Why One Actor Should Be Added to the Main MCU Timeline After Their 2025 Marvel Movie Debut

Recently, an Oscar-nominated actor made a stunning entrance into the Marvel universe, prompting calls from fans for their inclusion in the official MCU timeline—be it in their current animated role or a new live-action character. The newly launched animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, now available on Disney+, centers around a youthful Peter Parker as he embarks on his freshman year of high school. The show creatively navigates the challenges of adolescence while depicting Peter’s dual life as Spider-Man and his internship at Oscorp, all set in an alternate universe distinct from Tom Holland’s portrayal of the character.

This series showcases an array of fresh takes on iconic Spider-Man characters while also reintroducing beloved faces, such as Charlie Cox’s Daredevil. The voice cast includes notable newcomers like Hudson Thames as Peter Parker, Grace Song as Nico Minoru, and Kari Wahlgren as Aunt May. Marvel fans will recognize the voice of Norman Osborn, portrayed by Colman Domingo, who makes his debut in the Marvel universe through this series. Given his acting prowess, many believe that Domingo deserves a spot in the main MCU continuity.

Colman Domingo Makes His Marvel Debut As Norman Osborn In Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Norman Has Academy Award-Worthy Talent Behind His Voice

In the animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Norman Osborn is depicted as a wealthy CEO running Oscorp, stepping into a role similar to that of Tony Stark in the MCU by offering Peter an internship. While he presents a congenial facade, it is clear from the onset that he is destined to evolve into the notorious Green Goblin, a character infamously embodied by Willem Dafoe in previous Spider-Man franchises. Domingo’s voice embodies a charismatic and self-assured Norman, perfectly capturing this multifaceted persona.

Though his appearances in blockbuster films have been limited, Domingo is currently enjoying a promising career highlighted by several Academy Award-nominated performances. He first gained acclaim in Fear the Walking Dead and made waves with his role as Ali in Euphoria, a performance that earned him an Emmy in 2022. Most recently, Domingo received a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in Rustin and is set to contend again in 2025 for his role in Sing Sing. His impressive portfolio also includes notable works such as Lincoln, The Butler, and The Color Purple.

Domingo Would Be An Excellent Live-Action Addition To The MCU

The MCU Should Add More Award-Winning Talent To Its Roster

Domingo has consistently demonstrated his exceptional acting skills, and fans eagerly foresee the variety of roles he could master within the expansive MCU landscape. Initially fan-cast as a potential replacement for Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror, his name is now circulating for several upcoming characters as Marvel prepares to introduce the X-Men into the fold. He would be an ideal candidate for pivotal roles such as Charles Xavier, or if Marvel desired a darker twist, he could portray characters like Magneto or Mr. Sinister. However, the most logical progression would be to secure Domingo as a live-action Norman Osborn, building on his animated success.

Domingo has already showcased his capacity to capture the complexities of Norman Osborn and the Green Goblin in the 2020 film Zola. Based on an actual Twitter thread, the movie follows an exotic dancer (played by Taylour Paige) and her chaotic road trip with a newfound companion. Domingo’s character oscillates between a charismatic businessman and a menacing human trafficker, demonstrating his remarkable range as an actor capable of portraying Norman’s duality—drawing from both the charming facade and the deeply unsettling transformations of the character.

Could Norman Osborn Still Be In The MCU?

Oscorp Doesn’t Currently Exist In The MCU

As of now, Norman Osborn has not been integrated into the MCU. Despite Willem Dafoe’s return as Osborn in Spider-Man: No Way Home, this character is from the Raimi universe. Characters like Aunt May and Peter Parker are unfamiliar with Osborn, suggesting he either does not exist within their universe or is not a well-known figure. Notably, Oscorp has yet to be referenced in the MCU, nor has Peter encountered Harry Osborn.

However, the potential for Norman Osborn’s introduction remains plausible. He could be portrayed as an ambitious entrepreneur attempting to launch Oscorp, establishing it as an innovative startup that might eventually evolve into the corporation known today. A chance encounter with Harry Osborn during Peter’s college years could create compelling dramatic tension, especially for Peter, who would wrestle with his experiences with the Dafoe version of Norman. This scenario provides an opportunity for Osborn to transform into the Green Goblin as he seeks breakthroughs in business. If Marvel intends to integrate Norman into their cinematic universe, they should seriously consider Colman Domingo for the role, especially following his impressive performance in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.

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