The Marvel Cinematic Universe was first introduced with Iron Man in 2008. For the next 15 years throughout the MCU, redemption was a recurring theme when it came to individual arc and character development. Although the antagonist of each story is often the driving force, there were times when he turned into the protagonist by the end.
While some characters change little by little, others make quick decisions that change the trajectory of their lives and thus define who they are and who they become. These are the main rivals of the antagonists who have become the main characters in the MCU films.
10 Darren Cross
Darren Cross (English)Corey Stoll) was introduced as the main antagonist in Ant-Man. Obsessed with the Pym particle, Darren went to extremes in hopes of turning it into a weapon for profit. After creating a battle suit he named the Yellowjacket, Scott Lang was forced to sabotage his suit’s wiring by shrinking it down to subatomic size.
Although he was believed to have died in the Quantum Realm, Ant-Man: Quantamania revealed that he survived by transforming into MODOK, an armed assassin. Though Darren continued his ruthless behavior in the Quantum Realm until Cassie turned on him, forcing him to fight against Kang. Although Darren was no ordinary hero, he fought for the greater good and died thinking he was an Avenger.
9 Otto Octavius
Otto Octavius (English)Alfred Molina) was the main character of Spider-Man 2. He was a well-known scientist until his scientific experiment went wrong. Otto suffered in this accident, and as a result, tentacle-like hands took control of his body.
Perhaps Otto himself is not a villain, as his higher brain functions have been suppressed. However, in Spider-Man: No Way Home, once control is returned to him, Otto is able to regain control of the tentacles and correct his mistakes. In the final battle, he fights alongside Spider-Man to stop the remaining antagonists.
8 Mercury
Pietro Maximoff (ur.Aaron Taylor-Johnson) was introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron as the main antagonist working with HYDRA. After experiments that gave him enhanced abilities, Quicksilver became the driving force behind the Avenger’s initial failure to stop Ultron.
While both Pietro and Wanda’s reason for supporting Ultron was a personal grudge against Tony Stark, they both realize who the bad guy really is after discovering Ultron’s genocidal plans. Quicksilver not only joined the Avengers battle to save Sokovia, but also sacrificed his life for Clint Barton, his Avengers ally.
7 Wenyu
Wenwu (Tony Leung) was introduced in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as a ruthless leader who sought power and control. Although Wenwu has been a villain for most of his life, all he really needed was a change of perspective, which is offered through Ying Li’s affection and companionship. After he loses her at the hands of his enemies, Wenwu is overcome with grief, which causes him to regain his former life.
When he sees a chance to win her back and complete his family, he doesn’t hesitate to take drastic action. Having released the Dweller in the Darkness, he realizes what he has done. In his final moments, he renounces the Ten Rings, and with them, his life, choosing instead to save his son. His sacrifice for Shang-Chi meant he died with the title of hero.
6 winter soldier
Bucky BarnesSebastian Stan) was originally featured in Captain America: The First Avenger as Steve Roger’s best friend. After apparently crashing to his death, it is later revealed that Bucky did not die, but rather survived, having been brainwashed and armed as a professional assassin called the Winter Soldier.
Although Bucky was a vessel for villainous acts, Bucky himself fell victim to HYDRA’s evil intent. Bucky chose to remain in cryogenic sleep until a cure for the brainwashing was created, showing off his selfless nature. Baki was able to regain control of his life after Shuri cured him. In the end, Bucky turned the title of Winter Soldier from a villain of fear into a hero of hope.
5 Adam Warlock
Adam WarlockWill Poulter) is a weapon created by Sovereign designed to kill the Guardians of the Galaxy in the third film. At the behest of his mother Aisha and the High Evolutionary, Adam did what he was told instead of acting of his own free will.
Despite his repeated attempts to kill the gang, Groot saves his life, stating that everyone deserves a second chance. Groot played a huge role in changing the trajectory of Adam’s life as he then saved Star-Lord’s life, redeeming his character arc. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 ended with Adam joining the gang, marking the start of the hero character arc.
4 Yondu
Yondu (Michael Rooker) was first seen in Guardians of the Galaxy as the Ravager who kidnapped Peter Quill, eventually leaving him in his custody. Despite being presented as a villain who not only kidnapped children from Earth for money, his love and concern for Peter made him do the right thing.
In the second film, Yondu struggles to save Peter from Ego. He admitted that he did not keep Peter for his own gain, but because he believed that handing him over would harm Peter. Although Yondu has been labeled as an anti-hero, he was never a true villain, but rather a misguided protagonist in the making.
3 Wanda Maximoff
Wanda MaximoffElizabeth Olsen) was first seen working alongside Ultron until she saw his true intentions, leading her to switch sides. She fought alongside the Avengers as the protagonist until the grief of losing Vision led her to create a false reality in the city of Westview. After realizing what she has done, she gives up, once again giving up on her family.
However, in Doctor Strange 2, Wanda continues her dangerous pursuit of her children in alternate universes. Although her overkill actions portray her as a vicious villain, proving that Wanda is capable of being a dangerous force to be reckoned with, Wanda is a good person at heart. Regardless of the mistakes she made and the decisions that led her astray from what was right, Wanda has been a selfless hero on more than one occasion, demonstrating that she is a hero worthy of praise.
2 Loki
Loki (Tom Hiddleston) was originally seen as a jealous brother in competition with Thor for the throne of Asgard. At first he was stunned to learn that he was adopted, seeking recognition from his father, he realized that Odin had spent his life grooming Thor for leadership while neglecting Loki as he was never supposed to be king. Living in his brother’s shadow, Loki became insecure and thus assumed the title he did recognize as true, the God of mischief, projecting chaos as a villain.
However, in Thor: Ragnarok, Loki fights alongside Thor to save Asgard from Hela. Likewise, he risked his life at the hands of Thanos, ultimately paying for it with his life. On the TV show, Loki witnessed how his life turned out, which made him question his life decisions. As a result, his impulsive chaotic nature was brought under control as he carefully considered the dire consequences of killing He Who Remains.
1 Nebula
Nebula (Karen Gillian) was introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy, working alongside Ronan in his quest for the Power Stone. Despite being fully aware of Ronan’s plans for genocide, she continued to support him, playing a major role in his possession of the Power Stone in the first film.
However, as soon as Nebula had the opportunity to escape her father, she stopped her criminal activities, aiming for nothing more than to stop her father’s genocidal plans. As a result, it became apparent that Nebula was never malicious, but rather a victim of circumstance. In her first and last screen appearance, Nebula turned into a hero, and in Guardians of the Galaxy 3, she was seen fighting alongside the other members against the High Evolutionary.
Source: Collider
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