An experienced Marvel actor has a new MCU dream role that would be the exact opposite of his past character. As the franchise has gained notoriety over the years, more and more big-name actors have found themselves wanting to be a part of the MCU. No one would’ve thought that one of Marvel’s most notable castings happened in a Netflix show, but Jessica Jones boasts an iconic casting that still feels perfect to this day.

Scottish actor David Tennant has decades of experience in acting, both on the screen and on the stage. He ultimately owes the initial launch of his career to his starring role in the beloved British series, Doctor Who, where he was cast as the Tenth Doctor. That is where he garnered most of his fanbase, so it was a pleasant surprise to see him take up a more villainous role in the MCU. However, it seems the actor has another MCU dream role that would’ve been the perfect opposite of his original Marvel character.

David Tennant Played Kilgrave In Jessica Jones

The Despicable Villain Could Control Minds

Tennant played the villain Kilgrave in Jessica Jones, an individual who gained the ability to control people’s minds after being experimented on as a child. Though he is not the exact Zebidiah Kilgrave that was introduced in the comics, the MCU’s version of the character is just as despicable. He uses his mind control powers for his personal benefit in the most cruel and evil way possible. Kilgrave developed an obsession with Jessica after witnessing her exhibit her powerful strength, controlling her mind and keeping her as a Sєx slave for months.

It’s an extremely toxic and dangerous situation for Jessica who does eventually start fighting back against Kilgrave’s control. However, Kilgrave becomes enraged when he finds out that Jessica went behind his back to find out information about him and get him arrested. The villain becomes ᴅᴇᴀᴅset on killing Jessica, though she manages to get to him first. Even though Kilgrave dies at the end of season one, he continues to haunt Jessica’s narrative well into the other seasons. With most knowing Tennant as the heroic Tenth Doctor, his Marvel role flexed his acting range.

David Tennant’s MCU Hero Dream Would Have Been The Opposite Of His Previous Marvel Role

Tennant Was Eyeing The Role Of Reed Richards

During a panel at MCM Comic Con 2025, Tennant spoke about his time as Kilgrave and working with Marvel. At some point, fellow actor Pedro Pascal was brought up in the conversation, to which Tennant then revealed that he was interested in the role of Reed Richards in the MCU’s upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. Though the studio ultimately went in a different direction, Tennant expressed that he was happy the part went to Pascal in the end. Read his full quote below:

“In terms of superheroes, I did slightly have my eye on Reed Richards, and unfortunately, it looks like they’ve gone in a different direction. Although if it has to be someone, I’m very happy for it to be Pedro Pascal, frankly.”

There’s irony to the fact that Tennant wanted to play Reed considering what his past Marvel role was. Kilgrave is a man with cruel intentions, proving time and time again that he has no moral conscience. Some even say he exhibits traits of sociopathy. On the other hand, Reed is an extremely likable person and hero, which is why so many people look up to him. He cares deeply for the world which is why he uses his powers for good. He is the complete opposite of Kilgrave, as the Jessica Jones villain only uses his powers for personal gain.

David Tennant Could Still Be Mister Fantastic In The MCU

The Multiverse Offers Plenty Of Possibilities

The fact that Tennant wanted to portray Reed proves the absolute range that the actor has that he wanted to go between the two characters. Marvel may have dismissed him from the running for plenty of reasons, including the fact that Marvel’s old Netflix shows are now considered part of the canon MCU. Kilgrave may be ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, but many fans still ᴀssociate Tennant with the character because of how excellent his portrayal was. It wouldn’t make sense for him to take on another prominent Marvel role a decade later, but there’s still a way for Tennant’s wish to be fulfilled.

As we’ve learned by now, almost anything is possible in the Multiverse Saga thanks to the concept of alternate universes and variants. Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars are set to feature the MCU’s biggest cast yet, and there are definitely going to be some variants present among them. Tennant making a cameo as a Mister Fantastic variant at some point would not affect the MCU’s continuity, and it would be a way for Tennant to still experience his dream role.

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