Why Are Most MCU Villains Killed Off in Their Debut Movies?

It's no secret that the bulk of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) villains meet their end during their first appearance in a film. This consistent pattern can be attributed to several factors, including narrative closure, character development, limited time, the introduction of new villains, and audience expectations.

Narrative Closure

Killing off a villain in their debut appearance provides a sense of narrative closure. It allows the heroes to triumph and resolve the conflict within a single film, which can be particularly satisfying for audiences. This structure ensures that the primary antagonist is addressed and eliminated, giving the audience a clear resolution to the main storyline.

Character Development

Eliminating a villain also enables filmmakers to focus on the hero's growth and development. It shifts the narrative focus away from ongoing villainous threats, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of the hero's motivations and struggles. This approach can result in more compelling and relatable characters, as the protagonist's journey can be more fully realized without the need to constantly address external antagonists.

Limited Time

Many MCU films have a strict runtime constraint, making it challenging to develop complex villain arcs. By eliminating the villain in the first film, writers can streamline the plot and focus on the main characters' journey. This approach allows for a more cohesive and efficient storytelling experience, ensuring that key plot elements are not diluted by extended backstory or multiple antagonists.

Introduction of New Villains

The MCU often introduces multiple villains across its films. Killing off primary antagonists allows for new threats to emerge in subsequent films, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging. This practice also facilitates the introduction of new characters and conflicts, ensuring that future installments remain compelling and varied.

Franchise Structure

Each MCU film typically sets up future stories, with each one resolving the villain's arc. By addressing the primary antagonists in the first film, the franchise can introduce new characters and conflicts in future installments without being bogged down by previous villains. This structured approach helps maintain the continuity and forward momentum of the entire franchise.

Audience Expectations

Superhero films often follow certain tropes and structures, and the defeat of a villain at the end of a film is a familiar and expected resolution. This aligns with audience expectations for a clear and satisfying conclusion. By adhering to these conventions, filmmakers can provide the kind of closure that audiences seek in superhero narratives.

However, this trend has not been absolute. There have been exceptions with some villains returning in later films or being developed further in the broader MCU narrative. For instance, the Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger does not return until Captain America: Civil War, and Loki from The Avengers eventually gets his own movie in Loki.

Moviemaking Logic and Practical Considerations

Moviemaking logic suggests that conflicts should be resolved by the end of the film, particularly when the antagonist has supernatural abilities. Eliminating the villain ensures that the conflict is properly addressed. For villains with superpowers, simply putting them in a regular jail or facility like The Raft doesn't solve the problem, as these individuals represent a persistent threat. Another factor is the thematic aspect, as the hero's journey is often intertwined with the villain's downfall.

Practically speaking, it's difficult to get actors to sign long-term contracts for ongoing appearances. Chris Evans, for example, was not interested in continuing his role as Captain America, leading to the character's departure. This reality can make it challenging to justify putting villains on extended contracts when you don't know how you'll use them in the future. Contractual obligations and actor availability can play significant roles in shaping the storyline and character arcs.

However, this pattern has its drawbacks as well. Keeping villains alive and reintroducing them in later films can enhance the emotional investment and longevity of the series. Marvel is learning to navigate this balance, as evidenced by recent films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which reintroduce iconic villains while maintaining the continuity of the MCU.

Conclusion

The consistent portrayal of villains being killed off in their debut films in the MCU is a strategic move driven by multiple factors. While it aligns with narrative and filmmaking conventions, it also poses challenges in maintaining character depth and fan engagement. As the franchise continues to evolve, it's essential that Marvel finds a balance between narrative clarity and character development to keep audiences invested and satisfied.