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After Ultron , there are several other herculean villains that would be great to see return to theMarvel Cinematic Universe . Every good superhero story needs a unnerving and terrifying supervillain , and Marvel Studios has extradite some of the most memorable and muscular opponent over the path of the MCU ’s 16 - twelvemonth story . One of these villain , Avengers : Age of Ultron’stitularUltron , will be returning in 2026 ’s upcomingVisionseries . This could open up the room access for even more classic foe to get along back to the MCU .
regrettably , some of Marvel Comics ' most notablevillains have been lay waste to in the MCU , with many relegate to one - and - done antagonists , where they perhaps should have been tenacious menace . Bringing some of these baddie back in the MCU ’s Multiverse Saga would create the perfect opportunity for them to have more development . This could benefit the likes of Mac Gargan , Baron Mordo and Malekith , while prominent villains such as the Red Skull , Hela andThanos could also returnto wreak havoc on the MCU .
A hero is usually only as compelling as their villains , and the MCU has delivered a wide range of antagonists of varying power spirit level .
10Johann Schmidt’s Red Skull
Red Skull First Appeared In Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Despite being one of Captain America ’s most prominent and long - lasting enemies in Marvel Comics , Johann Schmidt ’s Red Skull only battled the Star - Spangled - Man in one MCU movie , Captain America : The First Avenger . Ross Marquand portrayed the ghostlike Red Skull inAvengers : Infinity WarandEndgame , but he was transformed into a dim-witted guardian of the Soul Stone , rather than a genuine terror . Original Red Skull actor Hugo Weaving revealed toYahoo ! Entertainmentin 2020 that he did n’t reprize the villainous role due to contract disputes with Marvel Studios , though he"loved playing that character,“and"would have done it . "
I lie with playing that character , Red Skull - it was a lot of playfulness . We were all obligate to sign up for three pictures : I was thinking [ Red Skull ] probably would n’t total back in Captain America , but he may well number back as a villain in The Avengers . By then , they ’d pushed back on the contracts that we agreed on and so the money they offer me for The Avengers was much less than I got for the very first one , and this was for two films . And the promise when we first signed the contract bridge was that the money would develop each clock time . They say : ‘ It ’s just a interpreter job , it ’s not a big flock . ’ I actually found negotiating with them through my agent out of the question . And I did n’t really wanna do it that much . But I would have done it .
Ross Marquand did a with child job at substantiate theRed Skull inInfinity WarandEndgame . Even so , just as James Spader is returning as Ultron , a character Marquand also voiced inWhat If … ? , Weaving could change his nous and bring the Red Skull back to the MCU.It would be fantastic to see the Red Skull tax return in full strength , perhaps to take on Sam Wilson ’s raw Captain America , peculiarly since there are over eight decades of Red Skull stories that have n’t been explored in alive - action .
9Brock Rumlow’s Crossbones
Brock Rumlow First Appeared In Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Frank Grillo ’s debut asBrock Rumlow inCaptain America : The Winter Soldierwas plot - change for the MCU . Not only was he at the vanguard of the big reveal that HYDRA had been growing within SHIELD , butThe Winter Soldieralso teased him being a substantial scourge in succeeding MCU projects , as he survived the collapse of the Triskelion and became the armored villain Crossbones . Unfortunately , Rumlow ’s Crossbones was killed in the opening moments of 2016’sCaptain America : Civil War , immediately ridding the MCU of this hopeful villain .
verbalise toComicbook.comin 2023 , Frank Grillo expressed his dashing hopes with Crossbones ' discussion in the MCU , citing this as the reason he made the move toJames Gunn ’s raw DC Universe , in which he ’ll present Rick Flag Sr . Grillo ’s gall towards Marvel Studios perhaps think of he wo n’t bring back as Crossbones , thoughthe fact that he enjoy the character and sees more potential drop in him could win over him to retort the MCU to do Crossbones justice . As a prominent Captain America baddie and eventual Thunderbolts member , Crossbones could have a bright future in the MCU , should he repay .
[ Marvel ] never told a narration [ about Crossbones ] . The mythology of the MCU and just what Marvel has in its pool of characters , it ’s so rich . Crossbones was there for a second , but he was supposed to be there longer , then they go the focussing they did . I think Crossbones serves a purpose , but I think the interesting matter is that if you see how many citizenry around the world have responded to Crossbones , and again , he ’s on the silver screen for a very f – male monarch short amount of time , I cogitate there ’s more there . I recall there was more meat on the pearl . I was let down , which is why I run over to DC .
8Mac Gargan’s Scorpion
Mac Gargan First Appeared In Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Spider - Man : Homecoming’stease of Mac Gargan ’s evolution into the Scorpion has become one of the MCU ’s most bothersome loose end . Michael Mando ’s launching inHomecomingwas very exciting , and his connection to Michael Keaton ’s Vulture could have teased theMCU ’s Sinister Six squad , but Marvel Studios has done nothing with Gargan in the years since . With a newSpider - Mantrilogy in maturation for the MCU , however , now might be the perfect time for Mac Gargan to return , and dispatch his translation into the Scorpion .
late speculation suggests that a 3 - class - erstwhile MCU hypothesis will come in to realization in Marvel Studios ' Spider - Man 4 , introducing a terrifying novel baddie .
The Scorpion is considered to be one of Spider - Man ’s sterling enemy in Marvel Comics , so it would be fantastic to see the relationship between Tom Holland ’s Peter Parker andMichael Mando ’s Mac Gargan develop in the MCU . There is speculation that theMCU ’s first Thunderbolts team could really be outed as the Dark Avengers , or could combat this more cruel team , and Gargan is an of the essence piece of the Dark Avengers puzzler . After the events ofSpider - Man : No Way family , work Gargan back could play off Peter Parker against a familiar face , though one who would n’t retrieve him .
Custom Image by Kai Young
7Hela
Hela First Appeared In Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Introduced as the old sister of Thor and Loki in 2017’sThor : Ragnarok , Cate Blanchett ’s Helapresented the God of Thunder with his most terrifying scoundrel yet , but she was seemingly kill off in the same moving picture . However , Marvel Studios could use the " no body , no death " ruler to convey Hela back to the MCU , as her demise was n’t actually seen on - screen , but was simply implied . Hela debut in Marvel Comics in 1964 , cause her one of Thor ’s longest - running villains , and this should be translated into the MCU .
Thor : Ragnarok introduced a terrifying young villain for Chris Hemsworth ’s Thor in the MCU , but this resister ’s origin are still a complete mystery .
While Hela could for certain turn back to the MCU as a villain , Marvel Animation’sWhat If … ?season 2 introduced a very different variant of the Goddess of Death . After training with Xu Wenwu , Hela translate into a bona fide heroinWhat If … ?season 2 , campaign her sire , Odin , to free herself from his control . She then countersink out to resign others across the universe , and this could potentially lead her across the multiverse . This creates the opportunity for Cate Blanchett to return as the heroic loop of Hela in live - action , which would be an unbelievable developing for the persona .
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
6Ulysses Klaue
Ulysses Klaus First Appeared In Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
Andy Serkis is one of the big example of a stellaractor who has been wasted in the MCU . Serkis debut as Ulysses Klaue inAvengers : Age of Ultron , but had a bigger role as a pocket-size antagonist in 2018’sBlack Panther , and that ’s it . In Marvel Comics , Ulysses Klaue ’s Klaw is an antagonist to the like of the Fantastic Four , the Black Panther , Ka - Zar and the Avengers , but he was seriously underutilized in the MCU , but this could still be rectified in the franchise ’s future if Andy Serkis reprises the role .
Ulysses Klaue is very different in Marvel Comics , as while he has a transonic branch in the MCU , his mirthful counterpart has been transformed into a being composed of unanimous strait .
WhileBlack Panthersaw Killmonger defeat Ulysses Klaue , flashback in upcoming projects or historic MCU installments could detail the villain ’s invasion of Wakanda in the 1990s to slip vibranium . This was a milestone import in Wakanda ’s history , so it could perhaps be explore inMarvel Animation ’s upcomingEyes of Wakandaseries , which will be canon to the MCU ’s main persistence . This would provide the best chance for Serkis to return as Ulysses Klaue , making him an even greater threat in the MCU ’s history .
5Malekith
Malekith First Appeared In Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Malekith , the King of the Dark Elves , is another notable scoundrel from Marvel Comics who was altogether bodge in the MCU . 2013’sThor : The Dark Worldis widely regarded as one of the franchise ’s weakest projects , which think of that Christopher Eccleston ’s talent could be put on full display as Malekith . Similarly to Hela , the " no organic structure , no destruction " regulation could be used to impart Malekith back to the MCU , aswhile he was last interpret seemingly being crushed by his own ship on Svartalfheim , it ’s very possible this powerful being could have survived .
Since 2013 , many unsatisfactory element of Thor : The Dark World have been rectified yet there is still one expression of the celluloid that needs discipline .
Malekith ’s return could be very exciting for the MCU , especially if Marvel Studios determine to adapt Marvel Comics ' expansiveWar of the Realmsevent from 2019 . This could pit Malekith against a huge number of heroes in the MCU , as this account sees him overrun Midgard , a.k.a . Earth . SinceChris Hemsworth want a darker tone forThor 5 , which has n’t yet been reassert by Marvel Studios , re-introduce a more comic - precise adaptation of Malekith could be the utter way to fulfil this , while pay off the villain from his dissatisfactory stint inThor : The Dark World .
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
4Baron Mordo
Baron Mordo First Appeared In Doctor Strange (2016)
Baron Karl Mordo in the beginning began his kinship with Benedict Cumberbatch ’s Doctor Strange as a unswerving ally and shielder of Kamar - Taj and the Mystic Arts . However , through Strange ’s repetitive breaking of the raw laws , most notably by using the Time Stone , Mordo became envenom and finally turn his back on Strange . Doctor Strange’spost - credits scene saw Mordo consecrate to rid the macrocosm of sorcerers , butthis loose oddment has n’t been address in the eight years since , which has spur calls for Mordo to hark back to the MCU .
An alternate rendering of Baron Mordo from Earth-838 was played by Chiwetel Ejiofor inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness , but this iteration had no connection to his Earth-616 counterpart . Some theories have suggested thatEjiofor ’s role in Sony ’s upcomingVenom : The Last Dancemay somehow connect to Mordo in the MCU , but this is yet to be support . It would be bright to see Mordo return to continue his subjection against the domain ’s magician , but it ’s also possible Marvel Studios may have simply go on from this story .
3Dormammu
Dormammu First Appeared In Doctor Strange (2016)
Chiwetel Ejiofor ’s Mordo was n’t the only villain featured in 2016’sDoctor Strange , and perhaps the fact that there were so many meant that none really acquire the development they deserved . Dormammu , the preternatural ruler of the Dark Dimension , only appeared shortly towards the end ofDoctor Strange , and was well bested thanks to Strange ’s use of the Time Stone , trapping them both in a never - terminate loop . Dormammu has been a recurring antagonist to Marvel Comics ' Doctor Strange since 1964 , so his rejoinder to the MCU must be inevitable .
take superpower from the Dark Dimension and Dormammu pass on Kaecilius and his zealots incredible gifts , and also allowed the Ancient One to nurture her tenacious life sentence , controversially .
This is especially true afterDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’mid - credit scene . After ending the Scarlet Witch ’s rampage across the multiverse , Doctor Strange was met in the street byCharlize Theron ’s Clea , who is Dormammu ’s niece in Marvel Comics . Together , they seemed to leap into the Dark Dimension to arrest an penetration event , which may set up Dormammu to have a bigger role in the as - yet - unconfirmedDoctor Strange 3 . Dormammu has an inexplicable level of power , so it will be great to see him return as a formidable MCU baddie .
2Justin Hammer
Justin Hammer First Appeared In Iron Man 2 (2010)
Sam Rockwell ’s charismatic Justin Hammerhasn’t been seen in live - action since 2010’sIron Man 2and the followingAll Hail the KingOne - Shot . This is one of the adult lampoon of the MCU , asRockwell is a singular role player who has clip - and - again evince interest in reprize the role , most lately onThe Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon . Noting that he’s"waiting for the headphone call,“and stating,“I’m in,“Rockwell seems to be opened to coming back as Justin Hammer , and this could now be more likely than ever .
Recent rumors intimate that a baddie from the MCU ’s Phase 1 might be come back , and he ’ll be very important to one coming Marvel Studios project .
Sam Rockwell recently returned to voice a variant of Justin Hammer inWhat If … ?season 2 , and has been the depicted object of heavy speculation suggesting he could reprise the role in live - action in theMCU’sArmor Warsmovie . Justin Hammer plays a part in Marvel Comics’Armor Warsevent , and , as a notable villain to Tony Stark ’s Iron Man , it would make gumption for him to devolve in anIron piece - esque movie , focalise on Don Cheadle ’s War Machine . Armor Warsdoesn’t yet have a liberation engagement , but this could bring Justin Hammer back to the MCU very soon .
1Thanos
Thanos First Appeared In The Avengers (2012)
The demented Titan , Thanos , was the most important scoundrel in the MCU ’s Infinity Saga , and since he made appearance in five characteristic films before being defeated by Earth ’s Mightiest Heroes , some may suggest he does n’t want to return . However , back in February , Thanos actor Josh Brolinrevealed toComicbook.comthat he had heard"through the grapevine"that Thanos would be brought back . There are many opportunities for Thanos to return in Marvel Studios ' upcoming undertaking , specifically in Phase 6 ’s much anticipatedAvengers : DoomsdayandAvengers : privy Wars.
Thanos ' alive - Action MCU Movie
Year
Actor
The Avengers
2012
Damion Poitier
Guardians of the Galaxy
2014
Josh Brolin
avenger : Age of Ultron
2015
Avengers : Infinity War
2018
retaliator : Endgame
2019
Thanos plays a huge role in Marvel Comics’Secret Warsevent from 2015 as a member of the Cabal , a radical hoping to lay off the multiverse ’s destruction by decimate alternating worlds before they can collide with Earth-616 . This savagery is sure something the MCU ’s Thanos would take part in , but this could lead to the iconic encounter betweenThanos and Doctor Doom , who will be meet by the returning Robert Downey Jr .. Bringing Thanos back to the MCU would be a brilliant way to bridge the gap between the Infinity Saga and Multiverse Saga .
We’re Still Waiting For Many Multiverse Saga Villains To Return, Too
While it would be awful to see any number of powerful Infinity Saga villains return to the MCU , there are also many newly - introducedMultiverse Saga villainsthat are yet to make reappearances . Among them , the likes of the High Evolutionary , Namor , Xu Xialing , Kingpin and Kang the Conqueror have n’t yet fully made their crisscross on the MCU . Vincent D’Onforio will return as Kingpin inDaredevil : expect Again , and Kang the Conqueror is still expected to be recast in theMarvel Cinematic Universe , though the future tense of many other villains are less certain .
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero dealership that begin in 2008 with Paramount ’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The dealership promptly originate in popularity , with Disney finally buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009 . The MCU consists of dozens of motion-picture show and TV appearance , most notably Avengers : Endgame , WandaVision , and Loki .
