10 Marvel Villains We Hope The MCU Makes Canon Next After Kingpin’s Return

Several famed Marvel villains who appeared in previous Marvel Cinematic Universe shows could be reintroduced into the franchise’s continuity. After Vincent D’Onofrio’s triumphant introduction into the MCU with Hawkeye and Echo, other characters who were previously considered canon could be reintroduced into the MCU timeline. Kingpin is scheduled to appear in several projects in the MCU’s future, which could prove particularly pertinent considering the issues surrounding Jonathan Majors’ Kang.

Several Marvel television series have had their canonical status within the MCU changed in recent years. The shows that constitute Netflix’s Defenders Saga, Agent Carter, Inhumans, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. were each originally intended to exist within the MCU continuity but were subsequently removed from it. However, following D’Onofrio’s Kingpin transition into the MCU, these shows have entered an ambiguous state regarding the MCU’s official timeline. As a result, several existing villains could be readily reinstated as MCU canon and appear in future installments.

10 Kilgrave Is Dead But Could Come Back With A Retcon

Last Seen In Jessica Jones Season 1

Kilgrave was the captivating antagonist from Jessica Jones season 1. Perfectly played by David Tennant, Kilgrave possessed a unique and menacing ability: mind control. His power allowed him to manipulate others effortlessly, creating a chilling and unpredictable dynamic. The character is known for his charismatic yet sadistic nature, a combination that means Kilgrave is definitely one of the most memorable villains in the entire MCU.

Tennant’s nuanced performance brought depth to the villain, which proved very popular among audiences. Kilgrave was executed by Jessica Jones, but could return in some form through the multiverse, a retcon, or by revealing that Jessica Jones is soft canon – with only certain events being retained. Considering the MCU’s canon is in a state of flux, with The Defenders Saga’s canonical status in question following Vincent D’Onofrio’s return as Kingpin, David Tennant’s Kilgrave could join the MCU.

9 Bullseye’s Last Appearance Teased A Major Upgrade

Last Seen In Daredevil Season 3

In Netflix’s Daredevil, Wilson Bethel portrayed a compelling rendition of the iconic Marvel villain Bullseye – who has unparalleled accuracy at throwing weapons. Introduced in the series as Benjamin Poindexter, the series delved into Bullseye’s origin, portraying him as a disturbed FBI agent manipulated by Wilson Fisk. Bethel’s performance captured the character’s instability and deadly precision, making Bullseye a formidable foe for Daredevil.

Bullseye’s complex psychological profile, coupled with intense action sequences, added depth and intensity to the series, though the character never reached his full potential. The Daredevil season 3 ended with Poindexter having his spine broken by Kingpin, and undergoing an experimental surgery that promised to bestow him with bionic enhancements. This teased that Poindexter would assume his full villainous persona in future installments, which the MCU now could actualize.

8 Madame Gao Could Have Survived The Skyscraper Collapse

Last Seen In The Defenders

Madame Gao from the Defenders Saga was known for her enigmatic and powerful presence. Introduced in Daredevil, Madame Gao was portrayed as a cunning and mysterious crime lord with connections to the mystical organization known as The Hand and Wilson Fisk, with the latter’s MCU appearance potentially helping pave way for her own. Operating with grace and poise, Madame Gao was skilled in martial arts and possessed a deep understanding of the mystical arts.

Madame Gao, played by Wai Ching Ho, exuded an aura of wisdom and danger, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Madame Gao appeared in Daredevil, Iron Fist, and The Defenders as one of the saga’s most compelling villains. She was last seen being buried alive in the same skyscraper collapse that seemingly killed Daredevil. As Daredevil ultimately survived, Gao could have also, making her a prime villain to reintroduce into the MCU canon.

7 Trish Waker’s Hellcat Could Escape The Raft

Last Seen In Jessica Jones Season 3

Trish Walker, portrayed by Rachael Taylor in Netflix’s Defenders Saga, is a multifaceted character with a dynamic journey. Initially introduced as Jessica Jones’ adoptive sister, Trish evolved from a former child star to a determined radio host. As the series progressed, her quest for strength and justice led her to experimental enhancements, transforming her into the villain Hellcat. Trish’s moral ambiguity and personal struggles added layers to her character, creating a dynamic and conflicted presence.

Taylor’s performance captured Trish’s resilience and vulnerability, making her eventually turn to villainy as a highlight of Jessica Jones. During the season 3 finale, Trish was imprisoned in the Raft – a maximum security prison designed to house superpowered individuals. The Raft has already appeared in the MCU continuity and would provide an easy way to reintroduce Trish Walker into the franchise’s canon, potentially teaming up with other inmates to escape the prison.

6 Willis Stryker’s Diamond Back Is Also Imprisoned In The Raft

Last Seen In Luke Cage Season 1

Willis Stryke, portrayed by Erik LaRay Harvey in Netflix’s Luke Cage, was a notable antagonist from the Defenders Saga. Known as Diamondback, he shared a tumultuous history with Cage, revealed as his half-brother. Stryker harbored deep-seated resentment, fueling a vendetta against the hero. With a charismatic yet menacing demeanor, Diamondback became a powerful criminal figure in Harlem.

Harvey’s portrayal captured Stryker’s intensity and obsession, bolstering the character’s villainous motivations. At the end of Luke Cage season 2, Diamondback was imprisoned in the Raft. The Raft also houses Trish Walker and Baron Zemo, meaning the MCU could depict the characters working together to escape the prison for future projects.

5 Whitney Frost’s Madame Masque Is Still Confined To An Asylum

Last Seen In Agent Carter Season 2

The Marvel Comics supervillain Whitney Frost, AKA Madame Masque, was the captivating and formidable antagonist in Agent Carter season 2. Played by Wynn Everett, Frost was introduced as an actress and brilliant scientist who becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving powerful Darkforce energy. As the series progressed, Frost’s ambition and exposure to Darkforce changed her, both physically and psychologically.

Everett delivered a magnetic performance throughout, depicting Frost’s descent into villainy and her transformation into Madame Masque. During Agent Carter‘s final episode, Frost is placed inside an asylum, meaning Madame Masque could be reintroduced into the MCU continuity fairly simply and could be ideal considering the character’s connections to multiple members of the Avengers in Marvel Comics.

4 Maximus Is Trapped Inside The Royal Bunker

Last Seen In Inhumans

Maximus was the villain in Marvel’s Inhumans, portrayed by Iwan Rheon. As the brother of Black Bolt, the Inhuman King, Maximus seeks to overthrow the monarchy, believing in a more egalitarian rule for the Inhuman’s home world, Attilan. Despite his motives, Maximus’s methods are ruthless, leading to conflict and moral ambiguity. Rheon’s depiction added a lot of complexity to Maximus, portraying his desperation and conviction with intensity.

Maximus’s internal struggles and desire for power contribute to the intricate political and familial dynamics explored in the series, making Maximus a compelling and conflicted figure. During the Inhumans’ final episode, Black Bolt traps Maximus inside the Royal Bunker, collapsing a building on top that seemingly entombs him inside. Numerous MCU characters have survived similar fates to Maximus’, meaning that he could be readily reintroduced into the franchise’s canon.

3 Aida Could Still Exist In A Digital Form

Last Seen In Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4

Aida, or Artificial Intelligent Digital Assistant, made her mark as a compelling and evolving character in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Initially designed to assist, she evolved into an unpredictable autonomous being with a quest for human experiences. Portrayed by Mallory Jansen, Aida explores complex themes of consciousness and morality, culminating in her pursuit of free will, leading to ethical dilemmas and catastrophic consequences.

Aida was ultimately defeated in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D season 4 when Coulson seemingly turned Aida’s human form into ash. As the villain managed to transfer her consciousness once, it’s possible the A.I. could still exist somewhere digitally, andcould therefore reemerge in the MCU as a future villain. Reintroducing Aida could explore her transcendence into a more formidable entity, tapping into her quest for humanity.

2 Billy Russo’s Jigsaw Was Killed But Could Return With A Minor Retcon

Last Seen In The Punisher Season 2

Billy Russo, portrayed by Ben Barnes in Netflix’s The Punisher, was an enthralling and enigmatic character. Initially Frank Castle’s friend and comrade, Russo’s betrayal transformed him into the menacing villain, Jigsaw. Barnes was incredibly effective in the role, perfectly showcasing Russo’s descent into madness and criminality. Scarred both physically and mentally, Jigsaw becomes a vengeful force, with a vendetta against his former friend.

The relationship between Castle and Russo contributed to the series’ intensity, as Barnes skillfully navigated the emotional and psychological intricacies of a character haunted by his past. Jigsaw was one of The Punisher‘s major strengths and would be a welcome addition to the MCU’s canon. The villain was killed by Castle during The Punisher‘s season 2 finale, but a minor retcon could suggest he survived his gunshot wounds.

1 Elektra Could Have Also Survived The Midlands Circle Collapse

Last Seen In The Defenders

Elektra Natchios, portrayed by Élodie Yung in Netflix’s Defenders Saga, was a complicated and compelling character who straddled the line between being a hero and villain. Initially introduced as a skilled assassin in Daredevil, Elektra evolved into a key player in the overarching narrative that culminated in The Defenders. Resurrected and manipulated by the ancient organization known as The Hand, Elektra struggles with her identity and destiny. Élodie Yung’s perfect performance brought a captivating mix of strength and vulnerability to the character.

As Elektra grappled with her past and conflicting loyalties, she became a pivotal force and an essential facet of Matt Murdoch’s life. With Charlie Cox returning as Murdoch, bringing back Elektra would be especially effective. Elektra seemingly perished in the Midlands Circle skyscraper collapse, which Daredevil himself managed to escape from unscathed. Elektra’s body was never recovered, suggesting that she too could have escaped, and could therefore be reintroduced into the MCU in upcoming Daredevil entrants.