Makarov is back in the newest teaser trailer for MW3

The main antagonist of the traditional Call of Duty: Modern Warfare franchise is back, and he looks as menacing as ever. 

On August 9, 2023, publisher Activision finally released a teaser trailer for the next installment in the Call of Duty franchise with a short clip of Makarov, one of the most iconic villains in the series, commanding respect and striking fear into other prisoners as he walks down a dark hallway. 

The scene is intertwined with clips from the new game, with the graphics and visuals striking similarity to the previous installments. However, fans quickly noticed that the prison castle from Verdansk could have been shown in the trailer, while others speculate it could be the Gulag or a different mission entirely. 

The two-minute trailer is narrated by Captain Price, the leader of Task Force 141. The publishers describe Makarov, who will be the villain of Modern Warfare 3, as the “ultimate threat.” 

The ultimate threat returns #MW3 pic.twitter.com/LRiaNwC6Ac

— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) August 9, 2023

“The danger we face is clear and present. This is not a threat. Not an ‘if’ but ‘when.’ A force of evil, who seeks to tear the world apart, piece by piece. To him, every ally is a weapon, every bystander a shield. We don’t know his next target. But we know ours. Makarov,” says Price.

A brief history of Makarov, the villain of Modern Warfare

Makarov is known for his brutal tactics and approach to warfare. Most notably, he was the mastermind behind the Zakhaev International Airport terrorist attack that took place in the original Modern Warfare 2. 

The mission, “No Russian,” was noted for its violence as the player takes control of Joseph Allen, who is undercover. The player then can either watch or take part in the slaughter of civilians at the airport. The mission ends with Makarov killing Allen to implicate an American soldier in the attack to escalate a conflict between Russia and the United States. 

The new title will see Captain Price collect a few of his old allies to try and take down Makarov once and for all. “It seems Captain Price needs all the allies and support he can muster,” the publisher said alongside the reveal trailer.