The phenomenon of recurring characters can either make or break a movie. In the superhero genre, DC is popular for its villains making a comeback, particularly Joker and The Riddler. With Jim Carrey reprising his role as Robotnik yet again in the upcoming Sonic movie, fans have been pointing towards Marvel.
In the recent years, the onslaught of superhero movies has led to fans feeling a sense of fatigue. Using the Sonic franchise as an inspiration, fans online have hoped that Marvel will bring back some iconic villains. The MCU has various menacing villains like Ultron, Scorpio, Vulture, Thanos, etc., and a revival seems vital to keep the fanbase engaged.
Recurring villains: The key to revitalizing superhero movies
The first look of Jim Carrey’s Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, led to a rather peculiar debate online. Fans noticed that the actor was brought back as a villain, after two consecutive movies and no one minded. A heated debate ensued amongst fans of the superhero genre- was the comeback of antagonists the solution for superhero fatigue?
Marvel and DC fans alike argued that recurring villains could be the key to the revival of the franchise. Many pointed out the concept of archnemesis which had successfully generated huge fanbases in the comics. The duo of Batman and Joker, Spider-Man and Dr Octopus, and Hulk and Abomination, had massive fan following.
Unfortunately, the MCU movies follow a formula of one-time use of their villains. Most antagonists often succumb to their deaths at the hands of the hero by the end of Marvel movies, much to the chagrin of the fans. One recurring character that worked well was Tom Hiddleston‘s Loki, who was introduced as the bad guy but ultimately got his redemption arc.
Marvel’s missed opportunity: One-and-done villains won’t cut it
It’s not as if Marvel has never reused a villain; Thanos was a recurring part of the Infinity Saga, who met his end in Avengers: Endgame. Later Spider-Man: Homecoming introduced Vulture and in a post-credit scene his comeback was teased along with the Iron Fist’s archnemesis, Scorpion. Though no news followed up for the character.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, James Spader is all set to return to the MCU, reprising his role as Ultron. The antagonist will be a part of an upcoming untitled Vision series, which is said to be a follow-up to Disney’s WandaVision show.
The Sonic franchise’s unofficial rule of reusing its popular characters has given hope to Marvel fans, who wish to see iconic villains on screen again. Bringing back villains with an additional depth to their storyline can maybe revive people’s interest in the upcoming movies.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be available in theatres on 30 December 2024.
