The Dark Reign storyline saw Norman Osborn take full control of the nation's security organizations, creating a new division known as H.A.M.M.E.R. and forming the Dark Avengers, a group of villains disguised as some of Earth's mightiest heroes.
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe could certainly replicate this story, but perhaps not with Norman Osborn. There is one other character that could perhaps fill the Green Goblin's comic role in theMCU, and that is Zemo. There are a number of benefits for bringing in the purple masked man into this narrative and a variety of reasons to instead introduce one of Spidey's greatest villains.
10 Zemo's Dark Reign: An Established Villain
A useful thing for audiences to grasp onto is that Zemo is already an established villain within the MCU. He's going to appear once again on Disney+, as the antagonist to the Falcon and the Winter Soldier in their upcoming series.
Zemo hasnotonly already cemented his role as an important threat in the Marvel Universe but he has showcased that heis intelligent enough to pull off a feat as amazing as the one required by the Dark Reign storyline.
9 Introduce Osborn: A New Threat
Sometimes it's quite exciting to add a new threat that will establish themselves quickly and be unlike any other enemy the Avengers have faced before. Norman Osborn can make an impact instantly.
While mainstream audiences would be familiar with the character from the comics, video games, and previous Web-Head movies, this is an opportunity to reinventOsborn and create his descent into madness over the Dark Reign story.
8 Zemo's Dark Reign: Thunderbolts Spin-Off
The Thunderbolts have been rumored for the MCU for quite some time and there is a perfect way to play off of the concept. In the comics, it is Zemo that first creates the teamthat has villains masquerading as heroes.
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This plays into the Dark Reign concept well, with the Dark Avengers mimicking the group. What's more, the team was also used during the Registration Act years; all of these concepts could come together and link well to Zemo.
7 Introduce Osborn: Goblin Potential
One of the most entertaining aspects of the Norman Osborn character is that he could snap at any moment. He consistently struggles with his alter ego, the Green Goblin.
Tension could be built across many films as Osborn's grip on the world tightens and as he continues to go mad. The big finale could see him finally mask up, similar to the moment seen in the Siege story in the comics.
6 Zemo's Dark Reign: Right For The Character
Zemo needs a new path in the MCU. While no one knows his role in the upcoming Disney+ series, it's sure to put him in a very different position, with the character even masking up for the first time.
Zemo hasalready been shown to be a master manipulator, so there's certainly no problem with him doing this on a larger scale, tricking the world into thinking he's actually a force for good.
5 Introduce Osborn: Following The Source Material
The comics have set out many of these stories in such an amazing way that it would be the wrong move to not follow their lead. The Dark Reign story in the source material uses Osborn in a subtle and powerful manner.
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The character really is perfect for the narrative and it would be a shame to ignore this work and create something different with it. In fact, is it really Dark Reign at all without Osborn in charge?
4 Zemo's Dark Reign: Playing Off Everett Ross
Everett Ross has been brought in as a government rival to Zemo. They have interesting chemistry with one another that could be effective as the story develops.
There needs to be someone who can create resistance with Zemo and that person is Ross. Everett could be the character who sees through Zemo's lies and tries to create resistance from the inside.
3 Introduce Osborn: Bringing Back S.H.I.E.L.D.
Much like in the comics, Osborn could become the head of S.H.I.E.L.D., bringing the group back into the main films.The organization could then transition into H.A.M.M.E.R., Osborn's own evil group.
This not only brings the MCU closer together but also fits far better with the Osborn character than it does with Zemo. It would certainly be an unexpected and exciting move for the universe, one that needs Osborn's presence.
2 Zemo's Dark Reign: Planted Seeds
There's been plenty of signs already in the MCU that Zemo could be heading down this path. He has already carried out a number of big manipulations on a large stage.
Zemo has shown that he can pass the blame (in one case to Winter Soldier) and he's a clear leader. With the Skrulls also introduced in the MCU, Zemo can perhaps work off of the back of a Secret Invasion storyline, much like Osborn did in the comics.
1 Introduce Osborn: Spidey At The Centre
Spider-Man is set to continue to be a big character in the MCU, especially with the various crossovers with the Sony universe that appear to be in store.
Norman Osborn would increase his importance as a character and bring together many of the elements seen across the universe. For instance, Osborn's team uses the Venom symbiote to create his own web-head, which could take place in the films!
NEXT:The 10 Most Brutal Moments From Marvel's Dark Reign
