MCU: 10 British Villains In Marvel's Cinematic Universe - Ranked Worst To Best

Hometown bullies aside, the very first villain to come face to face with Steve Rogers was none other than HYDRA spy, Heinz Kruger. An imposing man of great stature, it's entirely forgivable to completely miss the fact he was played by someone most famous worldwide for being King of the dwarves.

Potentially the antagonist with the biggest impact on the MCU this side of the bifrost, it's surprising how much happens due to latter day scientists trying - and often failing - to recreate the research which Kruger killed along with its creator, Abraham Erskine. Without him there would be no Winter Soldiers, no Hulk, and despite his strength Steve Rogers would merely be one of many; still kicking ass but taking orders more than names.

That said however, there isn't really anything unique that singles him out as an individual. He might not be above the immorality of taking a child hostage to aid his escape, but surely this is par for the course when you represent an off-shoot of the Third Reich. His mission may have had far-reaching consequences, but was one which could have been undertaken by any of his contemporaries.

As someone merely following orders rather than giving them, he simply proves that even if a pawn plays their part in the outcome of the game as a whole, in the end they're still just a pawn.