Life as a hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is incredibly challenging. It seems like every few months, a new crisis threatens the entire world, pushing everyone to their breaking point. While heroes like Captain America always stay true to their values, not everyone can maintain that level of integrity. Even well-intentioned characters, such as Spider-Man, can be swayed by darker impulses if the situation is right. Peter Parker is fortunate to have a strong support system to guide him, but many heroes don’t have that advantage.
Sometimes, Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes struggle with personal issues and make difficult choices. While they usually do the right thing in the end, it would be predictable if they were always perfect. Here’s a list of seven MCU heroes who temporarily became villains.
7) Hawkeye
Before becoming an Avenger, Hawkeye worked for S.H.I.E.L.D. and got involved in some questionable activities. He’s known for staying calm under pressure, even defying orders to save Black Widow. However, the tragic loss of his family at the beginning of *Avengers: Endgame* deeply affects him, leading him down a dark path. He becomes Ronin, taking the law into his own hands and eliminating those he believes deserve it, leaving a trail of violence in his wake.
6) Bucky Barnes
Bucky Barnes benefits from his long-time friendship with the new Captain America when his unit is captured by HYDRA. However, he’s badly injured – falling from a train – and HYDRA captures him again. They transform him into a powerful, brainwashed assassin known as the Winter Soldier. Though he doesn’t want to be a killer, he carries out many deadly missions.
5) Baron Mordo
In *Doctor Strange*, Karl Mordo mentors the newly arrived Stephen Strange, but Kaecilius rushes things by trying to summon Dormammu to Earth. Strange defeats him using the Time Stone, a move that troubles Mordo. Leaving Kamar-Taj, Mordo dedicates himself to tracking down those he believes misuse magic. His current whereabouts are unknown, but it’s likely the Marvel Cinematic Universe will revisit his story in the future.
4) Ikaris
The Eternals are tasked with helping humanity progress, but they disagree on the best way to do it and ultimately split up. Their time apart is cut short when Ikaris tries to unleash a powerful Celestial being from within the Earth, which would destroy all life. After a confrontation where he realizes his mistake, Ikaris flies into the sun, leaving the other Eternals to deal with the aftermath.
3) Doctor Strange
The Doctor Strange we know from the main Marvel universe isn’t perfect, but he’s fundamentally a hero. However, a version of Doctor Strange from another universe (Earth-838) tried to use dark magic, which corrupted him, and the Illuminati had to stop him. This experience makes them very cautious when they meet a Doctor Strange from yet another universe in *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*. To make matters worse, the movie also features another villainous version of the hero.
2) John Walker
After Sam Wilson relinquishes the Captain America shield in *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*, the government decides to give the shield to John Walker, a highly decorated soldier. However, the pressure quickly becomes too much for Walker, leading him to commit a violent act in public. Even though he later joins the New Avengers, Walker still needs to atone for his actions.
1) Scarlet Witch
Wanda Maximoff’s descent from hero to villain is arguably the most heartbreaking in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After suffering the loss of both her brother, Pietro, and Vision, she experienced a breakdown that led her to control an entire town. When that reality crumbled, it drove her to desperation, seeking a way to achieve her desires at any cost. Her attempt to kill America Chavez solidifies her position as a major villain, and speculation suggests her destructive path may continue throughout the MCU.
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2025-09-20 14:40