10 Big Changes The MCU Could Introduce In Phase 4

DC beat Marvel to the punch when it released Suicide Squad in 2016, becoming the first studio to deliver a villain-centric comic book adaptation. The Big M, however, still has the opportunity to make the definitive bad guy-led film before its bitter rival.

Anti-heroes like Deadpool have worked well in the genre, so there's no reason why a supervillain film shouldn't take this concept a step further, and several studios seem to be plotting them right now. Sony could revive its Sinister Six plans now Spider-Man spinoffs are back on its agenda, a Joker origin film is being mapped out, and Fox was said to be toying with a Doctor Doom movie before Disney tabled its acquisition bid.

Marvel seems to be the only major player in the comic sector that isn't planning a villain-fronted movie, and that could very well change during Phase 4. Not only could the House of M throw its weight behind Fox's mooted Doctor Doom project, there are a number of bad guys already on its books who could carry their own film.

Thanos is bound to be a prime candidate if he survives the events of the Infinity Saga. There's more to the character than out-and-out evil - as anyone well versed in Marvel Comics lore will know - and this should be explored in future MCU movies.

Loki is another strong contender for this treatment. Tom Hiddleston's mischievous Asgardian is one of the greatest movie antagonists of his generation, and the actor certainly has enough star power to make a solo film financially viable.