Since 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been nothing short of a box office juggernaut. Seriously, it’s as though Kevin Feige cracked the code to the formula for printing money.
However, despite all its success, the MCU has routinely come up short when it comes to producing memorable antagonists. With the exception of the various Netflix series, it seems as though the MCU doesn’t quite understand what it takes to craft a truly menacing villain. Perhaps, though, part of the problem is the characters Marvel is relying on to stand opposite their heroes.
When you think about it, there’s still a plethora of untapped potential in Marvel’s extensive pool of rogues. Some, we’ve seen on-screen in one form or another; others have yet to make their live-action and/or big-screen debut. Whatever the case may be, there’s a pretty hefty list of names that fans would love to see either return or make their debut under the Marvel Studios banner. Some are inevitable; some may just be wishful thinking. Nevertheless, here are 10 Marvel Villains That Should Be Introduced into the MCU:
Maximus
Maximus isn’t someone many would consider a high-profile Marvel villain. However, with the Inhumans coming to ABC and IMAX this year, it would certainly make sense to introduce him to the MCU.
For those who aren’t familiar, Maximus is an Inhuman, and more importantly, the younger brother of the King of the Inhumans, Black Bolt. Ever since Black Bolt was released from the protective chamber he was confined to in order to learn to control his powers, Maximus has been a constant thorn in his side, routinely attempting to overthrow his brother and usurp him as King.
When he isn’t acting as a threat to the Inhumans, Maximus has occasionally acted as somewhat of an ally, too. Should he be introduced to the MCU, Marvel could certainly follow suit from the source material in this respect to create an intriguing dynamic between him and the rest of the Royal Family.
Mysterio
One of the most exciting things about finally having Spider-Man in the MCU isn’t the web-slinger, himself. Rather, it’s Spidey’s massive rogues gallery that has many fans salivating over the possibilities for future films.
One of the first names that comes to mind, of course, is Quentin Beck, AKA Mysterio. One of Spider-Man’s most elusive and persistent foes, it’d be a dream-come-true to see the classic fishbowl helmet, scaly green suit, and long, purple cloak in live-action.
Would it look ridiculous? Without a doubt. Still, if the MCU is ever going to consider giving us their interpretation of the Sinister Six, Mysterio is an absolute must!
Taskmaster
There are a few characters that have eluded the MCU thus far that seem like obvious choices. One of those choices is Tony Masters, better known by his alter-ego, Taskmaster.
This occasional antihero/more-often-than-not villain is a fan-favorite of many comic book readers. Early in his life, he was gifted with “photographic reflexes”, granting him the ability to watch another person's physical movements and duplicate them without any practice, regardless of the complexity. For this reason, Taskmaster is typically hired as a mercenary, training the staff of various criminal organizations in the Marvel Universe.
It’s hard to say where Taskmaster would best fit in the current makeup of theMCU since he probably would have worked best in a Captain America film. Still, if Marvel can find a place for him, few people would be disappointed to see the Taskmaster make his MCU debut.
Red Hulk
We’ve already seen Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross in the MCU. In fact, his appearance in Captain America: Civil War is still fresh in the minds of many movie-goers. However, what we haven’t seen, yet, is his comic book alter-ego, Red Hulk.
In the comics, Red Hulk has been a villain, an anti-hero, a hero; heck, he was even a full-fledged Avenger at one point. If he were to be introduced to the MCU, though, the most obvious use of the character would be as a foil for Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner/Hulk.
Unfortunately, licensing issues with Universal make the likelihood of another Hulk solo movie slim to none. If it were to ever happen, though, Red Hulk would be an excellent choice to stand opposite the Green Goliath.
Bullseye
Very little is known about season three of Daredevil at this point. All we can really say with any certainty is that season three is happening, as confirmed last year at San Diego Comic-Con.
Season one set the bar to unreachable heights thanks to Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Wilson Fisk, and The Punisher made an excellent addition to season two. However, if Marvel and Netflix are to have any chance of outdoing themselves, they’ll need to introduce Bullseye.
Naturally, the rumors are already running rampant about the possibility of Bullseye appearing in season three. In fact, it was previously believed that he would make an appearance in season two, being portrayed by Jason Statham.
Let’s hope that this time around, the rumors turn out to be true. After all, the only way to raise the bar after the curtain-jerker that was the Kingpin would be to bring in arguably Daredevil’s most notorious foe.
Doctor Octopus
Spider-Man 2 was arguably the greatest installment in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. A large part of that was due to the outstanding performance delivered by Alfred Molina in his portrayal of one of the webhead's most recognizable foes, Doctor Octopus.
Now that the franchise has been rebooted twice, perhaps it’s time for Dr. Otto Octavius to be reintroduced, this time under the Marvel Studios banner. After all, it’s been nearly 15 years since he last appeared on the big screen.
There are certain heroes and villains that absolutely belong together in order for a film franchise work. Captain America needed the Red Skull. Thor needed Loki. And Spider-Man, without a doubt, needs Doctor Octopus if the MCU wishes to stand any chance of doing right by the wall-crawler.
Kang
Since Phase I, the MCU has been building up to the impending threat of one of Marvel’s most notorious villains: Thanos. Now, with Avengers: Infinity War on the horizon, many fans are speculating as to who might be able to pose a similar threat to the Avengers if the franchise continues after Infinity War and its sequel. Well, why not go with one of the Avengers most persistent foes in the comic books? Why not go with Kang the Conqueror?
In the comics, Nathaniel Richards – the man who would go on to become Kang – has had various identities, including Iron Lad, Kid Immortus, the Scarlet Centurion, Rama-Tut, and Immortus. However, regardless of which face he wears, Kang always manages to push Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to their limits.
The time-travelling nature of Kang’s character make him a unique choice compared to most other Marvel villains, and it would certainly present the MCU with the opportunity to explore some intriguing new concepts on the big screen. If someone like Doctor Strange, who possesses the time stone, were to be among the Avenger’s ranks (assuming there still is a time stone at that point), it could make for a fantastic plot to the fifth installment in the Avengers franchise.
Mephisto
The first Doctor Strange film introduced us to the demon Dormammu. The second film will presumably see Baron Mordo step up as the big bad. If Marvel continues their trend of solo-character trilogies, though, they’ll need an even bigger mystical threat for the Sorcerer Supreme, which is why it would make sense to introduce Mephisto to the MCU.
In case you aren’t familiar with the character, Mephisto is, for all intents and purposes, the Devil of the Marvel Universe. He is an extra-dimensional demon, ruling over a pocket dimension that he calls “Hell” or “Hades.”
Doctor Strange is no stranger to Mephisto, either. In the comics, Strange has battled Mephisto on more than one occasion, even one time making a deal with him in order to save the world, much like he did with Dormammu in his first film.
Galactus
Despite three box office flops under their belt, 20th Century Fox doesn’t seem like they’re willing to budge when it comes to the movie rights for the Fantastic Four. That, in and of itself, isn’t necessarily a huge problem. However, it ruins the potential for one of Marvel’s most fearsome cosmic entities, Galactus, to appear in the MCU.
Still, we can always dream – right? After all, how amazing would it be to see MCU mainstays like the Guardians of the Galaxy take on the Devourer of Worlds in an epic space battle? With the MCU’s focus seemingly shifting to the cosmos for the latter half of Phase III, it’s really a shame that Galactus will be off-limits.
Oh well. At least we can reminisce about when Fox turned one of Marvel’s most imposing forces into a giant gas cloud in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. And speaking of characters Fox has mishandled…
Doctor Doom
If there’s one reason, above all else, that Marvel Studios should be fighting tooth and nail to procure the movie rights to the Fantastic Four, it should be because in doing so, they would gain the rights to arguably Marvel’s most beloved bad guy of all-time: Doctor Doom.
20th Century Fox has struck out three times now when it comes to handling Victor Von Doom, and truthfully, the possibilities for Doom in the MCU are endless. From acting as a mystical foil for Doctor Strange to challenging the intellect of Tony Stark or Bruce Banner to forming an MCU version of the Cabal alongside Thanos and Loki, Doom would be far better served in the hands of Marvel Studios.
At this point in time, it may seem like nothing more than a fanboy’s dream. Remember, though – there was a time we thought the same thing about Spider-Man, and just look where we are, now!