Hollywood legend Tom Hanks has suggested that he may be open to the possibility of joining the MCU, and there are many brilliant characters from Marvel Comics that he would be perfect to play in live-action. Tom Hanks’ almost five-decade-long career has seen him perform as some of the most iconic figures in cinema history, including Forrest Gump, Sherriff Woody and Walt Disney himself. The actor is yet to appear in a superhero franchise, however, but he has recently noted that this could soon change.
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Speaking in November on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Tom Hanks stated that, while his “combo-plate is quite full,” he is “not against” joining a superhero franchise such as the MCU. This opens the door for Tom Hanks to possibly assume a Marvel Studios role in the near future or in the next Phase of the MCU, and there are several iconic characters in Marvel Comics that he’d be great for. These range from cosmic entities, matching the power of the MCU’s Death or Eternity, to major X-Men villains who could appear in upcoming movies.
10 Living Tribunal
The Living Tribunal Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1967’s Strange Tales #157
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One of the most powerful characters from Marvel Comics that Tom Hanks would be incredible at portraying in live-action is the Living Tribunal. This formidable cosmic entity first appeared back in 1967, and was introduced as a being who oversees and maintains the balance of the realities in Marvel’s multiverse. This role means that it would make a great deal of sense for the Living Tribunal to officially debut in the Multiverse Saga, and, in fact, the entity has already been teased in projects such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Thor: Love and Thunder.
|
Living Tribunal MCU Appearance |
Year |
Role |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctor Strange |
2016 |
Mentioned |
|
Loki Season 1, Episode 5 |
2021 |
Statue |
|
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness |
2022 |
Statue |
|
Thor: Love and Thunder |
2022 |
Statue |
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Casting the Living Tribunal is surely a tall order for Marvel Studios, but the company will likely be looking for an actor of great notoriety to portray the powerful being. Tom Hanks fits the bill perfectly. At 68 years old, it’s unlikely Hanks would want a long-running role in the MCU, but he would need to portray someone of great power, so the multiverse-focused Living Tribunal would be the perfect candidate. The Living Tribunal could have a major role in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars.
9 Senator Robert Kelly
Senator Robert Kelly Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1980’s The Uncanny X-Men #135
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Marvel Studios has already confirmed the development of the MCU’s X-Men reboot, so there will surely be a huge number of iconic X-Men villains about to appear in the MCU. Senator Robert Kelly is one of the X-Men and mutantkind’s most powerful, influential and persistent human antagonists, so this would be a great role for Tom Hanks. This is especially true as Hanks has the age and experience necessary to perfectly play a dedicated United States Senator, and this could be a very layered and complex role for Hanks.
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Senator Kelly started his Marvel career as a government official who built his reputation on an anti-mutant platform. However, over the years, his views on mutants changed, with him shifting into a steadfast advocate for mutant rights. 2000’s X-Men failed to accurately demonstrate this transition, as Kelly was killed off almost as soon as he was introduced, but the MCU can do better. Tom Hanks would be great at showing off the sternness and fierceness of a senator, while also displaying some of Kelly’s more vulnerable and human traits.
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8 Matt Hawk’s Two-Gun Kid
Matt Hawk Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1962’s Two-Gun Kid #60
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While there hasn’t been any word on when or if the Wild West’s Two-Gun Kid will appear in the MCU, a shift into genre experimentation and the exploration of unseen areas of the MCU’s history could necessitate this hero’s debut. Tom Hanks excelled as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd in the Western 2020 movie, News of the World, so it wouldn’t be too much of a leap to imagine Hanks as Matt Hawk in the MCU. Two-Gun Kid was brought to the present day through time travel, emulating Captain America’s own storyline.
Two-Gun Kid was often partnered with other Wild West heroes, including Rawhide Kid, Phantom Rider and Kid Colt.
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This would be a fun storyline to explore in the current landscape of the MCU, particularly after projects such as Eternals and Agatha All Along explored some of the MCU’s history. Tom Hanks would be brilliant at demonstrating the personality of a man out of time, and has proven his ability to play a Western hero, so Hanks’ Two-Gun Kid would be a fun addition to the MCU. This could form the perfect storyline for a possible Marvel Spotlight series following the success of Echo and the rising anticipation for Wonder Man.
7 Reverend William Stryker
Reverend William Styker Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1982’s X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
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While Senator Robert Kelly would be a great X-Men villain for Tom Hanks in the MCU, Reverend William Stryker would perhaps be an even better fit. Hanks would be given the chance to completely reinvent this X-Men villain, since his previous live-action adaptations failed to capture what made him so threatening and influential in Marvel Comics. The sinister reverend was transformed into a two-dimensional Major and Colonel in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men franchise, which stripped him of everything that made him so scary to begin with.
|
William Stryker X-Men Project |
Year |
Actor |
|---|---|---|
|
X2: X-Men United |
2003 |
Brian Cox |
|
X-Men Origins: Wolverine |
2009 |
Danny Huston |
|
X-Men: Days of Future Past |
2014 |
Josh Helman |
|
X-Men: Apocalypse |
2016 |
Josh Helman |
|
X-Men ’97 |
2024 |
J. P. Karliak |
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Tom Hanks’ sometimes stoic and stern approach to his roles would work for William Stryker perfectly. The reverend could become one of the MCU’s most haunting human antagonists, especially if his groups of followers, the Crusade and the Purifiers, are introduced alongside him. Stryker is also key to the Weapon X program and the transformation of Wolverine, so his introduction would be crucial if Marvel Studios decides to retell Wolverine’s origin story in the MCU. Where Brian Cox and Josh Helman faltered, Tom Hanks would excel.
6 The Stranger
The Stranger Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1965’s The Uncanny X-Men #11
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The Stranger is, funnily enough, one of Marvel’s strangest characters. A cosmic entity with the power of gods who is also an adept scientist and surveyor of worlds, the Stranger first visited Earth out of curiosity in the 1960s. The Stranger took a keen interest in the mutants of Earth, which could see him debut alongside the MCU’s upcoming X-Men team. Tom Hanks has the perfect appearance for this striking and unusual cosmic being, and this could also see him cross paths with some of the MCU’s better-established characters, including the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy.
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Marvel Studios has recently been putting more focus on some of the MCU’s most formidable cosmic beings, including the likes of Eternity, the Grandmaster and Death itself. This means even more will likely be developed in the MCU’s upcoming projects, which would create the perfect opportunity for the Stranger to make his unexpected debut. This would be a relatively brief role for Tom Hanks, which would perhaps work better for the actor, given his recent comments, but would see him leave his mark on the MCU.
5 Henry Peter Gyrich
Henry Peter Gyrich Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1977’s The Avengers #165
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Since Marvel Studios has been putting more attention on the governmental storylines of the MCU, Henry Peter Gyrich would be the perfect villain to introduce in conjunction with the X-Men in Phase 7. Tom Hanks would be a brilliant choice for this United States government liaison, as he is charismatic and personable, but Hanks can also deliver the more seedy, unattractive and sinister qualities of a long-lasting villain such as Gyrich. He is one of the X-Men’s most notable villains, so it would be fantastic to see him brought to life by Tom Hanks in the MCU.
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Henry Peter Gyrich is voiced by Todd Haberkorn in
X-Men ’97
, though he is broken out of prison and killed by Bastion, so didn’t have a large role in the series.
Henry Peter Gyrich was briefly adapted for live-action in 2000’s X-Men, but Matthew Sharp’s iteration of the villain was wasted in Fox’s Marvel franchise. Gyrich has fared better in animation, including in 2024’s X-Men ’97 revival, setting up the perfect opportunity for him to also be reinvented in the MCU’s upcoming X-Men projects. Gyrich is a hugely influential figure, and Tom Hanks has already proven his skills at portraying hard-hitting and official characters time and again, making him perfect for this role.
4 Shadow King
The Shadow King Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1979’s The Uncanny X-Men #117
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The Shadow King, otherwise known as Amahl Farouk, would be an unconventional character for Tom Hanks to play in the MCU. However, the Shadow King is an incredibly unconventional villain, so it would be brilliant to see new sides of the character investigated by Hanks. The Shadow King was previously expertly portrayed by Aubrey Plaza and Navid Negahban in Legion, but with the former now playing Death in the MCU, it would be great to see Tom Hanks bring more sophisticated and sinister sides of the character to life.
Legion
was set adjacent to Fox’s
X-Men
franchise, exploring the story of David Haller, Professor X’s powerful son.
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The Shadow King could be introduced to develop the origin story of iconic X-Men member Storm in the MCU, as he plays a pivotal role in her development and recruitment into the X-Men. He is also one of Professor X’s most powerful and haunting enemies, so Tom Hanks could bring a gravitas and notoriety to the role opposite whomever is cast as Charles Xavier. Marvel Studios has a great opportunity to completely reinvent the Shadow King, and Hanks would be an unexpected but inspired casting choice.
3 Sebastian Shaw
Sebastian Shaw Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1980’s The Uncanny X-Men #129
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Sebastian Shaw’s status as a fan-favorite X-Men villain means it’s practically inevitable that he will be reinvented for the MCU. Shaw was previously played by Kevin Bacon in 2011’s X-Men: First Class, and while he did a strong job at delivering this iconic villain, he didn’t get much development in Fox’s franchise. Marvel Studios has a better chance to give Sebastian Shaw more attention, particularly after the character returned in X-Men ’97, and with the X-Men on the way. Tom Hanks would be perfect at playing the leader of the terrifying and formidable Hellfire Club.
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Sebastian Shaw’s power to absorb various energies in Marvel Comics helps to keep him young, which could work against Tom Hanks’ casting. However, Hanks would be excellent at delivering the suave-ness of Shaw, as well as the sophistication and properness of the villain. With speculation regarding the possible MCU debut of the Sentinel program, the fact that Shaw once funded this operation means his Marvel Studios introduction could be right round the corner. This presents the perfect opportunity for Tom Hanks’ Sebastian Shaw to join the MCU.
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2 Nathaniel Richards
Nathaniel Richards Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1984’s The Fantastic Four #272
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With the stories of Kang the Conqueror and the Fantastic Four developing and expanding in the MCU, it’s very possible that Reed Richards’ own father, Nathaniel Richards, could debut in the MCU. Nathaniel Richards was a notable time traveler in Marvel Comics, whose descendant transformed into multiversal antagonist Kang and his variants. It’s unclear what the future holds for Kang in the MCU, or if his relation to Mister Fantastic will even be established, but the exploration of Reed Richards’ own backstory means Tom Hanks would be an incredible casting for his father.
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|
Mister Fantastic Actor |
Debut Movie |
Year |
|---|---|---|
|
Alex Hyde-White |
The Fantastic Four |
1994 |
|
Ioan Gruffudd |
Fantastic Four |
2005 |
|
Miles Teller |
Fantastic Four |
2015 |
|
John Krasinski |
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness |
2022 |
|
Pedro Pascal |
The Fantastic Four: First Steps |
2025 |
Pedro Pascal is 49, making Tom Hanks a great age to portray his father in the MCU. 2025’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps could explore Reed Richards’ origin story more than any live-action Fantastic Four movie. Tom Hanks would be great at delivering the estranged father figure who prefers to embark on adventures and exploration than remain in contact with his son. This would flesh out the MCU massively, explaining both Mister Fantastic and Kang as the franchise heads into Phase 6’s explosive Avengers movies.
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1 The Beyonder
The Beyonder Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1984’s Secret Wars #1
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There has been a huge amount of speculation regarding the Beyonder’s MCU debut, given the multiversal villain’s prominence in Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars storyline in 1984. It seems very likely that the Beyonder or a similar character will appear in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Secret Wars, as he is a major cosmic entity who comes from a species known as the Beyonders. It’s the Beyonders’ power that Doctor Doom steals in 2015’s Secret Wars event, so this could play out in the MCU, and Tom Hanks would excel in this role.
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The Beyonder is among Marvel’s most powerful cosmic beings, so is certainly a role fit for Tom Hanks. Hanks is legendary, so would bring a huge amount of gravitas to the role of the Beyonder. Seeing Tom Hanks play opposite Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom would be incredible to see, and this is perhaps the best fan-cast for this significant role. Others have included Keanu Reeves, Henry Cavill or Bryan Cranston, but Tom Hanks has all the attributes and experience to do the best job at bringing this major MCU character to life.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
Created by Kevin Feige Upcoming Films Deadpool & Wolverine , Captain America: Brave New World , Thunderbolts* (2025) , Blade (2025) , The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) , Avengers: Doomsday (2026) , Avengers: Secret Wars Upcoming TV Shows Agatha: Coven of Chaos , Ironheart , Daredevil: Born Again , Wakanda , Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man , Marvel Zombies , Wonder Man , Vision Quest
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Upcoming MCU Movies
-
Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date February 14, 2025
- Thunderbolts* (2025)
Release Date May 2, 2025
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
Release Date July 25, 2025
- Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
Release Date May 1, 2026
- Spider-Man Homecoming 4
Release Date July 24, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars
Release Date May 7, 2027
Captain America: Brave New World
Thunderbolts* (2025)
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
Spider-Man Homecoming 4
Avengers: Secret Wars