12 Marvel Villains We Might See In MCU Phase 6

Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.

Beyond these projects, there are many more exciting ventures on the horizon. In the realm of films, we can eagerly anticipate “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and “Spider-Man: Fresh Start”. While Disney+ shows might be less frequent in the future as Marvel Studios prioritizes quality over quantity, there’s still much to look forward to, including “Wonder Man”, “Vision Quest”, and Season 2 of “Daredevil: Reborn”.

There’s plenty of potential for several iconic Marvel villains to step into live-action (or potentially reappear) in the future, especially during Phase 6. While some antagonists have already been confirmed, there are others we believe would fit perfectly into the storylines based on the nature of these upcoming films and series. In any case, it’s about time these villains get a chance to demonstrate their full potential on screen.

Doctor Doom

Let’s kick things off by discussing the contentious unveiling of a villain – Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Doctor Doom in the MCU. Downey played a significant part in shaping the MCU with his portrayal of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, throughout the initial three phases. In “Avengers: Endgame,” Tony ultimately gave up his life to vanquish Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his horde, but given the presence of the Multiverse, this is probably a character from another universe who shares a resemblance with Tony Stark.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder over the various theories swirling around about this rendition of Doctor Doom. One intriguing concept is that Downey might have taken cues from the “Superior Iron Man” comic series from 2014 where Tony Stark ventures into a darker, more sinister territory. If this theory holds water, then it’s plausible that this Doctor Doom hails from a universe where Tony chooses the path of villainy instead of justice and adopts the title “Doctor Doom.” This could account for his striking resemblance to the Iron Man we know from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), while still leaving room for the authentic Victor von Doom to make an appearance.

In the upcoming movie “Avengers: Doomsday,” it’s certain that Doom will make an appearance, and there are strong possibilities for his involvement in “Secret Wars” as well. Some speculated he might even have a brief role in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” but director Matt Shakman has confirmed this is not the case. In an interview with Empire (via ComicBookMovie), Shakman stated emphatically, “Doom will not be featured in my film, and thus he does not fall under my jurisdiction.” However, it’s possible that the director may be intentionally keeping secrets ahead of the movie’s release on July 25.

Galactus

The character we’re certain will show up in “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is Galactus (played by Ralph Ineson). Known for his unquenchable appetite to consume planets, Galactus is a far more frightening adversary than Thanos. It’s intriguing to ponder how the movie will leverage him in “First Steps”.

We know that Galactus (Ralph Ineson) will be the villain in “Fantastic Four: First Steps”. He has a strong desire to eat planets, making him scarier than Thanos. It’s interesting to think about how they plan to use him in the movie.

At least, it’s clear he won’t resemble a space cloud like in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” Instead, his appearance seems truer to the comics. Moreover, there’s a strong possibility he’ll succeed in destroying the planet. The movie “First Steps” is set in an alternate Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and based on the post-credits scene of “Thunderbolts,” it’s likely that the Fantastic Four will eventually join the main continuity through their spaceship. It’s speculated that they might have fled their universe because Galactus consumed their home, which could explain the events of “Avengers: Doomsday.

It’s possible that multiple Galactuses could exist, and if we’re encountering a version from another universe, it implies that one from Universe-616 is still around. In this scenario, the Avengers might require assistance from the Fantastic Four to deal with the remaining Galactus, provided they manage to handle their own reality effectively.

Mole Man

Instead of Galactus seeming like an unmatched villain compared to other antagonists, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” could introduce a variety of lesser enemies that fans can anticipate. At CCXPMX 25, Joseph Quinn, portraying Johnny Storm in the movie, hinted to the audience (through Yahoo! Entertainment), “Our film is filled with remarkable characters. Mole Man is one of them, and he’s terrific, but Galactus remains our major adversary.

As a devoted fan, I’m always eager to delve into the rich tapestry of Marvel’s comic book lore, and Mole Man, a subterranean menace, is no exception. Known for his ambition to rule both the underworld and the surface world above, he’s a formidable adversary.

However, given the latest speculations about the upcoming film, it seems that Mole Man might not take center stage. Rumors hint at an opening montage featuring the titular team engaged in battles against some of their iconic foes. This could potentially include Mole Man, along with other less conventional antagonists such as Puppet Master and Red Ghost.

It’s intriguing to imagine how these characters would be portrayed in this context, blending the familiar with the unexpected, much like a well-crafted comic book panel.

Introducing a few minor antagonists at the start of the movie serves as an effective method for setting up the existing state of this universe, paving the way for Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) and Galactus’s arrival and escalation of events. Mole Man, who debuted in Marvel Comics in 1961, is a character with a rich history, so it’s long overdue to give him some spotlight, even if his role might not be pivotal.

Scorpion

The post-credit scene in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” introduced an intriguing plot point that has yet to be resolved: Michael Mando’s character Mac Gargan, while in prison, inquired about the identity of Spider-Man (Tom Holland) from Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton). Although Gargan eventually becomes the villain Scorpion in the comics, and there were two more “Spider-Man” movies released after Homecoming, he has not reappeared in these subsequent films.

With the upcoming release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on July 31, 2026, it’s possible that the storyline could shift significantly. Rumors suggest this, as Disney Blockbuster Consumer Productions convention allegedly unveiled images of three potential villains: Boomerang, Tombstone, and Scorpion. Although actors for Boomerang and Tombstone haven’t been confirmed yet, it appears that Mando might finally get the chance to play the role of Scorpion, as he has been eagerly waiting in the wings for this opportunity.

The question still stands about how significant the character Scorpion will be in this upcoming story. Just like in “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it could be that these three characters appear at the start, allowing Spider-Man to engage in battle before a more formidable enemy emerges. It’s hoped that Scorpion will have a substantial part due to his extensive comic book background. However, he might end up serving as an underling for a larger villain instead.

Mr. Negative

With Boomerang, Tombstone, and Scorpion reportedly involved, it seems that “Brand New Day” might offer a more earthbound tale for Spider-Man, returning him to his original setting before he’s drawn into the grand scale of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” For a challenge unlike any other for Peter Parker, it would be fitting to choose Mr. Negative as the main adversary.

In the thrilling “Brand New Day” comic book saga, I find myself drawn to the enigmatic figure known as Mr. Negative. This character’s knack for corrupting others’ morals adds an intriguing hurdle in my journey as Spider-Man.

In the captivating “Spider-Man” video game, Mr. Negative has the power to force characters to relive their most painful memories. Given the tragic losses I’ve endured, such as Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and Tony Stark, he could exploit these traumatic experiences to his advantage.

An exciting possibility for storytelling could be a brief appearance by Robert Downey Jr., reprising his role as Tony Stark in a dark, negative vision before he morphs into Doctor Doom. This would set the stage for a compelling conflict, as I grapple with witnessing a variant of my mentor succumb to evil.

In the “Spider-Man” game, the character known as Mr. Negative, who has an alternate identity as Martin Li, collaborates with Aunt May at the F.E.A.S.T. shelter. This arrangement offers him a chance to encounter Peter. The movie could potentially depict Peter working for F.E.A.S.T. initially, allowing him to trust Li. At this stage, it’s uncertain, but Mr. Negative is a much-loved villain who deserves a standalone film. A fan has even designed artwork imagining Steven Yeun as Mr. Negative, a casting choice that seems spot-on if realized.

The Maker

Doctor Doom is undoubtedly one of the most renowned antagonists in Marvel comics lore, and it seems he would pose a significant threat in both “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars.” Yet, there’s speculation that Marvel Studios might have some surprises in store, introducing another villain – The Maker.

Incorporating The Maker, given his role in the 2015 “Secret Wars” storyline as a malevolent variant of Reed Richards from the Ultimate universe, could be a compelling twist in the upcoming “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” If Marvel chooses to portray Doctor Doom as an antagonistic counterpart to Iron Man, then The Maker, played by Pedro Pascal, would make a fitting alternative version of Reed Richards. These two Reeds share a dynamic, but while the primary Reed resists harming Doom, the evil Reed seeks his demise.

The upcoming movie titled “Avengers: Doomsday” may feature some familiar characters from the X-Men series, such as Ian McKellen, James Marsden, and Rebecca Romijn. There’s a chance that this film might delve into other previous works, and one fan theory suggests that Miles Teller’s Reed Richards from 2015’s “Fantastic Four” could be an excellent fit for the Maker. Since the earlier film was heavily influenced by the “Ultimate” line of Marvel Comics, it’s plausible that Pascal’s Reed could cross paths with Teller’s Reed, who has gone mad and aims to destroy Doom. This encounter could pave the way for Doom serving as the primary antagonist in “Doomsday,” while the Maker assumes a more significant role leading into “Secret Wars.

The Beyonder

There have been multiple variations of the “Secret Wars” saga in Marvel Comics, with the initial one starting in 1984. In this narrative, it is the Beyonder who abducts Earth’s most powerful heroes and villains and transports them to Battleworld – a planet he constructed for their epic battle. The Beyonder then reappeared in “Secret Wars II” of 1985, posing a threat to the Multiverse. Given his past actions, it seems fitting that he could make an appearance in “Doomsday” or “Secret Wars.

In the vast Marvel Universe, The Beyonder stands out as one of the mightiest cosmic entities, capable of shaping reality at his will. While the specifics of his powers can fluctuate based on interpretation, he essentially has control over matter down to its molecular structure and wields near-omnipotence. Among the few villains who could potentially challenge Doctor Doom, The Beyonder is certainly one. Notably, it’s interesting to know that Doctor Doom holds a strong dislike for The Beyonder.

Indeed, it was during the initial “Secret Wars” event that Doom managed to seize the Beyonder’s godlike powers. This transformation sets the stage for a dramatic escalation, progressing from “Doomsday” to “Secret Wars,” where Doom emerges as an increasingly formidable adversary for the Avengers to conquer.

Grim Reaper

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding who might join the next two “Avengers” films, but remember that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is vast and has numerous projects in development, particularly when considering Disney+ series. One such upcoming project is a “Wonder Man” show, where Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will portray the main character, Simon Williams. This individual is an actor endowed with superpowers, vying for a role in a superhero series. We’ve already identified one antagonist who will present problems for him—his own brother, Demetrius Grosse playing the Grim Reaper (Eric Williams).

It’s intriguing to find out how the Grim Reaper character will be depicted in the “Wonder Man” series. Originally, he was simply a villain wielding a scythe with no extraordinary abilities beyond combat and construction skills. But after his demise and subsequent resurrection, he gained necromantic powers, allowing him to revive the dead as his minions. He can also summon demons for his purposes. The creators’ choice for how closely they want to stick to these original traits in “Wonder Man” will determine the Grim Reaper’s role.

Ultron

2015 saw Ultron (played by James Spader) shine as the main antagonist in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Given his substantial role in Marvel Comics, it was surprising that he appeared to be a one-off villain. However, it has been confirmed that he will reappear in the upcoming series “Vision Quest.” This series is expected to continue from where “WandaVision” and “Agatha All Along” left off, focusing on White Vision (portrayed by Paul Bettany), who departed at the end of “WandaVision’s” finale. There are whispers that the show is auditioning for Tommy Maximoff, Billy’s twin brother, who was acted by Joe Locke in “Agatha All Along.” It’s plausible that Vision might locate his son and aid him in reuniting with Billy.

Despite the destruction of the last fragment of Ultron’s AI in “Age of Ultron,” it remains unclear how he fits into this scenario. It’s plausible that a tiny piece of him might still be lingering somewhere. After all, once something is online, it’s never completely erased for good.

It appears that the upcoming show is likely to focus heavily on technology, given the recent announcement that Emily Hampshire has been cast as E.D.I.T.H., a human representation of one of Tony Stark’s augmented reality systems, similar to how J.A.R.V.I.S. evolved into Vision. Additionally, T’nia Miller’s casting as Jocasta hints at the potential involvement of Ultron, who in the comics created her as his companion. This suggests that Ultron could have a significant part in the storyline, potentially continuing his mission to eliminate humanity, which he had started previously.

Scarlet Witch

In the movie “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Wanda Maximoff, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen, started off as a villain but ended up joining forces with the Avengers. However, after the events of “WandaVision” where she lost her children, she turned villainous again in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” At the end of that film, it seemed she had died, but due to her immense powers as the Scarlet Witch, many fans suspect she found a way to escape and is currently hiding somewhere. If the upcoming “Avengers: Secret Wars” follows the comics closely, then a villain like Doom might gather heroes and villains from different realities onto Battleworld, which could be the ideal moment for the Scarlet Witch to make her grand return to the action!

It appears that Olsen has given vague responses about whether she’ll rejoin Marvel in future projects. When The Hollywood Reporter queried her return to any “Avengers” films, she responded, “I’m currently based [in the U.S.] and have wrapped up ‘Panic Carefully’. I’m now moving on to film a pilot for FX called ‘Seven Sisters.'” Since the “Avengers” productions are taking place in London, and her upcoming project is in the U.S., it could be challenging for her to participate if needed. However, since she’s only working on a pilot at this point, there’s still a chance that the show hasn’t been commissioned for a full series yet.

It seems quite plausible that Olsen might travel overseas to shoot scenes for either “Doomsday” or “Secret Wars”. Given the narrative, it appears unusual to conclude the Multiverse Saga without a key character like him making an appearance, even if it’s just a brief cameo.

Annihilus

Marvel boasts a vast array of formidable, universe-threatening villains. To ensure that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues for many years, they must strategically reserve some of these powerful adversaries. It’s quite possible that Annihilus could make an appearance in Phase 6 of the MCU.

As a gaming aficionado, let me share some insights about one of Marvel’s most formidable foes I’ve encountered – Annihilus. Unlike Thanos who gives me chills, Annihilus takes it to another level, being the menacing insectoid ruler hailing from the Negative Zone. When he escapes his realm, chaos ensues as he leaves a trail of destruction wherever he goes. This destructive streak was evident in the “Annihilation” saga penned by Keith Giffen and Andrea DiVito, where he and his troops annihilated entire planets. The question remains, how might Annihilus fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming events?

Currently, only one Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie has been confirmed for release in 2027, specifically on December 17, which is “Avengers: Secret Wars.” Since the MCU typically releases at least two films a year, it’s likely that another movie will be released during the summer of 2027. This vacant summer slot could potentially be filled by either “Doctor Strange 3” or “Thor 5.” Given Annihilus’ cosmic characteristics, he could also play a role in the upcoming “Nova” series. Although the “Nova” series doesn’t have a set release date yet, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige mentioned in 2024 that it was still approximately three to four years away. This suggests that the “Nova” series might premiere in 2027, making it part of Phase 6 and potentially featuring Annihilus’ debut on Disney+.

Mister Sinister

The upcoming film “Avengers: Secret Wars” marks the end of Phase 6 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Following this, it appears that the X-Men franchise will commence its Mutant Saga, focusing more on mutants and their stories. To maintain freshness, a formidable adversary is required for the X-Men, and Mister Sinister could be an excellent choice. As he has not appeared in any X-Men movie thus far, introducing him would give a unique twist to the series compared to past installments.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) might not have enough time at the moment to fully introduce Sinister as a main antagonist. However, it could subtly hint at his arrival. For instance, after “Secret Wars,” the MCU could reboot and incorporate mutants into the storyline since they’re not yet present in Earth-616. This could create a new team, and then we might catch a glimpse of Mister Sinister and his scheme to engineer the ultimate being. This could serve as an exciting post-credit scene, indicating that while “Secret Wars” may be over, the MCU still has many more stories to share.

2025-06-14 18:32