TV Shows and Movies in 2024: Villains aren’t just winning over girls—they’re captivating audiences too! In recent years cinematography has seen a surge in stories focused on anti-heroes giving these complex characters a chance to take center stage. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting solo projects about famous villains.
TV Shows and Movies in 2024
The Penguin (2024, Season 1)
The Batman universe is packed with charismatic villains, and sometimes, they’re more interesting than the hero himself. Following the success of the 2022 “Batman” reboot starring Robert Pattinson, it was clear that Gotham’s criminal underworld had more stories to tell. Colin Farrell‘s portrayal of Penguin was such a hit that the first spin-off from this universe will focus on him.
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Set after the events of the first film, crime-ridden Gotham is without mafia boss Carmine Falcone. His assistant, Oswald Cobblepot, known as Penguin, steps up to claim power. But Falcone’s daughter, Sofia (played by Kristen Milioti), isn’t ready to let her father’s empire slip away. Directed by Craig Zobel, who brought a similar dark tone to the detective series “Mare of Easttown,” this series promises a gritty look at Gotham’s underbelly.
Agatha All Along (2024, Season 1)
The Marvel Universe isn’t just full of superheroes—there are plenty of fascinating villains too. One of them is Agatha Harkness, a powerful witch who made her debut in the “WandaVision” series, played by Catherine Hahn.
This spin-off explores what happens to Agatha after she’s freed from Scarlet Witch’s control. She embarks on a journey to regain her lost power, encountering unexpected allies along the way. The tone of the show promises to be darker than “WandaVision,” with directors Gandja Monteiro, who worked on “The Witcher” and “Wednesday,” and Rachel Goldberg, known for “American Horror Story,” adding their own dark touches.
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Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
Comic book movies are beloved by fans, but when “Joker” won at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, it was a rare achievement for the genre. Todd Phillips’ gritty portrayal of Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness was so well-received that a sequel was inevitable.
In the follow-up, Arthur, now in Arkham Asylum meets Harley Quinn (played by Lady Gaga), who becomes infatuated with him. The pair’s relationship spirals into madness, with musical elements woven into the narrative, reflecting their unhinged mental states.
Loki (2021–2023)
Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is one of Marvel’s most beloved anti-heroes. After the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” the trickster god finds himself caught up in the Time Variance Authority, an organization existing outside of time and space.
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Over the course of two seasons, Loki battles different versions of himself in a fight to restore order to the timeline, offering plenty of action, humor, and complex character development.
Disney’s Cruella (2021)
Disney villains have also gotten their chance in the spotlight, with “Cruella” being one of the boldest reimaginings. The infamous Cruella de Vil, known for her obsession with dalmatian fur coats, is re-envisioned as a brilliant, tough, and rebellious fashion designer.
Emma Stone’s portrayal of Cruella won her critical acclaim, earning Golden Globe nominations. With a sequel in the works, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this villain’s story.
Venom (2018)
Another anti-hero from the Marvel Universe is Venom, a symbiote that bonds with journalist Eddie Brock. This dark character became so popular that he earned his own film, which was first discussed as far back as 2007. The movie finally hit theaters in 2018, though critics gave it mixed reviews.
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Despite this, “Venom” performed well at the box office and has since grown into a trilogy, with the final film, “Venom: The Last Dance,” set for release in October 2024.
Maleficent (2014)
Arguably the film that kick-started the villain-centered trend, “Maleficent” tells the origin story of the misunderstood witch from Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.” Played by Angelina Jolie, Maleficent isn’t purely evil—her character is driven by a desire to protect her homeland and seek revenge for past betrayals.
The success of the first film led to a sequel in 2019, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” and a third movie is already in the works.
Bates Motel (2013–2017)
Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” is one of the most iconic thrillers in history, and “Bates Motel” offers fans a deep dive into the backstory of its chilling killer, Norman Bates. The series focuses on his troubled relationship with his mother, Norma, played by Vera Farmiga.
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The show ran for five successful seasons, combining elements of psychological horror with the backstory of one of cinema’s most infamous villains.