Everyone Agrees Vincent D’Onofrio Should Be Marvel’s Big Bad
There’s no doubt that Marvel has had a hard time rediscovering itself after Endgame wrapped up everything the studio had been working towards for over a decade.
While the MCU has been balancing too many TV shows, multiple timelines and dimensions, theater duds, and criminal actors over the last couple of years, the studio may have finally found its footing with Vincent D’Onofrio.
Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin
The actor who plays Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, has snagged the hearts of MCU fans, and nearly everyone agrees he should be Marvel’s new Big Bad.
Vincent D’Onofrio joined the Marvel Universe in Netflix’s Daredevil. He was a hit, but, unfortunately, at the time, Netflix superhero series weren’t considered canon. But now, all that’s changed, and, starting with Hawkeye in 2021, D’Onofrio’s Kingpin is officially part of the MCU.
Returning In The MCU
Despite Hawkeye’s cheerier tone in comparison to the darker Daredevil, fans loved the return of Vincent D’Onofrio. But it took another two years before Marvel gave us anything more. Finally, with Echo, Wilson Fisk returned once more, this time to undergo a transformative experience.
Vincent D’Onofrio’s character’s encounter with Alaqua Cox’s Maya Lopez resulted in a unique exploration of Fisk’s past, delving into childhood trauma and the healing potential.
Kingpin Is Enlightened?
The series concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving audiences questioning the true nature of Kingpin’s evolution and wondering when we’ll see him next.
Vincent D’Onofrio himself says the character has been “enlightened,” only the actor won’t give enough away to let us know what that means. But what it does tell us is that it’s complicated. Which is exactly why D’Onofrio’s Kingpin makes such a good villain.
Kingpin Like Thanos
There’s a level of complexity and depth to Kingpin that transcends the typical archetype of a villain.
Going back to what Marvel did so well in the first few phases, Kingpin is a lot like Thanos in that he’s not a one-dimensional evildoer.
Instead, Vincent D’Onofrio infuses the character with layers of emotion, internal conflict, and a rich backstory — he’s vulnerable, has a complicated past, and is driven by strong motivations.
Nuanced And Subtle
Vincent D’Onofrio’s performance is characterized by nuance and subtlety. He masterfully balances the character’s unnervingly calm exterior with moments of intense emotion, creating a multi-faceted and unpredictable antagonist who ranges from quiet intensity to explosive rage. It keeps the audience on their toes.
Despite being a villain, Vincent D’Onofrio infuses Kingpin with moments of humanity that evoke empathy from the audience.
Whether it’s exploring his relationships or delving into his past traumas, these humanizing elements add layers to the character, making him more relatable and engaging.
Marvel’s Low Ratings
So, while Marvel may have spent the better part of last year suffering from low ratings and complicated legal situations with their last Big Bad (re: Jonathan Majors), at least the MCU has one good thing going for them.
Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin stands out as a memorable and compelling villain due to the actor’s ability to infuse the character with complexity, nuance, psychological depth, humanizing moments, and a consistent performance across various Marvel and Netflix productions.
Which is why everyone agrees he should be Marvel’s Big Bad.
