10 Villains Who Deserved A Redemption Arc But Never Got It

Some of the best villains in movie and television history are just irredeemably evil. From Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark KnightTo Hans Lando in Inglorious bastardsMany villains have no redeeming qualities, or opportunity for redemption. However, it is also Often The case that the most compelling villains are not those who are purely evilBut possess enough character depth and emotional nuance to make them worthy of a redemption arc.

Unfortunately, there are countless examples of villains in movies and television who were never given the redemption arc they so desperately deserved. Sometimes, this can be due to narrative constraints, or an untimely death in the story. The villains are often some of the most tragic, because It is clear to the audience that they deserve redemptionBut never get the opportunity to catch their evil deeds.

10

New Goblin

Spider-Man 3 (2007) – Played by James Franco

Harry Osborn (James Franco) is Peter Parker’s (Tobey Maguire) closest friend in all three of the Sam Raimi movies. Spider-Man Movies. However, when he discovers that Peter himself is Spider-Man, he immediately begins to blame him for the death of his father, the Green Goblin, Norman. in Spider-Man 3Harry’s descent into villainy is complete when he takes on the mantle of the New Goblin, inheriting the evil technology his father left for him.

While the New Goblins fight Spider-Man several times in the third movie, it is clear that he is deeply conflicted about his actions. His story hinted at the strong potential for redemption, especially when he discovered that Spider-Man didn’t actually kill his father.

While Harry sacrifices himself to save Peter in Spider-Man 3s climax, this shot at redemption feels rushed and incomplete. It’s clear that a longer, more nuanced redemption arc would have been better to really give Harry enough time to warm to audiences and fully reconcile with Peter.

9

Tuco “The Ugly” Ramirez

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) – Played by Eli Wallach

Potentially the most iconic Western movie ever made, Sergio Leone’s The good, the bad and the ugly Tells the story of the three titular characters as they each try and search for a hidden cache of Confederate gold amidst the violence of the American Civil War. While “Angel Eyes” (“The Bad” – Lee Van Cleef) is clearly depicted as the primary antagonist, Tuco (“The Ugly” – Eli Wallach) is seen as more of an anti-hero.

Although he’s still a ruthless thug who tortures Blondie (“The Good One” – Clint Eastwood), it’s still clear to the audience that he’s a character with a real shot at redemption. While The good, the bad and the ugly is undoubtedly an incredible film, it is difficult to shake the feeling that It could have elevated its emotional complexity if it had involved a true redemption arc for Tuco.

The movie ends with Tuco being tied up and left for dead by Blondie after consistently betraying him in the hunt for the gold. Despite Tuco’s obvious moral ambiguity, it would have been undeniably compelling to see him set on a path to redemption after realizing his lust for gold had led him nowhere.

8

The shark

Jaws (1975) – Created by Bob Mattey

Jaws tells the story of a small town called Amity Island that is consistently terrorized by a great white shark. The movie consistently tries to get this point across The shark is essentially a slasher, like Michael Myers, in animal form. It is depicted as having no redeeming qualities, and his violent death at the hands of police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) at the end of the movie is portrayed as a cathartic moment of relief.

Even though the shark is more aggressive towards humans than any real-life great white shark would be, it’s hard to feel some sympathy for the animal. Yes, she is a fictitious, completely evil creature, but her “innocence” stems from the fact that she is not human, and therefore has the potential for redemption. JawsDirector, Steven Spielberg even said he regretted the film’s legacy and what it did to sharks in the real worldBoth in terms of the decimation of their species, and public perception of them, making the antagonist of the movie more sympathetic (via BBC).

7

Addr

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022 – Ongoing) – Played by Joseph Mawle

Adar, played by Joseph Hawle in season one and Sam Hazeldine in season two of Prime Video’s The rings of powerIs One of the most compelling and complex villains to come out of a live-action adaptation of Middle-earth. As an eleven-turned-orc leader, Adar’s story is one of tragedy, and, especially in season two, he is depicted as a character who genuinely cares about the orcs he leads. He only wants to protect those he cares about, making his character ripe for a redemption arc.

However, at the end of season two, just when it seems like Adar is going to ally with Galadriel (Morphyd Clarke) to fight Sauron, he is betrayed and killed by the orcs he once led. The brutal depiction of violence may be well deserved for the evil things Adar has done in the past, butIt’s incredibly heartbreaking to see his shot at redemption fail so quickly. His complexity as a character, and the inner struggle he went through, made him one of the most intriguing characters in The rings of power.

6

Killmonger

Black Panther (2018) – Played by Michael B. Jordan

Although he only appears in Black PantherErik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) has become one of the best villains of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His motivations are rooted in genuine grievances about systematic oppression, racism, and the inaction of T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman). After his father was killed by T’Challa’s father, it is clear that Killmonger is filled to the brim with righteous anger, harboring resentment against Wakanda for refusing to alleviate the suffering of black people around the world.

Although some of his actions may be driven by a selfish desire for power, such as when he is crowned king of Wakanda, this is but a small part of Killmonger’s character. Not giving him a typical redemption arc makes narrative sense, because it allows Killmonger to die for his beliefs and values, and it spurs T’Challa into enacting change. however, His death at the hands of T’Challa is still one of the most gut-wrenching scenes in the MCUAnd it’s hard for audiences not to feel a twinge of regret when they realize that he never got to work alongside his cousin to perform well.

5

Jaime Lannister

Game Of Thrones (2011-2019) – Played by Nikolaj Coster Waldau

One of the greatest characters in television history also had one of the most frustrating endings. Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is perhaps the most complex character in Game of ThronesHis story spans all eight seasons. From him pushing Bran Stark off a tower, to his relationship with Brienne, and his defection to the Northern armies in the fight against the Night King, it looked as if Game of Thrones is going to fully redeem his character. however, In the second half of season eight, everything goes wrong with his characterEmbodied in his quote:

“I never really cared for them. Innocent or otherwise.”

Game of Thrones Spent over seven seasons turning Jaime into a better person, only for him to abandon this development and return to Cersei in the end. He essentially abandons Brienne and the rest of the North in one of the most egregious character arcs ever put to television. There are so many things wrong with Game of Thrones‘Eighth season, but the The showrunners’ handling of Jaime Lannister stands out as particularly appalling.

4

Draco Malfoy

Harry Potter (2001-2011) – played by Tom Felton

Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) is one of the most memorable characters of both of these Harry Potter Books and movies. Presented as Harry’s arch rival at Hogwarts, Malfoy comes from a wealthy family that taught him to hate muggles, muggle-borns and anyone else who doesn’t see wizards as elite.

However, as the series progresses, Malfoy becomes a more complex character, and it becomes clear that he is being manipulatedNot just by his parents, but by Voldemort himself, to do evil deeds. This is evident in the US The half-blood princeWhen Malfoy realizes he can’t really bring himself to kill Dumbledore.

The reluctance to kill in cold blood, as well as his hesitation to identify Harry in Malfoy Manor The Deadly Hallows Part OneAll make it clear that the story was building to a redemption arc. In fact, a deleted scene from The Deadly Hallows Part Two shows Malfoy discarding Harry’s wand in the film’s climax to allow him to fight Voldemort, making it all the more Frustrating that we never got to see Malfoy’s true redemption.

3

Wanda Maximoff

The Marvel Cinematic Universe – Played by Elizabeth Olsen

This may speak to soon as the new show, Agatha all alongis still aimed weekly, but it’s incredibly frustrating how the MCU seemingly hasn’t given Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) a redemption arc. introduced as a villain in Avengers: Age of UltronWanda reconciled with the Avengers, sparking a romance with Vision (Paul Bettany) as she did so.

However, Vision’s death in Avengers: Infinity War led Wanda on a downward spiral, causing her to arrest a town with her powers in WandaVisionBefore eventually embracing the evil magic of the Darkhold in Multiverse of Madness. Wanda was seemingly killed by a mountain at the end of Multiverse of Madness, making it unlikely for her to be redeemed.

This is as heartbreaking as it is frustrating, like Most of her actions are motivated only by the very human desire to have true connections with those she lovesincluding her children. Although it is unclear whether Wanda will return in Agatha all along (As her son, Billy, has just made an appearance), it would be fantastic for audiences to see her redeem herself.

2

Shane Walsh

The Walking Dead (2010-2022) – Played by Jon Berthal

Besides the walkers themselves, the first proper villain introduced in The Walking Dead was Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal). While he started out friendly enough, protecting Rick’s family when he was presumed dead, Shane eventually began to reveal his darker side to the audience. The apocalypse made him bitter, violent, and vengeful, fueled by his love for Rick’s wife, Lori.

In a confrontation with Rick at the end of season two, Shane is finally pushed over the edge, and he tries to kill his former best friend. However, Rick was too fast for him, with Shane dying from a stab wound. While Shane’s overall story remains one of the most compelling character arcs of The Walking Dead, It’s hard to deny that seeing him redeem himself would have been incredible. Shane could have become a pragmatic ally for the group, learning the importance of retaining humanity even in the face of overwhelming danger.

1

Gollum

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003) – Played by Andy Serkis

Portrayed by the incredible Andy Serkis, Gollum is one of the most iconic characters of The Lord of the Rings. Audiences go through various fluctuations of feeling sympathetic towards him, and distrusting him – much like the dynamic between Frodo and Sam. Gollum is consumed by the power of the One Ring, referring to it as his “precious”, and is in a constant state of inner turmoil.

However, his character comes to a villainous end when, in the climax of The return of the kingHe bites Frodo’s finger off to get his hands on the ring. It’s a shockingly brutal scene, but the audience still can’t help but feel sorry for the character. Gollum, or Sméagol as he was once known, is not acting on his own accord, but is helplessly drawn to the ring. There is true goodness in him, but his death in the fires of Mount Doom ended any hope of a redemption arc.. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how power can corrupt anyone.

Sources: BBC