Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is rumored to bring Nightmare to the MCU. A Fear Lord and ruler of the Dream Dimension, only a few good actors are suited to play the role of this iconic antagonist. Here are our top picks for Nightmare.
While we do not even know if Nightmare does appear in the movie, it would be real fun to see him in action in future MCU phases. Considering Doctor Strange will stay in the MCU for a long, long time, why not bring in his greatest arch-nemesis to the big screens?
Willem Dafoe
We know. We know. The actor has already appeared in the MCU as the Green Goblin in No Way Home. But do you know any other actor who gives out a vibe that resonates so perfectly with that of a sociopath? Willem Dafoe is one of the most gifted actors of any generation and he is perfectly suited to play villains like Nightmare.
Dafoe’s screen presence is enough to seal the deal. His menacing aura whenever he takes up the spotlight makes him a prime candidate to take over the role of the ruler of the Dream Dimension. Besides he is already popular in comic book circles. Marvel should capitalize on that.
Johnny Depp
For whatever it is worth, we will say that the way Depp was treated by Hollywood was downright diabolical. He was deemed guilty even before the trial began. Depp lost most of his projects and his career is on the wane.
But he remains an acting force to be reckoned with. If you have watched any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies or other films like Edward Scissorhands and The Lone Ranger, you would admit that Depp has range. And Fantastic Beasts 2 proved the guy can nail the role of a big budget movie supervillain.
Andrew Scott
Nightmare is known to square off against Doctor Strange in the comic books. The ruler of the Dream Dimension wants to usher in a new age of Fear and rule the world through his nightmares. Andrew Scott has already worked with Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock.
If his stint as Moriarty is of any indication, the Irish actor knows how to look and walk the talk of a scheming and conniving antagonist. Andrew Scott may just be what the Marvel Cinematic Universe needs to finally solve its long drawn out villain problem.
Penn Badgley
Penn Badgley has worked in various movies and shows before. But the one show that shot him to international stardom would be Netflix’s You. If you haven’t been living under a rock till now, you must know the name of Joe Goldberg. The psychopath stalker made heads turn in the acclaimed Netflix series.
Badgley’s talents would go to utter waste if the MCU does not utilize it soon enough. His acting chops are brilliant and the guy is still young enough that the MCU can rope him in with a lucrative multi movie deal and he wouldn’t say no.
Bill Skarsgard
How could we not include the dude who played Pennywise the Clown in It and It: Chapter Two. Bill Skarsgard is a force of nature, just like every other actor in the list. But what sets him apart is that he is known for playing supernatural villain roles in the past.
Playing Nightmare is right up Bill Skarsgard’s alley. All he needs to do is channel his inner Pennywise. The clown from It and the Fear Lord of Marvel Comics both prey on others’ fear and cowardice. The match up is just damn perfect.
Robert Englund
Who better to play Nightmare than the actor who played a serial killer who killed children in their own nightmares? Robert Englund is an acclaimed and award winning actor who shot to fame for starring as iconic horror villain – Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street movies.
Englund’s advanced age would forbid him from making repeated appearances as Nightmare, should he be cast in the role. But fans do prefer quality over quantity these days. And Englund fits the role like a glove.
