Top 20 Actors We Want to See in the Star Wars Universe

The world of Star Wars keeps growing with new shows and movies that delve into different time periods. Those in charge of casting are always looking for actors who can convincingly play either noble Jedi or intimidating Sith. Despite achieving success in other types of films, many talented actors haven’t yet appeared in Star Wars. This list showcases twenty male actors who would be a great fit for the continuing story, given their abilities and how they perform on screen.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is physically fit and skilled in martial arts, making him well-suited for the challenging fight scenes involving a lightsaber. Many fans believe he’d be perfect for a character like Darth Revan, pointing to his serious and intense acting style. His experience in action movies like ‘John Wick’ proves he can handle a demanding, physical role effortlessly. A role as a Jedi who has fallen from grace or a powerful, ancient Sith Lord would be a great fit, as he naturally conveys a sense of quiet strength and seriousness that aligns with the spiritual side of the Force.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is one of the most commanding actors working today. He’s known for his powerful performances, especially in roles with complicated characters, like in ‘Training Day.’ He would bring a natural sense of importance and weight to a Star Wars role – imagine him as a high-ranking Imperial officer or a member of the Jedi Council. He has a unique way of delivering lines that would make any scene feel more dramatic and important, and his presence would instantly add prestige to a Star Wars project.

Henry Cavill

I’ve always been incredibly impressed with Henry Cavill – he just feels like a natural leading man, especially in big fantasy and sci-fi projects like ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘The Witcher’. He has that classic, heroic look, but he’s also physically imposing enough to pull off any action scene. Honestly, I can totally picture him as a compelling Republic soldier or a bounty hunter with a strong moral compass. What really gets me excited, though, is knowing how much he genuinely loves these genres – you can tell he’d really get the source material and treat it with the respect it deserves. I think he could easily carry an entire new trilogy or even a standalone series centered around military adventures.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy is famous for his intense, captivating eyes and his talent for playing characters with troubled inner lives. His role in ‘Oppenheimer’ really showcases his ability to depict internal struggles and the weight of difficult knowledge. He’d be a perfect fit for a cunning military strategist or a scientist developing top-secret weapons. Murphy brings a uniquely unsettling energy to his roles, making him ideal for villains who are smart and manipulative rather than simply strong. He could bring a very different and compelling type of villain to the Star Wars galaxy.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba has a natural, powerful presence that instantly grabs your attention in any role. His performances in shows like ‘Luther’ and movies like ‘Pacific Rim’ prove he’s excellent at playing strong leaders facing tough choices. He’d be a perfect fit for a commanding role in the ‘Star Wars’ universe, whether as a Mandalorian leader or a seasoned Rebel commander. Elba’s strong physical presence and voice create an immediate sense of authority, and it would be exciting to see him as a starship pilot or leading a battle.

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender is known for brilliantly playing complex, emotionally troubled characters. He showed in the ‘X-Men’ films that he can make even villains relatable while still appearing intimidating. He’d be an ideal choice to play a Sith apprentice battling the pull towards evil. Fassbender’s performances are full of a powerful, unpredictable energy that makes his characters feel genuinely dangerous. A lightsaber fight with him fully committed to the action would be spectacular.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe is known for completely immersing himself in unusual and frightening roles. His distinct look and voice would make him a great fit for a motion-capture alien or a villainous Star Wars character. As seen in films like ‘The Lighthouse’ and ‘Spider-Man,’ he can convincingly play characters ranging from wildly energetic to subtly threatening. He’d be perfect as an old, wise hermit with forgotten knowledge of the Force, bringing a dramatic flair that complements the epic scope of Star Wars.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen, famous for playing Aragorn in ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ would be a great fit for a Star Wars role. He naturally portrays characters who are strong but humble, and wise, which aligns well with the Jedi tradition. He could convincingly play an experienced Jedi Master living in hiding, or a skilled warrior exploring the edges of the galaxy. Mortensen’s tough, realistic presence and sword-fighting skills would feel right at home in the Star Wars universe, and he’d bring a sense of age and dignity to the part.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali consistently delivers nuanced and compelling performances, bringing both depth and elegance to his characters. His Oscar wins prove he can portray a wide range of emotions, making him perfect for a complex role in a fantastical setting. He’d be a strong choice to play either a powerful politician in a new government or a Force-sensitive character who questions traditional Jedi beliefs. Ali naturally conveys intelligence and hidden strength with a calm and understated presence, creating characters who earn respect through their quiet authority.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman has consistently demonstrated his range as an actor, excelling in both action-packed and emotionally complex roles. His long run as Wolverine proved his ability to handle physically challenging parts while also bringing depth to his characters. He’d be perfect as a tough, experienced mercenary or smuggler in a dark and dangerous world. Jackman has a natural, appealing charisma that makes audiences immediately like and support him, and his presence would add a lot of energy to any group of characters dealing with the harsher realities of a fictional universe.

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada is a highly skilled actor and martial artist, known for his powerful performances in films like ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘Shogun’. He excels at playing characters defined by honor and a strong sense of duty, making him a perfect fit for a Jedi Master specializing in lightsaber combat. Sanada’s on-screen presence is both graceful and commanding, conveying much through subtle expressions. Given the franchise’s long history of inspiration from samurai films, casting Sanada would beautifully complete that connection.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling is well-known for playing strong, quiet characters in movies like ‘Drive’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’. He’s great at showing emotion without saying much, relying on small expressions. This makes him a perfect fit for roles like a bounty hunter or pilot in a gritty space setting. He expertly combines a cool, distant attitude with moments of intense action, which would be ideal for a show like ‘Andor’. His popularity would also bring a lot of attention to any Star Wars series he joined.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch has a unique voice and naturally projects intelligence, making him ideal for playing powerful characters. He’s proven his ability to deliver complex lines and handle imaginative ideas in roles like Doctor Strange and Sherlock Holmes. These qualities would make him a great fit for a high-ranking strategist in the Imperial Remnant or a sophisticated Chiss officer. Cumberbatch effortlessly conveys an aura of intelligence and dominance, making him a compelling villain. His clear speech and dignified bearing are perfect for portraying aristocratic, galactic antagonists.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel has proven he can lead action films like ‘Monkey Man’ and ‘The Green Knight’, bringing a raw energy and relatable, underdog spirit to his roles. This makes him a strong candidate for a new Star Wars character – perhaps a Jedi trying to restore the Order, or a leader inspiring a rebellion. Patel is skilled at portraying both strength and vulnerability, even in intense fight scenes, and would inject a youthful energy into the franchise.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem has proven himself to be a truly compelling villain in films like ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘Skyfall’. He excels at playing characters who feel like overwhelming, frightening forces. This makes him an ideal fit for a powerful role in Star Wars – perhaps a ruthless crime boss controlling a criminal network in the Outer Rim, or a corrupt and intimidating governor. Bardem’s imposing stature and distinctive voice naturally create a sense of fear, and a Star Wars story leaning towards horror or suspense would be greatly enhanced by his presence.

Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun is a remarkably versatile actor, proving his talent from his early work on ‘The Walking Dead’ to his celebrated role in ‘Minari’. He’s particularly skilled at portraying ordinary people facing unbelievable challenges and learning to cope. This makes him a great fit for a character like a mechanic or pilot unexpectedly caught up in a huge space war. Yeun has a natural, down-to-earth quality that makes even fantastical sci-fi stories feel real, and he’s able to connect with audiences on an emotional level, making them truly invested in the story.

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield is a remarkably talented actor, celebrated for his quirky energy and unexpected performances, as seen in films like ‘Sorry to Bother You’. He has a unique, almost otherworldly quality that would be perfect for playing an alien or an unusual robot programmer. Because he can seamlessly move between funny and serious roles, he’s a valuable addition to any story. Stanfield doesn’t just play characters; he creates fully realized people who feel different from typical movie tropes. He consistently brings a welcome sense of originality and intrigue to his work.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield is a deeply committed actor who shines when playing characters with a strong sense of right and wrong. He’s proven his ability to handle both action-packed scenes and emotionally challenging roles, as seen in films like ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and ‘Hacksaw Ridge’. This makes him an excellent fit for a young Jedi Knight struggling with their beliefs during a difficult time. Garfield naturally conveys honesty and genuineness, qualities that perfectly suit a hero connected to the light side of the Force. He consistently creates characters who are both likable and inspiring.

Robert Downey Jr.

I truly believe Robert Downey Jr. kicked off the whole modern superhero boom with his amazing performance as Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’. He’s just brilliant at playing characters who are funny and seem confident, but you can tell they’re hiding something deeper. Honestly, I could see him nailing the role of a rich, shady arms dealer or even a charming rebel who’s playing everyone. He just has this incredible presence on screen and instantly connects with whoever he’s acting with. Plus, he’s so quick with his lines – it really worked for the fast-paced, adventurous feel of those early ‘Iron Man’ movies.

Jensen Ackles

Jensen Ackles, best known for playing Dean Winchester on ‘Supernatural’, has a large and dedicated fanbase. He has the classic looks and strong persona that would work incredibly well in a ‘Star Wars’ setting, particularly one with a western feel. His experience with voice acting also shows he can create a compelling character even when his face isn’t visible. Ackles embodies a traditional, charismatic masculinity and a subtle wit that appeals to fans of exciting, action-packed stories, making him a great choice for a live-action ‘Star Wars’ series.

Let us know in the comments which of these actors you’d be most thrilled to see as a Jedi with a lightsaber or piloting an X-wing!

2025-11-24 23:17