Warning! This article contains spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine.
Summary
- The MCU has a pattern of killing off villains in their debut, limiting storytelling potential.
- Promising villains like Kang the Conqueror, Ego, & Ultron were underutilized & killed prematurely.
- Missed opportunities with villains like Hela and Mysterio further show the MCU’s trend.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced many exciting villains from the comics, but sadly, the franchise killed a lot of them in their debut movie. The MCU’s best movies are often accompanied by strong villains, with such cases including Josh Brolin’s Thanos, the MCU’s most important villain, in the latest two Avengers films, as well as Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and many more.
However, the MCU has a problem of being trigger-happy with its villains. One of the comics’ most interesting aspects is how someone could reappear out of the blue issues or runs later. While the MCU has a few such cases, many villains who had the potential to be part of future MCU movies were killed in their debuts. Despite complaints, Marvel shows no sign of ending the trend.
Related How To Watch the Marvel Movies In Order (By Release Date & In Order Of MCU Timeline Events)
Want to catch up before the next release, or just revisit the universe for a refresher? Here’s the order to watch the entire MCU timeline.
10 Kang The Conqueror
The Multiverse Saga’s Intended Main Villain
Close
Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is a sequel to 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp and is part of the ever-growing Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jonathan Majors returns as a variant of He Who Remains from the Loki TV Series named Kang the Conqueror. In addition to returning cast members Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, and Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathryn Newton makes her MCU debut as Cassandra “Cassie” Lang, Scott’s daughter. When Cassie activates a signal to the Quantum Realm, she, Hope, Janet Van Dyne, Hank Pym, and Scott are pulled into the dimension, embarking on a chaotic journey the likes of which the Marvel Universe has never seen.
Director Peyton Reed Release Date February 17, 2023 Cast Michael Douglas , Jonathan Majors , Paul Rudd , Michelle Pfeiffer , Michael Pena , Evangeline Lilly , Kathryn Newton , Randall Park , Bill Murray Runtime 135 minutes
Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror is first on the list because he is a special case. The villain was set up by Disney+’s Loki season 1, which introduced the concept of multiverse variants and had Majors play He Who Remains, a version of Kang. The character then made his formal MCU debut in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which ended with Kang seemingly dying after a confrontation with the lead duo of heroes.
As Kang the Conqueror was set to be the main villain of the Multiverse Saga, no one expected him to stay dead. However, Majors is out of the MCU, with Marvel announcing the next two Avengers movies will star Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, taking Kang’s role. As such, Kang is dead in the MCU after Quantumania, and it seems like that will continue.
Related 10 Reasons Robert Downey Jr. Is Perfect For The MCU’s Doctor Doom
Robert Downey Jr. is leaving Iron Man to play the MCU’s Doctor Doom, which has led to differing opinions, but the casting works for a few key reasons.
9 Ultron
The Villain Of The Least Loved Avengers Movie
Close
Avengers: Age of Ultron Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Earth’s Mightiest must reunite and work with newcomers Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch to battle a new antagonist Ultron, who receives an all-new origin story while dealing with a new level of inner conflict amongst the team. Quicksilver & Scarlet Witch may not necessarily agree with The Avengers and initially blame Tony Stark for creating the new villain and the death of their parents. Avengers: Age of Ultron was directed and written by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige for Marvel Studios. The movie was released on April 13, 2015, followed by its eventual sequels, Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 and Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
Director Joss Whedon Release Date May 1, 2015 Cast Chris Hemsworth , Clark Gregg , Robert Downey Jr. , Cobie Smulders , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Jeremy Renner , Thomas Kretschmann , Chris Evans , Don Cheadle , Mark Ruffalo , Elizabeth Olsen , Scarlett Johansson , Paul Bettany , Samuel L. Jackson , James Spader Runtime 141 minutes Expand
Ultron is a very important villain in the MCU, as he served as the main foe of Marvel Studios’ flagship franchise, the Avengers, in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. The character is a killer robot with infinite knowledge and thus endless potential. However, not only did Marvel decide to make Ultron a one-and-done villain, but the studio even went out of its way to show that the Avengers wiped out every last Ultron bot.
Vision destroyed Ultron’s remaining sentry at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron, with the character only showing up in Marvel Studios projects through the animated What If…? series. The show introduced Infinity Ultron, a threat to the whole multiverse, showing just how interesting the character could have been with another MCU appearance and a different take from his often comedic lines in his debut.
Related MCU Theory Suggests Marvel Already Revealed How Phase 2’s Avengers Villain Can Return
One wasted MCU Phase 2 villain has been rumored to be returning for some time, and a new theory could provide the perfect explanation as to how.
8 Ego
A Cosmic Threat
Close
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Set to the sonic backdrop of Awesome Mix 2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the adventures of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Baby Groot as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics reappear.
Director James Gunn Release Date April 19, 2017 Cast Dave Bautista , Chris Pratt2 , Chris Sullivan , Vin Diesel , Kurt Russell , Zoe Saldana , Karen Gillan , Elizabeth Debicki , Sylvester Stallone , Glenn Close , Sean Gunn , Nathan Fillion , Tommy Flanagan , Michael Rooker , Pom Klementieff , Bradley Cooper Runtime 137 minutes Expand
Kurt Russell gave life to one of the MCU’s best villains as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2‘s Ego. As Star-Lord’s father, the character brought a strong emotional component to the movie that could have been further explored in more MCU entries. However, the James Gunn film ended up killing Ego in his MCU debut, with the living planet exploding as the Guardians set off a bomb in his brain.
While the setup was good, as it was Star-Lord’s choice to be a normal guy rather than a god, Ego had great potential to be a foe in other MCU cosmic entries. A movie like Eternals could have used the familiar villain, with the Nova series that is in the works being another that could have had Ego play a role. Russell also made the villain one of the MCU’s most despicable, and a single appearance was not enough for such a great character.
Related Marvel Finally Debunks A Guardians Of The Galaxy Villain Theory 7 Years After It Popped Up
The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise has featured several memorable villains, but only now has a popular theory about one of them been debunked.
7 Malekith
The MCU Could Have Turned The Villain Around
Close
Thor: The Dark World
Thor: The Dark World is the first sequel to Thor’s introductory MCU movie and the second release in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 2. Set after the events of The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World follows Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder as he tries to stop the villain Malekith with the help of his girlfriend Jane Foster, his brother Loki, and his father Odin.
Director Alan Taylor Release Date November 8, 2013 Cast Tom Hiddleston , Tadanobu Asano , Idris Elba , Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje , Anthony Hopkins , Natalie Portman , Zachary Levi , Christopher Eccleston , Rene Russo , Chris Hemsworth , Ray Stevenson , Stellan Skarsgård , Jaimie Alexander , Kat Dennings Runtime 1h 52m Expand
As it currently stands, Malekith is one of the most forgettable main villains in the MCU. However, it did not have to be that way. It all starts with his actor, as Malekith was played by Doctor Who‘s Christopher Eccleston, who is an experienced actor in both dramatic and comedic roles. As such, he could have done more with the villain had Marvel decided to bring Malekith back and actually add some substance to the role.
In 2019, Marvel Comics came up with the perfect storyline for Malekith in the MCU. Thor 5 or an Avengers film could adapt “The War of the Realms” story from Marvel Comics, which featured Malekith as its main villain, trying to conquer all ten realms. However, Malekith was crushed to death by his own giant ship in the MCU, so a return is likely out of the question.
Related Chris Hemsworth’s MCU Return Comments Have Me Worried About Marvel’s Plans For Thor 5
Chris Hemsworth has shared new comments on whether he will return for Avengers: Doomsday and Thor 5, and his reveal makes me nervous for Thor.
6 MODOK
A Returning/Transformed MCU Villain
Close
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania did not just kill Kang the Conqueror. The movie also featured the live-action debut of MODOK, with an original twist to the MCU version of the character. Instead of being scientist George Tarleton, the MCU decided to make Corey Stoll’s Darren Cross, aka Yellowjacket, the franchise’s version of MODOK. It was fitting due to the character’s prior MCU plot point of getting shrunk into the Quantum Realm.
Stoll’s MODOK was used as comedic relief in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. However, given his previous role in Ant-Man, Stoll managed to present a couple of emotional moments in the role, with MODOK “becoming an Avenger.” However, that came as the character died from injuries sustained trying to help the Ant-Man family stop Kang. MODOK is a major comic book villain, and the character had the potential for a more menacing MCU role with AIM that will never come to pass.
Related Who is MODOK? The Marvel Villain’s Origin & Powers Explained
MODOK will join Kang the Conqueror as a villain in Ant-Man 3, but who is Marvel’s MODOK, and what are his origins in the comics?
5 Gorr The God Butcher
The Villain’s Work Was Not Properly Shown
Close
Thor: Love and Thunder
Thor: Love & Thunder is the fourth Thor film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and director Taika Waititi’s second outing with the character. The movie finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey to find inner piece. But when Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale) goes on a killing rampage against the gods, Thor is thrown back into the action. Tessa Thompson returns as Valkyrie, as does Waititi’s Korg. Natalie Portman also returns to the franchise for the first time in nine years as Jane Foster, who transforms into the Mighty Thor to wield Mjolnir.
Director Taika Waititi Release Date July 8, 2022 Cast Christian Bale , Russell Crowe , Tessa Thompson , Chris Pratt2 , Natalie Portman , Karen Gillan , Chris Hemsworth Runtime 118 minutes
Christian Bale is one of the best actors in comic book movies, having become famous for playing Batman in director Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy at DC. It was surprising when the actor decided to return to the superhero medium as a villain in Thor: Love and Thunder. Bale delivered one of the MCU’s best villain performances as Gorr the God Butcher, but the movie he was in failed the actor.
Thor: Love and Thunder ended up having a major clash of tones, with director Taika Waititi’s signature humor undercutting big dramatic moments with Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster and Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher. The villain was also missing for long stretches of time, barely killing gods — what he is known for — onscreen. To cap it off, Gorr died at the end of the movie, and Bale’s potential to appear in several MCU projects killing gods was squashed.
Related 10 Saddest Villain Backstories In The MCU So Far
Despite their underwhelming moral standing, there are a number of MCU villains who actually have particularly tragic or sad backstories.
4 Killmonger
One Of The MCU’s Most Beloved Villains
Close
Black Panther Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Black Panther is the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and sees the titular hero return after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Set in the fictional nation of Wakanda, Black Panther sees the succession of T’Challa as the nation’s new king. However, when a mysterious soldier with ill intentions arrives with proof of his claim to the throne, the future of Wakanda is thrown into jeopardy.
Director Ryan Coogler Release Date February 16, 2018 Cast Chadwick Boseman , Lupita Nyong’o , Letitia Wright , Angela Bassett , Winston Duke , Michael B. Jordan , Danai Gurira , Forest Whitaker Runtime 134 Minutes
Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger was a very nuanced villain in Black Panther. While the character’s methods could not be approved, he saw the world’s wrongs and the errors made in his childhood and sought a way to make them right. Killmonger’s pain was understandable, and the fact the character came to have such a bittersweet death while watching the sunrise his dad had promised they would see when they returned home in the future was heartbreaking.
Killmonger was such a good villain that Marvel keeps bringing the character back, but his death limits the MCU’s storytelling potential. Killmonger could have been a major player in all Black Panther movies, but instead, the character only had a cameo in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, appearing to Shuri on the Ancestral Plane. Perhaps the multiverse Killmonger from What If…? can get to Earth-616.
2:36 
Related What’s Happening With Black Panther 3
Black Panther 3 still hasn’t been confirmed, but considering recent developments and actor comments, the MCU must surely have it underway.
2
3 Mysterio
A Classic Marvel Villain
Close
Spider-Man: Far From Home Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) as he deals with the fallout of Thanos’ snap and the weight of Tony Stark’s legacy in a post “blip” world. Peter and his friends go on summer vacation to Europe, where Peter finds himself suddenly the inheritor of Tony’s incredible tech. However, the trip suddenly goes awry as Europe comes under siege from otherworldly villains, routed by a cloaked hero, Mysterio. Partnering with Nick Fury, Maria Hill, and Mysterio, Peter will fight to protect his friends while figuring out his place in a post-Iron man world.
Director Jon Watts Release Date July 2, 2019 Cast Michael Keaton , Tom Holland , Jacob Batalon , Jon Favreau , Zendaya , Samuel L. Jackson , Martin Starr , Marisa Tomei , Cobie Smulders , Jake Gyllenhaal , Tony Revolori , Angourie Rice Runtime 129 minutes
Marvel getting Jake Gyllenhaal to play Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home was a surprising choice. When the movie was released, it made sense that the MCU had gone for such a high-profile actor to play a villain who has been the butt of many jokes in the comics. Mysterio is crucial to the story of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, airing his secret identity out to the world and essentially leading to all the bad things that happen to the hero in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Sadly, that huge part of Spider-Man’s arc had to come with the villain’s death. Mysterio’s demise makes more sense than most villains on the list, as Spider-Man is blamed for his death. However, as the villain is known for his illusions, he could have simply faked his death. Mysterio is a classic Spider-Man villain, and like in the comics, he could have been a recurring MCU presence.
Related We’ve Just Passed A Dark MCU Milestone That Completely Rewrites Spider-Man’s Next Movies
Tom Holland will return in Spider-Man 4, and while there are no updates on the movie, a key milestone to the MCU’s Spider-Man has just passed.
6
2 Hela
A Deadly Force
Close
Thor: Ragnarok Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Thor: Ragnarok is the third Thor solo film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first directed by Taika Waititi. In the sequel, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself stranded on Sakaar, ruled by the Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). Soon he teams with Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to return to Asgard and defeat his sister Hela.
Director Taika Waititi Release Date November 3, 2017 Cast Chris Hemsworth , Tessa Thompson , Tom Hiddleston , Mark Ruffalo , Jeff Goldblum , Cate Blanchett , Idris Elba , Karl Urban Runtime 130 Minutes
Casting Cate Blanchett as Hela in Thor: Ragnarok was another major get for the MCU. It led to not only one of the franchise’s best villains but also one of the best MCU movies, completely turning around Chris Hemsworth’s God of Thunder. Hela was menacing and deadly, with Blanchet clearly having fun in the role.
As the movie and What If…? season 2 showed, Hela had a lot of potential to serve as a full-on franchise villain or return in a Loki-like role later on. That would not be possible, as Hela perished in the Ragnarok event. Hela was last seen fighting the giant Surtur in Asgard as the realm burned, with the character’s giant sword seemingly obliterating Hela as it came down. The character could have come back for a reunion with Thor and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki variant from his Disney+ series in Thor 5.
Related Hela’s MCU Return Confirms The Harsh Truth Of Odin 6 Years After His Death
Cate Blanchett has returned as Hela to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the character’s new appearance confirms a dark truth about Odin.
1 Cassandra Nova
The MCU’s Latest Villain Death
Close
Deadpool & Wolverine
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Director Shawn Levy Release Date July 26, 2024 Cast Ryan Reynolds , Hugh Jackman , Emma Corrin , Morena Baccarin , Rob Delaney , Leslie Uggams , Karan Soni , Matthew Macfadyen , Brianna Hildebrand , Shioli Kutsuna , Stefan Kapicic , Lewis Tan , Randal Reeder , Jennifer Garner , Aaron Stanford , Billy Clements , Ollie Palmer , Chris Hemsworth , Rob McElhenney Runtime 127 Minutes Expand
Finally, Cassandra Nova closes the list of MCU villains who were killed in their first movie, falling short of their potential. Emma Corrin was perfectly cast in the role, with Cassandra Nova being a formidable foe who took quite a bit of ingenuity from the heroes to be able to defeat in the Void. However, the character’s master plan ended up being too generic.
Cassandra Nova’s backstory with Charles Xavier and some of her past exploits could have been explored in the movie. The character’s experience in the Void and powers also made the villain a great one to appear in the two upcoming Avengers movies, taking on several MCU and multiverse villains at once. It made little sense to kill her when the MCU had perfectly set up projects that could have used Cassandra Nova, but that is what Marvel did.
|
Upcoming Marvel Movies |
Release Date |
|---|---|
|
Captain America: Brave New World |
February 14, 2025 |
|
Thunderbolts* |
May 2, 2025 |
|
The Fantastic Four : First Steps |
July 25, 2025 |
|
Blade |
November 7, 2025 |
|
Avengers: Doomsday |
May 1, 2026 |
|
Avengers: Secret Wars |
May 7, 2027 |