MCU Phase 4: 10 Villains Who Could Actually Replace Thanos

Thanos leaves big shoes (and one big glove), but who do Marvel have primed to step into them?

By Stacey Henley /

Once the dust from Endgame has settled, Thanos is surely done with the MCU, one way or another. He managed to unite the entire force of Marvel’s heroes against him and still come through Infinity War fighting; he leaves a massive void for the next villain to fill.

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Thanos has been lurking in the background ever since Avengers brought a curtain down on Phase 1, so Marvel might not want to rush their next one in immediately. The MCU has patiently built their world and linked their characters together, so don’t expect a ‘new Thanos’ right away.

However, plans will be in place to have someone pulling the strings behind the scenes. It may be another mighty foe like the Mad Titan, needing the Avengers, Guardians and everyone else to team up, or it could be something altogether different.

A more intellectual, technological or mystical villain could keep the heroes on their toes and allow different Avengers to shine.

Whoever it is, Marvel certainly has a very deep bench when it comes to bad guys and gals. Even if all the ones listed here can’t be the next big big bad, they can still challenge the heroes in solo movies.

10. Deathbird

Fantasy Casting: Charlize Theron

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With Disney’s acquisition of Fox, it’s surely only a matter of time until the X-Men join the MCU. However, Dark Phoenix still needs to be released, then Marvel face a casting problem. Keeping the likes of Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbender implies they’ll be following on from Fox’s movies, which they won’t be.

However, recasting them too soon will lead to obvious comparisons and put undue pressure on the incoming star. No one wants to be compared to Hugh Jackman, after all.

That’s why Marvel should ease them in gently. There’s the obvious temptation to add Magneto or Mystique to the villain roster straight away, but a more nuanced approach may be best.

Deathbird offers a way to bridge the gap. As a Shi’ar, she has close links to Skulls and Krees too. A brutal and evil woman, Deathbird was exiled after murdering her mother and sister. With beautiful wings and razor sharp talons, she’d certainly make for a cinematic villain too.

Charlize Theron, with her action movie prowess (most notably in Atomic Blonde), killer glare and penchant for villain roles could fill Deathbird with dread and menace.

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