When Marvel finally gets around to introducing Knull, the symbiote god and embodiment of pure cosmic evil, into the MCU, they won’t be able to just cast whoever they want. This is no ordinary villain. Knull is the brains behind Venom, Carnage, and an entire legion of symbiotes spawned from darkness. The actor who takes on the role of Knull will have to have a certain level of menace, charm, and that “I can destroy the universe before I have my morning coffee” type of swagger. So, who would be able to do that? Here’s a countdown of 10 actors who would absolutely kill it as the King in Black, starting with number 10 and working their way up to the final pick.
10. Denzel Washington
Not many actors have the presence on screen that Denzel has. He has the same intensity that he showed in Training Day and Fences. He has the power to make any character seem larger than life. It would be interesting to see him as Knull. He would be able to turn the symbiote god into a menacing character. Denzel has the power to make danger seem real and attractive.
9. Joaquin Phoenix
If you want unpredictable and unsettling, then Joaquin’s your guy. From Joker to Gladiator, he lives for characters enshrouded in chaos and vulnerability. Picture him unleashing that intensity upon an ancient beast consumed by rage.
8. Adam Driver
Adam Driver is a perfect fit for roles that combine raw power with emotional depth. Whether it’s Kylo Ren’s tortured rage or his heart-wrenching performance in Marriage Story, Driver may be able to bring both physicality and gravitas to Knull.
7. Willem Dafoe
Dafoe already proved he can play a larger-than-life villain. His Green Goblin remains one of Marvel’s best, and his unnerving charm would make his performance of Knull unforgettable.
6. Michael Fassbender
Fassbender is good at playing villains—proof of which is his Magneto. He could easily tap into Knull’s hatred of the Celestials and introduce tragedy to the symbiote god, making him more than just another doomsman.
5. Daniel Day-Lewis
Yes, he’s retired—but imagine if he came back for this. Day-Lewis immerses himself into each role, and with the same unhinging energy he applied to There Will Be Blood, he could remake the concept of what a Marvel villain is.
4. Robert Pattinson
Pattinson is one of the most intriguing actors currently working. From The Lighthouse to The Batman, he is preeminent in darker, stranger parts. He’d bring unpredictability and fresh energy to Knull.
3. Ralph Fiennes
Cold, calculating, and downright chilling—Ralph Fiennes already treated us to Voldemort, one of the all-time great movie villains. He could bring that same ice-cold arrogance to Knull, playing a god you actually fear.
2. Javier Bardem
Few actors capture menace as well as Bardem. His Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men continues to haunt viewers. With his resonant voice and authoritative on-screen presence, he would be able to make Knull seem less of a character and more of a force of nature.
1. Cillian Murphy
Murphy is all about silent intensity. From Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders to Scarecrow in Batman Begins, he infuses his characters with a hypnotic, almost supernatural level of energy. His unblinking stare alone would be enough to sell Knull as an ancient, unstopable god.
Sure, Marvel might surprise us all and give the role to a totally unexpected person—perhaps someone like Tilda Swinton in a creepy, alien incarnation, or even Tom Hardy for a symbiote-enhanced battle royal with himself. Whatever, though, whoever it is, it needs to be an actor who can convey weight, threat, and a bit of rockstar unpredictability to one of Marvel’s most frightening foes. The King in Black is worth no less.