Get ready: tonight marks the comeback of one of the most iconic and formidable villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The MCU’s lineup of villains can be inconsistent. For every captivating character like Ego, High Evolutionary, and Killmonger, there’s a less memorable one like Maliketh, Whiplash, and Dreykov to balance it out.
Most people tend to agree that Thanos is the franchise's most significant antagonist, and it's hard to argue against it. He was carefully developed from the beginning of Infinity War and his arrival, with Josh Brolin's incredible motion-capture performance, changed the balance of power with the snap of his fingers.
However, some may hold different opinions based on their cultural preferences. Reflecting on Marvel's short-lived Defenders series on Netflix, one villain stands above the rest. He's neither the good samaritan nor the priest or the Levite - he represents ill intent.
Kingpin returns to MCU tomorrow in Echo
Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin will return in Echo, the MCU’s new TV series hitting Disney Plus tonight (January 9). Check out the trailer below:
D'Onofrio first appeared as the feared crime lord in Netflix's Daredevil, showcasing his penchant for violence and intense animosity toward the Man without Fear. Despite a brief appearance in the Disney-fied Hawkeye series following the cancellation of the streaming franchise, his return in Echo marks a highly-anticipated comeback for fans as he embraces the TV-MA rating once again. During the premiere, D'Onofrio confirmed, "Kingpin is back for sure, and he's going to get what he wants as always. That's what's going to happen."
One user's early reaction was: " #Echo gave me all the information I needed - Daredevil: Born Again from Marvel Studios will be the ultimate Daredevil experience and Kingpin will feel just like they did in their show!"
Another tweet stated, "I had almost the same feelings with #Echo as I did with Daredevil. If you enjoyed the Netflix series, you're going to love this. Alaqua Cox is flawless and Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of Kingpin is the MCU's best. Marvel, take note."
The character Kingpin has been dubbed the "Thanos of the street-level MCU" and is expected to make additional appearances after Echo. Producer Richie Palmer hinted at this, stating "I think stay tuned to how this show ends and where we see him next. As a Kingpin fan myself, that sounds awesome and I know Vincent would love it," to Comic Book. Echo will premiere on Disney Plus and Hulu on January 9. Click here for more information.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I am thrilled to witness the triumphant return of Kingpin, the iconic villain who left an indelible mark on the Netflix series Daredevil. Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of this ruthless crime lord was nothing short of masterful, embodying pure malevolence and striking fear into the hearts of both heroes and viewers alike. His return in Echo promises to be a game-changer, bringing back the TV-MA rating and allowing the character to unleash his full potential once again.
The MCU has introduced a diverse range of villains, each with their own unique motivations and characteristics. While Thanos stands as the franchise's most significant antagonist, Kingpin holds a special place in the hearts of fans due to his grounded and relatable nature. He represents the dark side of humanity, a ruthless individual driven by greed, power, and a thirst for control. His return in Echo is a testament to the enduring popularity of the character and the impact he has had on the MCU.