10 Marvel Villains the MCU Left Alive: Where Are They Now?

by

Over the years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has expanded into the largest shared universe in filmmaking, converting numerous Marvel comic characters into live-action. This transformation has allowed the Avengers’ heroes to shine on the big screen, while also introducing a host of unforgettable villains throughout the franchise’s history. The power scales of these MCU villains can differ significantly, with some posing threats equal to the Avengers and others more suited for individual confrontations with the series’ protagonists. Notably, one recurring aspect in how the MCU manages its villains is that many of them meet their end after making only one or two appearances.

While it’s common for villains in the MCU to meet their demise, there are several notable ones who have managed to stay alive despite taking a break from causing chaos. Whether we’ll see them stirring up trouble again or not is yet to be determined, but for now, they hold the unusual distinction of surviving in the MCU thus far.

1) Karl Mordo

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), although Karl Mordo was a member of the Illuminati in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, he hasn’t officially emerged as a main antagonist in the primary timeline. Initially appearing as an ally to Doctor Strange in 2016’s “Doctor Strange”, his transformation into a villain was hinted at in the movie’s closing credits. In the comics, he is infamously known as Baron Mordo, a recurring adversary of Doctor Strange, driven by his grudge against sorcerers within the Marvel Universe.

From my perspective as a film enthusiast, it’s evident that Mordo, who made a surprising reappearance in Doctor Strange’s post-credits scene, is thriving within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Though his transition into a villain was hinted at subtly, it certainly paved the way for Mordo to potentially emerge as a formidable adversary within the franchise. His brief cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness served as a gentle reminder that Mordo remains active in the MCU’s primary timeline, and could take on a more significant antagonistic role in future movies.

2) Sonny Burch

Sonny Burch, portrayed by Walton Goggins, may not have been a prominent villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he left an impression. In the 2018 film “Ant-Man and the Wasp”, he made his appearance as a secondary antagonist, dealing in black-market technology with the aim of acquiring Hank Pym’s formula. His character was only loosely inspired by his comic book counterpart, who also held a minor role in the Marvel universe. Nevertheless, Burch is one of the intriguing villains who continues to exist in the MCU.

In the closing scenes of “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” character Burch is apprehended by the San Francisco Police. Despite Burch’s status as a minor antagonist, actor Walton Goggins’ fame makes it possible that we might see him again in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Given the adaptable nature of his character, there are several possibilities for his reappearance, one of which is his supposed part in the upcoming “Armor Wars” film. This suggests that Burch could become a significant and surviving villain within the MCU.

3) Namor

In the sprawling Marvel Universe, Namor’s role is intricate because he isn’t usually classified as either a hero or a villain. However, his first appearance in the MCU portrayed him more as a villain, particularly during his confrontation with Wakanda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” making him a formidable adversary. Defeated by Shuri and compelled to seek peace in the film’s finale, Namor retreated to his underwater kingdom of Talokan, forming a cautious alliance with Wakanda instead.

Apart from successfully debuting as a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) villain, Namor is poised to reappear in “Avengers: Doomsday”. Despite his comic book persona being somewhat ambiguous due to his antihero status, it’s doubtful that he will persist as an adversary in future MCU roles. However, given that he was initially introduced as a villain, there’s a chance that Namor may still stir up trouble for the MCU heroes at some point in the future.

4) Justin Hammer

In the first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Justin Hammer first appeared in the 2010 film “Iron Man 2”. Sam Rockwell played a memorable role as Tony Stark’s rival arms manufacturer, earning popularity that surpassed the main villain. Although he was the secondary antagonist, his capture by the authorities at the movie’s end left an impact. His imprisonment was briefly mentioned later in the one-shot “All Hail the King”.

The fact that Hammer is still alive leaves room for him to reappear in the MCU. Following his arrest after events in Iron Man 2, it’s clear that Hammer will hold a strong grudge against Stark’s remaining allies, particularly Happy Hogan, Pepper Potts, and War Machine. There’s a good chance that Hammer could resurface in the upcoming Armor Wars film, as this storyline would provide a logical progression from his brief story arc in Iron Man 2.

5) Razor Fist

In the film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” a variety of thrilling characters were introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), among them several well-known figures from Marvel Comics. One character that gained more popularity than expected was Florian Munteanu’s Razor Fist, who became a favorite following his memorable performance in the film’s legendary bus fight scene. Despite the movie’s conclusion, Razor Fist survived, leaving open the possibility for him to reappear as another secondary adversary in future installments of the franchise.

It looks like Shang-Chi 2 is still brewing within Marvel Studios’ pipeline, which could be where we see Razor Fist again. But actor Florian Munteanu has hinted that Razor Fist might show up in Avengers: Doomsday, potentially bringing the villain onto the scene sooner than anticipated. Regardless, given Razor Fist’s popularity and his ongoing role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it seems likely we’ll see him in live-action again in the future.

6) Baron Zemo

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I, Baron Helmut Zemo, made my debut in “Captain America: Civil War” back in 2016. I quickly proved myself to be one of the most formidable and scheming antagonists in the franchise. My mission to break up the Avengers was almost flawless, allowing me to exact my vengeance for the loss of my family during the events of “Avengers: Age of Ultron”. In the movie’s climax, I was brought to justice, but I re-emerged in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”.

Zemo’s cunning character and ability as a criminal mastermind solidify him as an outstanding villain. Daniel Brühl’s acting added to this, highlighting Zemo’s potential in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). To date, Zemo has survived both of his appearances in the MCU and remains active behind the scenes of the franchise’s storyline. This suggests that his return is imminent, making it an eagerly anticipated event.

7) Arishem

As a cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at the towering presence of Arishem, debuting on the silver screen in 2021’s Eternals. This Cosmic Entity is undeniably one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most formidable antagonists, boasting power that spans eons and the ability to obliterate entire worlds with a mere thought. In this movie, Arishem wasn’t your typical villain, but rather a more subtle and ominous force lurking in the shadows. However, the film’s concluding moments hint at future tales where Arishem takes center stage, making it crystal clear that he is an MCU villain with a sinister agenda against Earth.

Given his status as a supreme celestial entity, it’s hardly shocking that Arishem managed to make it through the events portrayed in “Eternals.” After all, the demise of such a formidable figure would be a significant event, suggesting that Arishem somehow endured even during his initial appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether we’ll see him again is yet to be determined, but given his immense power and the intriguing cliffhanger ending of “Eternals,” there’s a strong possibility that he may reappear in the MCU at some point in the future.

8) The Leader

Initially appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk”, Samuel Sterns was noticeably missing for over a decade. However, he reappeared as the antagonist, the Leader, in “Captain America: Brave New World”. In this role, he finally showcased his villainous abilities. A key part of his scheme to weaken Thaddeus Ross involved surrendering himself to the authorities, resulting in him being imprisoned at The Raft by the end of the film.

Regardless of his current incarceration, it seems nearly inevitable that the MCU’s Leader will resurface, given his cunning and past escapes or maneuvers for freedom. Anticipate him making a comeback at some stage, potentially starring in key roles such as Avengers: Doomsday, which could hint at a larger part to come in the MCU’s ongoing narrative.

9) Red Skull

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate how Captain America: The First Avenger didn’t just bring Steve Rogers’ iconic character, Captain America, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also introduced his long-standing adversary, the Red Skull. This formidable foe was at the helm of Hydra forces during WWII, only to be outwitted by Captain America and seemingly perish while attempting to harness the power of the Tesseract. However, it was subsequently disclosed that the Red Skull had miraculously survived, and had been compelled to serve as the guardian of the Soul Stone on Vormir.

Following short appearances in both “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”, which suggested he had survived, discussions about the Red Skull’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) future have been rampant. While concrete details about his future haven’t been revealed yet, there is a strong probability that the Red Skull could resurface as a formidable adversary. Given his status as one of the MCU’s most compelling villains with just one major role, it seems almost inevitable that his survival might lead to his return as a key antagonist.

10) Dormammu

Dormammu is recognized as one of the strongest antagonists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), yet he’s only appeared once within the franchise. His live-action debut happened in 2016 during Doctor Strange. In a battle against Strange, Dormammu was temporarily stalled due to Strange’s strategic maneuver. This unexpected impasse caused Dormammu to retreat back to the Dark Dimension, where he seems to have stayed ever since.

It’s uncertain when or where Dormammu will reappear, but it seems Doctor Strange could be the champion to confront this antagonist. Despite this uncertainty, we know that Dormammu is very much alive within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and remains a potential danger for our heroic characters. Dormammu is one of the most formidable entities and notable living villains introduced in the MCU.

Read More

2025-06-07 18:41