MCU Supervillains and the Fight Against Thanos: Why Were They Not There?

The absence of supervillains in the battle against Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) can be attributed to several narrative and character-driven reasons. This article explores these factors, offering a deeper understanding of why key villains like Loki, Ultron, and Killmonger were not present to combat Thanos.

The Roles and Motivations of MCU Villains

Many MCU villains, including Loki, Ultron, and Killmonger, are primarily motivated by personal goals or vendettas. These characters often seek power or revenge, and this personal ambition can make aligning with someone like Thanos, who seeks to wipe out half of all life, a challenging proposition. Their differing motivations and goals can create significant barriers to cooperation.

Character Development and Reevaluation

Some villains undergo significant character arcs that lead them to reconsider their actions. Loki, for example, sees a transformation throughout the series. His relationship with the Asgardian deity Odin and his interactions with Thor, particularly in “Thor: The Dark World,” highlight the internal conflict and moral development that Loki undergoes. Such character growth might make it difficult for these villains to support a cause that contravenes their newfound beliefs or values.

The Nature of the Threat

The scale of Thanos’s power and the stakes involved make him a unique and formidable adversary. The nature of his threat, which transcends individual ambitions, makes it difficult for other villains to see a clear opportunity for their own agendas. The Avengers and their allies are the primary targets of Thanos’s pursuit, and this singular focus can complicate any potential alliances.

Team Dynamics and Historical Conflicts

The Avengers and their allies are a unified front against Thanos. Many villains have historically been adversaries of the heroes. Past conflicts and mistrust can make collaboration unlikely. The conflicts between the Hulk and Ultron, or Loki and the Avengers, are examples of longstanding animosities that can hinder any joint efforts.

Narrative Focus and Story Structure

The story is designed to revolve around the Avengers and their allies, and introducing villains as allies could complicate the narrative and distract from the central conflict. The format of the MCU, with its focus on the broader story arc, necessitates the portrayal of supervillains as either antagonists or minor characters in the greater scheme of things. This structure ensures that the primary focus remains on the main heroes and their journey.

The Intricacies of Thanos’s Encounter with Earth

The quick and hidden nature of Thanos's encounter with Earth adds another layer to the absence of supervillains. Thanos appeared at the end of “Avengers: Infinity War,” destroyed his targets, and then vanished into thin air. The short duration of his presence meant that there was no opportunity for the general public to see him or for supervillains to plan an attack. Even the Avengers were unaware of his plan or his return until nearly five years later.

During the five-year gap between the events of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Infinity War Part 2,” the general public remained largely unaware of Thanos’s future return. The exposure to Thanos was limited to the appearance of Ebony Maw’s ship and the aftermath of the Snap. The public hardly saw Thanos’s face, and the threat he posed was more conceptual than tangible. Even the heroes, who knew about the threat, struggled to formulate a plan in such a short time.

A Sudden Tornado: The Speed and Suddenness of Thanos’s Arrival

Thanos’s arrival was swift and devastating. His sudden appearance and disappearance within a few hours created a situation where no one, let alone supervillains, could react in time. The Avengers, who had the information and were ready to act, were still caught off guard. The suddenness of the event meant that even the incredibly powerful sorcerer Doctor Strange, who was present, did not have enough time to devise a counterplan.

In conclusion, the absence of supervillains in the battle against Thanos can be explained by a combination of personal motivations, character development, the nature of the threat, team dynamics, and the narrative structure of the MCU. The sudden and devastating nature of Thanos’s arrival further complicates the idea of supervillains coming together to combat this uniquely formidable foe.