SPIDER-MAN 3: 5 Villains Who Could Be The Wall-Crawler's Next MCU Foe (And 5 Who Won't Be)

The third Spider-Man movie from Marvel Studios starts shooting this summer, but who should be next to face the web-slinger on the big screen? Here, we break down the likely, and not so likely, candidates!

By JoshWilding - Mar 06, 2020 07:03 AM EST

Filed Under: No Way Home

Now that Disney and Sony Pictures have come to terms on a new deal which will keep Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for years to come, there's more excitement than ever before for the web-slinger's next solo outing. That starts shooting this summer, and while details are scarce, there's already a lot of speculation about who Spidey will face next.

With that in mind, we're taking a look at five of the most likely possibilities for the franchise's next big bad...as well as five villains who are highly unlikely to make any sort of appearance!

As well as delving into why that is, we also attempt to figure out how they could factor into proceedings (or not). It's definitely an exciting time to be a Spider-Man fan, but who can possibly come close to topping such sinister opponents as The Vulture and Mysterio?

Well, to find out, all you guys need to do is click on the "Next" button down below...

Could See: The Scorpion

At the end of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Mac Gargan attempted to learn the web-slinger secret identity by confronting Adrian Toomes. The Vulture wasn't willing to play ball, but the post-credits scene must have been setting the stage for something to pay off further down the line.

With that in mind, who's to say that won't finally happen in this third instalment of the franchise?

While Marvel Studios has already taken some creative liberties with this version of Mac Gargan, it shouldn't be too difficult to explain his transformation into The Scorpion in the threequel. Atfer all, thanks to Mysterio, he now knows Spidey's secret and can use that to get the revenge he so desperately wants. Michael Mando is a tremendous actor, and clearly wants this to happen.

Won't See: The Kingpin

Daredevil star Vincent D'Onofrio has made it clear that he would like to bring his version of Wilson Fisk to the big screen to battle Spider-Man, but the chances of that happen seem slim.

While the actor frequently stole the show in that Netflix series, those characters are still off-limits to Marvel Studios, and if and when Kevin Feige decides to reboot the heroes and villains from the world of The Defenders, chances are he'll find a new actor to play the MCU's Kingpin.

That would be a shame, especially when the Daredevil cast is so damn great, but there's a very strong chance we'll never get to see Tom Holland Spider-Man meet any of those characters.

Could See: Kraven The Hunter

Kraven the Hunter is a villain fans have been desperate to see on the big screen for years now, and considering the fact Spider-Man is now a wanted murderer, it seems like the perfect time for him to finally visit the Big Apple in a bid to take down his most fearsome prey to date.

Marvel Studios will definitely need to do something to update Kraven for a modern audience, but that hopefully won't involve tying him to Iron Man in some way (he doesn't need to be his ex-gardener).

Kraven has a lot of big screen potential, and if someone like The Scorpion is also thrown into the mix, that gives the Hunter either a useful ally or someone he can track down to make an example out of.

Won't See: Venom

A crossover featuring Tom Holland's Spider-Man and Tom Hardy's Venom is inevitable, but chances are that story won't end up playing out in the MCU. While the web-slinger now swings between two different worlds, that doesn't mean Kevin Feige is gong to start using Sony assets in his films.

There may be a reference to Eddie Brock (even that seems like wishful thinking if we're being honest), but if a Spider-Man vs. Venom movie is happening, then Sony Pictures are likely to be in charge.

Seeing Spidey don a Symbiote of his own and fighting the likes of Venom and Carnage is definitely a must, and everyone involved with these movies - aside from Feige - has expressed interest in making that happen. It just won't be something we end up seeing in this particular adventure.

Could See: J. Jonah Jameson

J.K. Simmons made his shock return to the role of J. Jonah Jameson at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home, and it's clear that Marvel Studios has some unique new plans for him in the MCU. While using him to deliver his own twisted version of the news is one thing, we would much prefer to see Jonah get a little more hands on in this next movie.

It makes perfect sense for this version of Jonah to want to become a hero in the eyes of the public by taking down Spider-Man himself, and if he's not going to hire the Scorpion for that, perhaps he can team up with Aleister Smythe and take control of a Spider-Slayer robot? After all, it would be easy for Marvel Studios to tie that robotics expert to Tony Stark!

In all seriousness, this could be a lot of fun, even if he's ultimately just a supporting villain here.

Won't See: Green Goblin

We're as desperate as you to see Norman Osborn back on the big screen, but after the character (and his legacy as the Green Goblin) dominated both Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, that's a well it might still be too soon to return to.

We all thought that Avengers Tower had been bought by Oscorp, but the way the Disney/Sony Pictures deal fell apart proves that there's no way Marvel Studios will commit to something like that.

That doesn't necessarily mean the Green Goblin can't return - we're certainly long overdue a comic accurate take on the villain - but we're pretty sure that it won't be happening in this third outing.

Could See: Doctor Octopus

It doesn't appear as if Marvel Studios is too keen on revisiting villains who have previously appeared in Spider-Man movies, but after two movies with villains we've not seen before, it feels like now might be the right time to bring in one of the big names from the past.

Doctor Octopus stole the show in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2, but there's definitely room for the classic character to be reinvented (something recent comic books and the Spider-Man video game have proved). We're not suggesting heading down the Superior Spider-Man route, but that could make for fun viewing for at least part of this or another film!

Regardless, seeing Peter Parker match wits with Doc Ock next year would be no bad thing, and if a Sinister Six movie is indeed in the works, then the team is going to need a leader...

Won't See: Electro

Electro is one of our favourite Spider-Man villains, and the spectacular concept art from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 that we shared yesterday has definitely got us thinking about a new take on Max Dillon. Jamie Foxx's take on the character certainly left a lot to be desired, anyway.

An argument could be made that Electro is a B-List villain in the pantheon of Spider-Man bad guys, and while the right reinvention could work amazingly, it's unlikely to be in the threequel.

At this point, so much damage has been done to Max that he would probably only work in a very minor, supporting role. Given the way the franchise currently appears to be heading, we're not banking on him showing up any time soon despite the fact he has so much history with the Sinister Six.

Could See: Mysterio

The Vulture is going to make his return in Morbius, but what if Mysterio is going to be the man who serves as Peter Parker's greatest villain in the MCU? After all, he defeated Spider-Man in a way no one else ever has by revealing his secret identity to the world, and framing him for murder!

It's hard to believe that Quentin Beck is really dead, and it makes perfect sense for it to be revealed that he's now pulling the strings from behind the scenes somewhere.

We wouldn't expect Mysterio to be the Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel's lead villain, and this appearance could boil down to an an appearance in the post-credits scene. Either way, we're convinced that we haven't seen the last of Quentin as he has unfinished business with Peter.

Won't See: Morlun

When J. Michael Straczynski took over the Amazing Spider-Man comic book series, he delved into the mystical side of Peter Parker's powers and pitted the webbed warrior against the unstoppable Morlun.

The epic battle that followed would be perfect for the big screen, especially when Spider-Man is already on the ropes and a wanted criminal. Heading down this route would tie nicely into both Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Sony's "Spider-Verse" plans, but it almost feels like this would be too much for a film that already has so much to deal with.

That's a real shame, but Morlun is hopefully a villain we'll see in the MCU one day...

SPIDER-MAN 4: Here's The Latest On Marvel Studios' Hunt For A Director (And Who ISN'T In The Mix)

Recommended For You:

SPIDER-MAN 4: Franchise Producer Amy Pascal Refuses To Comment On Plans For The NO WAY HOME Sequel

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

23 Comments

PicolasCage - 3/6/2020, 7:47 AM

Kraven, Scorpion, and Chameleon seem the most likely just in terms of big Spidey villains who haven’t been done in live action before. Spot would be lowkey awesome too.

The REAL ones we’re waiting for are Boomerang and Kangaroo teamup though

ChrisRed - 3/6/2020, 8:07 AM

Kraven and Scorpion are really the perfect options for Spider-Man 3.
A lot of people mention Chameleon but isn't he kind of redundant? I mean, this takes place in a universe with super illusion-tech and shapeshifting aliens. Speaking objectively, What would be so special about a guy who can change his appearance?
I love Chameleon and hope they use him, but at the same time I hope they do something with him to make him stand out more.

WeaponXCII - 3/6/2020, 8:54 AM

@ChrisRed - Couldn’t the same he said about the comics version, since they have the same things, too? And couldn’t the same be said about characters like, say, Mystique?

ChrisRed - 3/7/2020, 2:05 AM

@WeaponXCII - maybe, but Chameleon was created back when the Marvel universe where more simple and heroes and villains didn't crossover as much.

Mystique is a mutant fighting for various causes and has close ties to many other characters like Rogue, Nightcrawler and many others...

All I'm saying is that I hope they make Chameleon stand out more in some way if he appears in a movie, which I'm sure they will.

WeaponXCII - 3/9/2020, 3:10 PM

@ChrisRed - Hey- just wanted to come back to this and respond, since you paid me the same courtesy. It's a fair point- can't really argue with that. Only I can say is he worked then, and he works today in a world with a lot more crossover. Actually, I don't really know that, since I'm not as up on the modern stuff. Do they still use him- and use him well?

And I think they definitely will make him stand out, as they always (try to) do with their characters. And they seem to have pretty much fixed their villain problem.

ChrisRed - 3/11/2020, 10:04 PM

@WeaponXCII - I actually don't know about Chameleon in the comics nowadays either.
Maybe they could use some ideas from the 90's show were he's this silent assassin working for hire. Always thought he was creepy because he didn't talk in his real form.

I agree that the villains has gotten a lot better in the MCU the later years. Both Vulture and Mysterio were great. Shocker was a bit of a letdown though but he could be fixed. If they ever do a Sinister Six lineup, I hope he's part of it and gets a prober costume.

KWilly - 3/6/2020, 8:07 AM

If they do Kraven (which admittedly makes sense), I hope they get Joe Manganeillo. 6 ft 5, intimidating af, and honestly looks like Kraven from the comics to the tee. Maybe up his strength to make it on par with Spidey’s, so he’s even a bigger threat.

Him towering over 5 ft 6 Tom Holland would be hysterical

ANewPope - 3/6/2020, 8:26 AM

@KWilly - Wouldn't wanna fight him

Jayman627 - 3/6/2020, 9:13 AM

@KWilly - This time, Flash won't miss lol

James695 - 3/6/2020, 8:11 AM

I’ve heard the Spider-Man villain in the third movie is to be Dr Next. Every time he gets near him in the movie Dr Next makes an unnecessary jump away forcing our hero and the audience to make a pointless journey to find out the next relevant plot information.

KrazyForKomix - 3/6/2020, 8:32 AM

ALL GOOD – with the possible exception of Doc Ock. So many other's to pick from, there's no need to try and surpass Molina's wonderful portrayal.

WeaponXCII - 3/6/2020, 8:50 AM

Whatever villain comes in the third (ok, not Big Wheel or Paste Pot Pete) I’m excited to see where they go with it.

GodHercules20 - 3/6/2020, 9:01 AM

Black Tarantula

ThunderThighs - 3/6/2020, 12:07 PM

@GodHercules20 - His debut issue was my first Marvel comic as a kid, lol

ThunderThighs - 3/6/2020, 12:08 PM

His next villain will also be scorned by Tony Stark in his past story. Calling it.

Related Headlines

Spider-Man

SPIDER-MAN 4: Here's The Latest On Marvel Studios' Hunt For A Director (And Who ISN'T In The Mix)

JoshWilding

4 hours ago

Marvel Studios

MCU Rumor Roundup: AVENGERS 5 Shoot Date, X-MEN Synopsis, Natalia Tena's Role, & More - Possible SPOILERS

MarkCassidy

13 hours ago

Madame Web

MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney Responds To Producer Who Said "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

MarkCassidy

19 hours ago

Related Headlines

Spider-Man

SPIDER-MAN 4: Here's The Latest On Marvel Studios' Hunt For A Director (And Who ISN'T In The Mix)

JoshWilding

4 hours ago

Marvel Studios

MCU Rumor Roundup: AVENGERS 5 Shoot Date, X-MEN Synopsis, Natalia Tena's Role, & More - Possible SPOILERS

MarkCassidy

13 hours ago

Madame Web

MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney Responds To Producer Who Said "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

MarkCassidy

19 hours ago

Madame Web

Hollywood Producer Slams MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney: "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

MarkCassidy

1 day ago

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Star Dane DeHaan Talks NO WAY HOME Rumors And Whether He'd Return As Green Goblin

JoshWilding

2 days ago

Spider-Man

Transformers

TRANSFORMERS ONE: Chris Hemsworth And Scarlett Johansson Assemble The Autobots In First Trailer

MarkCassidy

2 hours ago

Action

TRAP: First Trailer For M. Night Shyamalan's New Movie Gives The Big Twist Away... Or Does It?

MarkCassidy

3 hours ago

Latest Headlines

Marvel Studios

MCU Rumor Roundup: Updates On THE FANTASTIC FOUR's Silver Surfer Twist, AVENGERS 5, BLADE, And More

JoshWilding

39 mins ago

Transformers

TRANSFORMERS ONE: Chris Hemsworth And Scarlett Johansson Assemble The Autobots In First Trailer

MarkCassidy

2 hours ago

Action

TRAP: First Trailer For M. Night Shyamalan's New Movie Gives The Big Twist Away... Or Does It?

MarkCassidy

3 hours ago

Marvel Comics

ALIENS VS. AVENGERS Comic Book Crossover On The Way From Marvel's SECRET WARS Creative Team

JoshWilding

3 hours ago

Batman vs. Superman

BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Director Zack Snyder FINALLY Explains The Infamous "Martha!" Scene

JoshWilding

4 hours ago

Sci-Fi

REBEL MOON: PART TWO Described As "Marginally Better Than PART ONE" In First Reactions

MarkCassidy

4 hours ago

Hot Headlines

184 comments

SUPERMAN: James Gunn's DCU Reboot Finds Its Martha "Ma" Kent

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

140 comments

Hollywood Producer Slams MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney: "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

104 comments

Leonardo DiCaprio Was In Talks To Play Lex Luthor In BVS; Gave Zack Snyder JUSTICE LEAGUE Idea

MarkCassidy

21 hours ago EST

103 comments

THE FANTASTIC FOUR Rumored To Introduce Norrin Radd Alongside Julia Garner's Silver Surfer

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

101 comments

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

SNOW WHITE Rumored Plot Details May Clear Up Seven Dwarfs/Seven Bandits Confusion

More Cartoons & Animated ►

Bethesda's Todd Howard On What's Next: ELDER SCROLLS VI, FALLOUT 5, And STARFIELD

More Anime & Manga ►

TRAP: First Trailer For M. Night Shyamalan's Latest Spoils The Big Twist

More Horror ►

JAMES BOND: Henry Cavill Isn't Closing The Door On Playing 007; Maybe I'm Too Old Now. Maybe I'm Not...

More Action Movies & TV ►

The Undertaker Talks Relationship With The Rock Following WRESTLEMANIA Clash As Final Boss Vows Revenge

More Pro Wrestling ►

SNOW WHITE Rumors May Clear Up Seven Dwarfs Confusion; Rachel Zegler's Princess Will Be More Independent

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

More Cartoons & Animated ►

More Anime & Manga ►

More Horror ►

More Action Movies & TV ►

More Pro Wrestling ►

SPIDER-MAN 3: 5 Villains Who Could Be The Wall-Crawler's Next MCU Foe (And 5 Who Won't Be)

The third Spider-Man movie from Marvel Studios starts shooting this summer, but who should be next to face the web-slinger on the big screen? Here, we break down the likely, and not so likely, candidates!

Could See: The Scorpion

Won't See: The Kingpin

Could See: Kraven The Hunter

Won't See: Venom

Could See: J. Jonah Jameson

Won't See: Green Goblin

Could See: Doctor Octopus

Won't See: Electro

Could See: Mysterio

Won't See: Morlun

SPIDER-MAN 4: Here's The Latest On Marvel Studios' Hunt For A Director (And Who ISN'T In The Mix)

SPIDER-MAN 4: Franchise Producer Amy Pascal Refuses To Comment On Plans For The NO WAY HOME Sequel

SPIDER-MAN 4: Here's The Latest On Marvel Studios' Hunt For A Director (And Who ISN'T In The Mix)

MCU Rumor Roundup: AVENGERS 5 Shoot Date, X-MEN Synopsis, Natalia Tena's Role, & More - Possible SPOILERS

MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney Responds To Producer Who Said "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

SPIDER-MAN 4: Here's The Latest On Marvel Studios' Hunt For A Director (And Who ISN'T In The Mix)

MCU Rumor Roundup: AVENGERS 5 Shoot Date, X-MEN Synopsis, Natalia Tena's Role, & More - Possible SPOILERS

MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney Responds To Producer Who Said "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

Hollywood Producer Slams MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney: "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Star Dane DeHaan Talks NO WAY HOME Rumors And Whether He'd Return As Green Goblin

SPIDER-MAN 4: Franchise Producer Amy Pascal Refuses To Comment On Plans For The NO WAY HOME Sequel

Popular Headlines

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD Happy Meal Toys Reveal A First Look At MCU’s Take On Red Hulk

SUPERMAN: James Gunn's DCU Reboot Finds Its Martha "Ma" Kent

MCU Rumor Roundup: AVENGERS 5 Shoot Date, X-MEN Synopsis, Natalia Tena's Role, & More - Possible SPOILERS

SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Shares New Behind-The-Scenes Photo With David Corenswet And Rachel Brosnahan

MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney Responds To Producer Who Said "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

MCU Rumor Roundup: Updates On THE FANTASTIC FOUR's Silver Surfer Twist, AVENGERS 5, BLADE, And More

TRANSFORMERS ONE: Chris Hemsworth And Scarlett Johansson Assemble The Autobots In First Trailer

TRAP: First Trailer For M. Night Shyamalan's New Movie Gives The Big Twist Away... Or Does It?

MCU Rumor Roundup: Updates On THE FANTASTIC FOUR's Silver Surfer Twist, AVENGERS 5, BLADE, And More

TRANSFORMERS ONE: Chris Hemsworth And Scarlett Johansson Assemble The Autobots In First Trailer

TRAP: First Trailer For M. Night Shyamalan's New Movie Gives The Big Twist Away... Or Does It?

ALIENS VS. AVENGERS Comic Book Crossover On The Way From Marvel's SECRET WARS Creative Team

BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE Director Zack Snyder FINALLY Explains The Infamous "Martha!" Scene

REBEL MOON: PART TWO Described As "Marginally Better Than PART ONE" In First Reactions

Hot Headlines

SUPERMAN: James Gunn's DCU Reboot Finds Its Martha "Ma" Kent

Hollywood Producer Slams MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney: "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

Leonardo DiCaprio Was In Talks To Play Lex Luthor In BVS; Gave Zack Snyder JUSTICE LEAGUE Idea

THE FANTASTIC FOUR Rumored To Introduce Norrin Radd Alongside Julia Garner's Silver Surfer

MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney Responds To Producer Who Said "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

SNOW WHITE Rumors May Clear Up "Seven Dwarfs" Confusion; Rachel Zegler's Princess Will Be "More Independent"

REBEL MOON - PART TWO: THE SCARGIVER's Rotten Tomatoes Score Has Been Revealed (And It's Not Good)

THE WITCHER Has Been Renewed For A Fifth And FINAL Season; Will Adapt Final THREE Books

Cartoons & Animated Features

SNOW WHITE Rumored Plot Details May Clear Up Seven Dwarfs/Seven Bandits Confusion

TRANSFORMERS ONE Trailer Reveals The Origins Of Optimus Prime And Megatron

X-MEN '97 Creative Express Interest In Bringing An X-MEN Animated Movie To Theaters

Gaming

Bethesda's Todd Howard On What's Next: ELDER SCROLLS VI, FALLOUT 5, And STARFIELD

THE WITCHER Has Been Renewed AND Canceled As Season 5 Is Confirmed To Be The Show's Last

FALLOUT TV Series Renewed For Second Season After Impressive Debut On Prime Video

Anime & Manga

Studio Ghibli's SPIRITED AWAY Is Returning To U.S. Theaters This Month

New AVATAR Movie, AANG: THE LAST AIRBENDER, Delayed To 2026

MY HERO ACADEMIA Season 7 Countdown Kicks Off With Class 1-A Character Visuals

Horror

TRAP: First Trailer For M. Night Shyamalan's Latest Spoils The Big Twist

IMMACULATE Star Sydney Sweeney Has Been Slammed By A Hollywood Producer: "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

SCREAM VII: Rumored Details On Sidney And Gale's Roles And Ghostface's Targets - SPOILERS

Action Movies & TV

JAMES BOND: Henry Cavill Isn't Closing The Door On Playing 007; "Maybe I'm Too Old Now. Maybe I'm Not..."

Alex Garland's CIVIL WAR Is The #1 Movie In North America- Opens To $25.7M

THE ACCOUNTANT 2 Adds Four More Actors Including JURASSIC WORLD Star Daniella Pineda

Pro Wrestling & MMA News

The Undertaker Talks Relationship With The Rock Following WRESTLEMANIA Clash As Final Boss Vows Revenge

Damian Priest Reflects On How It Felt To Cash In His Money In The Bank Briefcase At WRESTLEMANIA

AEW EVPs Matt And Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks, Have "No Regrets" After Airing ALL IN Footage

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

SNOW WHITE Rumors May Clear Up "Seven Dwarfs" Confusion; Rachel Zegler's Princess Will Be "More Independent"

REBEL MOON - PART TWO: THE SCARGIVER's Rotten Tomatoes Score Has Been Revealed (And It's Not Good)

THE WITCHER Has Been Renewed For A Fifth And FINAL Season; Will Adapt Final THREE Books

REBEL MOON: PART TWO - THE SCARGIVER First Reactions Land Ahead Of Netflix Premiere

TRANSFORMERS ONE: First Trailer For Animated Origin Movie Takes Us Back To The Early Days Of Cybertron

FURIOSA: Witness Anya Taylor-Joy As The Wasteland Warrior On New Total Film Covers

Cartoons & Animated Features