Somewhere between Girlboss and Main Character Energy, the internet birthed a new persona: the unapologetic, take-no-prisoners antihero of your own life. Welcome to your Villain Era—a time to embrace selfishness, set boundaries, and stop caring what anyone else thinks.
Or at least, that’s the marketing pitch.
Villain Era has become shorthand for reclaiming your power, especially if you’ve been a lifelong people-pleaser or emotional doormat. But is it really about liberation—or are we all just playing dress-up, cosplaying as misunderstood antagonists while secretly longing for approval?
What Is Villain Era, Really?
At its core, Villain Era is about rejecting the pressure to be nice, agreeable, and accommodating. It’s the rebellion against the expectations that make us smaller, quieter, or more palatable. Instead of smoothing things over, you say the thing. Instead of biting your tongue, you let it rip.
And sure, it’s cathartic. But let’s not pretend that being “the villain” always feels glamorous. Sometimes, it feels lonely. Sometimes, it feels terrifying. And sometimes, it’s less about burning bridges and more about quietly slipping away to build a cabin in the woods where no one can find you.
Why Villain Era Is Trending Now
We’re living in the aftermath of the “Be Kind” pandemic-era mantra, and people are tired. Tired of pretending. Tired of over-giving. Tired of being everything to everyone and getting nothing in return.
Here’s why Villain Era resonates right now:
- Burnout Culture: After years of being told to lean in, hustle hard, and be a team player, people are realizing that constant self-sacrifice isn’t sustainable.
- Boundary Backlash: Saying “no” is finally being celebrated, but it often gets framed as villainous—especially if you’re a woman, POC, or in any role where compliance is expected.
- Revenge Fantasies: There’s something intoxicating about imagining yourself as the wronged villain, finally getting your due. (Maleficent vibes, anyone?)
The Autistic Perspective: Are We Already Villains?
Here’s the thing: as an autistic person, I’ve been accused of being “cold,” “aloof,” or “too blunt” more times than I can count. Apparently, not smiling on command or refusing to engage in small talk is enough to make you the office villain.
But Villain Era isn’t about leaning into those stereotypes—it’s about owning your authenticity. For autists, that might mean stimming unapologetically in public, declining a social event without an elaborate excuse, or calling out harmful behavior without sugarcoating it.
Villain Era in Real Life: The Good, the Bad, and the Cringe
The Good:
In many ways, stepping into your Villain Era is about reclaiming agency. It’s about refusing to apologize for your needs or shrink yourself to make others comfortable. It’s saying, “Actually, I don’t have to tolerate this.”
Example:
I once told a friend I couldn’t meet them for coffee because I needed a day to decompress. Their response? “Wow, that’s selfish.” Old me would’ve caved and dragged myself to the cafe. Villain Era me? I stayed home, guilt-free.
The Bad:
There’s a fine line between setting boundaries and turning into a full-on narcissist. Not every conflict needs to end with a mic drop or a dramatic exit. Villain Era isn’t an excuse to ghost your responsibilities or treat people like stepping stones.
Example:
I’ve seen people justify toxic behavior with, “I’m in my Villain Era!”—as if cutting someone off mid-sentence is a radical act of self-care. Newsflash: being rude isn’t revolutionary; it’s just rude.
The Cringe:
Let’s not pretend Villain Era is always as empowering as it looks online. Sometimes, it’s awkward. Sometimes, it’s messy. And sometimes, it’s just you crying in your car after telling your boss you’re not taking on one more project.
Fictional Villains We All Secretly Love
Villain Era takes inspiration from pop culture, where the best characters are often the ones who embrace their darkness. Here are a few iconic villains (and what they teach us about owning our power):
- Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones): Ruthless, manipulative, and entirely unapologetic about her ambition. Say what you will—Cersei understood the power of playing the game.
- Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada): Not a villain in her own story, but an uncompromising woman who knew exactly what she wanted. Villain Era is basically channeling her icy, “That’s all” energy.
- Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty): Wronged, misunderstood, and incredibly stylish. Enough said.
The Reality Check: Are You the Villain or Just Setting Boundaries?
The truth is, most of us don’t want to be villains—we just want to stop feeling like doormats. Villain Era is less about turning into a Disney antagonist and more about giving yourself permission to prioritize your own needs.
But let’s be honest: calling it “Boundary Era” doesn’t hit the same.
Final Thoughts: Villain Era, Unfiltered
Villain Era is a fun trend, but it’s also a reflection of something deeper—a collective exhaustion with the expectation that we must always be agreeable, selfless, and small. It’s about taking up space unapologetically, even if it means being labeled “difficult.”
So go ahead: wear the metaphorical black cape, say the thing you’ve been holding back, and walk into your own power. Just remember, every great villain has a redemption arc. You don’t have to stay in your Villain Era forever—just long enough to remember that your story matters, too.
