After a strong six-episode run, Disney’s “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” miniseries has drawn to a close. As many have speculated, the mantle of Captain America has indeed found a worthy successor within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sam Wilson’s Falcon will be picking up where Steve Rogers left off. It was a real toss-up, seeing that both Bucky and Sam have at some point taken up the mantle of Captain America. In fact, there’s been reports that a fourth “Captain America” film is in the works right now! “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” showrunner Malcolm Spellman will be involved in the project as well.
In the wake of Thanos’ snap, we’ve explored the devastating geo-political effects its had on the world. There’ll be those who seek to take advantage of the chaos, foes from times long past and uncertain futures. We’re running down the most likely villains we could see in Disney’s “Captain America 4”.
1. The Power Broker
Surprise, surprise! Former S.H.I.E.L.D agent, Sharon Carter is the enigmatic Power Broker in the MCU. Arguably, the mastermind behind the Flag Smasher insurgency and the return of super-soldeirs in the world. In the final episode of the miniseries, we see her absolved of all previous crimes in “Captain America: Civil War”. Furthermore, she now has full-access to government secrets thanks to her old job in the CIA being reinstated. We’re fairly confident that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of the Power Broker, or her schemes.
As far as we’re concerned, Sharon is a wild-card. Self-serving and only interested in furthering her own ends. It’s possible that we could see Sam’s Captain America slowly discover her true identity in the new “Captain America” film. We’ve seen over the years in “Winter Soldier” and “Civil War” that intelligence and espionage plays a huge role in the series. Now while we don’t foresee her being the main antagonist in the future film, we do expect to see her come blow-to-blow with Captain America.
2. Madame Hydra
Hey, remember that shifty lady who offered the disgraced John Walker another chance at superhero stardom. Throughout the series, we know her as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, which is honestly a bit of a mouthful. In the comics, however, she’s known by a different name: Madame Hydra. At some point in time, Fontaine assumed the role as leader of Hydra while also serving as a member of the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization. Manipulating both organizations for her nefarious purposes. As far as Captain America villains go, she ranks amongst the heavy-hitters.
In Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” series, HYDRA had been reduced to a small number of terrorist cells. Never being able to fully reclaim its former glory. So what if the organization found another way to rise again? A new charismatic leader who knows the power of symbols. Someone, much like Alexander Pierce, who is able to infiltrate into the highest echeleons of government to destroy a nation from within. She could very well us John Walker’s U.S. Agent as a tool to reestablish HYDRA’s power once more. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see.
3. Baron Zemo
Oh Helmut Zemo, you lovable dastard you! From hate-filled killer to cheeky trickster, there’s more to Zemo than meets the eye. At the end of the series, we see Zemo accept his fate as a prisoner on the Raft before letting Bucky and Sam know that there were no hard-feelings between the two. It seemed like Zemo was ready to make amends…that is until he orchestartes a car bomb that murders several members of the Flag Smashers. It’s clear that the Sokovian Baron is far from over when it comes to ridding the world of super-soldiers.
If there’s one thing Zemo hates more than anything it’s superheroes. To him, they are cruel gods who cause wanton destruction where ever they go. It’s only a matter of time before Zemo sees an opportunity to cause more chaos in the world. Next to perhaps the Red Skull, Baron Zemo is one of Captain America’s most iconic villains. It’s a shame that we never got a chance to see Steve face off against Zemo in all his royal glory. Perhaps, his successor will have the distinct honour of battling him as he dons his legendary purple mask.
4. Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross / Red Hulk
The question on our mind throughout the miniseries has been this: Where is the infamous General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross? When it comes to super-soldier serums, no one is more obsessed than the Thunderbolt. Alongside Dr Bruce Banner, Ross had attempted to recreate Steve Roger’s super-soldier serum. Instead, he had inadvertedly turn Banner into an angry, rage-filled monster, the Hulk. When that failed, he proceeded to try to take control of the Avengers using the Sokovian Accord. Seriously, this guy really wants a super-powered army at his beck and call. And yet when there’s finally word of a super-soldier serum up for grabs, he’s nowhere to be found?
After the death of Captain America within the comics, Ross took it upon himself to become the Earth’s defender. He believed that the military needed a superhero who was loyal to the nation. Someone who would serve his country without doubt or hesittation. So, he decided to experiment with Gamma radiation which in turn transformed him into the Red Hulk. Now, while it would be awesome to see some version of the Red Hulk on screen, we’d be more than happy see the Thunderbolt return to cause Sam Wilson some trouble.
5. The Red Skull
In “Avengers: Infinity War”, we learn of the Red Skull’s fate post-“Captain America: The First Avenger”. The Space Stone had transported the HYDRA commander to the planet of Vormir. There, he was cursed to be the immortal Stonekeeper to the Soul Stone. Forever tasked to guard the Soul Stone, lest someone claims it. In the original MCU timeline, Thanos had sacrificed his daughter Gamora to obtain the stone. Meaning, the Red Skull is finally free from his duty. So, now that Steve Roger’s old nemesis is freed, will he seek to exact revenge on Captain America and the world?
Interestingly enough, Ross Marquand who played Red Skull in both “Infinity War” and “Endgame” has something to say on the matter. He ponders on some of the possible events that could happen after his character’s liberation. In an interview he says “I would imagine the first thing he would do if he still has a vendetta, or if any part of him still has ambition, would go back to Earth.” So, there’s a chance the Red Skull could return to Earth to do battle with this new Captain America. After all, he was the one who predicted a future where nations and flags would be gone. Perhaps, he’ll finish what Karli and the Flag Smashers started.
So what do you think of our picks? Are there any other notable Captain America villains we left out on our list? Be sure to let us know in the comments down below!
