The Frustrating Trend of MCU Villains
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has had its fair share of ups and downs when it comes to the portrayal of its villains. While iconic characters like Thanos, Killmonger, and Loki have left a lasting impression, others have faded into oblivion, failing to make a significant mark. What's interesting is the pattern in the timeline of these compelling villains, with the latter Phases of the Infinity Saga and the beginning of the Multiverse Saga housing some of the more captivating adversaries.
Ego (Kurt Russel) giving a speech to Star Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
As the MCU progresses into Phase 5, the anticipation for promising villains has reached new heights. The franchise seems to be on the brink of a significant shift in its treatment of antagonists, raising hopes for a more enduring and impactful portrayal of villainous characters. However, amidst the quality of writing, a recurring complaint has persisted throughout Marvel Studios' narrative - the fate of the villains: alive or dead at the end of their appearances.
Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror attacking in Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania
The Criticism of Premature Villain Deaths
A long-standing critique of the MCU has been its tendency to prematurely dispose of its villains, depriving them of their full storytelling potential. This trend has been particularly evident in Phases 4 and 5, despite the nuanced portrayal of certain antagonists. Out of the recent theatrical releases, only a handful have allowed their primary antagonists to survive till the end. The premature demise of villains has been a point of frustration for audiences, who yearn to witness the evolution and complexity of these characters beyond their initial appearances.
Dar-Benn with both Quantum Bands in The Marvels
Even in Phase 3, a significant number of films concluded with the demise of their villains, reflecting a recurring pattern in the MCU's narrative approach. The desire to see the villains play a more enduring role, either by confronting the heroes again or delving deeper into their narratives, has been a persistent plea from the audience. The failure to capitalize on the potential of villains beyond their debut appearances has been a longstanding criticism, casting a shadow over the franchise's treatment of antagonists.
Christian Bale's Gorr the God Butcher in the Shadow Realm in 2022's Thor Love and Thunder
A New Era: Embracing Villain Longevity
The recent introduction of Echo into the MCU has marked a significant departure from the traditional narrative treatment of villains. In the five-episode series, the portrayal of the main antagonist, Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, took an unexpected turn by sparing his life. This bold narrative choice not only defied expectations but also hinted at a potential shift in Marvel's approach to its villains.
Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
By preserving Kingpin's character, Echo not only built anticipation but also validated the decision to keep the villain alive. The compelling performance by Vincent D'Onofrio and the tantalizing foreshadowing of Kingpin's future in the MCU have emphasized the value of allowing villains to endure and evolve within the narrative. Kingpin's multi-faceted presence across various MCU projects demonstrates the depth and longevity that villains can bring to the franchise, challenging the notion of their disposable nature.
Echo with Hawkeye and Kingpin in the MCU
