The MCU Revives Overlooked Marvel Villain Ignored in Tom Holland’s Movies for 8 Years

After nearly ten years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is finally revisiting a key villain from the Tom Holland Spider-Man series, one that has seemingly been lost in the shuffle. As the MCU extends its reach beyond 17 years, it is not uncommon for certain narratives to fall by the wayside. The intricate dance of weaving multiple storylines together has always posed a significant challenge, especially following transformative events like the Snap in Avengers: Infinity War, which altered the reality for countless characters.

This neglect of storylines can lead to considerable frustration for fans eager to see beloved characters develop. Some pivotal arcs remain unresolved, waiting for a sequel or continuation that may be indefinitely postponed. A prime example is the treatment of a prominent Spider-Man antagonist introduced early in the series, whose anticipated storyline has lingered without follow-up for years. Fortunately, upcoming releases in 2025 promise to breathe new life into this character after a prolonged absence.

The Scorpion’s Forgotten Narrative in the MCU

Spider-Man: Homecoming introduced Scorpion as a character poised to play a significant role in future Spider-Man narratives. After Peter Parker defeats Scorpion and has him arrested, the film teases potential revenge against Spider-Man when Mac Gargan converses with the Vulture about forming a vengeance-driven alliance. This setup hinted at their possible involvement in the Sinister Six, a notorious group of Spider-Man villains from the comics.

Fast-forward to eight years later, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. The prolonged wait for Scorpion’s return cast doubt on the viability of this storyline, especially following events in 2022’s Morbius. The mid-credits scene suggested an interlude with Michael Keaton’s Vulture transitioning to the Sony universe, hinting at a new team formation with Morbius. Such developments appear to have sidetracked the potential for a Sinister Six film, especially in light of Morbius’ less-than-stellar reception.

Following the multiverse disruptions caused by Spider-Man: No Way Home, it seems likely that Vulture would have returned to his original universe, creating the potential for a partnership with Scorpion. Unfortunately, the character’s absence since Morbius has left his future in the MCU uncertain, marking nearly a decade since his last on-screen appearance.

A Significant Comeback for Scorpion in 2025

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Scorpion’s return in the main MCU films, the character is making a notable comeback in the 2025 alternate universe series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. This show reintroduces Scorpion with a fresh perspective, bringing him into a narrative closely aligned with the mainline MCU timeline, which is evident in the recreation of the airport fight from Captain America: Civil War.

In this iteration, Mac Gargan emerges as the head of a gang named The Scorpions. This twist serves to highlight his new rivalry with the 110th Street Gang, showcasing a ruthless character who initiates gang warfare purely for amusement. The new series portrays Gargan as equally unhinged, as evident in a particularly violent episode where he violently attacks a rival gang leader, underlining his cruel disposition.

The Case for Scorpion’s Return in the MCU

The Scorpion from both Spider-Man: Homecoming and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man share a bloodthirsty nature, clearly depicted across their narratives. While Homecoming establishes Mac Gargan’s malevolence through his conversation with Vulture, the current series presents him reveling in the chaos he creates. These parallels emphasize Scorpion’s potential as a formidable Spider-Man villain.

The recent series demonstrates that Scorpion could function as a serious, menacing presence in future Spider-Man installments, particularly in the anticipated Spider-Man 4. Given the character’s penchant for violence, as illustrated in his gang rivalries, Scorpion’s re-emergence could provide a chaotic force against which Spider-Man must contend.

As Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man gears up for additional seasons, the potential for extended storylines surrounding Scorpion and other characters increases. While the MCU successfully humanizes many of its villains, Scorpion’s straightforward cruelty might provide a compelling contrast to other adversaries, enriching the narrative tapestry and aiding in maintaining continuity through familiar characters.