10 Famous Villains Who Started Out On The Right Side

Villains don’t always start as sinister masterminds. Characters evolve in unexpected directions, and creators frequently change their minds mid-story. Many notorious villains started as neutral or positive characters before circumstances nudged them into darker territory. Now, let’s have a look at these 10 iconic villains whose journeys into evil were accidental or unexpected.

Darth Vader In “Star Wars”

When George Lucas first created Darth Vader, villainy wasn’t part of his plan. Originally two distinct characters, Vader and Anakin Skywalker eventually fused into a tragic anti-hero. His ominous, mechanical breathing—now iconic—was created using a scuba regulator, adding an unsettling realism to the galaxy’s most feared presence.

Harley Quinn In “Batman”

Harley Quinn originally debuted as Joker’s comedic animated sidekick, without intentions of deeper complexity. However, she gradually and organically evolved into an anti-hero. Margot Robbie embraced Harley’s chaotic nature by undergoing extensive gymnastics training. Now, Harley Quinn has become a beloved character known for her layered personality beyond simple villainy.

Loki In “Marvel Comics”

Playful mischief defined Loki before genuine villainy took hold. His rivalry with Thor intensified gradually, which shifted him toward darkness. Fans fell in love when Tom Hiddleston brought charisma to Loki on screen. Yet, even amid villainy, Loki never lost his whimsical nature, famously turning Thor into a frog.

The Ice King In “Adventure Time”

He was just a silly wizard until “Adventure Time” slowly unveiled his heartbreaking truth. Once known as Simon Petrikov, he was tragically twisted by a cursed crown. Ice King’s backstory soon became one of animation’s most unexpectedly emotional arcs: villainy masked by sadness and loss.

Walter White In “Breaking Bad”

Walter White didn’t “break bad” immediately; his transformation was intentionally gradual, thanks to Vince Gilligan’s thoughtful storytelling. From ordinary chemistry teacher to believable villain, Walter’s evolution felt authentic. Strangely enough, when Bryan Cranston wore Walter’s famous hat off-set, fans failed to identify one of television’s greatest anti-heroes.

Harvey Dent In “The Dark Knight”

Harvey Dent started as Gotham’s shining hope, a fearless district attorney ready to end corruption. After the Joker’s ruthless attack left him scarred and grieving, his sense of justice twisted into something deadly. Nolan used Two-Face’s short-lived arc to show how the strongest ideals can collapse under unbearable pain.

Gollum In “The Lord Of The Rings”

Long before Gollum became a haunting symbol of obsession, Tolkien wrote him as a pitiful figure. He was slowly consumed by the One Ring’s power. Consumed by greed, he became both victim and cautionary tale, a tragic duality Andy Serkis captured with an unforgettable motion-capture performance.

Severus Snape In “Harry Potter”

From his first appearance, Snape left readers guessing. J.K. Rowling wanted it that way, so he concealed his true loyalty until the end. Alan Rickman, however, was let in on the secret early on. Fun fact: The character was inspired by Rowling’s real-life chemistry teacher.

Catwoman In “Batman”

The earliest versions of Catwoman were never entirely villainous. She was imagined as a glamorous thief, her style drawn partly from Jean Harlow. As her story deepened, she became entangled with Batman in more than just crime. Halle Berry’s live Razzie acceptance added a dose of meta-villainy and humor.

Varian In “Tangled: The Series”

Varian started out as a cheerful young inventor, but being ignored and feeling betrayed pushed him down a darker path. Desperate to save his father, he made risky choices that turned him into an unexpected villain. Strong fan reaction and a heartfelt redemption arc made him a standout Disney character.