Spider-Man: Homecoming signified another massive success for the Marvel Cinematic Universe project, and is shining proof that you should let Marvel handle their own characters. You hear that, Sony? Back the fuck off.
The story was great and Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter-ego should be commended, but the real star of the show was Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes, AKA Vulture. He was the antithesis of most Marvel villains who came before, who were evil purely for the sake of it being the only thing that gets their dick hard.
Vulture had motive, stealing from Stark in the same way he felt that Stark stole his life and livelihood, yet he also had a moral compass of sorts. He’s a bad guy willing to do bad things, yes, but only to provide a better life for his family. He isn’t looking for world domination or global annihilation, he just wants his fair share, and that made for a compelling character.
The question now is, if the Marvel Studios team can take an admittedly C-Tier villain at best like Vulture and make him shine in the MCU, who else can they use their Midas Touch on? Here are five villains who also deserve an opportunity.
Kraven
I’m craving some Kraven. No, I’m not proud of that line. Sergei Kravinoff, better known as Kraven the Hunter, has been a persistent thorn in the side of Spider-Man for decades. Like the Vulture, he has no desire for some grand scheme. Toppling governments doesn’t provide the thrills he seeks, no sir. He’s a hunter, and there’s no better game, no better trophy than Spider-Man.
Whilst it would be entertaining to see The Hunter on the big screen, another intriguing angle opens up via the Punisher TV series. The version of Kraven in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 video game fancied himself as a vigilante of sorts, and the moral dilemma of someone who kills criminals for justice versus one who kills them for pleasure would make Kraven perfect foil for Castle.
Alistair Smythe
Bio-engineer by day, Spider-Slayer by night, Alistair Smythe is the number one expert in biotech, cybernetics, not being able to walk and slaying spiders. Except for that last one, he’s not the best in that department. Still, with his metallic body armour that comes equipped with huge blades and custom web shooters, he’s more than a match for the Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Freak.
What’s interesting is that his introduction into the Big Time story arc from 2010 syncs up nicely with where the MCU is currently. In Big Time, Smythe is the man responsible for breaking Mac Gargan out of prison and handing him a new Scorpion suit. Currently in the MCU, Mac is in prison and needs a suit. Don’t be surprised if Smythe is leading the jailbreak.
Black Cat
When a Black Cat crosses your path, swing the fuck away. If Spider-Man heeded that advice just once in his life, he’d have saved himself so much hassle in the long run. Felicia Hardy has been a sometimes villain, sometimes partner, sometimes fuck buddy and occasionally a combination of those three. Trained to the peak of human athleticism to be a successful cat burglar, Black Cat has always shared a unique kinship that hasn’t been shared anywhere else. What? Batman and Catwoman who? Never heard of them. If reports are true, Sony is developing a separate movie with Black Cat and Silver Sable as part of their crusade to muddy the waters of Cinematic Universes as a whole, but Black Cat deserves to be in the MCU proper.
Mysterio
The byword for trash-tier Spider-Man villains, Mysterio has gone through a number of iterations over the years. I’m willing to wager that most just remember him as that twat that forced you to do those frustrating platforming sections in the Spider-Man 2 videogame. Though there have been many incarnations of Mysterio over the years, the most recognisable man beneath the fishbowl helmet is Quentin Beck.
A failed special effects artist in Hollywood, Beck decides that he could use his illusions in the pursuit of supervillainy. As you do. Whilst Mysterio probably won’t be the main antagonist of any Spider-Man any time soon, he could make for an interesting secondary villain; a starter before the main course.
Mr Negative
Despite what you may think, Mister Negative is not a rejected “Mr Men” character. Glad we cleared that up for you. Mister Negative is a more recent Spider-Man villain and apparently one of the antagonists of the upcoming Spider-Man PS4 game from Insomniac, which might make him primed to join the MCU. It’s not like Marvel to use games to promote the MCU, is it? *cough* MvC: Infinite *cough cough*
Mister Negative is a crime lord by night, homeless shelter co-coordinator by day as Martin Li. He suffers from a dissociative identity disorder, and Martin has no knowledge of Mister Negative’s existence. His ability to corrupt those he touches into doing his bidding makes him a dangerous adversary, and one that could present many interesting scenarios within the MCU. A corrupted Peter Parker fighting the Avengers? Sign me up!
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