When Kingpin debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #50, he has become a pillar of New York City's criminal element. While his stature and physical build are certainly a terrifying first impression for criminals and heroes alike, the Kingpin's real asset has always been his incredible intelligence.

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The Kingpin's combination of raw strength and surprising cunning is why he's been such a thorn in New York's side. Not to mention, his animosity with the likes of Spider-Man and Daredevil has made him the perfect villain for any adaptation.

Spider-Woman (1979)

1979 Kingpin Spider-Woman Glaring

Although only appearing in a single episode, Kingpin does make waves in Spider-Woman's series by outright revealing her secret identity on national television. In classic Kingpin fashion, he makes full use of the information he has on heroes to blackmail and bully them into submission.

However, this version of the Kingpin acts a bit too thuggish and simple than the Kingpin should be. Not to mention, he is disappointingly small, only standing shoulder height to Jessica Drew's Spider-Woman. He honestly just looks a bit dumpy as well. While it's still possible to make Kingpin intimidating without the physicality, this was certainly not the way to do it.

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)

Wilson Fisk Trial Hulk Movie Stills

In The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, Matt Murdock must save the Hulk in court from the machinations of Kingpin. Unfortunately, the first-ever live-action appearance of Wilson Fisk was a bit of a miss. In an era of movies where sleazy evil businessmen with high-tech gadgetry were a common archetype for villains, this portrayal of the Kingpin doesn't do much to be different from that mold.

While John Rys-Davies certainly had the acting chops and chewed up the scenery something fierce, there was no sign of the Kingpin's physically intimidating aura. He was less a stoic figure of tranquil rage and more an insane egomaniac, which while entertaining, didn't feel very Kingpin at all. Plus, he's not bald, that's a huge dealbreaker. At the very least, John-Rhys Davies looked like he had a ton of fun.

Spider-Man (1967)

1967 Kingpin Scheming

Kingpin's first-ever on-screen appearance was simple, but also a great introduction to the character. Due to the nature of being a 60s kids show, this isn't exactly a deep dive into Wilson Fisk as a human being. Instead, it's focused on him being a scary businessman with incredible strength.

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Kingpin makes his criminal debut by effortlessly smacking away the wooden door to J. Jonah's office with the flick of a cane, and kidnapping him so he pulls out a story that made his businesses look bad. Audiences already see the roots of what Kingpin should be. A cunning and ruthless businessman, but also incredibly tough and strong. befitting a man of his size.

Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends (1981)

Amazing Friends Kingpin Split Photo

This version also takes a lot of inspiration from the 60s portrayal of the Kingpin. Stanley Jones lends a deep and authoritative voice to this version of the Kingpin. It doesn't do anything particularly new with the character, but it does expound greatly on the traits audiences saw from the 60s show.

In his spare time, Wilson Fisk is shown taking on three martial arts masters at once and wiping the floor with them, even asking to fight eight more next time.  At the same time, he conducts business meetings and plans while lifting massive barbells that he bends after use, just because he's strong enough to do so and rich enough to replace them. It is a great and classic portrayal of the Kingpin and one that would be a touchstone of the character moving forward.

Spider-Man: The New Animated Series (2003)

2003 Kingpin Animated In Front Of Helicopter

Michael Clarke Duncan lends his charmingly baritone voice in this very Daredevil (2003) inspired version of the Kingpin.  This portrayal of the Kingpin keeps both the classy and refined aura of Michael Clarke Duncan's Kingpin and the inhumanly violent rage that gets lashed out when his buttons have been thoroughly pushed.

A unique quirk given to Kingpin in the series is his monster appetite. Despite his air of classiness, his taste in food can be summed up as "yes please". His introduction has him devouring a burger, and during a meeting, he drinks an entire pitcher of coffee that he topped with an absurdly high mountain of whipped cream. An intimidating yet surprisingly hilarious portrayal of the character.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

An image of Spider-Verse's Kingpin smiling

This is the biggest Kingpin by far, and Into The Spider-Verse makes full use of that fact. He talks with a thick New York accent, provided by Liev Schreiber, and is surprisingly casual in his conversations. However, a trait that this version of the Kingpin focuses on is his anger. This Kingpin is defined by his anger, towards Spider-Man and his failings as a father.

His tragic backstory here, indirectly causing the death of his wife and son, fuel the crimelord's entire plan. Fisk funnels a presumably high amount of money for an interdimensional machine purely to rid himself of the guilt. This is a version of the Kingpin who seemingly already has it all, but is willing to let it all go to be with his family again, and that's why this Kingpin is among the best characters of the movie.

Daredevil (2003)

Daredevil 2003 Kingpin Staring At Reader

The second live-action portrayal of the Kingpin and considered by many to be one of two good reasons why 2003's Daredevil wasn't as bad as people thought, Michael Clarke Duncan brings a physicality and class to the role that would not be replicated until Vincent D'Onofrio took the role over a decade later.

Unlike D'Onofrio's Fisk, however, this Kingpin was a lot less emotional. Instead, this was a Kingpin who was on top of the world and never once questions himself. Everything is a business to this Kingpin, but make no mistake, it's all very personal. His physicality is also the most intimidating of all the live-action portrayals, rippling with muscle and sinew once the fine suit comes off. It's a menacing portrayal that deserved a much better movie.

Netflix's Daredevil (2015)

Kingpin MCU Picking Suit

Vincent D'Onofrio's debut as the Kingpin took the world by storm. Not only was his appearance spot-on to the comics, but his portrayal of the Kingpin was also nothing like was ever seen before. In contrast to Michael Clarke Duncan's confident swagger, this Fisk is far more calculating and cautious.

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Despite all that,  he also retains the Kingpin's emotional turmoil, and his weakness for Vanessa is at the center of his character. Over three seasons, Wilson Fisk is built up not just as an intimidating crimelord, but an all too real human being. The dichotomy between the soft-spoken and surprisingly cultured Fisk with the violent outbursts of the Kingpin makes D'Onofrio's performance a masterpiece.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994)

animated series kingpin pondering in seat

Roscoe Lee Brown's portrayal of the Kingpin is the best an animated portrayal of the Kingpin can be. Combining the more over-the-top physical aspects of his comic book counterpart with a surprisingly grounded backstory and personality. In a way, he combines the best aspects of D'Onofrio's emotional Kingpin's family ties and Duncan's confident criminal businessman aura.

Since this Kingpin has the benefit of being in an animated series, he also gets to showcase his absurd physical strength, without the help of superpowers.  Also unlike any other portrayal, this Kingpin spends most of his time winning against Spider-Man and ensures every conflict will end with some benefit to him. When it comes to the Kingpin, the 1994 animated series is the quintessential portrayal.

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