It has been rumored that Nightmare will be the main antagonist of Doctor Strange 2, yet any concrete information is being withheld at the moment. Before the events of Avengers: Infinity War, it was all but confirmed that Strange was going to be battling Nightmare in his sequel film, but there has been no more news on the subject since Thanos’s snap. However, I do believe that Nightmare will make his MCU debut eventually, and I have a few actors who could play the villain perfectly.
10Willem Dafoe
The main physical trait of Nightmare is that he looks thin and sickly, and I think that Willem Dafoe could portray that perfectly. He has always had an extremely skinny frame, which he could use along with his psychotic smile to make everyone believe he is truly evil. Dafoe is still a huge star in his old age, and I think that Nightmare would be the best role for him in the MCU.
9Bill Skarsgård
Bill Skarsgård became a huge star after his role as Pennywise in the new IT film, and that character is the perfect audition tape for Nightmare. Those two particular characters are extremely similar, and I think that the kind of riveting performance Skarsgård gave as Pennywise could be utilized in the MCU as well. He is undoubtedly menacing and creepy, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was Marvel’s first and only choice for the character.
8Matt Smith
Matt Smith has contributed to some of the most famous franchises in the world, and I think that is a testament to how good of an actor he is. After Doctor Who, Terminator: Genisys and being cast in Star Wars, the sky’s the limit for Smith. He has the right frame for Nightmare, and I think that he is an excellent enough actor to be believed as one of the most sinister villains in the Doctor Strange mythos.
7Jared Leto
Jared Leto is one of the most naturally creepy actors working today, and that is a very special skill to possess when a character like this is concerned. Leto has the ability to make an entire theatre uncomfortable with one look, and that could only be enhanced by the Nightmare makeup and costume. While he is currently committed to The Joker in the DCEU, I think that he is too perfect for this role to pass up, and I would like to see Marvel land such a talented and famous actor for a villain role.
6Peter Capaldi
Peter Capaldi is another actor who reached his fame through the role of Doctor Who, and I think that he has the perfect natural look for Nightmare. He has the thinner frame and menacing look that is appropriate for an otherworldly sorcerer, and everyone wants him to take a big role after passing on the mantle of The Doctor. He is an excellent actor that deserves to be apart of one of the best franchises in the world, and I would love to see him gain a fitting role in a movie series as prestigious as Marvel.
5Adrien Brody
Adrien Brody is a bit of an old school choice to play Nightmare, but I think that he is suited for the role. When it comes to characters that are creepy and unsettling, people usually think of Brody to take the role, and that is because he excels at bringing those kinds of personalities to life. Marvel is known for revitalizing actors’ careers, and I think that Brody could be another product of that.
4Ezra Miller
Ezra Miller has long been one of the fastest rising stars in Hollywood, and he has finally reached the point where he is in extremely high demand. Everything from DC to Harry Potter has him in their movies, and I think that he is suited for the Marvel universe just as much. While Miller is much younger than the other actors on this list, I think that he is just as suited to play Nightmare, and I would love to see such a popular actor join the Marvel ensemble.
3Tom Payne
Tom Payne is known best as Jesus on The Walking Dead, and with that role recently coming to an end, his schedule is seemingly open. Payne is an actor that every fan believes has a huge future in the acting world, and that could very well start with the MCU. I think that he has the perfect look and stature for Nightmare, and I would love to see him test himself by trying to bring such an evil character to life.
2Evan Peters
Evan Peters is starting to make a name for himself as a movie star, and I think that it is only a matter of time before he plays the main antagonist of a movie. While he is already a member of the X-Men, I don’t think that should exempt him from a role in the MCU, and I think that Nightmare could be a fitting villain for him to play. Peters has amazingly expressive eyes and facial features, especially when he’s playing maniacs, so I think that he would make a more than adequate dance partner for Doctor Strange.
1Dane DeHaan
Dane DeHaan seemed to be the next big star a few years ago, and while he has lost a little steam, it’s not too late for him to turn things around. I personally loved his interpretation of Green Goblin, and while The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was a horrible movie altogether, I think that DeHaan could redeem himself with a role like Nightmare. He has the dark, sunken-in kind of look that Nightmare would need, and I would love to see how he handles being in a superhero film for a second time.
Who should play Nightmare? Let me know in the comments!