As we look ahead to the next phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we’re breaking down the 11 Marvel villains who would make for the perfect MCU foil!
The previous phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe gave fans some legendary movies and characters. This means that the next round of movies will have some big shoes to fill with the expectations being incredibly high.
Thanos, Killmonger, and Loki were three of the more popular antagonists. Each of them helped carry the movies they were in. A debate could even be made that they were the best part of said movies. Loki became more popular than Thor in Thor’s own movie franchise and you can find people who believe Thanos and Killmonger were right. Whichever villain the heroes battle next, it seems likely they will face some harsh criticism. Luckily, Marvel Comics is full of villains more than capable of continuing where Thanos and the villains from the early MCU movies left off.
Coming up, we’ll take a look at 11 villains that could fill the open villain slot. I’ll break down what made them great in the comics and why they work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These are characters that we haven’t seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ranging from beings with power, strength, manipulative skills, and charisma. Some of them will work in individual movies while others can be the big bad for the entire MCU.
Marvel villains we need to see in the MCU
Mole Man
The Fantastic Four are one of Marvel’s premier superhero teams. Because of that, they’ve battled some of the greatest villains in the Marvel universe. However, Mole Man may not be one of them. He’s not the joke that Paste Pot Pete or the Hypno-Hustler are, but he’s no Doctor Doom or Annihilus. He’s more of an annoyance than a threat. If he’s not a big deal, then why does he make a great villain to use? Allow me to break it down.
What Mole Man brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Mole Man supplies a couple of things. First, he’s a villain who will challenge the newly powered Fantastic Four. They’ll look heroic just for surviving. Especially when they beat Mole Man’s giant Moloid on their first adventure. As time has gone on, the Moloids have gotten bigger and more dangerous. This means that Mole Man’s creatures should continue to evolve in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well.
Second, he doesn’t have to be an exclusive Fantastic Four villain. Mole Man’s Moloids have appeared in Astonishing X-Men and Mighty Avengers. The Moloids also supply the MCU with non-human beings for the heroes to pummel. We’ve seen movies try to use Doctor Doom immediately as the debut villain in Fantastic Four films. Since it hasn’t worked, why not try something new?Mole Man is the way to go.
Maestro
After a nuclear war, Bruce Banner absorbed the radiation and went mad. Combined with the Hulk’s strength and Bruce’s intelligence, he rules the world like a tyrant. What’s scarier is that this universe’s Hulk (named Maestro) is stronger than the original Hulk, even though he’s older. The first time he fought his younger self, Maestro won by snapping his neck. The Hulk eventually won by tricking his older self and killed him.
As we’ve seen in comics over the years, death is usually temporary. Maestro has appeared a few times over the years. Recently, he battled Old Man Logan and was decapitated by the older Wolverine, though Forge said that Maestro was already healing from losing his head.
What Maestro brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Maestro could be the villain needed to make the Hulk movie we’ve been waiting for. There’s no way that the smart Hulk could defeat Maestro in a physical fight. Maestro has all of Banner’s intelligence, but the willingness to be more ruthless than his younger counterpart.
Smart Banner doesn’t have the aggressive nature to beat him. Even if he did, he wouldn’t win. This means that the Hulk would finally have a worthy opponent. Someone he can’t just beat down. This is how the Hulk can redeem himself after the thrashing he took from Thanos. Even if it means he wins by outsmarting him. Having Hulk defeat Maestro in a final battle would be a cool way to give Mark Ruffalo a nice sendoff. Or maybe Mark Raffalo’s Hulk could turn into Maestro.
Mojo
Mojo was the first person to have a reality TV show in the comics. Fun fact, he filmed it out of one of the X-Men’s eyes. He used the footage to create a TV show to keep his public (The Spineless Ones) entertained. Mojo will do horrific things to keep his people entertained. Why? Because Mojo is a psychopath. You gotta admire his commitment to continuously putting out new programming, including trying to murder his performers.
Looking at Mojo you wouldn’t think he was a threat. He’s oversized and doesn’t take anything seriously. That said, he’s as dangerous as they come. It helps that his loyal followers are great fighters and geniuses who keep his plans going in order — especially when Mojo gets angry and subconsciously sabotages things. For some reason, he always focuses on the X-Men and they keep beating him, usually with the help of a Mojoverse creation known as Longshot.
What Mojo brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Mojo would be one of the most disliked characters in a comic book movie. Neither Joker or Loki would be as annoying as him. His obsession with making “stars” out of the X-Men would be everything that people despise about TV, turned up to the max.
Though infuriating, Mojo would also be funny. If Marvel Studios thinks that his grotesque comic book form is too much, there’s always the Ultimate Universe version. He’s a human that uses mutants in a version of danger island reality show.
Veranke
Veranke tried to warn the empire that Galactus was going to eat their planet. Unfortunately, she was mocked and cast away. Once her prediction came true, the Skrulls sought her out. Thus the invasion was born.
The Skrulls began infiltrating all the major groups on Earth, not just the super-powered teams. They were in the governments of the world as well. Even the great nation of Wakanda had Skrull invaders. Veranke was so dedicated to the cause that she chose to take the form of a hero and be in the trenches with the rest of her people.
What Veranke brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Veranke is crucial to do the Secret Invasion story right. She was easily the most important part of the Skrull’s plan to invade and she would be another sympathetic villain; someone who would tell the world that they can abolish disease and famine. Meanwhile, the Avengers assume they know the truth and try to stop her.
She will also be liked considering her resolve. She never faltered in the face of imminent defeat and death. Her origin story is great as well as before she was praised as the potential savior of the Skrulls, she was banished by her own people. It doesn’t hurt she is another strong female character the MCU can add without the ridiculous notion of forced inclusion.
Hyperion
There are multiple versions of Hyperion in Marvel Comics. Regardless of the reality, Mark Milton isn’t someone to be messed with. He’s almost as strong as the Hulk, he flies at supersonic speeds, shoots heat lasers from his eyes, and has X-ray vision. Yes, he’s essentially Marvel Comics’ Superman. In fact, there’s a reality where Mark came from space and was almost adopted by a Midwestern family. He also has a weakness to magic.
Despite being a rip-off of the Man of Steel, each version of Hyperion is different. Some of them have the same values that Clark does, but aren’t as naive. One of them (King Hyperion) was so evil that the world leaders destroyed their world rather than live under his rule. He may be the strongest being in the Marvel Universe, but each time he’s defeated, it’s due to his hubris.
What Hyperion brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Hyperion will be a villain of epic proportions. Someone who can really push Captain Marvel to her limits. Since there aren’t a lot of beings who can do this, it may be the way to go. The Squadron Supreme also comes with Hyperion. A team that’s Marvel’s version of the Justice League.
The Avengers cartoon did a great job of debuting them. They started out acting like they were the world’s saviors, but they were really looking to rule. Building them up like that could be the Avengers’ next big battle in the post-Thanos world.
Apocalypse
En Sabah Nur is one of the many villains that the X-Men battle. At his weakest, Apocalypse could still defeat the X-Men by himself.
The 1990’s X-Men cartoon did an amazing job showing his power. The energy blasts, super strength, and complete control of his molecular structure are all great, but that’s not what makes him a threat. What makes him deadly is his genius intellect. Having been alive for centuries wasn’t a waste. He continued to get smarter and evolve with the world as he’s gotten older. Each time he returns, he comes back tougher and with a more complex plan to cull the weak.
What Apocalypse brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
X-Men: Apocalypse was a failure. It may have made its money back at the worldwide box office, but you’ll be lucky to find someone who enjoyed this movie. Focusing just on Apocalypse, he wasn’t what the fans wanted. He didn’t have any of his creative speeches or put fear into anyone. The Horsemen did all the work. Coming to the MCU will return Apocalypse to glory.
We’ll get the dramatic orations with the big hand gestures and the fans will eat that up. His costume will look better than the cheesy mess 20th Century Fox used. Most importantly, the X-Men have another consistent villain that isn’t Magneto. Apocalypse never really dies. This means he can fight them forever. Hopefully, we’ll get the Age of Apocalypse story.
Galactus
There are a lot of powerful beings in the universe. Few of them have the sheer intimidation of Galactus. Being called The Devourer of Worlds isn’t just a cool name. He does in fact eat planets. He sets up a device that converts the world into energy he can use to sustain his hunger. It takes an incredible amount of super-powered beings to stop him.
Sometimes all the powers in the world don’t work. Galactus is not taken down by strength alone. It’s usually by Reed Richards and his big brain that does the trick.
The Galactus we got in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was an embarrassment. He was a giant cloud. At least the Galactus (spelled Gah Lak Tus) looked like a bunch of creepy bugs. That one looked like something you sweep up during Spring Cleaning. Fans aren’t looking for something that’s exact. A good design would suffice.
What Galactus brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Galactus is another villain that will be more than just a one-off. Certainly having an antagonist of his magnitude wouldn’t be wasted on only one project. Especially considering he’s not just a threat to Earth. Galactus is galactic problem. After he makes his first appearance in a cosmic movie, he’ll definitely make his way to Earth. Most likely for revenge or a less-than-healthy meal. With Galactus also comes his herald: either Terrax, the popular Silver Surfer, or both.
Nathaniel Essex / Mr. Sinister
It’s a shame that 20th Century Fox didn’t use Nathaniel Essex. He has so much promise. They even went as far as to tease him twice. Once in X-Men: Apocalypse and again in Deadpool 2. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. This may work in our favor.
Seeing Apocalypse, the D’Bari, and a host of other villains not live up to their potential was disappointing. We may have been spared a cringe-worthy Mr. Sinister.
What Nathaniel Essex/ Mr. Sinister brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Mr. Sinister has to be handled delicately. He can be one of the great villains and leaders in the MCU. While a lot of the villains on this list lead by brutality, Sinister understands that even his flunkies need to be praised and handled with care. However, he’s not to be tested. He told Sabretooth in an issue of Weapon X, he doesn’t like violence. But that doesn’t mean he’s not good at it.
Essex is not like Thanos who has a mission that he thinks will help the universe. Sinister isn’t a guy who wants to arm the disenfranchised people of the world and is out for revenge either like Killmonger. Sinister cares about his experiments. He’s a selfish sadist who wins even when he loses. He has a very aristocratic way about himself as well. Just another reason for people to hate him.
Mephisto
Some villains are called the Devil because of the heinous things they’ve done. With Mephisto, it’s actually true. He’s been the ruler of Hell multiple times and lives up to the expectation of someone who lords over the underworld. The problem with Mephisto is that he knows how to write a contract. He does everything he says he is going to, down to the letter; however, he may leave something out.
It was like this with his deal with Johnny Blaze. Mephisto cured Blaze’s foster father of cancer as he said he would. Too bad he died in a stunt soon after. Then there’s the one with Mary Jane where all of Spider-Man’s history was changed. We don’t like to talk about that…
What Mephisto brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Mephisto is a villain that will torment the heroes in the Marvel Universe forever. If you think Loki was bad, wait until you meet Mephisto. He has all of the power that Loki does, without any of the emotion.
Mephisto doesn’t have anyone he’s attached to so he just does as he pleases. His main concern is continuing to be the ruler of Hell and torture as many souls as possible. He could be the villain that Doctor Strange battles in a future movie, the reason Hela comes back from the dead, or just a villain in the background. Orchestrating things without anyone noticing. He could do all of this forever.
Magneto
Magneto was the most consistently good character in the 20th Century Fox Marvel Comics movies. Seven movies and no one had anything negative to say about the performances from Ian McKellen or Michael Fassbender.
What’s better is that Magneto is a complex character. He isn’t just a villain. Magneto is a freedom fighter. Battling for the rights of a group of people who’ve been mistreated for years. While he was fighting for what he believed was good, he still had to look like the bad guy – something both men pulled off fantastically. A blueprint Marvel Studios will follow.
What Magneto brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Marvel Studios has done a masterful job of keeping their villains spaced out. Loki and Thanos didn’t appear in every project. Despite being incredibly popular. When they did, it was like getting a surprise gift. Magneto will be that kind of gift. Having him sprinkled here and there means people won’t get spoiled knowing he will save a movie. When he appears, BOOM! He’ll make the audience jump out of their seat with excitement.
Magneto is an X-Men villain. He’s battled the Avengers on a few occasions, but he’s known as the X-Men’s enemy. What makes him joining the MCU so special is that he will get a fresh start. The creative team writing the story for Magneto may show the world why he’s one of the most dangerous beings in the universe. How? By letting him defeat the Avengers. If we’re being honest, this isn’t far-fetched.
Doctor Doom
As Jim Ross would say, Doctor Doom is, “The granddaddy of them all.”
There aren’t many villains that are as dangerous and skilled as Victor von Doom. Not only is he a genius on the level of Reed Richards. Doom is master of the mystic arts and mastered dark arts Doctor Strange wouldn’t dare learn.
Heroes and villains alike have tried to face Doom and have been left dead or running back with their tails between their legs. Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and T’Challa have all had trouble with him in the past. Doom has defeated them all or pushed them to the limit. In short, Doctor Doom may be the perfect villain for the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic.
What Doctor Doom brings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The better question is what doesn’t he bring to the table?
Doom checks all the villain boxes. He’s arrogant, but it’s justified. Violent, ruthless, and sometimes uncaring. He constantly evolves as a character and learns from his mistakes. So each time he loses, the heroes realize he won’t be defeated the same way twice. He can battle people who go hand to hand, use cosmic weapons and powers, and with magic.
What’s even better is Doom doesn’t realize he’s the bad guy. No matter what he does, Doom believes he’s the world’s savior; that he’s the only person fit to rule. Only someone as intelligent as him could be so delusional.
We’ve seen Doctor Doom fail with two different actors. Hopefully, things will be different this time. Victor von Doom should be the crown jewel of the MCU. The villain makes it believable when he wins. Someone that isn’t defeated by just being punched in the face. All hail Doom.
Which Marvel villain would you like to see make their way into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as part of the next phase of movies? Let us know in the comments below!