Ross Marquand had his big break during the fifth season of The Walking Dead when he joined the cast as Aaron. He entered The Walking Dead during one of its most successful stretches. Back then, 17 million people would turn on their TVs to watch one episode according to Comicbook.com.
Although he worked briefly on other television projects during his time with The Walking Dead, he did not land his next pivotal role until 2018 when he appeared as the Red Skull in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Although he does not know what the Marvel Cinematic Universe has in store for him as high-level creatives prepare for Phase 4, he was candid about his ambition to keep working with the studio.
“The kid in me, who grew up mowing lawns and babysitting just so I could buy comic cards from Mile High Comics in Denver… I have Marvel series one through three, Marvel Masterpieces,” Marquand said at The Walking Dead‘s Season 10 premiere. “I used to collect their books, too, and, like, I drew all of these guys. Especially Red Skull, MegaRed, Mephisto, Logan. I mean, basically any character that looked crazy and scary. I would endlessly draw them. My parents thought I was crazy, but it was amazing. And, it’s like one of those moments where your childhood is coming back to you. And, it’s a fascinating feeling, you know?”
Marquand would not be the first to play multiple roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chris Hemsworth, Taika Waititi, Laura Haddock, and Benedict Cumberbatch have all taken on multiple characters for the hugely popular franchise. Moreover, given that Marquand was unrecognizable in his portrayal of the Red Skull thanks to special effects makeup and his voice acting, fans might not notice if he came back for a different character.
When asked what role he most wanted to play, Marquand had an answer ready: Moon Knight.
“I’ve said for many years if I could play any Marvel character… I used to say Wolverine, but now, it’s like, you know what? Hugh did such a good job with that,” he said. “Hugh Jackman’s performance was damn near flawless, I think. So, I wouldn’t even want to touch that. ‘Cause people would just be comparing it. But, not a lot of people know Moon Knight. And, I grew up loving Moon Knight so much so, if I could play him or even just have an opportunity to audition for it, I would be the happiest guy in this town, for sure.”
Marquand is not the first actor from The Walking Dead to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Danai Gurira, who played Michonne on The Walking Dead had a break-out moment as Okoye in Black Panther. In addition, Connie actress Lauren Ridloff has recently signed on to act in the upcoming Eternals movie. Jon Bernthal from The Walking Dead starred in Netflix’s The Punisher.
As previously stated, Marquand has no confirmed future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This has not stopped fans from showing their support. Since Disney+ announced that it would host Moon Knight television series, they have taken to social media to voice their support for Marquand, who hopes to be considered for the titular role.
Season 10 of The Walking Dead will air on October 4th on AMC.