The Major MCU Villains Set to Become Heroes in Phase 4 and Beyond
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen its fair share of villains. Some come to threaten a singular Avenger, while others come to threaten the world, wiping out 50% of the population across planets from galaxies far and wide. Yet, some possess a conflicted mindset — a heart capable of rediscovering the good inside. Others know when to put differences aside — and fight alongside a hero for self-preservation purposes. And, those villains may come into the spotlight once more in Phase 4 (and beyond).
Based on available information and leaked news surrounding Phase 4 and beyond, certain major villains seem destined to turn over a new leaf following the Infinity Saga’s Avengers: Endgame.
1. Hela may fight alongside Thor in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’
Insider reports suggest that Cate Blanchett’s Hela could return to Thor: Love and Thunder since her dead body was never actually shown on-screen. Despite the character’s glorious sinister ways and lack of concern for life, she will reportedly team up with Thor to protect New Asgard from a new threat. The upcoming threat will be capable of wiping out the land and the people who inhabit it, including Hela.
We Got This Covered notes that Hela will not be buddy-buddy with Thor, but she will rather come to understand that, together, she has a chance at survival. In other words, her reason for becoming a “hero” will not be about internal growth or forgiveness, but self-preservation…at least at the start.
2. Young Loki may come to fight alongside the New Avengers
How will Young Loki become a dominant figure in the Marvel Landscape? And, why would he feel compelled to team up with the new set of heroes who come to protect the earth and surrounding galaxies? First off, by the end of Loki’s arc, he comes to see Thor in a more accurate light — a perspective not clouded by his years of self-doubt and sub-par childhood treatment. He also tries to coyly destroy Thanos, putting his own life on the line for the right cause in Infinity War. Loki grows throughout the saga.
Rumor has it that Loki will get trapped in his childhood form at some point during Thor: Love and Thunder, yet the childhood disguise does not erase his memories, his experiences, and his beliefs. Thus, he could come to rewrite his history. Having learned that he’s been fighting on the wrong side for years, a Young Loki seems destined to seize his shot at redemption — to become the hero he sometimes permitted to emerge…only in the most dire and significant of circumstances.
3. Will Kilmonger appear as a guide to T’Challa in the ancestral plane in ‘Black Panther 2?’
Killmonger was one of the MCU’s most complex villains, whose reasons for villainy were substantial and grounded, emotionally-fueled and revenge-based. Yet, he will reportedly feature in Black Panther 2 in the ancestral plane.
T’Challa will reportedly come to chat with Killmonger, who may be present as a guide — a guide who has learned from his own missteps and may be able to provide guidance to a man struggling to determine the proper future. Who better to turn to than a man who has battled his own internal demons? Which, considering T’Challa may be tasked with passing down the mantle to Shuri, makes a bit of sense. Killmonger may not serve as an action hero, but he could serve as a spiritual one.
