The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s meteoric rise to success was largely built on the masterful execution of Thanos as a major villain in the Infinity Saga, a feat that has become a benchmark for villainous storytelling in modern superhero franchises. The sudden introduction of Kang as the next major villain and the subsequent revelation of Marvel’s future plans has inadvertently robbed fans of the thrill and anticipation they experienced with Thanos. The MCU’s need for a major villain in every film has become misguided, leading to a sense of stagnation and predictability.
The slow burn approach to Thanos’s rise to power in the Infinity Saga culminated in a spectacular showdown between the Avengers and his forces, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Rather than exploring new storylines, Marvel opted to introduce Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but unfortunately, the pacing fell flat, and the storyline became predictable. The major issue with this approach is that it has become formulaic and predictable, denying fans the surprise and excitement they experienced with Thanos.
The controversy surrounding Kang’s portrayer, Jonathan Majors, has only added to the character’s woes. The recent discussion about dropping Kang altogether and replacing him with another villain, Dr. Doom, is a reflection of the problems Marvel is facing with the character. Instead of relying on major villains, the MCU could focus on minor villains that have been more effective in the past. Obadiah Stane in the first Iron Man film, the Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Yellowjacket in Ant-Man were all memorable and personal to the heroes, teaching them valuable lessons and allowing for more relatable storylines.
Thanos in MCU (Photo: Marvel)
The MCU has already demonstrated the potential for this approach with Hawkeye, which successfully transitioned from battling aliens to a grounded and fun adventure. By focusing on minor villains, the MCU can scale its heroes back from universe saviors to relatable good guys seeking to make the world a better place. Marvel has access to a vast array of villains from Marvel Comics, including Annihilus, Mister Sinister, Mephisto, or Sabertooth, which could offer a treasure trove of complex and intriguing characters.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe needs to abandon its reliance on major villains and focus on unique and relatable storylines. By exploring the vast array of villains from Marvel Comics, the MCU can offer fans a fresh and exciting direction, allowing the heroes to be grounded and relatable once again. With its rich history and vast array of characters, Marvel has the potential to revive its stagnant expansion and deliver a more satisfying and engaging cinematic experience.
