Why Has the MCU Been Imbalanced in Creating Dynamic Villains?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has undoubtedly captivated audiences with its ensemble of heroes and epic battles. However, has the MCU been somewhat unfairly singled out for its few quality movie villains? This article delves into why the MCU has faced criticism and whether those critiques are valid.

Introduction to Villain Development in MCU

The narrative arc of heroes in films, such as those in the MCU, is typically built to revolve around a primary conflict, which involves a villain fulfilling a specific purpose. Heroes exist for a reason, and villains provide them with purpose and a meaningful dramatic tension. The MCU, while having created memorable characters like Loki and Thanos, has often struggled with developing consistent and engaging antagonists.

Single-use Character Arcs: The Case of Crossbones

Other than Loki and Thanos, Marvel villains have frequently been one-off, single-use characters. Take, for example, Crossbones, who appeared in Winter Soldier. His presence was minimal and did little to impact the plot. Similar instances can be found where villains were introduced and then disappeared, offering no significant character development.

Six Challenges and Expectations

The satirically proposed need for the Wrecking Crew introduces a fresh perspective on expanding villainous characters. Here's a breakdown of why we may need more dynamic villains and why:

Character Depth and Backstory: Complex villains should have defined backstories, motivations, and a reason for their actions, similar to heroes. This would make them more relatable and compelling. Narrative Integration: Villains need to be integral to the plot, providing opposition to the heroes and driving the main conflict of the film. In the MCU, some villains have been introduced without a clear purpose or development. Character Arcs: Villains should undergo transformation and development over the course of the series. This arc should reflect and sometimes parallel or contrast the heroes' journeys. Character Relationships: Forming meaningful relationships with key heroes can help build a more comprehensive narrative. This was notably absent in Infinity War when the Black Order was mostly side characters. Consequences and Relevance: The villains' actions should have significant consequences on the world, not just serve as one-off villains to be defeated. Status Terms: Villains should be named and branded as part of their character arcs, making it easier for audiences to follow and understand the dynamics at play.

Screenwriting Principles and Villain Development

In screenwriting, the concepts of "Need vs. Want" are central to character development. "Want" represents the character's desires and goals, while "Need" represents the emotional and moral resolution of the story. Heroes and villains alike have their specific needs and wants, and these should align to create a compelling narrative.

Thor and Doctor Strange: Navigating Emotional and Moral Journeys

Consider Thor and Doctor Strange. In both films, the heroes' wants are clear: Thor longs for respect and honor, while Strange seeks validation as a surgeon and eventually as a sorcerer. However, the heroes' needs lie in learning humility in Thor, and acceptance in Doctor Strange. Villains, such as Loki, often operate without these same arcs, leading to underdeveloped and disposable characters.

Limited Villain Development in MCU

The MCU's reliance on well-known characters like Captain America and Iron Man has led to the subjugation of villains. Franchise constraints make it difficult to invest time in developing characters who might appear in only one movie. Additionally, villains are often used for one-off purposes, such as in the case of Malekith in Thor: The Dark World, whose motivations were vague and not well integrated.

Marvel's Response to Criticism

Despite some shortcomings, Marvel has taken steps to address the criticism. Characters like Hela, Ego, Ghost, Thanos, and Killmonger have all had more substantial parts, showcasing a shift in focusing on more complex character arcs. While not all villains have received the same level of development, Marvel has acknowledged the importance of a narrative that resonates with the antagonists.

Conclusion

The MCU has faced criticism for its limited villain development. While some characters have been underdeveloped, there are clear steps being taken to improve. Future developments in villain motivation, arcs, and character relationships will be crucial to creating a richer, more engaging film experience for audiences.