Warning: The Following Contains Spoilers for Spider-Man: Homecoming

-

With the premiere of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Marvel has brought a number of Spidey’s Rogues Gallery to life for the first time. While past films have focused on multiple Green Goblins along with comic stalwarts like the Lizard and Sandman, Kevin Feige’s plan for Spidey’s future in the MCU is to focus on never-before-seen live-action foes. Mostly, this new approach puts Michael Keaton’s take on the Vulture center stage, but a crop of other villains make an appearance in the new movie.

While past superhero films have sometimes suffered from an abundance of rogues, Homecoming plays it smart by having the secondary villains merely be colorful minions in service of the Vulture. As such, two different versions of the Shocker are utilized, along with iterations of the Prowler, the Tinkerer, and Scorpion. Thanks to these introductions, a number of seeds have been planted for future Spider-Man movie foes. The precedent also means Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 could play host to a variety of new faces from the page. While we’ll have to wait a bit to learn which villain Peter will face in the sequel to this summer’s film, there’s a number of candidates from the comics that could be making their MCU debut in 2019.

Hobgoblin

Hobgoblin in the Spider-Man comics

Along with Kevin Feige, Homecoming star Tom Holland has stated he only wants to see Spidey face villains we haven’t seen before on the big screen. Unfortunately, that means the Joker to Spider-Man’s Batman is definitely out of the question. Luckily, the Green Goblin isn’t the only maniac flying around on a glider and dropping pumpkin bombs.

Debuting in 1983’s Amazing Spider-Man #238, Hobgoblin was created by Roger Stern and John Romita, Jr. for the sole purpose of not going back to the Green Goblin well. With Norman Osborn dead in the comics and the idea of yet another person putting on the Green Goblin mask seeming tired, Stern began crafting the Hobgoblin to fill the gap in Spidey’s Rogues Gallery.

Over the years, a lot of people have taken up the mantle, but the first and main one is Roderick Kingsley. Not only does Kingsley’s involvement allow the broad strokes of Green Goblin to be used with a fresh character, but the rogue eventually starts a business where he licenses old supervillain personas to new buyers. With the MCU killing off so many villains, this conceit could be a great way to bring back some deceased identities.

Another option besides Kingsley, however, is Harry Osborn. In the Ultimate universe, Harry takes on the Hobgoblin persona, something that could be explored when the character is introduced in the MCU. Marvel already draws heavily from the Ultimate imprint for their films, from the cinematic takes on Hawkeye and Nick Fury, to using Miles Morales’ uncle as the Prowler in Homecoming. No matter who wears the mask, it’s only a matter of time before the Hobgoblin arrives on the big screen.

Kraven & Mysterio

We’ve heard a lot of back and forth about whether Sony’s Spider-Man spinoff films are part of the MCU or not. The final verdict seems to be that Spider-Man and Sony’s rogues exist separately, but that could change. Given the confusion, it’s likely Marvel is waiting to see how things like Venom and Silver & Black pan out before they decide they’re part of the MCU. If they prove to be hits and up to Marvel’s standards, we could see Spider-Man crossover with the Sony films and see villains from the spinoff films come to the MCU.

For fans, that scenario would be a dream come true. As it stands, Sony is poised to exercise the full extent of their rights and bring a number of Spidey’s rogues to the big screen. If they do, it could potentially cut them off from showing up in a future Spider-Man film. If they’re fair game, however, then a number of exciting possibilities emerge.

A recent report indicated that Sony is interested in pursuing solo movies featuring Kraven the Hunter and Mysterio. When it comes to villains Spidey could face in a Homecoming sequel, that pair might just be the perfect odd couple of crime. Though Kraven and Mysterio have worked together as part of the Sinister Six, pitting the pair against Spidey without other rogues around could make for an interesting dynamic. Having Kraven’s more primal approach to fighting and tracking butt up against Mysterio’s melodramatic spectacle and use of deception could prove to be a buddy villain pairing we’ve yet to see on screen. Kraven would also help to ground the more absurd Mysterio, helping to balance the overall tone.

Next Page: [valnet-url-page page=2 paginated=0 text='The%20Jackal%2C%20Tombstone%20and%20Symbiotes']

Jackal in Marvel Comics

Jackal

In an effort to find new and interesting villains for Peter to face, it’s hard not to think of the Jackal. The alter-ego of biochemist Miles Warren, Jackal has not only been plaguing Spider-Man for years, but is responsible for creating a number of Marvel characters. First introduced as a minor character named Professor Warren in 1965’s The Amazing Spider-Man #31, the introduction of Jackal in 1975 upgraded the scientist into a real threat.

Mastering cloning, Warren quickly goes off the deep end when he tries to duplicate Peter and Gwen Stacey. From there, he assumes the Jackal identity, gets himself a Green-Goblin-like costume, and begins training his body and even splicing his genetic code. He also helps kick off the Clone Saga story arc, something we know Holland wants to see in a future movie.

There may even be a nod to the character in Homecoming. Though it hasn’t been confirmed, a report from a few weeks ago revealed a teacher named Ms. Warren via a Homecoming app. Whether connected to Miles or a rework of his character, the Jackal could easily appear in a future MCU film and help kick off a frightening new era for Spider-Man.

Tombstone

Tombstone fighting Spider-Man

As Homecoming proves, not every villain Spidey faces needs to be all powerful. With Kingpin likely out thanks to the lack of cooperation between Marvel’s films and TV shows, Tombstone could be the perfect substitute for a powerful crime boss who causes trouble for Peter.

Debuting in 1988’s Web of Spider-Man #36, Tombstone starts out life as Lonnie Lincoln. An albino running in the streets of Harlem, Lonnie soon takes his look to a new level by filing his teeth into points. Over time, he becomes the criminal kingpin known as Tombstone, and even augments his body to make it stronger and more durable. Whether controlling minions and gangs or going toe-to-toe with Spidey, Tombstone could make for a great big bad or even a stepping stone threat Peter faces on his next cinematic adventure.

The Symbiotes

Variants of Venom assemble in Venomverse comic book.

Like Kraven and Mysterio, there’s no telling if the Symbiotes will pop up in the MCU. Of course, given how pivotal characters like Venom are in Spider-Man comics, it’s hard to imagine the alien organisms will never show up in a Marvel Studios film. Add in the prestige of Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, and it seems like a safe bet that Venom, Carnage, and the rest could soon appear in a Homecoming sequel.

With Venom arriving next year, Marvel would have more than enough time to decide if Hardy and Sony’s take on the character matches their vision. If so, we could see Venom’s backstory with Spider-Man explored in a follow-up to Homecoming. With Venom likely keeping the connection to Spider-Man loose, it could exist a few years ahead of Homecoming, allowing Homecoming 2 to serve as a prequel that explores the origin of the Symbiote and one of Spidey’s greatest rogues.

Another option is to simply use the arrival of Venom and Carnage on the big screen to introduce the idea of other Symbiotes to the MCU. We could even see Flash Thompson assume his role as Agent Venom, something that seems likely with Tony Revolori playing the high school bully in Homecoming.

Next Page: [valnet-url-page page=3 paginated=0 text='The%20Spot%2C%20Silver%20%26%20Black%2C%20Chameleon%2C%20and%20Scorpion']

The Spot fights Spider-Man in Marvel Comics.

The Spot

Not every rogue in the Homecoming sequel will be the big bad. This summer’s film shows that the main villain can augment his strength with plenty of subordinates, and the Spot would be an exciting and powerful addition to the MCU.

Dr. Jonathan Ohnn first appeared in 1984’s Spectacular Spider-Man #97 before becoming the Spot in the next issue. And despite his relatively low stature in the comic book world, the Spot is actually an incredibly powerful villain. With a novel spin on teleportation straight out of a Tex Avery cartoon, the Spot can create portals at will that allow him to travel wherever he wishes. He can also use them to fight in multiple locations and essentially do everything players can in the video game Portal. Though his goofy name may disqualify him from lead villain status, the Spot would allow Jon Watts to do some truly innovative camera work in the Homecoming sequel if the rogue were to show up.

Silver & Black

One look at Silver Sable’s headband and it’s clear she hails from the ‘80s era of comic books. Debuting in 1985’s The Amazing Spider-Man #265, Sable is the daughter of one of New York’s biggest crime bosses. She’s also a highly skilled mercenary. Both of these roles have put her at odds with Spider-Man and a number of other heroes. That said, the anti-hero line she walks is part of why she’s co-starring in one of Sony's upcoming spinoffs.

Sable’s costar, the Black Cat, shares a lot in common with her partner in crime. Both have been Spidey allies, enemies, and love interests. They also allow Sony to explore somegrayy areas as the film will focus on some less-than-altruistic protagonists. There’s no telling if Sony and Marvel will play nice with the characters, but both would be perfect for a set of Spidey villains. Not only has Black Cat been an integral part of Spider-Man’s world since she debuted in 1979, but the MCU is sorely in need of some more female antagonists.

Chameleon

A couple of months ago, a rumor emerged that Silver & Black would feature an appearance by the Chameleon. And while there’s still no credence to the report, the alter-ego of Dmitri Smerdyakov would be the perfect foe for Spidey to face next.

Appearing in 1963’s The Amazing Spider-Man #1, Chameleon is the first villain Spidey faced in his solo title. A Russian spy with a preternatural gift for disguise, Chameleon is the right blend of pulp and realism. With his inclusion, the next Spidey film could add a dash of The Winter Soldier to the action and provide a perfect in for Nick Fury to appear.

Another core aspect of Spidey's story in the comics is the public turning against him. With the Chameleon showing up in the Homecoming sequel, Peter would likely need to protect his alter-ego from being besmirched—teeing up the arrival of J. Jonah Jameson as the wall crawler's loudest critic.

Scorpion

Mac Gargan aka Scorpion

One of the more likely candidates to face Spider-Man in an upcoming movie is the Scorpion. Debuting in 1964's The Amazing Spider-Man#19, the next issue would find the low-rent Mac Gargan becoming the Scorpion. In the comics, he's long been a bit of a rube, though still quite a threat for Spider-Man. The version of the character we meet in Homecoming, played by Michael Mando (Better Call Saul), is closer to the Ultimate incarnation of the character.

There, Scorpion was more of a brutal gangbanger than a criminal in a colorful costume. While Feige has said Gargan's inclusion doesn't guarantee he'll return, the mid-credits scene clearly sets the stage for a Sinister Six movie. And though it's unknown what Sony's current plans are for the villainous team-up, it's not hard to imagine Gargan, Shocker, or some of the other villains from Homecoming returning to take on Spidey in the sequel.

---

Along with those mentioned above, Marvel has a whole host of characters they could bring from the comics to the screen to fight Spidey. Even with the Sony spinoffs potentially rendering some villains off-limits, dozens of foes have faced Spider-Man over the years. From more grounded crime bosses to fantastical supervillains, the sky’s the limit when it comes to which rogues Spidey could square off against in in the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Next: Why Edgar Wright Should Direct a Spider-Man Spinoff

Key Release Dates