TV Shows That Race-Bent Villains and Confused Everyone

Television producers frequently update the appearance of classic antagonists when adapting stories for a modern audience. These changes often involve casting actors whose ethnic backgrounds differ from the original source material to provide a fresh take on the narrative. While many of these updates are seamless, some fans find the departures from the established source material to be quite striking. This list highlights several instances where villains in popular television series were race bent during the casting process.

‘The Boys’ (2019–)

A-Train is a member of the elite superhero team known as the Seven who possesses incredible super speed. Jessie T. Usher plays the character as a Black man who struggles with fame and drug addiction throughout the series. In the original comic books by Garth Ennis, the character is depicted as a white man with a different costume design. This change allowed the show to explore complex themes regarding corporate marketing and racial identity in professional sports. He remains a central antagonist whose selfish actions often cause significant collateral damage for the main protagonists.

‘The Boys’ (2019–)

Black Noir is a silent and deadly member of the Seven who hides his face behind a dark mask. While the original comic character is a white clone of a major hero, the television series cast Nathan Mitchell who is a Black actor. This change significantly altered the mystery surrounding the character’s origins and his role within the Vought organization. The show eventually revealed the man under the mask during flashback sequences that explored his tragic past. This version of the character became a fan favorite for his unique physical performance and mysterious nature.

‘Krypton’ (2018–2019)

General Zod is one of the most famous enemies of Superman and is traditionally depicted as a white man in comics and films. In this prequel series, Colin Salmon brought the character to life as a Black military leader from the future. This version of Zod traveled back in time to change the fate of his home planet and ensure its survival. The casting choice added a new layer of gravitas to the iconic villain and his interactions with the House of El. Many viewers found his performance to be a highlight of the short lived series.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–)

Padan Fain is a sinister peddler who serves as a recurring antagonist and a spy for the Dark One. Johann Myers was cast in the role, providing a different ethnic background than the pale and gaunt description found in the novels by Robert Jordan. This version of the character maintains his eerie presence and manipulative nature as he pursues the heroes across the world. The shift in his appearance helped modernize the cast while keeping the core elements of his villainous journey intact. His role remains pivotal to the unfolding conflict between the forces of light and shadow.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–)

Ishamael is the leader of the Forsaken and the most powerful lieutenant of the Dark One. Fares Fares, who is of Lebanese and Swedish descent, portrays the character with a weary and philosophical menace. In the original book series, the character is generally depicted with a different visual aesthetic rooted in traditional European fantasy. This casting choice provided a more international and timeless feel to the ancient being who has lived through countless ages. His scenes often focus on the psychological warfare he wages against the Dragon Reborn.

‘One Piece’ (2023–)

Alvida is the first pirate captain encountered by Monkey D. Luffy and is known for her iron mace and cruel personality. Ilia Isorelýs Paulino brought the character to life in the live action adaptation with a performance that captured her commanding presence. While the character in the manga and anime has a different visual design, the show utilized a Latina actress to ground the character in its vibrant world. This change provided a unique look for the antagonist that fit the stylized aesthetic of the series. Fans were curious to see how her potential return would be handled in future seasons.

‘Locke & Key’ (2020–2022)

Dodge is a demonic entity that takes on many forms to manipulate the members of the Locke family and steal their magical keys. Laysla De Oliveira portrayed the primary female form of the character as a sophisticated and ruthless antagonist. In the original graphic novels, the character has a more varied set of appearances including different ethnicities and genders. The show decided to focus on a Latina actress to provide a consistent and striking face for the villain. Her portrayal was praised for being both alluring and terrifying as she hunted for power.

‘The Peripheral’ (2022)

Cherise Nuland is a high ranking official in a future version of London who acts as a cold and calculated antagonist. T’Nia Miller played the role, bringing a Black actress to a character that was originally written as white in the novel by William Gibson. Her performance emphasized the character’s absolute control over technology and her willingness to eliminate any threats to the status quo. The casting choice added a regal and imposing quality to the villainous leader. This version of the character served as a formidable obstacle for the protagonists who were trying to save their own timeline.

‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021–2024)

Dr. Aditya Singh is a complex character whose desperate search for a cure for the Sick leads him into villainous territory. Adeel Akhtar portrayed the doctor as a man of Indian descent who is deeply conflicted by the ethical cost of his experiments. In the original comic books, the character is depicted as white and has a very different personal background. This change allowed the show to explore different cultural perspectives on sacrifice and family. His journey from a healer to a man willing to commit atrocities made him one of the most interesting figures in the show.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–)

Medusa is a tragic and dangerous figure from Greek mythology who appears as an early antagonist for the young demigods. Jessica Parker Kennedy, who is of Black and white heritage, provided a nuanced and sympathetic performance as the cursed gorgon. The original books do not specify her ethnicity but the character is traditionally depicted as white in many western adaptations. This version focused on the history of her betrayal by the gods and her resulting bitterness toward heroes. Her appearance was a major talking point for fans who were interested in the show’s diverse casting approach.

‘Foundation’ (2021–)

Tellem Bond is a powerful psychic leader who serves as a major antagonist during the second season of this epic science fiction series. Rachel House brought her Maori heritage to the role, creating a character with a unique and commanding presence on the screen. While the character exists in a different form in the original novels by Isaac Asimov, this version was specifically reimagined for the television adaptation. Her performance focused on the manipulative and protective nature of a leader who seeks to preserve her own kind at any cost. This change helped diversify the sprawling galaxy depicted in the show.

‘His Dark Materials’ (2019–2022)

Lord Carlo Boreal is a high ranking official in the Magisterium who frequently crosses between worlds to fulfill his personal ambitions. Ariyon Bakare played the character as a Black man whose charm and intelligence masked a truly ruthless and opportunistic nature. In the original book series by Philip Pullman, Boreal is described as an older white man who hides his true intentions behind a veil of respectability. The television series updated the character to be more physically active and directly involved in the hunt for the subtle knife. This version was a constant threat to the young protagonists during their journey.

‘Legion’ (2017–2019)

Amahl Farouk is an ancient and powerful parasitic mutant also known as the Shadow King. Navid Negahban brought the character to life with an Iranian influence that added a rich layer of mystery and power to the role. While the character in Marvel Comics is Egyptian, he has been depicted in many different ways across various media. The show’s decision to utilize a Middle Eastern actor helped ground the character’s long history and mythological status. His performance was widely acclaimed for its terrifying elegance and psychological depth.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–)

Ser Criston Cole is a member of the Kingsguard whose personal bitterness leads him to become a primary antagonist in the civil war. Fabien Frankel, who is of mixed heritage, portrays the knight with an intensity that highlights his descent into vengeance. The character in the source material is described as having coal black hair and olive skin but the casting of a biracial actor added a specific visual identity to the role. His actions are driven by a sense of wounded pride and rigid morality that fuels the central conflict. This version of the character remains one of the most divisive figures in the series.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

Mazikeen is a fierce demon from Hell who serves as the loyal companion and occasional antagonist to the titular character. Lesley-Ann Brandt brought her South African heritage to the role, creating a unique and formidable presence on the screen. In the original DC Vertigo comics, the character is depicted as a white woman with a face that is half human and half skeletal. The show’s version used a Black actress and replaced the skeletal face with subtle scars to fit the more grounded tone of the series. Her character development from a simple enforcer to a complex individual was a key part of the show.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

Amenadiel is an angel who initially serves as an antagonist by trying to force his brother to return to the underworld. D.B. Woodside portrayed the character as a Black man with a regal and powerful demeanor that commanded respect. The comic book version of the character is a white angel with a more traditional and austere appearance. By casting a Black actor, the show created a different dynamic for the heavenly host and their relationship with humanity. His journey from an antagonistic brother to a protector of Earth provided many of the show’s most emotional moments.

‘Marvel’s Luke Cage’ (2016–2018)

Nightshade is a brilliant but dangerous woman named Tilda Johnson who becomes an antagonist during the second season. Gabrielle Dennis played the character as a Black woman with a background in holistic medicine and a complicated relationship with her mother. In the original comics, the character has been depicted in various ways but her television appearance focused on a modern Harlem setting. This version of the character was more grounded and realistic than the campy scientist seen in earlier comic iterations. Her transition into a villainous figure was a slow and tragic process that added depth to the story.

‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ (2013–2020)

Sunil Bakshi is a loyal and high ranking operative of Hydra who frequently causes trouble for the team of heroes. Simon Kassianides, who is of Greek and English descent, played the character with a cold and professional menace. While the character does not have a direct comic book counterpart, he serves as a representative of the international reach of the villainous organization. His casting added to the diverse and global feel of the antagonists throughout the early seasons of the show. Many viewers enjoyed his performance as a dedicated villain who remained steadfast in his extremist beliefs.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Dante is a character who appears as a trusted member of the community before revealing himself to be a spy for the Whisperers. Juan Javier Cardenas, a Latino actor, portrayed the character with a charming and helpful personality that masked his true intentions. In the comic book series, Dante is a white man who is a loyal and long term ally to the survivors. This change in race and motivation served as a shocking twist for fans who were expecting a faithful adaptation of the comic hero. His betrayal led to one of the most tragic and memorable deaths in the later seasons.

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

Marco Inaros is a charismatic and dangerous leader of a radical splinter group of Belters who wages war against Earth and Mars. Keon Alexander, who is of Middle Eastern descent, brought an intense and magnetic energy to the role of the revolutionary villain. While the book series describes the Belters as a diverse and mixed group, the specific casting for Marco gave him a distinct cultural and visual presence. His actions resulted in the deaths of millions and fundamentally changed the balance of power in the solar system. This version of the character was praised for being a truly formidable and complex threat.

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

Jules-Pierre Mao is a wealthy and ruthless corporate leader whose experiments with the protomolecule cause a system wide crisis. Francois Chau, a Cambodian American actor, portrayed the character as a man whose ambition blinded him to the human cost of his work. In the original novels, the character is generally depicted with a different ethnic background. The television series used an Asian actor to lead the powerful Mao-Kwikowski Mercantile and its various unethical projects. His performance captured the arrogance and eventual downfall of a man who thought he could control a godlike alien technology.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

Marlize DeVoe is the brilliant engineer and wife of the primary antagonist during the fourth season of the series. Kim Engelbrecht, a South African actress, played the role as a woman whose loyalty to her husband’s mission pushed her to commit terrible acts. The comic book version of the character is typically shown as white and has a much smaller role in the story. This casting choice allowed the show to explore a diverse and high stakes relationship between the two main villains. Her performance was noted for its emotional complexity and its importance to the season’s overarching plot.

‘One Piece’ (2023–)

Lucky Roux is a member of the Red-Haired Pirates and a loyal subordinate to the legendary Captain Shanks. Milton Schorr, a white actor, was cast to play the role which has traditionally been depicted with a different look in the original anime. This minor character is known for his incredible speed despite his large stature and his constant habit of eating a piece of meat. The live action adaptation changed his visual identity to fit the unique world building of the show. Fans were interested to see how all the members of this iconic pirate crew would be reimagined for a new medium.

‘Preacher’ (2016–2019)

Tulip O’Hare is a skilled markswoman and the occasional antagonist to the moral quest of the main character. Ruth Negga, who is of Ethiopian and Irish descent, portrayed the character as a fierce and unpredictable force of nature. In the original comic books by Garth Ennis, Tulip is a white woman with blonde hair. This change in race was a significant departure but was widely praised for the depth and energy the actress brought to the role. Her complex history and violent tendencies made her one of the most compelling characters in the entire series.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–)

High Lord Turak is a formidable leader of the Seanchan invasion force who prides himself on his martial skill and noble heritage. David Gyasi, a Black actor, portrayed the character with a regal and alien quality that emphasized the strange customs of his people. The book series describes the character in a way that left his specific ethnicity open to interpretation but the show chose a Black actor for the role. This version of the character provided a memorable and high stakes duel with the protagonist. His appearance helped establish the unique and intimidating culture of the Seanchan empire.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Baghra is a powerful and mysterious mentor who eventually reveals her dark connection to the primary antagonist of the series. Zoë Wanamaker, who has a diverse heritage, played the character as a sharp and uncompromising teacher. While the source material has specific descriptions for her ethnicity, the show utilized an actress with a unique visual presence to match her ancient status. Her performance captured the wisdom and the secret burden of a woman who had lived for hundreds of years. This version of the character was instrumental in guiding the hero toward her true potential.

‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)

Mr. Town is an operative for the New Gods who is tasked with extracting information from the protagonist through brutal means. Walid Zuaiter, an actor of Palestinian descent, played the character as a professional and terrifying agent of progress. In the original novel by Neil Gaiman, the character is depicted as a white man working within a shadowy government organization. The television show updated the character and his team to reflect a more diverse and modern corporate structure. His scenes added a sense of espionage and danger to the struggle between the old and new deities.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–)

Lyta Hall is a woman whose grief and connection to the dream world lead her to become a potential threat to the King of Dreams. Razane Jammal, a Lebanese actress, portrayed the character as she dealt with the loss of her husband and the birth of her unique child. The comic book version of Lyta is traditionally white and has a different superhero background tied to the DC Universe. This version focused on her human tragedy and her growing resentment toward the dream world. Her performance added a rich emotional core to the later chapters of the first season.

‘Snowpiercer’ (2020–2024)

Miss Audrey is the powerful and influential madam of the Nightcar who often acts as a manipulative antagonist to the train’s leaders. Lena Hall, who has a mixed heritage, brought a soulful and commanding presence to the role in this post apocalyptic drama. While the character does not have a direct counterpart in the original graphic novels, she serves as a key player in the train’s social hierarchy. Her performance focused on the character’s ability to control the emotions and secrets of those around her. This version added a unique and diverse voice to the struggle for survival on the frozen Earth.

‘Marvel’s Iron Fist’ (2017–2018)

Zhou Cheng is a skilled martial artist and an agent of the Hand who serves as a dangerous obstacle for the protagonist. Lewis Tan, an actor of half Chinese and half British descent, played the character as a formidable and drunken style fighter. In the comics, the character is a legendary defender of K’un-Lun who has a very different role and appearance. The show reimagined him as a modern enforcer who utilized his skills to protect the interests of a global criminal syndicate. His casting brought a high level of authenticity to the combat sequences of the series.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

Prudence Blackwood is a powerful witch and a frequent rival to the main character within the Church of Night. Tati Gabrielle, an actress of Black and Korean descent, played the character with a sharp and commanding intensity. In the original Archie Comics, the character is depicted as a white girl who is part of a different social group. This version reimagined her as a formidable leader of the Weird Sisters and the daughter of the high priest. Her character arc from a cruel antagonist to a complex ally was a significant part of the series.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

Agatha is one of the Weird Sisters who delights in using her dark magic to torment others at the Academy of Unseen Arts. Adeline Rudolph, a biracial actress of German and Korean descent, portrayed the character as a cruel and devoted follower of her sisters. Like Prudence, the original comic version of the character was white and lacked the specific cultural background seen in the show. This change helped create a more diverse and visually interesting group of young witches. Her performance emphasized the character’s malicious nature and her eventual descent into madness.

Please share which of these casting choices surprised you the most in the comments.