Marvel Has Subtly Fixed An MCU Villain Problem

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe has quietly fixed a lingering MCU villain problem even in the midst of the Multiverse Saga. After years of criticisms that villains were often the weak link of the MCU movies, Marvel Studios began to make progress in that regard in Phase 3 by using Thanos and several other formidable foes. This included introducing powerful gods, sorcerers, and cosmic threats, while Phase 4 began the pivot to multiversal foes, including the introduction of Kang the Conqueror. Through it all, the MCU villains have become more powerful in an attempt to constantly raise the stakes.
Phases 4 and 5 have largely remained focused on villains that pose huge threats to the heroes and universe. Using foes like the Celestials, Namor, Scarlet Witch, Gorr the God Butcher, and High Evolutionary has brought great results, but they also continue to neglect a huge piece of the MCU. Not every hero or story can include multiverse or cosmic villains, much less those who have the power to end the world. The MCU has largely ignored street-level villains over the years in the movies, despite seeing how great they could be with Vulture. Thankfully, Marvel appears to be working to correct this mistake.
Phases 4 & 5 Are Bringing More Street-Level Villains To The MCU

The MCU's street-level villain problem took a huge step forward in Phase 4 thanks to Hawkeye and the reintroduction of Wilson Fisk a.k.a. Kingpin. The character's MCU appearance in the series was held back as the show featured Echo, the Tracksuit Mafia, and Eleanor Bishop (who could become Madame Masque). While Echo is bound to become a hero in her spinoff show, Kingpin's MCU future means he could help introduce other street-level villains - like Tombstone, Bullseye, or even Mister Negative. Government-related villains like Sharon Carter/Power Broker and Valentina might even connect to the street-level story.
Phase 5 is also set to play a role in expanding the MCU's street-level villains in a significant way. While Daredevil: Born Again could include several antagonists connected to the streets, Ironheart will also do so through the introduction of Parker Robbins a.k.a. The Hood. He does have some magical abilities and connections that the MCU will explore, but The Hood is also known for leading his own street-level gang, which became a criminal empire. This has led to The Hood and Kingpin working together (and in opposition) repeatedly in the comics.
Marvel’s Street-Level Villains Tease A New MCU War

The rise of street-level MCU villains could be part of Marvel's plans to set up a new war. Kevin Feige previously teased that Daredevil and Spider-Man would lead the street-level corner of the MCU, which indicates that there are big plans for a singular story to unfold in this part of the universe. Marvel is quickly assembling a roster of street-level heroes who could unite to take on a bigger threat with Punisher's return. A street-level MCU war that sees Daredevil, Spider-Man, Punisher, Hawkeye, and others work together to defeat Kingpin or The Hood individually or a collection of street-level villains they lead could be the big picture plan.
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