Summary
- Marvel villains leave lasting impressions on the MCU and its fans.
- From Ulysses Klaue to Cassandra Nova, these villains have unique backstories that shape their narrative arcs.
- Sympathetic antagonists can make for the most compelling villains.
Starting in 1939 (under the company title Timely Publications), Marvel Comics has a long history of compelling villains who have transitioned from page to screen. From cosmic conquerors to street-level schemers, these antagonists have challenged heroes and shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But not all villains get a chance to linger in the shadows or plot their next move.
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Some have met dramatic, unforgettable ends in epic battles, tragic sacrifices, or poetic justice, leaving a lasting impression on the MCU and its fans. While Marvel has a long-standing tradition of bringing back its fallen characters, some remain gone. For now.
8
Ulysses Klaue
The Arms Dealer
The first outsider to see Wakanda, black market arms dealer Ulysses Klaue, was tasked by Prince N’Jobu to steal vibranium and, despite being caught by the Wakandans, still managed to escape with a large stockpile of the almost indestructible metal.
Klaue’s involvement with Ultron helped the latter expand its army, leading to the destruction of Sokovia. Later, with Erik Killmonger, he caused chaos for many, including the Avengers, but this alliance resulted in his betrayal and death.
Portrayed by Andy Serkis, the comedic timing of Ulysses Klaue juxtaposed his ruthless nature, creating a likeable villain despite his dark deeds.
7
Cassandra Nova Xavier
The Twin
Ruling over the Void, banished there by the TVA (Time Variance Authority), Cassandra Nova was the twin sister of mutant headmaster Charles Xavier. Deemed too powerful and evil by the TVA, they ‘pruned’ her from her timeline. However, unlike many of the other inhabitants of the Void, Cassandra thrived in her new environment.
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As an Omega-level mutant, Nova has powers akin to her twin brother’s, granting her an array of psionic abilities. Still, unlike her brother, she has no problem using them against anyone who stands in her way. No matter the cost.
6
Ego
The Living Planet
Part of the oldest race in existence, known as Celestials, Ego was a powerful being (who appeared in human form, despite, in fact, being a living planet) intent on remaking the universe. His plan to use ‘seeds’ to terraform planets, forcing extinction-level events to occur, is enough to make Ego a great villain. However, what he did to his own children makes Ego a unique type of evil.
In his attempt to produce a worthy heir to help with his personal mission, Ego had thousands, possibly millions, of children across the galaxy and recruited Yondu in collecting them to see if his Celestial DNA had been inherited. Sadly for those brought to Ego, none did and were therefore killed.
After learning of Peter Quill, the human who could hold an infinity stone and live, Ego attempted to get his newly found son on his side, and it would have worked. If only he’d kept the murder of Quill’s mother to himself.
5
Ronan
The Accuser
A Kree warlord and Accuser of the Kree Empire, Ronan fought in the Kree-Skrull War and was later disgusted by the armistice made to end the Kree-Nova War, moving him to create an alliance with the ‘Mad Titan’ Thanos to destroy Xandar.
Ruthless, vicious, and filled with fury, Ronan betrayed Thanos and used the Power Stone himself to try to invade Xandar, succeeding in destroying their entire army in the Battle of Xandar. However, Ronan was ultimately thwarted by the Guardians of the Galaxy. Years after his death, Thanos did succeed in destroying Xandar, fulfilling Ronan’s wish even if he was not around to enjoy it.
4
Green Goblin
The Alter
The result of an experiment gone wrong, the super-enhanced Green Goblin became an alter ego of scientist Norman Osborn. Donning a green mask with the face of a goblin and riding a hoverboard-type device called the Goblin Glider – the Green Goblin quickly became one of Spider-Man’s first big enemies. Causing chaos and destruction in its wake.
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Arguably one of the most famous Marvel villains, the Green Goblin met his end after being impaled, but the multiverse gave this cackling creation a new chance to take down Peter Parker. However, this time, Norman Osborn was successfully saved and freed of his affliction, killing the Green Goblin but not the man who had begun to fight its influence.
3
Erik Killmonger
The Lost Son
Sometimes, the best villains are those the audience struggles to disagree with – the ones they sometimes even root for despite knowing what they do is wrong. Erik Killmonger, Prince of Wakanda and cousin to the Black Panther T’Challa, perfectly embodies the sympathetic archetype.
Intent on following through on his father’s plan to use vibranium and Wakanda’s resources to stop the oppression of people of African descent all over the world, Killmonger dethrones T’Challa, taking the mantle of Black Panther and King of Wakanda.
His methods were not received well by many. Killmonger stole, threatened and murdered to get to the top in Wakanda. Seemingly killing T’Challa in the process. And while the viewer ultimately wants T’Challa back in power, Killmonger’s legacy is undeniable, helping to bring Wakanda’s technology and research to those in need.
2
Hela Odinsdottir
The Goddess Of Death
The MCU’s first female antagonist, Hela, was Odin’s firstborn child and was originally intended as the villain of Thor: The Dark World. With superhuman strength, speed and the ability to summon any weapon she requires, it took the destruction of Asgard to stop her. She was Odin’s executioner when conquering other Realms but was eventually deemed too blood-thirsty to be allowed to stay in her father’s court.
While Hela is undoubtedly a villain, her anger and desire for vengeance at the father and people who threw her aside is understandable. Hela’s strength and power were somewhat wasted with her demise in Thor: Ragnarok. A character that powerful deserved a chance to rain down hell a little bit longer.
1
Wanda Maximoff
The Scarlet Witch
Orphaned with her twin brother during the Novi Grad Bombings, Wanda Maximoff grew up with a hatred of Tony Stark and, by association, the Avengers. Despite eventually becoming a member herself and almost bringing down Thanos (twice), Wanda’s loss of those she loves was too much to bear and led her down a selfish, destructive path.
In an attempt to reclaim the children she created and lost in Westview, Wanda used the powers of the Scarlet Witch and the evil Darkhold to travel through the multiverse and find an alternative version of herself to inhabit. After a bloody rampage through different earths, Wanda relented when seeing the fear in her son’s eyes, sacrificing herself to destroy the Darkhold.
While Wanda’s actions were terrible and vicious, it is undeniable that through all of her losses, she became one of the most compelling sympathetic villains in the MCU to date. However, for the moment at least, the Scarlet Witch is no more.
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