Top 15 Actors Who Could Bring Carnage to Life in the MCU
Cletus Kasady, better known as Carnage, is one of Marvel’s most unhinged villains. A psychopathic serial killer bonded with a vicious alien symbiote, he’s a chaotic force who thrives on destruction. Casting this role for the Marvel Cinematic Universe demands an actor who can capture his chilling madness and physical intensity.
We need someone who can embody a deranged mind, deliver unpredictable energy, and match the symbiote’s feral nature. From rising stars to seasoned performers, here are 15 actors who haven’t appeared in the MCU but could nail the role of Carnage.
15. Steven Ogg
Steven Ogg has a knack for playing wild, unhinged characters. His role as Trevor Philips in ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ showed he can dive deep into a volatile psyche, blending menace with dark humor. Ogg’s intense stare and unpredictable energy would make Cletus Kasady a terrifying presence.
His physicality is another plus. Ogg’s lean frame and expressive movements could bring the symbiote’s fluid, violent nature to life. He’d likely revel in the chance to portray a character as chaotic as Carnage.
14. Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lillard’s manic energy made him unforgettable as Stu in ‘Scream’ (1996). His ability to flip between goofy and sinister would suit Cletus Kasady’s twisted personality. Lillard’s improvisational skills could add a layer of spontaneity to Carnage’s unpredictable nature.
He’s also no stranger to physical roles. His lanky build and animated expressions would translate well to the symbiote’s wild, shape-shifting movements. Lillard could make Carnage both creepy and captivating.
13. Caleb Landry Jones
Caleb Landry Jones has a knack for unsettling roles. In ‘Get Out’ (2017), he played a creepy, off-kilter character with ease. His ability to convey a quiet intensity would give Cletus Kasady a chilling edge before the symbiote takes over.
Jones’s wiry frame and expressive face could bring Carnage’s feral energy to the screen. He’s adept at playing characters who feel like they’re teetering on the edge, perfect for a psychopath like Kasady.
12. Boyd Holbrook
Boyd Holbrook’s performance in ‘Justified: City Primeval’ (2023) showed he can handle gritty, dangerous characters. His ability to mix charm with menace would make Cletus Kasady a compelling villain. Holbrook could play up Kasady’s deceptive charisma before unleashing his darker side.
His athletic build would suit Carnage’s physical demands. Holbrook’s experience in action-heavy roles ensures he could handle the symbiote’s brutal fight scenes with ease.
11. Jackie Earle Haley
Jackie Earle Haley has a history of playing dark, complex characters. His role as Rorschach in ‘Watchmen’ (2009) proved he can embody intense, morally ambiguous figures. Haley could bring a brooding depth to Cletus Kasady’s madness.
His smaller stature doesn’t limit his presence. Haley’s ability to convey raw emotion would make Carnage’s violent outbursts feel grounded yet terrifyingly real.
10. Cameron Monaghan
Cameron Monaghan’s work as Jerome and Jeremiah in ‘Gotham’ (2014-2019) showed his range in playing unhinged villains. His ability to balance charm, cruelty, and chaos would make him a strong fit for Cletus Kasady. Monaghan could capture the serial killer’s twisted psyche effortlessly.
Physically, Monaghan’s lean build and expressive features align with Carnage’s frenetic energy. His experience with dark, psychological roles would bring depth to the symbiote’s host.
9. Joseph Gilgun
Joe Gilgun’s role as Cassidy in ‘Preacher’ (2016-2019) highlighted his ability to play wild, unpredictable characters. His manic energy and dark humor would fit Cletus Kasady’s deranged personality perfectly. Gilgun could make the villain both terrifying and oddly charismatic.
His physicality is another strength. Gilgun’s wiry frame and dynamic movements would translate well to Carnage’s fluid, violent transformations, making him a standout choice.
8. Pablo Schreiber
Pablo Schreiber’s intense performance in ‘American Gods’ (2017-2021) showed he can handle complex, volatile characters. His ability to convey quiet menace would give Cletus Kasady a chilling depth. Schreiber could make the serial killer’s calm moments as unsettling as his violent ones.
His imposing physique would also work for Carnage’s physicality. Schreiber’s experience in action roles ensures he could handle the symbiote’s brutal, shape-shifting combat style.
7. Bill Skarsgård
Bill Skarsgård’s chilling portrayal of Pennywise in ‘It’ (2017) proved he can embody terrifying villains. His ability to mix eerie calm with explosive menace would suit Cletus Kasady’s psychopathic nature. Skarsgård could make every scene feel unpredictable.
His lanky frame and expressive movements would bring Carnage’s chaotic energy to life. Skarsgård’s knack for unsettling characters makes him a natural fit for this role.
6. Rory McCann
Rory McCann’s role as Sandor Clegane in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019) showed his ability to play intense, intimidating figures. His raw physical presence would give Cletus Kasady a unique edge, blending brute force with unhinged madness.
McCann’s towering build would make Carnage’s symbiote form feel massive and threatening. His ability to convey deep-seated rage would add a new layer to the character’s chaos.
5. Jamie Bell
Jamie Bell’s performance in ‘Filth’ (2013) showed he can handle dark, unhinged characters. His ability to portray a spiraling psyche would fit Cletus Kasady’s descent into madness. Bell could bring a raw, emotional intensity to the role.
His athletic background, seen in ‘Billy Elliot’ (2000), would help with Carnage’s dynamic fight scenes. Bell’s versatility makes him a surprising but strong choice for the villain.
4. Taron Egerton
Taron Egerton’s role in ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2015) showed his charisma and physical prowess. He could play Cletus Kasady as a charming yet deeply disturbed figure, making the villain’s madness feel layered and real.
Egerton’s athleticism would shine in Carnage’s action scenes. His ability to balance intensity with charm would make Kasady a captivating and terrifying antagonist.
3. Robert Knepper
Robert Knepper’s chilling performance in ‘Prison Break’ (2005-2017) showed he can play menacing, calculating villains. His ability to convey quiet menace would make Cletus Kasady feel like a ticking time bomb, ready to unleash chaos.
Knepper’s lean frame and intense presence would suit Carnage’s fluid, violent nature. His experience with dark roles ensures he could handle the symbiote’s brutal energy.
2. Michael C. Hall
Michael C. Hall’s role as Dexter Morgan in ‘Dexter’ (2006-2013) proved he can play a complex serial killer. His ability to blend charm, darkness, and inner conflict would give Cletus Kasady a haunting depth. Hall could make the character feel both human and monstrous.
His physicality, honed through intense roles, would fit Carnage’s aggressive style. Hall’s knack for layered performances makes him a top contender for the part.
1. Sam Rockwell
Sam Rockwell’s wild energy in ‘The Green Mile’ (1999) showed he can play unhinged characters with depth. His ability to mix charisma, menace, and unpredictability would make Cletus Kasady a standout villain. Rockwell could bring a unique, electrifying edge to the role.
His physical versatility, seen in ‘Moon’ (2009), would suit Carnage’s shape-shifting chaos. Rockwell’s talent for stealing scenes makes him the perfect choice to embody this iconic villain.
Who do you think would make the best Cletus Kasady, or did we miss a great pick? Drop your thoughts in the comments!