The Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading toward the much anticipated ‘Secret Wars’ Saga after concluding the Infinity Saga. With the Multiverse Saga unfolding across Phases 5 and 6, the stakes are higher than ever. However, while the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ are working in progress, there are still several major villains missing from the equation.
If Marvel wants to effectively bring Secret Wars to life, it must introduce some key antagonists who played vital roles in the original comics. So, let’s take a look at five Secret Wars villains who absolutely need to make their way into the MCU.
5. The Beyonder
If there’s one villain whose presence is almost mandatory for ‘Secret Wars’, it’s the Beyonder. This cosmic entity is the driving force behind the original Secret Wars (1984) storyline. In the 1984 comic arc, the Beyonder pulls together Earth’s greatest heroes and villains, pitting them against each other on a makeshift planet called Battleworld.
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His motives? A curious experiment to understand human nature. Additionally, this was before his god complex inevitably led to a reality-threatening disaster. So far, the MCU hasn’t dropped any solid hints about the Beyonder’s existence. Moreover, there’s an intriguing possibility: What if Kang the Conqueror evolves into the Beyonder?
In ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’, Kang is seemingly defeated, but given his vast knowledge of the multiverse, he may have just transformed into something far greater. However, this might seem far-fetched as Marvel is moving away from Kang by introducing Robert Downey Jr.’s Dr. Doom. Additionally, a Secret Wars movie without the Beyonder would feel incomplete, so Marvel better have something up its sleeve.
4. Doctor Doom
Let’s be honest, Doctor Doom’s arrival in the MCU isn’t a matter of if but when. As one of Marvel’s greatest villains, Doom is a character who could single-handedly reshape the MCU’s future. And with RDJ taking on the role, fans have a lot to look forward to. Moreover, in ‘Secret Wars’ (2015), Doom ascends to godhood, seizing the Beyonder’s power and becoming God Emperor Doom.
He rules over Battleworld with an iron fist. Additionally, Marvel is already teasing the character as Kang’s replacement with rumors claiming that he will make his debut in ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. Doom’s introduction would tie together multiple story threads. With the Fantastic Four officially entering the MCU, it’s only a matter of time before Doom follows.
His presence would also elevate Secret Wars, adding a layer of complexity beyond Kang’s multiversal conquest. Whether he’s a villain, an anti-hero, or a reluctant ally against Kang, Doom deserves his moment in the spotlight.
3. Amora the Enchantress
The ‘Secret Wars’ comics didn’t just focus on cosmic and technological threats, they also involved mystical forces. That’s where Amora the Enchantress comes in. Amora played a unique role in Secret Wars as a powerful Asgardian sorceress and longtime adversary of Thor. Instead of engaging in direct combat, she spent most of her time trying to escape Battleworld.
Using her seductive powers and cunning, she manipulated Thor and other villains in a desperate bid to return home. While ‘Loki’s Sylvie shares some traits with the second Enchantress from the comics, Amora has yet to make her MCU debut. Moreover, with Thor’s mythology expanding, introducing Amora could add an intriguing new layer to the story.
She could interact with Thor, Loki, and even Doctor Strange, making her a valuable addition beyond Secret Wars. Plus, her history with the Masters of Evil could tie into Baron Zemo’s rumored ‘Thunderbolts*’ plans. Additionally, if Marvel wants more powerful female villains, Enchantress is a perfect choice.
2. Lizard
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ brought back several classic Spidey villains, including Rhys Ifans’ version of the Lizard. However, he was arguably the least significant of the bunch, serving as little more than a background character. Secret Wars could fix that. In the original Secret Wars, Lizard was among the villains brought to Battleworld.
However, instead of actively fighting, he chose to retreat, hiding in a swamp. Despite his monstrous form, he displayed a more gentle side. He even formed an unlikely friendship with the Wasp. So, bringing Lizard into Secret Wars could give him a redemption arc. The multiversal nature of Secret Wars offers a second chance for the character. The MCU is all about reinvention, and Secret Wars is the perfect place to give Lizard his due.
1. Volcana
Out of all the characters introduced in ‘Secret Wars’, Volcana is one of the most underrated. Created alongside Titania (who already debuted in She-Hulk), Volcana was given incredible thermal and volcanic abilities by Doctor Doom. Unlike Titania, who craved power, Volcana was more of a reluctant villain.
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Her love story with Molecule Man gave her unexpected depth. So, introducing her alongside her lover might be the romance that the MCU needs. Additionally, with ‘She-Hulk’ already introducing Titania, it wouldn’t be hard to bring in Volcana. She could debut in a future She-Hulk season before making the jump to Secret Wars.
