![Marvel’s Missed Opportunities: Two Times They Wasted a Top Actor in Three Years](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bill-skarsgard-marvel-avengers-deadpool-640x375.webp)
It’s hard to comprehend that Marvel, both within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and beyond, squandered the immense potential of a remarkable actor not once, but twice, in a mere three-year span. Since its inception, the MCU has featured a plethora of talented actors, ranging from Shakespearean legends like Anthony Hopkins to the immensely charismatic Robert Downey Jr., who is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The franchise’s history is rich with exceptional performances, leaving fans excited for the future.
In addition to the MCU, the wider Marvel multiverse has also showcased top-tier talent. The Fox X-Men series, for example, starred iconic actors such as Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Given this pedigree, audiences are eager to see Marvel continue this tradition of casting exceptional actors in pivotal roles. However, there is a mutinous wish among fans: that Marvel will not repeat past missteps in how they utilize gifted performers.
Bill Skarsgård: An Ideal Fit for the Superhero Genre
Skarsgård’s Potential as an All-Time Superhero Star
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bill-skarsgard-as-eric-looking-angry-in-the-crow-with-burning-money-in-the-background.webp)
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/nosferatu-3.webp)
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bill-skarsgard-as-pennywise-in-it-part-two.webp)
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bill-skarsga-rd-as-boy-from-boy-kills-world.webp)
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bill-skarsgard-s-pennywise-smiles-as-a-human-in-it-chapter-2.webp)
The actor at the center of this discussion is Bill Skarsgård. Before delving into the ways Marvel fell short in harnessing his talent, it’s essential to understand what makes Skarsgård an outstanding choice for the superhero genre. Though he has a diverse body of work in Hollywood, he is best known for his memorable roles in the horror genre.
An actor like Skarsgård, who can convincingly embody a powerful and often otherworldly character, is an asset to any superhero narrative. In 2024, he took on the chilling role of Count Orlok in *Nosferatu*, showcasing his ability to transform into a supernatural entity—an attribute that would serve him well in the superhero arena. His portrayals, whether as a terrifying clown or a formidable vampire, highlight a versatility that is particularly suited for larger-than-life hero or villain roles.
Eternals & Deadpool 2: Missed Opportunities for Bill Skarsgård
Underutilization of Skarsgård in Both X-Men and MCU
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bill-skarsga-rd-as-zeitgeist-looking-intrigued-in-deadpool-2.webp)
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/zeitgeist-with-peter-s-arm-in-deadpool-2.webp)
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/close-up-of-kro-looking-calm-in-eternals.webp)
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/zeitgeist-s-death-in-deadpool-2.webp)
![None None](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/kro-showing-off-his-powers-in-eternals.webp)
In 2018, Skarsgård debuted as Zeitgeist in *Deadpool 2*. Unfortunately, as a character with minimal significance in the Marvel Comics universe, Zeitgeist’s portrayal felt like a missed opportunity. His role was reduced to a mere flash in the pan, meant only to serve as shock value when the character met an untimely demise along with the rest of the ill-fated X-Force team.
Fan disappointment over Skarsgård’s brief appearance in *Deadpool 2* was robust, yet there was hope that 2021’s *Eternals* would offer a chance for redemption. Positioned as Kro, the leader of the Deviants, Skarsgård’s involvement seemed promising. However, much like his previous appearance, *Eternals* did not capitalize on his talent. Kro was depicted entirely through CGI, relegating Skarsgård’s voice work to a secondary role. While his contributions were commendable, they did not utilize his dynamic physical presence, a hallmark of his performances in roles like Pennywise and Count Orlok.
Furthermore, expectations surrounding Kro as a primary antagonist were dashed. Many fans anticipated a strong portrayal given the longstanding conflict between the Eternals and the Deviants, only to see Kro diminished to a lesser villain status. This shift resulted in yet another disheartening chapter for a talented actor who was not given the platform to showcase his skills adequately.
Anticipating Bill Skarsgård’s Future Casting in Marvel or DC
![Bill Skarsgård's Pennwyise smiles in It Chapter One and Jack Nicholson's Joker looks up in Batman 1989 Bill Skarsgård's Pennwyise smiles in It Chapter One and Jack Nicholson's Joker looks up in Batman 1989](https://cdn.thefilibusterblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bill-skarsgard-s-pennwyise-smiles-in-it-chapter-one-and-jack-nicholson-s-joker-looks-up-in-batman-1989.webp)
Having expressed my profound disappointment with how Marvel has handled Bill Skarsgård’s talents in both *Deadpool 2* and *Eternals*, I sincerely hope the studio recognizes its oversight. It is crucial for Marvel to cast Skarsgård in a future project that fully leverages his abilities, or for DC to seize the opportunity and offer him a role that befits his prowess. While the Marvel lineup for 2025 does not include Skarsgård, there is hope that he will emerge in unannounced future phases beyond Avengers: Secret Wars.
On the subject of the burgeoning DCU, Skarsgård may already fit a dream role: the Joker. In a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he confidently stated, “I have a really f***ing cool Joker in me.”Given his experience portraying menacing characters like Pennywise, the notion of Skarsgård as the iconic villain is exciting. Although the Joker is less supernatural, his previous roles indicate that Skarsgård would deliver an outstanding performance. Regardless of where his next opportunity arises, both Marvel and DC would be remiss not to capitalize on his formidable talent.
Leave a Reply