15 TV Reboots That Race-Swapped the Villain Instead of the Hero

As a fan of these classic TV reboots, I’ve noticed something really interesting. It seems like casting directors are making a point of diversifying the shows, and one way they’re doing that is by reimagining villains. They’ll often keep the hero looking like we remember, but give the bad guy a different ethnic background. It’s a clever move, honestly! It adds a whole new dimension to the rivalry and just proves that a simple change like that can breathe fresh life into a story we all know and love.

‘Resident Evil’ (2022)

Lance Reddick plays the famous villain Albert Wesker in this Netflix series. While Wesker was originally depicted as a white, blonde man in the video games, this version shows him as a scientist and a father trying to contain the problems caused by his inventions. He works for the Umbrella Corporation and tries to deal with the fallout from the T-virus.

‘The Boys’ (2019–Present)

Jessie T. Usher plays A-Train, a super-fast hero in this cynical and darkly humorous take on the superhero genre. While A-Train was originally portrayed as white in the comic books by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, the character struggles with serious addiction and is a key member of the powerful group known as The Seven. His dangerous behavior is what really kicks off the main conflict of the show.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

I was so thrilled when Sacha Dhawan became the Master! It was a fantastic casting choice. The Master has always been played by white actors, so seeing Sacha take on the role felt really fresh and exciting. He brought a completely different energy – much more wild and unpredictable than previous Masters, which was brilliant. And the stuff he revealed about Gallifrey? Honestly, it completely blew the Doctor’s mind – and mine! It really changed everything we thought we knew.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

Mimi Ndiweni plays Fringilla Vigo, a strong and influential sorceress from Nilfgaard. In the original books and video games, Fringilla is depicted as having pale skin. She’s a major villain who uses dark magic to help her empire take over other lands. The story delves into what power truly costs and shows the complicated relationship she has with Yennefer of Vengerberg.

‘Krypton’ (2018–2019)

Colin Salmon plays General Dru-Zod in this new series exploring Superman’s origins. Traditionally, Zod is shown as a white Kryptonian military leader, but this series sees him traveling to the past to try and save his planet. He’s a complex character – both a family member and a determined, even harsh, believer in doing whatever it takes for his people.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

Esai Morales portrays the dangerous assassin Deathstroke in this dark take on the DC Universe. While traditionally depicted as white in the Teen Titans comics, this version of Slade Wilson holds a strong, personal vendetta against Dick Grayson and his team of young heroes. He breaks them down, both mentally and physically, using cunning manipulation and his incredible fighting abilities.

‘His Dark Materials’ (2019–2022)

Ariyon Bakare plays the intimidating Lord Boreal in this version of Philip Pullman’s story. In the books, Boreal is depicted as an older, wealthy Englishman who travels between different worlds to find valuable objects and gain power over others. He uses his charisma and connections to endanger Lyra, the main character.

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

Adetokumboh M’Cormack provides the voice for Isaac, a complex character in this animated series. Originally depicted in a video game as a pale, red-haired man, this version of Isaac has a different backstory: he’s a former slave who is fiercely loyal to Dracula and deeply resents humanity for the suffering it has caused. Driven by this resentment, he amasses a large army of nocturnal creatures and sets out to build his own empire.

‘Superman & Lois’ (2021–Present)

Chad L. Coleman plays Bruno Mannheim, a powerful and frightening crime boss. Traditionally depicted as a white mobster in DC Comics, Mannheim leads the Intergang organization. He controls criminal activity in Metropolis, but maintains a public image as a generous and upstanding businessman. Driven by a desperate desire to save his wife’s life, Mannheim pursues risky and unproven technology originally from Krypton.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

Tao Okamoto portrays Mercy Graves in season four of the CW series. Originally appearing as Lex Luthor’s blonde bodyguard in the animated show, this version of the character is a smart strategist with strong feelings against aliens. She and her brother work together to create conflict between humans and those from other planets.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–Present)

Johann Myers plays Padan Fain, a villainous character from Robert Jordan’s fantasy series. Described as pale and thin, Fain starts as a seemingly harmless traveling salesman who ultimately betrays the story’s heroes, siding with the forces of evil. He later transforms into a dangerous and unpredictable enemy, relentlessly pursuing the protagonists with a cursed dagger.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

Sendhil Ramamurthy portrays the villain Bloodwork. Based on the DC comics character Ramsey Rosso, who originally suffered from hemophilia and conducted blood experiments, the TV series reimagines him as a gifted doctor battling a rare genetic illness. Driven to find a cure, he undergoes a monstrous transformation and aims to end death by spreading an infection throughout Central City.

‘Stargirl’ (2020–2022)

Meg DeLacy portrays Cindy Burman, also known as the villain Shiv. Based on a character from the original comics by Geoff Johns, Shiv is a white female with superhuman strength and wrist blades. She’s Stargirl’s main rival and is always trying to impress the Injustice Society.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

Michelle Veintimilla and Camila Perez both play the villain Firefly. Traditionally, in Batman comics, Firefly (Garfield Lynns) has been portrayed as a white man. This new version reimagines the character as Bridgit Pike, a woman, and alters her ethnicity. Bridgit uses a high-tech flamethrower suit to cause destruction and confront law enforcement.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

Tati Gabrielle plays Prudence Blackwood, the head of the Weird Sisters and Sabrina Spellman’s first major rival. While created specifically for the show, Prudence takes on the typical role of a challenging, antagonistic character often seen in teen dramas, but with a fresh perspective. As the series progresses, her relationship with Sabrina becomes more complicated, especially when they team up to face bigger dangers.

Tell us which of these villain performances you enjoyed the most in the comments.

2025-12-05 21:50