10 Strongest Spider-Man Villains He Hasn’t Fought in a Movie Yet

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Among Marvel superheroes, none can boast a roster of adversaries as extensive as Spider-Man‘s. Characters like Doctor Doom from The Fantastic Four and Magneto from the X-Men are formidable in the Marvel Universe, but Spider-Man’s rogues gallery is one of the longest-standing in comics, second only to Batman’s at DC. This rich collection of villains has provided ample material for filmmakers, with characters such as Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Venom, Sandman, Lizard, Electro, Rhino, Vulture, Shocker, and Mysterio having all been translated to live-action, where they have faced off against Spider-Man.

His extensive roster of characters suggests that there are many more encounters between Spider-Man and his allies or foes waiting to unfold. It’s no wonder that Spider-Man can undergo numerous reboots and continue to inspire multiple films; his vast array of adversaries, each possessing intriguing histories, formidable powers, and captivating narratives, provides ample opportunity for fresh and exciting storytelling. Instead of returning to the Green Goblin or Venom time and again, perhaps it’s high time to delve into some lesser-known but equally menacing villains from the comic books. The following ten powerful Spider-Man adversaries have yet to engage with him in live-action, and we eagerly anticipate their upcoming encounters.

10
Chameleon

Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (March 1963)

Among the roster of villains who have made their live-action debut due to Sony’s unsuccessful efforts in creating a cinematic universe, and who has not yet encountered Spider-Man is the character known as Chameleon. This villain was the first adversary that Spider-Man confronted in the comic books. Skilled in disguise, Dmitri Smerdyakov can transform into any individual, raising the question of whether Peter Parker would disregard his spider-sense if he were surrounded by familiar faces?

At first glance, Chameleon may not appear to be the most formidable adversary, given his ability to change shapes might not seem as potent in battle compared to other villains. However, similar to Mysterio, Chameleon possesses the capacity to torment Spider-Man psychologically. This psychological manipulation can cause Spider-Man to question everyone around him, leading to isolation and the erosion of the sense of camaraderie that is crucial to his heroic nature. Moreover, Chameleon has the potential to infiltrate high-ranking positions of power, potentially casting Spider-Man in a negative light before the public eye. Such a plotline would introduce an element of psychological intrigue, offering a refreshing twist for a Spider-Man movie.

9
Scorpion

Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #19 (December 1964)

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly following the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) saga, and it’s been almost eight years since they introduced Mac Gargan, the alter ego of the formidable Scorpion, in Spider-Man: Homecoming. However, despite his introduction, we haven’t seen him yet as the menacing villain that he is in the comics. In the comic books, Gargan was hired by J. Jonah Jameson to undergo a procedure that transformed him into a formidable hunter of spiders and scorpions. Armed with a lethal tail capable of both slicing through enemies and injecting them with disorientating poison, Scorpion is an adversary not to be trifled with.

Previously, we’ve discussed the possibility of Mac Gargan/Scorpion serving as the MCU’s interpretation of Venom for the resolution of the symbiote storyline in “Spider-Man: No Way Home”. Although this remains a viable idea, it’s also worth noting that Scorpion can stand independently as an engaging villain. His unique ability to climb walls like Spider-Man makes him an intriguing choice for thrilling fight scenes, even recalling the first encounter with Doc Ock in “Spider-Man 2”.

While he may not be a major antagonist, Scorpion could be the perfect small-scale adversary that fans are eager to see the Spider-Man franchise revisit in “Spider-Man 4”.

8
The Spider-Slayers

Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #25 (June 1965)

The Spider-Slayers function much like the Sentinels do for the X-Men, being a mechanical army engineered to track and eliminate Spider-Man. Initially developed by Professor Spencer Smythe with the help of J. Jonah Jameson’s funding, these machines have undergone numerous transformations throughout their existence. In the comic books, it was Professor Smythe’s son, Alister, who assumed control over the Spider-Slayer project and even metamorphosed himself into a human version of one. However, the most recognizable manifestation of their nemesis remains the weapons designed solely for the pursuit of Spider-Man.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, let me share my perspective on the intriguing concept of Spider-Slayers in the world of Spider-Man. Unlike traditional one-on-one battles we’ve seen from our friendly neighborhood Spiderman, these mechanical adversaries transform the fight scene into an epic clash against an army. This isn’t your typical superhero showdown; it’s a swarm of robots that Spider-Man must contend with, a situation uncharted in his previous encounters. While hordes of drones may be commonplace in other superhero movies, the introduction of this mechanized menace is a fresh twist for our web-slinging hero (except perhaps in the case of his brief skirmish against the E.D.I.T.S. drone army at the end of Far From Home).

As a cinephile, I can’t help but appreciate the diverse and entertaining designs that Spider-Slayers have donned throughout cinematic history. There’s potential for these mechanical beasts to serve as minions of another antagonist, perhaps The Kingpin or even the elusive Chameleon, as hinted at earlier.

7
Molten Man

Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #28 (September 1965)

As a dedicated moviegoer, I’d like to point out that while Spider-Man did engage in combat with someone resembling Molten Man in “Spider-Man: Far From Home”, the fire-wielding character was more of a tribute to the original Molten Man. The simulated powers he exhibited don’t capture the distinctive traits and perilous scenarios that make the real Molten Man such an intimidating adversary for Spidey. So, in my book, it doesn’t quite count as a true encounter with the fiery foe.

Max Raxton, also known as Molten Man, is the stepbrother of Liz Allen, who is dear to Spider-Man. His connection to Spider-Man runs deeper through his past with the Spider-Slayers. As an assistant to Professor Spencer Smythe, he pilfered a revolutionary substance destined for a fresh Spider-Slayer prototype. Instead, it gave him skin of gold and flames, rendering him untouchable for Spider-Man, who can’t web or even touch him without getting burned.

The character known as Molten Man, being a family member by marriage to one of Spider-Man’s romantic interests and a close friend to Harry Osborn, brings an exceptional layer of complexity to his portrayal as a villain. This is not just about the threat he poses with his ability to ignite fires uncontrollably when he walks, but also about the internal struggle he faces – the fear of causing harm to someone dear to him and the possibility of losing their love and respect in the process.

Given that Liz Allen is firmly rooted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and may already harbor resentment towards Spider-Man, since she was instrumental in imprisoning her father, The Vulture, having her stepbrother (or biological brother if they follow The Spectacular Spider-Man narrative) become an adversary could significantly intensify her animosity towards Spider-Man.

6
Morbius

Created by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #101 (October 1971)

In a twist of cinematic history, the character of Dr. Michael Morbius, a renowned biochemist who developed a rare blood disorder, attempted to find a cure through unconventional means involving experimental substances and vampire bat samples. This experiment, however, resulted in him acquiring abilities reminiscent of a vampire, such as the compulsion to drink human blood to manage his condition. The 2022 movie adaptation, unfortunately, may not be remembered fondly due to its underwhelming box office performance and critical reception.

In his initial appearance, Morbius was portrayed as a villain opposite Spider-Man. However, he was always designed with a compassionate background, eventually transforming into a complex anti-hero. Consequently, the film’s endeavor to depict him as such wasn’t entirely unprecedented. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Morbius poses a unique kind of danger to Spider-Man, making their dynamic crucial.

Instead of having Spider-Man battling a typical villain, it’s intriguing to envision him grappling with a vampire like Morbius. Unlike other superhero tales where victory is the ultimate goal, in this case, Spider-Man isn’t just aiming to defeat Morbius but is determined to help save him. The backstory and redemptive angle of the character would create an engaging narrative filled with both suspenseful action and emotional depth.

5
Man-Wolf

Created by Gerry Conway and Roy Thomas

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #124 (June 1973)

Discussing villains for Spider-Man with a scientific twist on traditional supernatural creatures, the character known as The Man-Wolf seems particularly fitting for Spidey in numerous ways. Originally presented in The Amazing Spider-Man #1 back in the 70s, this character is John Jameson, the son of Spider-Man’s stern critic, J. Jonah Jameson. As an astronaut, John stumbled upon a legendary gemstone called Godstone during a lunar mission, which fused to his body. Exposed to moonlight, this gem transformed him into the beastly Man-Wolf, resembling a werewolf in nature. A showdown between Spider-Man and a werewolf promises to be an exciting cinematic concept, don’t you think?

In the movie “Spider-Man 2”, Daniel Gillies portrayed John Jameson, who was Mary Jane Watson’s fiancee but left her at the altar. It’s a pity that “Spider-Man 3” didn’t further develop his character into either Man-Wolf or Venom, as it might have improved the overall outcome of the film.

Man-Wolf initially appears as a villain against Spider-Man, much like Morbius, but may eventually switch sides to become an ally. Furthermore, he shares a long-term romantic bond with Jennifer Walters, also known as She-Hulk, even getting married for a brief period. It’s possible that Man-Wolf might encounter Spider-Man in an MCU film and subsequently undergo redemption, paving the way for a future She-Hulk installment where he teams up with her.

4
Mister Negative

Created by Dan Slott and Phil Jimenez

First Appearance: Free Comic Book Day: The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (May 2007)

As a die-hard comic book fan and Spider-Man enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of one intriguing adversary – Mister Negative. This character has made quite an impact in the comics, but it was his roles in Insomniac’s 2018 Marvel Spider-Man game and its upcoming sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 in 2023, that truly brought him to the forefront of my attention.

Originally a Chinese gangster, Mister Negative underwent some mysterious experimentation that gave him the ability to manipulate both Darkforce and Lightforce energy. What sets him apart is his dual personality – on one hand, he masquerades as Martin Li, a seemingly benevolent philanthropist who founded the F.E.A.S.T. Project, a charity aimed at helping homeless people. On the other hand, he is the ruthless crime lord Mister Negative, leading the Inner Demons gang and yearning for control over the criminal underworld. It’s a captivating dichotomy that promises to deliver an enthralling journey in the Marvel Spider-Man universe.

Mr. Negative possesses an impressive arsenal, harnessing his power to unleash destructive blasts and craft personalized weapons. Moreover, he has the chilling ability to distort a person’s mind by tainting them. Spider-Man has faced numerous petty criminals and villains on screen, but they usually present as individual cases rather than interconnected storylines. However, Mr. Negative stands out among his rogues gallery due to his powerful energy and formidable crime organization, making him a potential formidable adversary for Spider-Man, one that even the wall-crawler might struggle to comprehend entirely. In short, Mr. Negative could prove to be an exciting and challenging opponent on the big screen for Spidey, potentially elevating his threat level to new heights.

3
Kraven the Hunter

Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #15 (August 1964)

It seems everyone overlooked the recent Kraven the Hunter film (considering its box office performance). This character is one of Spider-Man’s toughest adversaries who has been a strong contender for the villain role in various Spider-Man movies, from Sam Raimi to Marc Webb and Jon Watts. It’s puzzling why Sony chose to present him as an anti-hero in a spin-off movie instead of using his potential in a Spider-Man film. Nevertheless, Kraven is a popular villain among fans for many years. Given his long-standing popularity, it would be disappointing if the 2024 film marks his only live-action appearance on screen.

In my perspective as a fan, when considering a project featuring Kraven the Hunter versus Spider-Man, it’s tempting to draw from “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” a classic Kraven storyline that’s widely regarded as one of the best Spider-Man comics ever. However, this storyline is deeply rooted in the extensive history shared between Spider-Man and Kraven, which could make it challenging to adapt for modern audiences who may not be familiar with their complex relationship.

A fitting narrative for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man could be “Spider-Man: Blue“, a tale that revises Peter Parker’s early romance with Gwen Stacy. Moreover, it alters the fact that Kraven the Hunter was responsible for many of the villains who attacked Spider-Man during issues #40–48 and #63 in “The Amazing Spider-Man“. In this movie adaptation, Kraven the Hunter, a formidable adversary who not only hunts Spider-Man but also trains him to become a stronger opponent, could make for an engaging Spider-Man film.

2
Morlun (and the Inheritors)

Created by J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr.

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man vol. 2 #30 (June 2001)

Back in the late 2000s, if you kept tabs on superhero movie gossip, you might recall a rumor circulating by Cinemablend about the potential villain for Spider-Man 4. They claimed their source mentioned Morlun was being considered as the main antagonist. However, this speculation proved false, as Spider-Man 4 was slated to star The Vulture before it was scrapped. With the introduction of the Multiverse and the Spider-Verse in more recent times, Morlun seems like a perfect adversary for Spidey.

Morlun is a villain who poses a threat to every Spider-Man across various universes, targeting all spider-themed superheroes in different realities. He can be likened to a blend of Kraven the Hunter and Morbius. In the original 2014 Spider-Verse storyline, he serves as the main adversary, but his complex history and mythology make him less frequently portrayed in adaptations due to their intricacy. His kin, The Inheritors, pursue and eliminate spider-themed heroes because they are foretold to overthrow them.

In the ongoing Multiverse Saga, Morlun might make an ideal adversary for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man 4. This villain offers not just a compelling reason to bring together Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire as Spider-Men once more, but also potentially introduces the possibility of crossing over with the Spider-Man Noir series featuring Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone as live-action Spider-Gwen, and other spider-related characters. Morlun could serve as a foe who unites these diverse heroes.

1
Carnage

Created by David Michelinie and Mark Bagley

First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #361 (April 1992)

Among Spider-Man’s most beloved adversaries he hasn’t encountered on the silver screen is the formidable character known as Carnage. Although Carnage made a live-action appearance in 2021’s “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” the performance fell short without the presence of Spider-Man. In the 90s, Carnage and Venom were iconic enemies for Spider-Man, and for many fans, it’s long been their dream to witness these arch-nemeses on the big screen together.

In a different turn of events, serial killer Cletus Kasady encounters remnants of the symbiote previously associated with Eddie Brock, transforming him into the menacing antagonist known as Carnage. This newfound power significantly escalates his threat level, prompting Venom and Spider-Man to join forces in order to confront this dangerous adversary.

On a cosmic scale, Morlun may outmatch Carnage in strength, but it’s Carnage who is truly terrifying due to his unpredictable and violent nature. Reminiscent of The Joker from The Dark Knight, Carnage’s violence seems arbitrary – he kills not for gain or vengeance, but for the thrill. Unlike other Spider-Man villains who are driven by motivations like revenge or power, Carnage revels in killing simply because he can, with his symbiote providing him the means to act freely.

The immense power of Carnage not only necessitates a partnership between Spider-Man and Venom, but it might be so great that it could attract other Marvel heroes to aid Spider-Man. Carnage is the Spider-Man villain that fans are most eager to see battle in live-action, and his power level would warrant an epic collaboration.

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2025-01-15 05:32