To date, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced many iconic villains from the comics, such as the Avengers saga. The first film pitted Earth’s Mightiest Heroes against Loki, the second film saw them fight Ultron, and the third and fourth films will see them defend Earth against Thanos. But what happens afterwards?
Thanos is THE big bad of the MCU so far, meaning that the next main villain has a lot to live up to. Here, we list five villains that we’d love to see in Avengers 5 or another sequel.
Norman Osborn
Of course, Norman Osborn is best known for being Spider-Man’s arch-nemesis, the Green Goblin. But outside of Goblin, Norman has been a key force against the Marvel Universe in the comics. At one point, he became director of H.A.M.M.E.R. and formed a new Avengers team, the Dark Avengers. The lineup consisted of characters like Venom, Daken, and Bullseye. Norman even donned the Iron Patriot suit, which was introduced into the MCU in Iron Man 3.
There seem to be no plans to bring Norman into the current Spider-Man movies, which intend to focus on new characters and villains. So, why not have him be the new big bad for the rest of the MCU? He’d be a formidable threat to the Avengers, and he can create his own team. Also, following the intergalactic threat of Thanos, it’d make sense to bring in a more grounded threat. And really, Norman Osborn is one of Marvel’s greatest villains. How can the MCU not use him?
Dormammu
One of Doctor Strange’s greatest enemies is the almighty Dormammu. While the Doctor Strange movie seemingly had Kaecilius as the main villain, it was revealed that Dormammu was the true big bad. Strange confronts Dormammu and traps him into a time loop, striking a bargain for him to spare Earth. It was interesting to see Strange face an enemy that he had no chance of physically fighting, but what if that were to change?
Considering how powerful Dormammu is, it makes sense for him to be the next big MCU villain. The character has played a key recurring role through the comics, and it’d be logical to have that in the movies too. Plus, it’d further establish Doctor Strange as a major part of the MCU. But next time, if Dormammu comes back, they’ll have to find a way to beat him without an Infinity Stone.
Kang the Conqueror
Kang the Conqueror hails from the 30th century, using time travel to do battle with Marvel’s heroes. This conflict peaked in the Kang Dynasty comic, which actually saw the warlord succeed in conquering Earth. Of course, he’s eventually defeated by the Avengers.
While he has frequently fought the Avengers, Kang also has close ties to the Fantastic Four. That leads to his film rights being owned by 20th Century Fox. However, with Disney in the process of acquiring Fox, it would be easy to bring Kang into the MCU. He’s a formidable villain, and his use of time travel would make him a unique opponent for the Avengers.
Galactus
Here, we have another Marvel villain owned by Fox, but assuming the Disney acquisition goes through, that won’t be an issue. Galactus has been wished for by fans to join the MCU forever, and for good reason. The devourer of worlds goes from planet to planet to consume his hunger, and he has a group of Heralds (including Silver Surfer) to aid him. Also, he’s very, very big.
Galactus would clearly be a very formidable opponent for the Avengers. He’s the type of world-threatening force that would put him in good company with Thanos, Ultron, and Loki. Also, if Marvel wants the MCU’s next big bad to be bigger than Thanos and the Infinity Stones, then Galactus is the most obvious choice. And we really need a decent version of Galactus on film after Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Doctor Doom
And finally, we have one of the Marvel Universe’s greatest villains. Victor von Doom is the arch-nemesis of the Fantastic Four, but he has also come to blows with the Avengers and other heroes. He’s already been adapted into every
Fantastic Four movie, but to put it simply, none of them were good. Doom is now slated to be the star of his own movie, directed by Noah Hawley.
Regardless of whether the Doctor Doom film happens, the character absolutely has to join the MCU. He’d be a wonderfully complex opponent, while exploring his dictatorship in Latveria would be fascinating. If Marvel is unsure about reintroducing the Fantastic Four, they could just as easily make Doom the main villain of Avengers 5 or something. Actually….why not put him in Black Panther 2?
Honorable Mentions: Taskmaster, MODOK, Mephisto, Super-Skrull, Adam Warlock
Which Marvel villains do you want to see in future Avengers sequels?
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WOBAM! Entertainment.
Latest posts by Paul Romano
(see all)