In the post-Avengers: Secret Wars Marvel Cinematic Universe, the spotlight is expected to finally shift to the X-Men in what we believe will be known as the "Mutant Saga."
Over the weekend, it was rumoured that Apocalypse and Mister Sinister are being lined up as the big bads of the next Saga. They're two incredible villains who have been off-limits to Marvel Studios until fairly recently, and both are long overdue for their chance to shine on the big screen (X-Men: Apocalypse really doesn't count).
En Sabah Nur was born with the mutant X-gene thousands of years ago in Aqaba, Jordan, and it would be fitting to cast someone from that part of the world. However, as Apocalypse is likely going to be CG, that does give Marvel Studios some creative wiggle room.
Below, you can find our top picks for the MCU's version of Apocalypse...
5. Ali Suliman
Known best for his work in Paradise Now, Jack Ryan, and Arthur the King, Ali Suliman is an actor we're confident is talented enough to do right by this ancient mutant.
The Swimmers star can bring the required level of gravitas to Apocalypse, delivering what we believe would be an authentic, compelling take on the iconic X-Men villain. Like Thanos, En Sabah Nur will almost certainly be CG, but it's a must that a real actor's performance shines through in the same way Josh Brolin's did in the Avengers movies.
Suliman isn't the biggest name on this list, but he is someone who may prove to be a surprisingly great pick for this role.
4. Riz Ahmed
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story star Riz Ahmed is a legit talent, and while he may lack Apocalypse's imposing size, that won't matter when he's wearing a motion-capture suit.
Ahmed has seriously impressed with dramatic roles in The Night Of, Sound of Metal, and Mogul Mowgli, so make no mistake about it: he'd bring Apocalypse to life in a way that would surely make comic book fans happy.
Venom was a pretty rotten movie, but Ahmed was a suitably evil villain as Carlton Drake. If he can up the energy and work with a far more nuanced script, then he'd no doubt be terrifying as the MCU's first mutant.
3. Idris Elba
Idris Elba was wasted in the Thor franchise as Heimdall, and his run as the character came to an underwhelming end in the opening moments of Avengers: Infinity War.
With Apocalypse set to primarily be a voiceover role, we need someone who can make En Sabah Nur sound formidable, threatening, and suitably ancient. In that respect, we believe the Luther star would give this villain the presence he requires on screen.
This would serve as redemption for Elba in the MCU, and he's a big enough name that it won't matter too much when he's likely pitted against an X-Men cast made up of lesser-known stars.
2. Rami Malek
Bohemian Rhapsody and Mr. Robot star Rami Malek is one of the most talented actors working in Hollywood today, and it's fair to say we were all impressed by what he delivered as No Time to Die's big bad.
By now, we've established that Apocalypse will almost certainly be a CG villain, so any doubts about Malek not being "big" enough are redundant. The actor is an Emmy and Oscar winner, so you'd best believe that he'd bring some real gravity to this all-powerful mutant.
With a being as ancient as En Sabah Nur, there's a touch of madness to him, and Malek is the right actor to explore his depths.
1. Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has repeatedly said that he'd like to play the MCU's Apocalypse, and you know what, as dumb as it may sound on the surface, we'd be down for giving him a chance.
The Fast & Furious star is looking to reinvent himself as a serious actor, and he's drawn glowing reviews for his work in A24's The Smashing Machine. Apocalypse would give him the best of both worlds: a dramatic performance and a blockbuster setting.
Johnson was the best part of Black Adam, and if he can keep his ego in check, then we believe he'd be a worthy addition to the MCU as its En Sabah Nur.