It looks like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier just brought Madame Hydra to the MCU, via a cameo from Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The critically-acclaimed actress, known for her comedic roles in shows like Seinfeld and Veep, just made her MCU debut in episode 5 of the Disney+ series. She introduced herself as Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a character with strong ties to Nick Fury and Captain America in Marvel Comics.

Agents of SHIELD utilized the original Madame Hydra in season 4 by having the android known as AIDA adopt the identity in a virtual reality. But, the Darkhold appearing in WandaVision proves that the ABC series isn’t holding Marvel back from revisiting certain concepts and characters first established in the show. Now, thanks to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the MCU may have a new take on the iconic Marvel villain, one that Marvel could have huge plans for in Phase 4 and beyond.

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Julia Louis-Dreyfus made her grand entrance as the Contessa during a scene where John Walker (Wyatt Russell) was still reeling from the government’s decision to cut ties with him and strip him of the Captain America mantle. After expressing that she had no problems with him killing the Flag-Smasher in episode 4, Fontaine handed him what seemed to be a blank card and announced that she’d be ing him later. Who she really is and what she wants from Walker are mysteries that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier hasn’t touched upon yet, but they’re to sure to be explored in the future.

Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine In Marvel Comics Explained

Contessa Valentia Allegra de Fontaine made her first comic appearance in 1967’s Strange Tales #159 and served as a key ing character in numerous Nick Fury stories. She once had a life as a socialite in Italy, but left it all behind to become a SHIELD agent. Her contributions and loyalty to the organization made her into one of Fury’s most reliable allies during the late 1960s and 1970s. She also worked with Captain America, who often went on missions for SHIELD when they needed his assistance. Fontaine, who was Fury’s main love interest, eventually developed romantic, unrequited feelings for Steve Rogers, which culminated in a growing divide between Captain America and Fury.

Fontaine also led a team of female SHIELD agents known as Femme Force, and continued to have a high-ranking position at SHIELD for quite some time. Things took a turn, however, when it was revealed that Fontaine was secretly evil all along, despite years of being utilized as a hero. Apparently, she was a Russian sleeper agent. Following the reveal, she succeeded in taking over HYDRA and becoming the second Madame Hydra, which is a name that formally belonged to a notable Captain America villain and one of their former leaders.

Madame Hydra Can Be A Villain To Sam Wilson’s Captain America

Steve Rogers gives Sam Wilson the Captain America shield in Avengers: Endgame

Given her comic book history, it’s possible that the MCU’s Valentina de Fontaine is its version of Madame Hydra. In the comic books, Madame Hydra is commonly regarded as one of Captain America’s greatest and most ruthless villains, and is often mentioned in the same breath as characters like the Red Skull and Baron Zemo. Unfortunately, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) was denied a chance at facing off against any version of her on the big screen, but Marvel can still deliver a Captain America vs. Madame Hydra conflict, and the setup in episode 5 indicates this could be what The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is building toward. It’s not clear yet what Marvel intends for episode 6, but if the plan is for Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan) to focus on other loose ends, she may not encounter them until a second season or at some other time. If and when that happens, she can act as the first major villain that Sam has to deal with as Captain America.

Related: Marvel Retconned Avengers: Endgame's Biggest Captain America/Bucky Problem

Madame Hydra May Return In Black Widow

Black Widow’s Release Date Delay More Than Tripled Its Box Office Projection

It’s been reported that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier wasn’t supposed to be the first time audiences laid eyes on the MCU’s Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Instead, she was to appear first in Black Widow, but the release dates being pushed back forced that plan to change. That being said, Louis-Dreyfus can still appear in Black Widow in some capacity. If so, more about who she is could be revealed when the film releases in July 2021. It’s possible that she’s looking to bring HYDRA back in a big way, and that she’ll be pulling some strings during Black Widow’s adventure. When considering her espionage connections and background as a Russian spy in Marvel Comics, that would make a lot of sense. Regardless, whatever she’s up to in the movie can lead into her Phase 4 scheme and give fans an idea of what use she has for John Walker.

Other MCU Projects Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Fontaine Can Appear In

Falcon And Winter Soldier Episode 5 Julia Louis-Dreyfus Valentina

Marvel’s original plan to put Louis-Dreyfus in Black Widow and her cameo in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier hint at her having a big MCU arc. Madame Hydra was one of the most challenging opponents Captain America has ever faced in the comics, and there were even times where she was a threat to the entire Avengers team. If Fontaine is indeed the MCU’s Madame Hydra, it would be fitting for her to be utilized in a similar way. A character of her caliber deserves to be treated as a worthy adversary of Falcon, Bucky, and other MCU superheroes. She could act as somewhat of an evil counterpart to Nick Fury by involving herself in multiple stories, all to achieve her own goals.

As for where she could pop up again, she could return in MCU TV shows such as new team on Avengers on Disney+.

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