6 DC and Marvel Roles For Matthew McConaughey

A few days ago actor Matthew McConaughey mentioned that he had been speaking with both Marvel and DC Comics about possible characters he could play.  McConaughey went on to dissect the ramifications of getting involved in a superhero franchise these days; both financial and contractual.  It didn't take me long to think of about a dozen comic book characters I could see Mr. McConaughey playing.  But given what both the Marvel and DC cinematic universes have coming up in the near future I thought of three characters for each universe I think Mr. McConaughey has the look, and talent, to play.

BOOSTER GOLD

This is the first DC hero my brain went to when McConaughey mentioned playing a DC comic book character.  Michael Carter was a former athlete from the 25th Century who dreamed of fame and fortune.  In a selfish act, Michael steals 25th Century technology and travels back to present day thinking his future tech will make him a superhero celebrity.  Throughout the years Booster Gold has grown as a character and befallen several tragedies; the most impactful being the death of his best friend, Blue Beetle.

You'll find that most of this list is Marvel vs DC counter programming.  Booster is DC's Star-Lord.  The quick-witted guy who always makes jokes and looks out for himself.  McConaughey definitely looks the part, and with his surfer/care free attitude you can't deny he would play the crap out of this character, who could go through some great emotional changes throughout the course of several films.

ADAM WARLOCK

A former member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Adam is a product of scientific experimentation.  After gaining consciousness, and the soul gem, Adam travels to space to become one of the most powerful cosmic beings in the Marvel U. He's been resurrected several times from a cocoon metamorphosis and has fought the mad titan Thanos plenty.

Guardians of the Galaxy already gave a hint to Adam Warlock's possible cinematic future as his cocoon was featured in the background of the Collector's trophy room, and then the cocoon was seen open behind Howard the Duck after the end credits.  Plus, Adam's infamous possession of the soul gem is one of two infinity gems we have yet to see on screen.  Four of the gems have already been shown to us with two left; the soul gem being one.  Could McConaughey play this character in Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and then we see Thanos come after him for the soul gem in Avengers: Infinity War?  I think it's a solid theory.

DR. FATE

Marvel has already announced their casting of Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbtach as Dr. Strange, the sorcerer supreme, in an upcoming film.  Dr. Strange's DC equivalent is Dr. Fate.  A magical helmet is found in the sands of Egypt that allows the wearer powers beyond comprehension.  However, while wearing the helmet you become a backseat passenger while Dr. Fate controls your body and fights evil that threatens the realms.

Like I said before; counter programming.  Fate could be a little more compelling character than Strange because of the body snatcher drama.  It's basically playing a split personality, and I think the Oscar winning actor shows he could pull it off.

CAPTAIN MAR-VEL

The current Captain Marvel in Marvel Comics is Carol Danvers, and probably will be the main Captain Marvel we get in the films.  But let's not forget how Carol got her powers and started her superhero career as Ms. Marvel.  A Kree spy was posing as a scientist in order to see if Earth was a threat to the Kree Empire.  After an accident left Carol Danvers badly injured the original Captain Marvel gave Carol a blood transfusion that saved her life and gave her superhuman abilities. 

McConaughey could easily play this role that introduces the origin of the female Captain Marvel.  He wouldn't be a title character, but a supporting one.  This would free him from any major obligations allowing him to still continue his growth as an Academy Award winning actor.

CAPTAIN ATOM

Speaking of Captains.  Let's bring in Captain Nathaniel Adams. An Air Force pilot who was disintegrated in an experiment only to come back together as a walking nuclear bomb.  Captain Atom absorbs energy and then disperses it back out in nuclear form.  He's known to be a formidable foe to fight for even Superman.

As a hot shot Air Force pilot I think the role would be suited for McConaughey.  He could bring some good depth to this character and I could totally see him and Henry Cavill duke it out, given the military's fear of the Superman in Man of Steel.

NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER

Aside from his Oscar win and his Lincoln commercials Matthew McConaughey is know for his terrific abs.  So why hide them behind spandex or armor?  DC has an upcoming Aquaman movie on the horizon starring Jason Momoa so let's bring in Marvel's version of Aquaman; the Sub-Mariner.  He is citied as being the first mutant, though I'm not sure if that will fly in a cinematic world where that term is still copyrighted by 20th Century Fox.  Perhaps he could be an Inhuman? 

In any event, Namor rules Atlantis, swims fast, but he can also fly.  Take that Arthur Curry! In the comics he even fought beside Captain America and Bucky in the Invaders.  If Cap recognized an old friend from WWII that would be pretty cool to see on screen.  Now, I think McConaughey looks more like Aquaman than Sub-Mariner, but I also feel like Momoa looks more like Sub-Mariner than Aquaman.  So really it would all work out in the end.