5 Hollywood Villains Who Were Not Wrong in Hindsight and MCU’s Thanos Is Definitely Not One of Them

Hollywood villains are often portrayed as the epitome of evil, the exact opposite of the story’s protagonist. However, it wouldn’t be wrong to argue that some Hollywood villains challenge the simplistic good-versus-evil narrative, leaving viewers to question whether the “hero” was truly on the moral high ground.

The MCU villain Thanos | Credit: Marvel Studios

Not only do their motivations reveal surprisingly valid points, but they also make such compelling arguments that their actions, if not entirely justified, at least seem understandable. While Thanos is often cited as a popular example due to his ideology of ‘balancing the universe,’ there are many other on-screen characters who fit this mold just as well.

Jon Bernthal’s Shane Walsh – The Walking Dead

Jon Bernthal as Shane Walsh | Credit: AMC

Shaped by the tragic realities of the post-apocalyptic world, Shane Walsh, portrayed by Jon Bernthal in The Walking Dead, is less of a traditional Hollywood villain and more of a tragic figure, who ends up taking an antagonistic turn in his desire and quest to ensure survival and protect those he cares about.

Much of his conflicts arise from his heartbreak over losing Lori, combined with his growing disillusionment with Rick’s idealism. However, in hindsight, many of his survival-first tactics, initially seen as villainous, were eventually adopted by Rick himself, proving that Shane was simply ahead of his time in understanding of brutal realities of the post-apocalyptic world.

The Walking Dead is available to watch on Netflix.

Ed Harris’ General Hummel – The Rock

Ed Harris as General Hummel | Credit:

Known for his roles in movies like James Cameron’s The Abyss, Ed Harris portrays General Hummel in the 1996 action thriller The Rock The character is often regarded as a disillusioned brigadier who threatens to launch deadly VX gas rockets at the San Francisco Bay Area, demanding $100 million from the government.

However, what makes him one of the rare Hollywood villains is that his actions are driven by justice rather than malice. His motivations stemmed from a desire to honor soldiers who died in unacknowledged covert missions, with their families denied compensation and recognition. The $100 million he demanded was intended to be distributed to the families of these forgotten soldiers.

Hummel’s actions were not fueled by greed or power but by frustration with a corrupt system that ignores its own heroes. Importantly, he never truly intends to harm innocent civilians, using the threat as leverage rather than a genuine plan. His refusal to follow through and his moral conflict make him a tragic idealist, fighting for justice in flawed ways, rather than a true villain.

The Rock is available to watch on Hulu.

The Replicants – Blade Runner

The Replicants in Blade Runner | Credit:

Created as a form of bioengineering for labor and war, the Replicants in Blade Runner are perfect examples of villains whose motivations are deeply rooted in the desire to survive and freedom. Not only are they denied the basic human right to live freely, but they are also only given a short, predetermined lifespan, making them far more sympathetic than the usual antagonists in one of the greatest movies of all time.

While their actions in their quest for freedom and to extend their lives are portrayed as violent or rebellious, this makes more sense in the context of their struggle for survival. The Replicants are fighting for the right to live long and shape their own destiny rather than simply seeking power or domination. Looking back, their motivations are far from villainous. They simply want justice and a chance to live fully, making them one of the most compelling and tragic ‘villain’ groups in the history of cinema.

Blade Runner is available to watch on Prime Video.

Gerald Butler’s Clyde Shelton – Law Abiding Citizen

Gerald Butler as Clyde Shelton in Law Abiding Citizen | Credit:

Gerald Butler’s Clyde Shelton in Law Abiding Citizen remains a compelling example of a villain whose actions, while extreme, stem from his desire for justice and revenge against a corrupt system. After his family is brutally murdered, he witnesses a flawed legal system that fails to deliver justice when the culprits receive lighter sentences due to a deal made by a prosecutor, Nick Rice.

His belief that the system is broken and that real justice can only be achieved through personal retribution leads to his subsequent violent actions. While his actions are horrific, his underlying motivations in seeking justice for his loved ones and exposing the legal system’s flaws, make him a morally complex character whose actions stem from deep personal trauma and a desire for accountability.

Law Abiding Citizen is available to watch on Hulu.

Mads Mikkelsen’s Le Chiffre – Casino Royale

Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre in Casino Royale | Credit:

Portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, an acclaimed actor renowned for playing interesting Hollywood villains, Le Chiffre from Casino Royale also deserves a spot on this list because his actions are motivated by desperation rather than malice. Still considered to be one of the best Bond villains, he loses a large sum of money and faces deadly consequences until he recovers it.

However, unlike typical Hollywood villains who act out of hatred or a desire for power, Le Chiffre’s motivations are rooted in self-preservation. His ruthless strategies are a response to the dangerous world he lives in, making him more of a victim of circumstance than an outright villain. His actions, while illegal, are driven by a need to survive, which makes him a much more morally complex character than he initially appears.

Casino Royale is available to watch on Prime Video.