Every MCU Character The Rock Could've Played

If Dwayne Johnson were to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are a handful of Marvel superheroes that he could have brought to life on the big screen. Though no Marvel role is currently on the horizon for the actor, it’s been confirmed that some conversations were held regarding the possibility before the Rock's appearance as the titular anti-hero in the DCEU's 2022 film, Black Adam. As one of this generation's most popular action stars, it's not surprising that many had been calling for Johnson to play a major superhero, with the two largest superhero franchises, the MCU and the DC Universe, being a great draw for the actor.

Both Marvel and DC have a massive library of characters at their disposal, with DC Comics' kicking off in 1937, and Marvel Comics dating back to 1939. Johnson landed on Black Adam in 2014, after almost a decade of choosing between Adam and Shazam, later portrayed by Zachary Levi. While Johnson's casting as Black Adam seemed to dash any possibility of him joining the MCU, it was suggested that the actor had discussed “a few ideas” with Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige. After the poor critical reception and box office for Black Adam, and the reset of the DCEU, it's possible that Johnson could have a future in the MCU.

Namor the Sub-Mariner

Prior to Tenoch Huerta's casting as Namor for Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, it was speculated that Dwayne Johnson could have taken over the iconic role for the MCU. Namor and Black Adam share several similarities that would have perhaps made Johnson the perfect fit. Both characters are regarded as anti-heroes, who have cultivated angry, brooding personalities, and their goals often put them at odds with their fellow heroes. Johnson would have perhaps portrayed a much more steadfast and brutal version of Namor in the MCU, but now that Huerta appears to have a bright future in the franchise, Johnson's fate may lie elsewhere.

Hyperion

More so than Black Adam, Hyperion could have been the Rock's own Superman role. As an Eternal in Marvel Comics, Hyperion possesses a number of abilities that make him comparable to DC's Man of Steel, proving on multiple occasions that he is powerful enough to tangle with the strongest characters in Marvel's roster, including the likes of Hercules, Thor, the Hulk, and more. Hyperion leads the alternate reality team known as the Squadron Supreme, a pastiche of DC's Justice League, so Dwayne Johnson in the role of this super-powerful being could have been a fun twist on the Superman formula, though much less dark than his portrayal of Black Adam.

The Thing

Arguably the most iconic character that could work for Johnson is Ben Grimm, a.k.a. the Thing, an original member of the Fantastic Four. Using CGI, the Rock could be transformed into the Thing, adding a lot of star-power and enthusiasm to the third live-action adaptation of Marvel's First Family, and the first developed under the Marvel Studios banner. It would be fitting for Johnson's MCU character to be one of Marvel Comics' most powerful heroes, and the actor's comedic chops could enhance the family dynamic and banter between the MCU's new team. Casting for Fantastic Four hasn't yet been revealed, but Johnson would make a solid choice for the Thing.

Silver Surfer

Fox already brought the Silver Surfer to the big screen in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Doug Jones and voiced by Laurence Fishburne. Though Johnson's version of the cosmically-enhanced Herald of Galactus would be far different, his physicality is perhaps more reminiscent of the muscular Silver Surfer shown in the pages of Marvel Comics. With Fantastic Four on the horizon for Marvel Studios, speculation is stirring about when the MCU will debut the Silver Surfer, with some theorizing that Galactus could be the next major villain after Kang the Conqueror, so this might be the perfect role for Johnson in the MCU's future.

Ares

While Hercules is often a name that pops up when discussing Johnson joining the MCU, perhaps a better fit for the actor would be the Greek god Ares, Hercules' greatest enemy. Johnson already portrayed a non-MCU version of Hercules in a 2014 movie, so avoiding this casting would side-step any confusion, and Ares would be a much greater challenge for the Rock. As a ruthless killing machine and one of Marvel's most notorious supervillains, the God of War would allow Johnson to play a different character, and potentially mark the start of a bright future in the MCU, perhaps even as a member of the sinister Dark Avengers.

Wonder Man

Before Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was cast as Simon Williams, a.k.a. Wonder Man, Johnson was speculated to be taking on this epic role. While Williams is a supremely powerful superhero, he also differs from the other Avengers by wanting to work at a different occupation, splitting his time between fighting with the Avengers and starring in Hollywood movies. This would have been the perfect role for Dwayne Johnson, as he could have leaned on his action hero persona and experience in comedy and dramatic acting perfectly. Even so, Abdul-Mateen II is set to bring Williams to life in the upcoming Wonder Man Disney+ series for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.