4 Marvel Villains That Should Actually Become Avengers

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Marvel is famous for its compelling villains. From classic foes like the Red Skull to iconic figures like Doctor Doom, Magneto, and Thanos, these characters have captivated fans for decades. Over time, Marvel’s villains have evolved into complex individuals, and some have even become heroes or teamed up with the good guys. The Avengers, in particular, have a history of giving villains a second chance, proving that even Earth’s Mightiest Heroes can help turn enemies into allies.

The Avengers are known for battling powerful enemies, and surprisingly, some of those villains have actually become members of the team. Characters like Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Vision, Wonder Man, and Hawkeye started as villains but evolved into major heroes. Others, such as the Dark Avengers, remained evil. It’s been a while since a former villain joined the Avengers, but here are four Marvel villains who would make great additions to the team.

4) Solem

As a huge Wolverine fan, I’ve always thought Solem was a seriously cool, but overlooked, villain. This guy was born with natural adamantium on the mutant island of Arakko, and ended up as a pirate before getting thrown in jail. Then, he was forced to fight in this big war between Arakko and Krakoa, and he and Wolverine clashed a lot. What I really liked about Solem is that he wasn’t just a brute; he was charming, a bit of a rogue, and really clever in a fight. Honestly, I think he’s got everything it takes to be a fan favorite, and I’d love to see him join the Avengers! He’d get a chance to really show off his skills, and I think his personality would bounce off a lot of the team members really well.

3) Thanos

While often seen as the ultimate villain, Thanos wasn’t always a monster bent on destruction. After his defeat in Infinity Gauntlet, he surprisingly found peace and even retired to a farm. He later teamed up with Earth’s heroes in Infinity War to stop the Magus from becoming a god, effectively trying to save the universe he once aimed to destroy. For a significant period in the 1990s, Thanos actually fought with heroes, even assisting Thor when he was overcome by the Warrior Madness. The idea of Thanos joining the Avengers is appealing because he’s moved past wanting to obliterate everything and would willingly work with them against bigger threats. It’s unexpected – and that’s precisely why it would be interesting. A heroic Thanos is a fun concept, and exploring his dynamic as a team member alongside former enemies would be a compelling story.

2) Helmut Zemo

Helmut Zemo, also known as the second Baron Zemo, has a long history of fighting the Avengers, often as the leader of the Masters of Evil. He’s a master of disguise, even once pretending to be a hero named Citizen V with the Thunderbolts team, before returning to his villainous ways. Despite his complicated past, Zemo would be a fantastic addition to an Avengers story. His antagonistic relationship with the team would create compelling drama. While some might object to his family’s connection to Hydra and the Nazis, it’s important to note that, unlike his father, Zemo isn’t actually a Nazi. (The connection to Nazis is a later addition from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and could easily be changed.) While a full heroic turn is unlikely, it would be incredibly interesting to see Helmut Zemo as an Avenger.

1) Whirlwind

The Avengers have faced a lot of overlooked villains, and Whirlwind is one of the most interesting. He’s a mutant with the power to spin incredibly fast, letting him fly and generate tornadoes. He’s always been a minor character, never strong enough to challenge the Avengers directly. Unlike many villains, he’s more focused on theft and profit than causing harm, which could make it easier for the Avengers to trust him. Whirlwind has the potential to follow a path similar to Hawkeye – starting as a villain and eventually joining Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, giving his life a new purpose. He arguably has more potential as a hero than any other villain on this list, and because he’s not a popular character, he might actually be able to stick with the heroic role.

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2025-11-16 23:49