5 Marvel Villains the MCU Could Put on Thanos’ Level (And Build a Whole Phase Around)

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Initially, when the Marvel Cinematic Universe was launched, it struggled with creating compelling villains. The heroes were captivating, but their adversaries lacked depth and often met their end too quickly without making a lasting impression. However, it became clear that the MCU was intentionally delaying the introduction of its main antagonist, Thanos. He made brief appearances in post-credits scenes and had a minor role in Guardians of the Galaxy, but his significant entrance didn’t occur until Avengers: Infinity War. Once there, Thanos, known as the Mad Titan, took action to fulfill his goal of eradicating half of existence.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reflect on the epic showdown in “Avengers: Endgame” where Thanos ultimately succumbed, but left an indelible mark as the epitome of comic book movie antagonists. His reign may not be the last we see of formidable villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s high time to cast a discerning eye over other potential adversaries who possess the grit and grandeur to command an entire phase.

1) Norman Osborn

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man, knows Norman Osborn well because it was Osborn who caused Aunt May’s death in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” By the end of the film, The Green Goblin has returned to his own universe, eliminating his threat towards the MCU heroes. Yet, if there exists an alternate version of him within the Sacred Timeline, he could potentially alter the course of events.

In the comic books, at one stage, Norman swaps his Green Goblin mask for the Iron Patriot armor, leading the Dark Avengers. He assembles a team composed of supposedly reformed villains who act as Earth’s guardians. With the Avengers in disarray within the MCU, Norman may seize this opportunity to insert himself into the fray and go head-to-head with Sam Wilson and his allies.

2) Annihilus

The appearance of Doctor Doom, the arch-nemesis of the Fantastic Four, in an upcoming Avengers film paves the way for other adversaries to follow suit. Frequently, Annihilus clashes with Marvel’s original team, as Mr. Fantastic, aka Reed Richards, is drawn back to his nemesis’ realm, the Negative Zone.

Annihilus has no qualms about deploying his troops on Earth and managing them with the Cosmic Control Rod, a device that enables him to shape energy. He’s quite formidable, and if the Fantastic Four can’t handle him themselves, they might need to ask for aid from their intergalactic friends.

3) The Maker

Comic book villainous renditions of heroes are often excessively used in media due to the convenience of creating tension. Unlike characters like Injustice Superman or Hydra Captain America who embody darker versions of their heroic counterparts, The Maker, an alternate take on Mr. Fantastic, utilizes his intellectual prowess to manipulate universes according to his whims, as he believes himself to be omniscient.

In my latest cinematic journey, I found myself drawn into a world where ‘The Creator’ – once a beacon of hope and justice – has succumbed to darkness. The weight of repeated defeats and despair pushed him towards the treacherous realms of the Negative Zone, leaving an indelible mark on his psyche. Upon his return home, it was evident that he was no longer the same. His once brilliant mind had been tainted by the shadows, driving him to unparalleled lengths to execute his twisted schemes.

In a desperate bid for power, he sought out an unlikely ally – the malevolent Venom Symbiote. This deadly bond not only gave ‘The Creator’ formidable new abilities but also fueled his thirst for destruction. The transformation was chilling, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease as I watched this once revered figure slip further into the abyss. The film leaves you questioning the very nature of heroism and the price one may have to pay when faced with unrelenting adversity. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates complex characters and thought-provoking narratives.

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4) Mister Sinister

In the animated series “X-Men ’97”, Mister Sinister often stirs up trouble. He secretly replaces Jean Grey with a clone for spying purposes on the X-Men. Furthermore, he kidnaps Nathan Summers and makes him sick with a disease that only advanced scientists of the future can cure. Given his villainous nature, Mister Sinister seems like an ideal antagonist for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In simpler terms, Sinister’s abilities enable him to conjure up almost anything he imagines in his twisted thoughts. His tales often involve time travel, a concept the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is already familiar with. The Mister Sinister character from “X-Men ’97” may not be particularly powerful, but his live-action counterpart can crank up the intensity and potentially alter the direction of the franchise significantly.

5) Apocalypse

Among the earliest of mutant beings, En Sabah Nur carries a haunting past that shapes his profoundly negative perspective towards mankind. Periodically resurfacing every few centuries, he consistently creates chaos for the X-Men. However, his ambitions are so vast that they often attract the attention not only of the X-Men but also other heroic figures.

Apocalypse’s distinctive tactic is to enlist four extraordinarily powerful beings as his allies, transforming them into his horsemen. He grants them superior powers and sets them against their former comrades. With an entire multiverse at his disposal, Apocalypse has the potential to amass a formidable force within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

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2025-06-22 03:10