List of Major MCU Villains Arriving in 2025

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised to expand significantly in Phases 5 and 6, set to introduce a host of new villains and welcome back some familiar faces. As Marvel Studios has scaled back its output, the cinematic landscape in 2024 is primarily highlighted by the release of the much-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine film, which has been well-received at the box office. Alongside this, a lineup of popular Disney+ series, including Echo, X-Men ’97, Agatha All Along, and What If…? Season 3, has kept fans engaged. Although the frenetic pace of earlier years will not return immediately, the year 2025 promises a revitalizing array of MCU content across both film and television.

Among the many exciting projects slated for 2025 are theatrical films such as Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Additionally, audiences can anticipate animated series on Disney+ like Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Daredevil: Born Again, Ironheart, Eyes of Wakanda, and Marvel Zombies, alongside the live-action series Wonder Man. This year will also pave the way for several new heroes, but the spotlight will likely shine on an array of new and returning MCU villains.

10 President Ross A.K.A. Red Hulk

Harrison Ford’s President Ross Will Transform Into The Red Hulk In Captain America: Brave New World

Thaddeus Ross, first introduced in Phase 1’s The Incredible Hulk as the architect behind Emil Blonsky’s transformation into the Abomination, is making a remarkable return. Following his efforts with the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War and his confrontation with Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt”Ross will reappear in Captain America: Brave New World. Now serving as the President of the United States, Ross seeks reconciliation with Captain America, but his fate takes a perilous turn as he transforms into the formidable Red Hulk.

In the comics, Thaddeus Ross allies with The Leader and MODOK to harness Bruce Banner’s gamma radiation; however, the MCU introduces a creative twist. The character’s forthcoming transformation into the Red Hulk differs from traditional origins, possibly triggered by an involuntary injection of gamma radiation from the Leader, who uses Ross for his own agenda.

9 Samuel Sterns A.K.A. The Leader

Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns Returns In His Leader Form In Captain America: Brave New World

Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns also made his debut in The Incredible Hulk during Phase 1. In this film, he aided Bruce Banner in seeking a temporary remedy for his Hulk identity, leading to an unexpected mishap with contaminated blood vials. After remaining absent from the MCU for years, Samuel Sterns returns in Captain America: Brave New World as a shadowy figure potentially orchestrating Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk.

The Leader, known in the comics for being one of the Hulk’s primary adversaries, witnesses a deviation from his comic origins in the MCU. In the comics, his evolution into a Gamma-powered intellect stems from a lab accident. However, in the film, his role will pivot more towards a manipulator controlling significant events from behind the scenes, capitalizing on chaos, and pursuing covert ambitions.

8 Seth Voelker A.K.A. Sidewinder

Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder Appears As A Secondary Antagonist In Captain America: Brave New World

The casting of Giancarlo Esposito generated widespread speculation regarding his role in Captain America: Brave New World, with initial theories suggesting characters like Moon Knight’s nemesis Bushman. Ultimately, it was confirmed that Esposito will portray the mercenary Sidewinder, a member of the Serpent Society, in the film. Trailers indicate that Sidewinder will serve as a terrorist whom Captain America must confront, likely at the behest of President Ross.

In the comics, Seth Voelker transitions from an economist to a criminal underworld figure after coming into contact with Roxxon. His abilities, including teleportation, are attributed to a cloak he acquires, enabling him to effectively lead the Serpent Society. Despite his initial criminal pursuits, Sidewinder’s character is known for his occasional change of heart, complicating his alliances.

7 Muse

Hunter Doohan’s Muse Will Be Matt Murdock’s Next Main Villain In Daredevil: Born Again

Following his appearances in She-Hulk: Attorney At Law and a brief cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock returns for a standalone adventure in Daredevil: Born Again. While Wilson Fisk, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio, also makes a return, the primary focus shifts to Muse, a surprising new villain for our hero.

Muse, debuting in 2016, is a serial killer whose twisted art installations incorporate the bodies of his victims. As Daredevil confronts Muse, he will be drawn into a storyline reflecting the community’s response to vigilantism, particularly as Mayor Wilson Fisk exploits the chaos for political gain.

6 Wilson Fisk A.K.A. Kingpin

Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin Will Play A Major Role In Daredevil: Born Again

Vincent D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Wilson Fisk, or Kingpin, has solidified his status as one of the most formidable foes for Matt Murdock. Throughout All three seasons of Netflix’s Daredevil, Kingpin’s relentless ambitions have led to fierce confrontations with the hero. The post-credit scene in Echo hints at a significant political maneuver, with Kingpin potentially running for Mayor in Daredevil: Born Again.

Fisk’s arc in the comics involves a similar power struggle. His campaign to outlaw vigilantism brings him into direct conflict with several heroes, including Daredevil. While the comics ultimately see Fisk evade justice, his influence within the MCU may span across multiple projects, shaping the narrative landscape of future stories.

5 Valentina Allegra de Fontaine

Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra De Fontaine Will Assemble Her Own Anti-Hero Team In Thunderbolts*

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Julia Louis-Dreyfus introduced a complex character in Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Her ambitions extend beyond mere superhero recruitment; she seeks powerful assets to increase her influence. As seen in her interactions with Yelena Belova, Valentina is orchestrating an anti-hero team in the upcoming Thunderbolts*, manipulating them for her own ends.

While traditionally an ally of Nick Fury in the comics, Val’s MCU counterpart presents a unique twist. Her Thunderbolts differ widely from their comic origins, with her strategic guidance steering their paths in pursuit of magnified power.

4 Robert Reynolds A.K.A. Sentry

Lewis Pullman’s Robert Reynolds Will Reveal His Sentry Transformation In Thunderbolts*

Among the new characters in Phase 5 is Lewis Pullman’s Robert Reynolds, also known as Sentry. The Thunderbolts* trailers have only hinted at his human persona, but it is expected that he will eventually unveil his powerful Sentry form. Given the tension that Valentina Allegra de Fontaine creates with her anti-hero ensemble, some members may face dire consequences while grappling with Sentry’s overwhelming might.

In the comics, Reynolds’s journey involves experimenting with the Golden Sentry Serum, meant to amplify the abilities seen in Captain America. However, he acquires extraordinary powers along with a darker persona known as the Void, representing a looming threat if left unchecked.

3 Parker Robbins A.K.A. The Hood

Anthony Ramos’ The Hood Will Be Ironheart’s Magical Villain

In 2025’s Ironheart, Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams faces off against Parker Robbins, known as The Hood—a villain whose magical capabilities present a significant challenge. Following her heroic efforts in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Riri will encounter obstacles that could lead her into a deeper conflict with Robbins, a character known for his unique source of power derived from demonic forces.

In the comics, The Hood is an ally of Dormammu, whose gifts bestow upon Robbins formidable magical abilities. Although there have been theories of Mephisto’s potential introduction in the MCU, the Hood may serve as a vehicle for this narrative, linking characters that have been long-anticipated in Marvel’s story arcs.

2 Alternate-Universe Marvel Zombies

An Entire Universe Filled With The Undead Will Star In The MCU’s Marvel Zombies Series

The exploration of an alternate universe filled with the undead follows a narrative introduced in What If…? Season 1. Episode 5 revealed a timeline altered by a virus originating from the Quantum Realm, culminating in a struggle to restore humanity led by zombified heroes like Iron Man and Captain America. The upcoming Marvel Zombies series will continue this riveting storyline, diving deeper into the apocalyptic consequences faced by its survivors.

Inspired by the comic series, the Marvel Zombies saga entails a potent virus that decimates Earth and potentially spreads across different realities—an idea that could intersect with major MCU events like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. The escalating threat posed by this virus underscores the stakes for both heroes and villains alike.

1 Spider-Man’s Rogue Gallery

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Will Introduce A Brand-New Version Of Spider-Man’s Enemies

The animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man has taken a fresh approach by existing in a unique universe. It follows a young Peter Parker, who finds guidance in Norman Osborn rather than the traditional Tony Stark mentorship. This series is set to introduce a variety of iconic villains, including Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Scorpion, Chameleon, Rhino, and Speed Demon, presenting them in innovative styles.

Regarding character availability, the absence of multiverse constraints allows for a more enriching narrative structure surrounding Spider-Man. The series not only promises captivating villain encounters but also dives into Spider-Man’s affiliations with heroes like Doctor Strange, Daredevil, and Iron Man—enhancing the overall connection to the MCU.

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