5 Possible Villains We Might See in Spider-Man 4

With the anticipation building for Spider-Man 4, fans are speculating which villains will challenge Peter Parker next. While previous Spider-Man movies have introduced numerous villains, some were only given limited screen time, never fully developed or explored. These underutilized characters have immense potential, each bringing unique threats and captivating story arcs that could elevate the next chapter in Spider-Man’s journey. Here, we’ll look at 5 Possible Villains We Might See in Spider-Man 4. These villains made brief appearances in past films yet could make a grand return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), transforming into formidable foes for the web-slinger.

Kingpin

Wilson Fisk, or Kingpin, is one of Marvel’s most formidable crime lords, known for his immense physical strength, intellect, and influence over New York City’s criminal underworld. While he made a powerful appearance in Daredevil on Netflix, portrayed masterfully by Vincent D’Onofrio, he has yet to face off against Spider-Man on the big screen in the MCU. Kingpin operates through fear, manipulation, and an intricate web of loyal followers, using his position as a businessman and philanthropist to mask his criminal activities. His power over the city’s gangs and networks makes him an imposing villain, with the capacity to make life difficult for both Peter Parker and Spider-Man in a way few other villains could.

Kingpin’s likelihood of joining the MCU has already increased with his reappearance in Hawkeye and his confirmed involvement in Daredevil: Born Again. His presence in Spider-Man 4 would be a natural continuation, especially since Kingpin is a long-time nemesis of Spider-Man in the comics. With his ability to affect Peter’s personal life and career, Fisk would add depth to the story, creating a conflict that goes beyond physical confrontations and dives into moral and emotional dilemmas. A showdown between Spider-Man and Kingpin could pave the way for an intense, high-stakes narrative that combines street-level crime with Peter’s ongoing struggle for justice.

Rhino

In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Paul Giamatti portrayed Aleksei Sytsevich, better known as the Rhino. While his appearance was memorable, he was only introduced in the final scenes, giving fans little more than a taste of what he could offer as a villain. The Rhino’s brute strength and nearly indestructible exosuit make him a physical powerhouse, capable of causing havoc across New York. His character has significant untapped potential that could be explored, particularly through a more nuanced backstory and deeper connection to Peter Parker, possibly motivated by revenge or under orders from a larger villainous organization.

The chances of Rhino joining the MCU are high, especially given Marvel’s growing interest in multiversal connections. With the current Spider-Man films drawing from different continuities, it’s plausible to reintroduce Rhino as a more menacing and developed character. Adding Rhino could provide Spider-Man with a new type of challenge—one that’s primarily physical—allowing Peter to demonstrate his quick thinking and agility against raw power.

Scorpion

Another overlooked villain with huge potential is Mac Gargan, a.k.a. Scorpion. Portrayed by Michael Mando, Gargan was introduced in Spider-Man: Homecoming as a criminal looking to take down Spider-Man. Despite his intriguing introduction, he has yet to appear in a significant role. Scorpion’s classic rivalry with Spider-Man in the comics, backed by his venomous suit and brutal fighting style, would make him a formidable adversary. Gargan could be reintroduced as someone who’s been seeking vengeance against Spider-Man, possibly funded by a mysterious benefactor or connected to a crime syndicate.

The likelihood of Scorpion’s return to the MCU is promising, as Marvel has shown interest in revisiting characters hinted at in earlier films. Given Gargan’s affiliation with villainous groups like the Sinister Six, he could serve as a central antagonist or a part of a larger team-up. Scorpion’s return would offer Peter a villain with a personal grudge, a storyline that would deepen Peter’s character development as he faces the consequences of his actions.

Doctor Octopus (Recasted)

Doctor Otto Octavius, famously known as Doctor Octopus, remains one of Spider-Man’s most iconic villains. Though Alfred Molina’s portrayal in Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) was unforgettable, the idea of reintroducing Doc Ock with a fresh face could be a thrilling new angle for the MCU’s Spider-Man. Octavius, once a brilliant scientist, was tragically transformed by a lab accident that fused mechanical arms to his body, warping his once well-meaning intentions into a dangerous obsession with power and control. His fusion of science and strength makes him a unique adversary, as his intelligence and ambition often rival Peter’s own, creating a battle of both wits and might.

With a recast, Doctor Octopus could bring a modernized persona to Spider-Man 4, introducing fresh complexities to his character. Given how No Way Home bridged the multiverse, a new Otto Octavius in the MCU could position him as a significant threat while avoiding the ties to previous portrayals. Bringing Doc Ock into Peter’s current reality would raise the stakes, especially as this version of Peter grapples with loss, maturity, and the consequences of his superhero life. Octavius could even act as a twisted mentor figure, challenging Peter’s understanding of science, responsibility, and morality. Recasting Doctor Octopus would give this character the opportunity to be reimagined with fresh storylines, making him an impactful and memorable addition to Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery in the MCU.

Morbius

Dr. Michael Morbius, known as Morbius the Living Vampire, is a complex character whose blend of science and supernatural abilities makes him one of Spider-Man’s more unique adversaries. Originally introduced as a scientist with a rare blood disease, Morbius’ quest for a cure led to a horrific transformation, granting him vampiric powers but condemning him to an insatiable thirst for blood. While he briefly appeared in Morbius (2022) played by Jared Leto, his potential as a tragic villain who oscillates between monstrous instincts and a scientific mind was left largely unexplored. His character offers the chance to challenge Spider-Man on both a physical and philosophical level, as Peter would face not only a powerful adversary but also a once-good man consumed by his inner demons.

Given Sony’s existing Spider-Man universe, the possibility of Morbius crossing over into the MCU is intriguing and plausible. Morbius could bring a dark, horror-infused edge to Spider-Man 4, introducing moral dilemmas about heroism, redemption, and the ethical limits of science. His complex relationship with Peter Parker in the comics—sometimes as a villain, sometimes as an anti-hero—would add layers to the story, as Peter might wrestle with the decision to either defeat or save Morbius. The presence of Morbius in the MCU would give Spider-Man a formidable and unique adversary, blending the realms of science fiction and horror in a way no other Spider-Man villain could.

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