Best Marvel Villains Who Are Currently Dead

Summary

Marvel villains leave lasting impressions on the MCU and its fans.
From Ulysses Klaue to Cassandra Nova, these villains have unique backstories that shape their narrative arcs.
Sympathetic antagonists can make for the most compelling villains.

As a writer and a lover of stories that resonate deeply, I find myself constantly captivated by the complex characters that populate the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Each character, with their unique backstory and development, offers a rich tapestry of emotions that leaves an indelible mark on audiences. Among these characters, there are those who stand out as truly exceptional, and Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, is one such character.

Wanda’s life has been marked by loss, pain, and a deep-seated desire for love and connection. Orphaned at a young age, she was subjected to the cold cruelty of the world, only to find solace in the arms of those who promised her a better future. But, as we all know too well, promises can be broken, and Wanda’s journey towards redemption has been a tumultuous one.

Her transformation from an Avenger to a villain was a tragic one, driven by the pain of losing those she loved most. In her desperation to hold on to what she had lost, Wanda became a force to be reckoned with, wielding powers that could shake the very foundations of reality itself.

But, as the saying goes, “behind every great tragedy is a great opportunity.” And Wanda’s story offers us just that. In her darkest hour, she found the strength within herself to make amends for her actions and sacrifice herself to save the multiverse from the evil of the Darkhold.

It’s a testament to the power of redemption, and a reminder that even the most broken among us can find a way to heal if we are willing to take the first step. And so, I raise my glass to Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, a character whose life experience has left an indelible mark on me, and on all who have been touched by her story.

And as a final thought, let’s not forget that even the darkest of characters can find humor in their own misery. As Wanda herself once said, “I don’t like to brag, but I’ve killed a god.” And with that, I rest my case.

Since 1939 (operating as Timely Publications initially), Marvel Comics has had a rich history filled with captivating villains, many of whom have made the leap from comic book pages to the big screen. These adversaries range from cosmic invaders to local schemers, constantly testing heroes and influencing the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not every villain, however, gets the opportunity to lurk in obscurity or lay out their future plans.

Characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have experienced memorable, significant deaths in grand battles, heartbreaking sacrifices, or satisfying resolutions, etching their legacies deeply into the hearts of fans. Although Marvel is known for resurrecting deceased characters, some remain dead for the present time.

8. Ulysses Klaue

The Arms Dealer

Initially, an outsider named Ulysses Klause, who deals in illegal weapons, was assigned by Prince N’Jobu to pilfer vibranium from Wakanda. Remarkably, even after being apprehended by the Wakandans, he succeeded in making a hasty exit, carrying away a substantial amount of this nearly indestructible metal.

Klaus aided Ultron in growing its military forces, resulting in the devastation of Sokovia. Subsequently, he teamed up with Erik Killmonger, causing turmoil for numerous entities, including the Avengers. However, this partnership ultimately led to his betrayal and demise.

In the portrayal by Andy Serkis, Ulysses Klaue’s comical flair contrasted sharply with his brutal personality, resulting in an appealing antagonist, even though he was involved in sinister activities.

7. Cassandra Nova Xavier

The Twin

In exile, controlled by the Time Variance Authority (TVA), Cassandra Nova emerged as the malevolent twin sibling of mutant educator Charles Xavier. The TVA deemed her power and wickedness too great, erasing her from existence within their timeline. Yet, unlike many others in the Void, Cassandra flourished in this alien realm.

Nova possesses psychic talents similar to her twin brother’s, yet uniquely, she isn’t hesitant to employ these powers against adversaries that cross her path. Regardless of the consequences, she wields them fearlessly.

6. Ego

The Living Planet

Among the most ancient beings in existence, referred to as Celestials, there was an immensely powerful figure named Ego. Interestingly, despite his true form being a living planet, he chose to manifest himself in human shape. Ego had ambitions to reshape the universe, a goal he pursued using ‘seeds’ to terraform planets, causing catastrophic events that could wipe out entire species. This alone makes Ego a formidable antagonist. However, his actions towards his own offspring set him apart as a distinctly malevolent character.

As a fervent admirer, let me share this intriguing tale from my perspective: In an endeavor to sire a worthy successor to aid in his cosmic endeavors, Ego spread his seed far and wide across the galaxies, potentially fathering countless thousands, even millions. Among those he enlisted was Yondu, tasked with gathering these offspring to determine if any carried the potent Celestial DNA. Regrettably, none of the collected proved worthy, resulting in their untimely demise.

After discovering that Peter Quill, a human capable of wielding an Infinity Stone, was alive, Ego tried to win over his newfound son to his cause, but it could have succeeded if he hadn’t revealed the murder of Quill’s mother.

5. Ronan

The Accuser

A high-ranking warrior from the Kree Empire named Ronan participated in the Kree-Skrull War. He was displeased by the peace treaty that ended the Kree-Nova War, which prompted him to form an alliance with a powerful being known as Thanos, with the goal of destroying Xandar.

Merciless, cruel, and burning with rage, Ronan turned traitor against Thanos and wielded the Power Stone himself in an attempt to conquer Xandar. This treacherous act led to the annihilation of their entire army during the Battle of Xandar. However, the Guardians of the Galaxy managed to stop him. Regrettably for Ronan, years later Thanos accomplished what he had desired – the destruction of Xandar – even though Ronan was no longer there to witness it.

4. Green Goblin

The Alter

As a film enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as: In a twisted turn of events, my very own experiment backfired, transforming me into the menacing Green Goblin alter ego. With a chilling green mask adorning my face, and a fearsome hoverboard called the Goblin Glider beneath my feet, I swiftly rose to notoriety as one of Spider-Man’s earliest formidable foes. Leaving chaos and destruction in my path.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, let me tell you about an iconic villain – none other than the Green Goblin. In a heart-stopping turn of events, he was believed to have met his demise after being impaled. But just when we thought it was over, the multiverse stepped in, offering this maniacal character another shot at causing chaos, particularly for Peter Parker.

However, unlike before, Norman Osborn managed to escape his fate and shake off his affliction. In a dramatic twist, he ended the Green Goblin, but not the man who was gradually learning to resist its control.

3. Erik Killmonger

The Lost Son

Occasionally, the most compelling villains are those who leave the audience in a quandary, finding it hard to condemn them outright – characters we might occasionally find ourselves supporting, despite their actions being clearly wrong. Erik Killmonger, Prince of Wakanda and cousin to the Black Panther T’Challa, serves as an excellent example of this complex character type.

Eager to carry out his father’s dream of utilizing vibranium and Wakandan resources to end the oppression faced by people of African descent globally, Killmonger seizes the throne from T’Challa, assuming the role of Black Panther and becoming the King of Wakanda.

Many found his methods unacceptable, as Killmonger resorted to theft, intimidation, and murder to claim the throne in Wakanda. In doing so, it appeared he had killed T’Challa. However, despite this, the audience longs for T’Challa’s return as ruler, yet it cannot be denied that Killmonger left an indelible mark on Wakanda. He helped bring its advanced technology and research to those who desperately needed it.

2. Hela Odinsdottir

The Goddess Of Death

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hela, the initial female antagonist, was Odin’s eldest child, initially slated for the role in “Thor: The Dark World.” With extraordinary physical prowess and speed, coupled with the ability to conjure any weapon she needs, it took the demolition of Asgard to subdue her. Previously serving as Odin’s executioner during the conquest of other Realms, she was ultimately deemed too ruthless for continued presence in her father’s court.

Although Hela clearly plays the role of a villain, it’s easy to empathize with her rage and thirst for vengeance against those who discarded her and her father. The immense power and might that Hela possesses were unfortunately squandered by her death in Thor: Ragnarok. A character as powerful as she is deserved more time to cause chaos and destruction.

1. Wanda Maximoff

The Scarlet Witch

Born an orphan alongside her twin brother following the Novi Grad Bombings, Wanda Maximoff harbored resentment towards Tony Stark and, by extension, the Avengers. Over time, she joined their ranks and came close to defeating Thanos not once but twice. However, the pain of losing those dear to her proved overwhelming, causing her to succumb to self-centeredness and destructive behavior.

In an effort to retrieve the children she gave birth to and subsequently lost in Westview, Wanda resorted to utilizing the abilities of the Scarlet Witch along with the malevolent power of the Darkhold to journey across various universes, seeking a parallel version of herself to inhabit. Following a destructive path through numerous worlds, Wanda finally faltered upon witnessing terror in her son’s gaze, ultimately choosing self-sacrifice to annihilate the Darkhold.

As a longtime fan of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I have to admit that despite her heinous actions, Wanda Maximoff, aka The Scarlet Witch, has become one of the most captivating and empathetic villains in the franchise yet. Through her heartbreaking losses, she evolved into a complex character who, in many ways, resonates with me on a deeply personal level. Yet, for now at least, we must bid farewell to the Scarlet Witch, but I can’t help but wonder if this is truly the end for her story. Her journey has been an emotional rollercoaster, and I eagerly await any future developments that might shed light on her character arc.

2024-12-30 10:34