MCU Phase 4: 10 Villains Who Could Actually Replace Thanos

10. Deathbird

Fantasy Casting: Charlize Theron

With Disney’s acquisition of Fox, it’s surely only a matter of time until the X-Men join the MCU. However, Dark Phoenix still needs to be released, then Marvel face a casting problem. Keeping the likes of Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbender implies they’ll be following on from Fox’s movies, which they won’t be.

However, recasting them too soon will lead to obvious comparisons and put undue pressure on the incoming star. No one wants to be compared to Hugh Jackman, after all.

That’s why Marvel should ease them in gently. There’s the obvious temptation to add Magneto or Mystique to the villain roster straight away, but a more nuanced approach may be best.

Deathbird offers a way to bridge the gap. As a Shi’ar, she has close links to Skulls and Krees too. A brutal and evil woman, Deathbird was exiled after murdering her mother and sister. With beautiful wings and razor sharp talons, she’d certainly make for a cinematic villain too.

Charlize Theron, with her action movie prowess (most notably in Atomic Blonde), killer glare and penchant for villain roles could fill Deathbird with dread and menace.