The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is on the brink of an exciting transformation as it prepares to explore the realm of dark variants in Avengers: Doomsday. This direction could draw significantly from the comic books, where instances of villainous Avengers have paved the way for intriguing character arcs. The recent, surprising casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom signals a shift away from Kang as the primary antagonist, igniting curiosity and speculation surrounding this new villain-centric storyline. Many fans are wondering if Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doom might be an evil variant of Iron Man—a concept with solid roots in Marvel Comics history.
The recent announcements related to Chris Evans’ return to the franchise further amplifies these theories. Speculation surrounds his character potentially mirroring the infamous storyline where Captain America was turned into a HYDRA agent due to the influence of the Cosmic Cube. This sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of additional evil counterparts from comic lore that could join the cast of Avengers: Doomsday.
10. Tom Hiddleston Could Play An Evil Version Of Thor
Finally Fulfilling His Near-Miss Casting
Among the actors who have expressed interest in portraying Thor, Tom Hiddleston stands out as one of the most compelling. Originally auditioning for the role in 2011, Hiddleston’s covert transition to Loki has allowed him to showcase his extraordinary talent within the MCU. As Loki gracefully departs the story and Thor embarks on a semi-retirement journey, there is an intriguing opportunity for Hiddleston to explore an alternate, darker version of the God of Thunder.
With Hiddleston’s rich history of playing various incarnations of Loki, imagining him as a malevolent Thor could generate considerable excitement, perhaps even captivating viewers beyond Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom. Such a return would not only reintroduce Mjolnir into the MCU narrative but would also elevate the stakes for the Avengers.
9. Jeremy Renner Could Play A Truly Evil Version Of Ronin
Ronin’s Return Could See An End To Non-Lethal Heroes
Jeremy Renner’s portrayal of Ronin remains one of the more underexplored facets within the MCU. During the Blip, Clint Barton evolved from Hawkeye to the ruthless Ronin, delivering justice with a brutal sword instead of his bow and arrow. This darker persona lingered in the comics, and its revival in Avengers: Doomsday could shed light on Clint’s conflicted nature.
Exploring a version of Ronin that straddles the line between anti-hero and villain allows for a gripping narrative that delves into the depths of Hawkeye’s psyche. Moreover, the potential revelation of Clint’s double life could amplify the consequences of his actions and plunge him back into his lethal ways.
8. Marvel Could Bring Back Edward Norton To Play An Evil Hulk
Norton Could Finally Reprise His Original MCU Role At Long Last
The recent influx of past MCU characters, fueled by cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine, has opened the door for Edward Norton’s long-awaited return as Hulk. After being replaced by Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers, Norton’s portrayal, marked by its darker and more tortured nuances, lends itself to a villainous reinvention.
Among the most recognized malignant variants in the comics is Maestro—an alternate reality version of Hulk embodying Bruce Banner’s intellect alongside the Hulk’s brute strength. Given the storyline’s parallel with Norton’s darker iteration, the opportunity for him to reprise this iconic character in Avengers: Doomsday is tantalizingly close.
7. The Evil Doctor Strange From Multiverse Of Madness Could Return
The MCU Has Played With One Evil Avenger Already
In the prior installment, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduced a chilling incarnation of Doctor Strange known as Sinister Strange. After losing Christine Palmer, this version succumbed to darkness, manipulating the Darkhold’s powers until meeting his downfall. His chilling conclusion leaves the door ajar for a triumphant return.
The nuances of astral projection and deep-seated forbidden magic make it plausible for Sinister Strange to evade death. His re-emergence in Avengers: Doomsday could take the plot in an exhilarating direction, offering viewers a glimpse of Benedict Cumberbatch reprising his sinister charm.
6. Robert Downey Jr. Could Pull Double Duty As Steel Corpse
Doctor Doom Isn’t The Only Way Evil Iron Man Could Work
With uncertainty surrounding Downey Jr.’s role as Doctor Doom, there lies potential for him to embody Iron Man once more through the evil character Steel Corpse. This folktale depicts a tragic vision of Iron Man, where Tony Stark’s decaying body is kept alive within an armored suit, overseen by a malevolent force.
If Downey Jr. were to portray Steel Corpse, it could elegantly tie back into his legacy as Iron Man while symbolizing the dark turns the MCU is willing to explore. This creative direction could rekindle lost affection from fans and rejuvenate the character’s narrative.
5. Scarlett Johansson’s Red Cat Could Be The Catwoman To Spider-Man’s Batman
An Interesting Twist On The Typical Evil Avenger
While the Black Widow has a morally ambiguous journey, the existence of a variant like Red Cat offers a unique interpretation of her character. In this story, an alternate version of Black Widow captures the essence of a cat burglar, creating a dynamic that could serve as an intriguing counterpart to Spider-Man’s heroic persona.
Incorporating Red Cat into Avengers: Doomsday could provide a nuanced perspective on morality, allowing Scarlett Johansson to revisit her character in a refreshing and paradoxical light. This interplay between heroism and criminality could challenge both Spider-Man’s values and audience expectations.
4. Ioan Gruffudd Could Return As The Master
Could Pit The Fantastic Four’s Best Modern Villain Against Their Best Classic One
As Doctor Doom looms large in Avengers: Doomsday, it would be fitting to intertwine a malevolent portrayal of Reed Richards, aka The Maker. This character, originating from the Ultimate Marvel Comics, evolves into a supervillain mastermind, posing a substantial threat that could rival Doctor Doom’s machinations.
Reintroducing Ioan Gruffudd as this incarnation could heighten the stakes and provide a riveting contrast to the narrative, potentially positioning The Maker as a formidable adversary. Even a minor appearance would make for a compelling addition to the upcoming blockbuster.
3. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Could Finally Succumb To The Venom Symbiote
The Symbiote Storyline Is Long Overdue For The MCU’s Spider-Man
With Tom Holland’s Spider-Man positioned prominently in the franchise, Avengers: Doomsday seems like the ideal platform for him to undergo the well-known symbiote saga. Given the emotional turmoil Spider-Man faced in No Way Home, the time has come to explore his potential connection with Venom.
As Spider-Man dons the black suit, viewers could witness a dark transformation as his grief could spiral into increasingly malevolent decisions. Although a dedicated solo movie would afford deeper exploration, introducing the symbiote connection in this film could really set the stage for future developments in Avengers: Secret Wars.
2. Tom Cruise Could Finally Play Iron Man, But Evil
Cruise Is One Of The Biggest Stars The MCU Never Captured
Tom Cruise was among the first potential actors for Iron Man before Robert Downey Jr. solidified his iconic role. His connection to the character dates back to a near-casting opportunity in 1997, and now this legacy could be revived as he portrays a sinister variant of Iron Man.
Witnessing Downey Jr. share screen space with the actor who nearly assumed the role, under the guise of a new character, would be both exciting and nostalgic. Cruise’s knack for portraying captivating, villainous characters could bring a riveting new energy to the MCU, particularly in Avengers: Doomsday.
1. Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch Could Return As A Villainous Avenger
Scarlet Witch’s Evil Story Might Not Be Over With
Scarlet Witch has undergone a remarkable evolution throughout the MCU, oscillating between heroism and villainy, only to meet what many deemed an unsatisfactory end under the mountain’s weight in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. Speculations suggest she may have survived, creating the perfect opportunity for her to return with unfinished business.
Envisioning Scarlet Witch reemerging under Doctor Doom’s influence as a nefarious ally would expand the threatening dynamics within the MCU. By establishing her as a formidable foe for the Avengers, the narrative gains street cred with a powerful antagonist without needing further introductions beyond Doom himself.
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