Recasting Every Stranger Things Star in the MCU

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As a huge fan of both Stranger Things and the MCU, I’m really hoping to see some of the cast land roles in Marvel projects once Stranger Things is officially done. The Duffer brothers just wrapped up an amazing run with the show – nearly ten years of following the kids in Hawkins battling monsters from another dimension! Now that the main story is over, and while we’ll probably get spin-offs, the actors should have more time to take on new challenges, and I’d love to see them join the MCU!

Several actors from Stranger Things have already appeared in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects. Joe Chrest, who played Ted Wheeler on Stranger Things, also appeared as Frank in Ant-Man. Rob Morgan, known as Officer Powell in Stranger Things, played Turk Barrett in the Defenders Saga. Randy Havens, who played Scott Clarke on Stranger Things, has taken on smaller roles in the MCU. David Harbour and Joseph Quinn have significant MCU roles as Red Guardian and Human Torch, respectively, and more of their Stranger Things colleagues might join them in future Marvel films as some of the universe’s most compelling characters.

15) Winona Ryder as Mary Parker

Winona Ryder became popular again thanks to her role as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things, and she excels at playing strong, protective mothers. This has led fans to imagine her taking on another maternal role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – as Peter Parker’s mother, Mary Parker. While Spider-Man’s parents haven’t been explored much in the MCU, future movies could delve into their history, and Ryder would be a fantastic choice. In the Marvel comics, Mary Parker was a skilled agent, and Ryder has already demonstrated her ability to play such a character convincingly.

14) Brett Gelman as Doctor Faustus

Brett Gelman, known for his comedic roles, became a popular character on Stranger Things as Murray Bauman starting in season 2. While fans love him in that role, it would be exciting to see him play a more serious character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A good fit would be Doctor Faustus, an Austrian psychiatrist and criminal mastermind who uses psychological tactics – a role previously portrayed in Agent Carter, but that version isn’t officially part of the MCU storyline. Gelman could bring a unique and compelling take to this formidable villain.

13) Natalia Dyer as Kitty Pryde’s Shadowcat

Natalia Dyer, known for her role as Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things, has consistently played a smart, resourceful, and capable character – skills that would fit perfectly with the mutant Shadowcat in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Marvel preparing to reboot the X-Men, bringing Shadowcat into the team would be a great addition. At 30 years old, Dyer is also the right age to explore a potential romance between Shadowcat and Star-Lord, creating an exciting new power couple for Marvel fans.

12) Charlie Heaton as Sam Guthrie’s Cannonball

Though best known for playing Jonathan Byers on Stranger Things, Charlie Heaton briefly entered the Marvel universe as Cannonball in The New Mutants. Unfortunately, the film wasn’t successful, which overshadowed his performance. Heaton was actually a standout in The New Mutants and deserves another chance to play Cannonball. In Marvel comics, Cannonball is associated with several major teams, including the X-Men and the Avengers, meaning a return for Heaton could lead to a significant role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

11) Joe Keery as Rick Jones

It’s surprising Rick Jones hasn’t appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet, but Joe Keery might be the perfect actor for the role. Keery is known for playing Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, and has convincingly portrayed a character who evolved from a typical high schooler into a heroic figure. He’s demonstrated action abilities, a great sense of humor, and the potential to be a fantastic sidekick – qualities that would fit well with characters like the Hulk or Captain Marvel. In Marvel Comics, Rick Jones is an important character, even without superpowers, and that relatable, everyman quality would be a good match for Keery. Plus, Jones is a guitarist, giving Keery a chance to showcase his own musical skills as Djo in the MCU.

10) Maya Hawke as Crystal

Following her father Ethan Hawke’s role in Moon Knight, many fans are hoping to see Maya Hawke join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hawke gained widespread praise for her performance as Robin Buckley in Stranger Things, and it would be exciting to see her play a similarly captivating character in the MCU – perhaps as the Inhuman, Crystal. This would create a fun connection, as Hawke’s Stranger Things co-star Joe Quinn could play Johnny Storm, Crystal’s love interest. Introducing Crystal could also give the Inhumans a fresh start after their previous attempts at live-action adaptations didn’t quite succeed, especially since Black Bolt already appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Seeing Hawke as an Inhuman princess would be a great fit.

9) Finn Wolfhard as Kurt Wagner’s Nightcrawler

Finn Wolfhard has become a popular actor thanks to his role in Stranger Things, and he’s also impressed audiences in films like It and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Many fans would love to see him join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he’d be a great fit as the agile and enigmatic Nightcrawler. While Alan Cumming is reprising the role in Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel is seemingly aiming for a younger cast for its X-Men reboot, and Wolfhard’s talent and popularity could be a real asset to the character.

8) Gaten Matarazzo as Hank McCoy’s Beast

Gaten Matarazzo is so well-known as the smart and quirky Dustin Henderson from Stranger Things that he’d be a great fit to play a younger version of Beast, the iconic X-Men hero. Marvel Studios is likely planning to reimagine Beast for the main Marvel Cinematic Universe, and after Kelsey Grammer reprises the role, a fresh take is needed. Matarazzo could bring a new, energetic feel to the character. As one of the original X-Men in the comics, Beast deserves a more significant role in the MCU team.

7) Caleb McLaughlin as Harry Osborn

As a huge Marvel fan, I remember everyone wanting Caleb McLaughlin to be the next Miles Morales – but honestly, at 24, he’s probably grown out of the role. I’ve been thinking, though, if Colman Domingo is going to jump from voicing in the animated Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man series to playing Norman Osborn in live-action, Caleb would be perfect as Harry Osborn! It would be awesome to see him paired with Tom Holland, continuing that best-friend dynamic between Harry and Peter. Plus, I think Caleb has the acting chops – he’s great at both serious drama and comedy, and we’ve seen he can handle the physical side of things. It’d set him up for some really interesting and surprising storylines down the line, and honestly, it just feels like a really inspired casting choice for Harry Osborn in the MCU.

6) Priah Ferguson as Lunella Lafayette’s Moon Girl

Priah Ferguson, who plays Erica Sinclair—the younger sister of Lucas in Stranger Things—is a strong candidate to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Many fans believe she’d be perfect as Lunella Lafayette, also known as Moon Girl. Moon Girl first appeared in Marvel Comics in 2015 as an incredibly intelligent Inhuman, and Ferguson has already shown she can convincingly portray a gifted character like this with her role as Erica. While Moon Girl has starred in the animated series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, it would be exciting to see her brought to life in a live-action film, potentially as a future member of teams like the Young Avengers or Champions.

5) Noah Schnapp as Bobby Drake’s Iceman

Noah Schnapp’s portrayal of Will Byers in Stranger Things, particularly his journey of self-discovery and coming out, resonated with many viewers. This makes him a strong candidate to bring similar representation to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Marvel Comics, the X-Men’s Iceman (Bobby Drake) was revealed to be gay in 2015, which opened up important and thoughtful storylines. The MCU could benefit from this kind of representation, and Schnapp would be a fantastic choice to play the role, especially given Iceman’s status as a powerful and well-known hero.

4) Sadie Sink as Jean Grey

As a huge cinema fan, I was so excited to hear that Sadie Sink, who I absolutely loved as Max in Stranger Things, is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Spider-Man: Brand New Day! Everyone’s buzzing about who she’ll play, and there’s been tons of fan speculation – some think she’d be a great Gwen Stacy, Mayday Parker, or even Mary Jane. But honestly, I think she’d be amazing as Jean Grey. That character deserves a really powerful performance after a couple of disappointing live-action attempts, and Sadie has the acting chops to absolutely nail it. Seriously, look at her work in Stranger Things, The Whale, and O’Dessa – she’s proven she can handle complex and demanding roles. I think she’d bring something truly special to Jean Grey.

3) Millie Bobby Brown as Betsy Braddock’s Psylocke

Millie Bobby Brown became a central figure in Stranger Things as Eleven, a character with psychic powers who escaped from Hawkins Lab and was a key part of the show’s biggest secrets. Over the past ten years, Brown has played an American character despite being British, and it would be exciting to see her portray a British character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Betsy Braddock would be a great fit, either as Captain Britain or the X-Men’s Psylocke. Brown has the charisma, acting talent, and ability to handle action scenes needed to play Psylocke, and she could bring a fresh, vibrant personality to the role.

2) Jamie Campbell Bower as Knull

Jamie Campbell Bower quickly became a standout star in Stranger Things season 4, playing the villain Henry Creel, also known as Vecna, or One. He skillfully portrayed both the human Creel and the terrifying Vecna, demonstrating a range that would make him perfect for the role of Knull in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Knull appeared briefly in Venom: The Last Dance using CGI and motion capture by Andy Serkis, with the future of Venom potentially leading to the MCU, it would be exciting to see Knull fully realized. Bower would bring the necessary energy, darkness, and intensity to make Knull a truly memorable and powerful villain.

1) Nell Fisher as Valeria Richards

Nell Fisher, known for her role as Holly Wheeler in Stranger Things, recently had a larger part in the show’s fifth season. At 14 years old, she’s now a strong candidate to play Valeria Richards, the daughter of Reed and Sue Storm, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Valeria has a complex backstory involving time travel and is often depicted as being more mature than her brother, Franklin Richards. Fisher’s experience playing a heroic character like Holly makes her well-suited for the intelligent and powerful role of Valeria. With rumors suggesting Valeria’s MCU debut in Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, it would be a seamless transition for Fisher to move from Stranger Things to the MCU.

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2026-01-09 17:16