Benicio Del Toro addresses Star Wars and MCU roles in a recent interview, discussing persistent rumors about his involvement as Darth Maul and suggesting that he might be open to returning as The Collector in future Marvel films. This conversation took place as Del Toro promoted his latest collaboration with Wes Anderson, bringing renewed attention to his past and potential future in two of Hollywood’s biggest franchises.
Rumors of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Darth Maul
Although many fans associate Benicio Del Toro with memorable parts in films like License To Kill, The Usual Suspects, and his more recent appearances in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, rumors have circulated for years that his time with the Star Wars franchise nearly began much earlier. Specifically, speculation suggested that Del Toro was on track to play the infamous Sith Lord Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, but ultimately exited when creator George Lucas made changes to the part.
During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz, Del Toro was asked about these persistent rumors of his involvement as Darth Maul. The actor responded by clarifying his memory of the situation:
“No, I don’t remember that, but you know, I don’t remember everything. I don’t remember being cast in another ‘Star Wars’ movie except for [‘The Last Jedi’],”
—Benicio Del Toro
The context of the 1990s, when casting for the Star Wars prequels was in full swing, saw a considerable pool of actors—including unexpected names like Sofia Coppola, who played handmaiden Saché to Queen Amidala. Given Del Toro’s rising profile at the time, especially following roles like The Usual Suspects, it’s not surprising that such rumors emerged, though the actor has now cast doubt on their accuracy.
Shifting Focus: New Animated Adaptation for Darth Maul
While the possibility of Del Toro ever playing Darth Maul seems to have passed, interest in the character remains high within the Star Wars universe. A new animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord, is currently in development, suggesting that earlier talks of a live-action Darth Maul series may not lead to anything in the near future. This animated approach will keep the character’s legacy alive without involvement from Del Toro.
Del Toro’s Openness to Return as The Collector in the MCU
Aside from Star Wars, Del Toro has carved out another notable niche in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as The Collector, a powerful Elder with a taste for the unusual. The character, last seen in Avengers: Infinity War and more recently voiced by Del Toro in the animated What…If? Multiverse series, continues to hold possibilities for future appearances.
When asked about returning to the MCU as The Collector, Del Toro commented:
“Definitely there is more on the table, yeah. It’s not up to me, but you know, [I’m game, I’m available],”
—Benicio Del Toro, Oscar-winning actor
The Collector is not positioned as a primary antagonist, and, according to story continuity, likely survived Thanos’s reign. With several Marvel projects in the works—including tales such as Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars, a developing Nova series, and future Guardians of the Galaxy stories now focusing on Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon—there remains ample opportunity for Del Toro’s character to resurface.
What the Future Holds for Del Toro and Major Franchises
As discussions circulate around sequels and spin-offs in both the Star Wars and Marvel universes, Del Toro’s name remains tied to speculation and expectation. While his return to Star Wars as a key villain seems unlikely, there is growing anticipation about potential involvement in future Marvel phases or even in other prominent film series, such as a possible revisit to his role in Sicario 3.
Benicio Del Toro’s willingness to reprise beloved roles—whether as The Collector in the MCU or in other high-profile projects—continues to keep his fans invested in his career trajectory. His ability to move between genres and characters, from working with directors like Wes Anderson to appearing in summer blockbusters, highlights why his performances remain in demand.
As the entertainment world waits for official announcements about upcoming Marvel titles and new Star Wars projects, Del Toro’s candid comments offer clarity about persistent rumors. As the industry continues to evolve, the potential for more appearances by Benicio Del Toro in major pop culture franchises remains open, ensuring his ongoing connection to the Marvel universe, the Star Wars saga, and beyond.
