The Marvels, scheduled for release on November 10, 2023, is highly anticipated in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani as the main heroes, the film aims to tell a unique story. However, there is a concern that The Marvels may fall into a familiar trap by resurrecting one of the MCU's weakest trends.
Throughout the MCU, there have been only a few truly impressive villains. Some argue that Loki, Killmonger, and Thanos are the only ones worth mentioning. Despite this, recent projects like Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home have placed greater emphasis on developing compelling villains. Unfortunately, it appears that this focus on villains may be diminishing once again.
The Marvels Is All About The Heroes
The Marvels focuses more on the heroes rather than the villain, as seen in the official trailer. The plot revolves around the three main women swapping places across the galaxy when using their powers. This presents tense situations for Kamala Kahn, a novice hero. However, it is unclear how frequently these place swaps occur, as the trailer shows the characters using their abilities without swapping locations.
This film is a step forward in female representation on screen, emphasizing the relationships and dynamics between heroes of different skill levels. Their powers, all connected by the theme of light, give them common ground while remaining distinct. This opens up interesting story possibilities for the director and writers.
Unfortunately, the trailer places too much emphasis on character dynamics and includes sporadic action scenes and a relatively weak villain intention. This may raise concerns among fans of the MCU, as it suggests that the villain may be insignificant or an afterthought, similar to the case in 2019's Captain Marvel.
The Marvels May Lack A Compelling Villain
The villain in the film trailer is Dar-Benn, portrayed by Zawe Ashton, but many people may not be familiar with this character. Dar-Benn's significance in the Marvel universe is primarily tied to his involvement in the creation of the Silver Surfer. While this might hold potential for an important character, using a film to introduce such a significant figure doesn't make for an impactful villain. Based on Dar-Benn's limited appearance in the trailer, it seems that MCU fans may be disappointed with the lack of compelling villainy. Furthermore, the rumors that "The Marvels" will be the shortest film in the MCU suggest that there may not be enough time for the villain to leave a lasting impression. This could be a major misstep, as it takes time and screen time for a villain to truly make an impact. If the film is indeed shorter, it may be a challenge to develop the lesser-known D-list character into a formidable villain, especially considering the need to also establish and elevate the two Disney+ series characters to the same level as Captain Marvel. Additionally, the hero already possesses immense power and is supported by two other superheroes and Nick Fury's resources, making it essential for the villain to be formidable enough to provide a meaningful challenge.
The MCU Has Always Had A Villain Problem
When it comes to MCU villains, Thanos is the first name that comes to mind for most people. As the main antagonist throughout the original three phases of the MCU, Thanos was a prominent figure. In Avengers: Infinity War, which could be considered a dedicated film for Thanos, he was portrayed in a more fleshed-out manner compared to other villains. Another notable villain is Loki, who has transformed into a captivating anti-hero over time. A standout among villains with major notoriety solely from a single film appearance is Killmonger from Black Panther (2018). He brought a different approach to the MCU villain role, appearing as a significant force throughout the entire film rather than simply being a catalyst for the heroes to confront in the final moments.
Unfortunately, the list of underwhelming MCU villains is quite extensive. One widely criticized example is Zemo from Captain America: Civil War, who some felt was unnecessary. It is often suggested that Zemo could have been omitted entirely, allowing Iron Man to take on the main villain role. Even iconic Marvel villains like Dormammu, Taskmaster, Gorr the God Butcher, Red Skull, and Kang the Conqueror have failed to leave a strong impact in the films they appear in. Oftentimes, these villains are overshadowed by heroes who have equally important narratives, resulting in their roles feeling forced as a challenge for the heroes to overcome and elevate the status of the latest MCU film to blockbuster level. Only time will reveal if The Marvels will fall into the same pattern, so it is best for everyone to remain hopeful and keep their fingers crossed.
The Marvels is set to release in theatres on November 10th, 2023.
