an ideal fit.
Physically, he already has the look. With Cavill’s build and screen presence, putting him in Hyperion’s golden-and-red costume would feel like the character jumped straight out of the comics.
It would also serve as a fun wink to audiences, seeing DC’s Superman actor become Marvel’s Superman counterpart. That kind of meta-casting is the type of move that gets everyone talking.
2. Sentry
If Hyperion is Marvel’s nod to Superman, Sentry matches him in raw power but is haunted, unstable, and dangerously conflicted. Cavill nailed the classic superhero look as Superman, but Sentry would let him explore a darker, more tormented side audiences haven’t seen before.
While Superman fights for hope, Sentry constantly battles with himself, leaving you wondering what he will do next. Will it be self-destructive, or something completely unpredictable?
Cavill has already shown he can play heroic and morally complex characters without breaking a sweat. Pair that with the right script, and he could bring Sentry’s vulnerability to life while becoming an unstoppable force for Marvel, one that would undoubtedly have a fan base.
Sentry’s moral struggle and emotional depth make him fascinating. It might be a tough role to pull off, but giving something this complex to a seasoned actor who has already dipped his toe into the superhero world is definitely the way to go.
1. Galactus
If Marvel ever decides to show the humanoid version of the Devourer of Worlds, like in some adaptations, then Henry Cavill should be the way to go. Sure, it sounds wild, but without a doubt, it could work. Galactus is not like other notable figures in Marvel who give big speeches and win your attention. He is about presence, and Cavill’s sheer size and commanding screen presence can make anyone believe that he could easily sell both fear and awe across the universe.
And unlike the superheroes he has played before, even the wild timeline in Deadpool & Wolverine, where he was a Wolverine, Galactus would be a chance for him to reinvent himself. Instead of the usual caped hero, he would don the role of an ancient cosmic force, which is larger than life.
While it is an unexpected role, that only makes it more fascinating to see how he would play it off. He can become that force that feels inevitable and can overshadow everything else, and Cavill’s build and charisma could sell this without him breaking a sweat.
The best part about this role is that it won’t be limited to one movie. His presence could span multiple MCU phases, creating storylines that last for years. Casting Cavill as Galactus is perfect, as his star power would keep fans engaged even if the movies lose their touch. And honestly, who better to play a cosmic god than someone built like one?
Which Marvel character do you think Henry Cavill should play? Share your pick in the comments.
