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| “ | It doesn't take the most powerful nations on Earth to create the next global conflict. Just the will of a single man. | „ |
| ~ Makarov's infamous motto featured in the reveal trailer of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. |
| “ | Remember - no Russian. | „ |
| ~ Makarov addressing to his men just before leading the airport massacre – and also his most famous line. |
| “ | Makarov They're right on time. Check your weapons and ammo. Viktor: I've waited a long time for this Makarov: Haven't we all. |
„ |
| ~ Makarov and Viktor when seeing FSB arrived |
Vladimir Makarov (in Russian: Владимир Макаров), also known as Kingfish, is the main antagonist of the Call of Duty franchise's original Modern Warfare sub-series.
He serves as the unseen overarching antagonist of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (as well as the 2016 remaster of the same name), the secondary antagonist of Modern Warfare 2 (as well as the 2020 remaster of the same name) and the main antagonist of Modern Warfare 3. He is also the unseen titular main antagonist of the 2011 live-action short film Find Makarov: Operation Kingfish.
He was one of the leaders of the Russian Ultranationalists and the right-hand-turned-successor of his mentor Imran Zakhaev, as well as the founding leader of the Inner Circle and the arch-nemesis of John Price, John "Soap" MacTavish and his former best friend Yuri. He was responsible for the nuclear bomb that killed 30,000 marines who served under General Shepherd. He was a ruthless and sadistic terrorist mastermind who was best known for leading an attack on an airport in Moscow that instigated World War III between the Western Civilization and Russia, in his attempt to restore the power of the Soviet Union.
He was voiced by Roman Varshavsky, who also played the Spetsnaz Operative in Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Characteristics
Appearance
Makarov was a pale stocky 5' 11" (1.80 m) Caucasian man who weighed 184 lbs (83 kg), had short dark brown hair and several scars and marks on his face. He had a green left eye and a blue right eye, meaning that he was diagnosed with Heterochromia iridum. Unlike many of his Russian troops and co-leaders, Makarov wasn't shown to be wearing any tattoos over his body. However, it may have been due to him wearing a lot of clothing that would've been covering them. During his time as Zakhaev's lieutenant, and even before that, Makarov was seen constantly wearing military uniform and wearing a dark grey beanie. After becoming the leader of the Inner Circle, Makarov starting living a more extravagant life, even in the field. He would occasionally be seen wearing a black (or dark colored) suit and both black leather gloves and shoes. On at least three occasions, Makarov also wore a dark coat and a grey scarf, which was notably shown when he personally led the kidnapping of President Vorshevsky.
Personality
| “ | This man Makarov is fighting his own war and he has no rules, no boundaries. He doesn't flinch at torture, human trafficking, or genocide. He's not loyal to a flag, or a country, or any set of ideals. He trades blood for money. | „ |
| ~ General Shepherd describing to Joseph Allen about Vladimir Makarov's nature. |
Vladimir Makarov was a terrorist who is most defined by his total lack of empathy, sadism, ruthlessness, psychopathy and ambition. According to General Shepherd, Makarov was an even more dangerous threat than his mentor, Imran Zakhaev. It has been implied by Yuri that prior to the assassination attempt on Zakhaev, Makarov was more sympathetic. However, as Yuri later pointed out, the power that Zakhaev rewarded him with for saving his life also corrupted Makarov to the point of him being the most dangerous and intimidating Ultranationalist the world had ever known. Also, it is possible that Zakhaev kept him "in check" due to being aware of his true nature. Throughout his terrorist acts, Makarov was pitiless and cruel towards his enemies, never holding back when cutting them down with his weapons, and was more than willing to use innocent people as leverage to get what he wanted, particularly when he kidnapping President Boris Vorshevsky's daughter to enforce his cooperation.
Makarov infamously opening fire on innocent Russian civilians in Zakhaev International Airport, instantly displaying his total disregard for anyone he hurts or kills in order to achieve his goals.
Makarov was highly delusional to the point of hypocrisy and jingoism, as he believed that massacring an entire airport in his own home country would further machinate in restoring it to its former "glory" from the Soviet Union. In his eyes, anyone who didn't share his beliefs/madness would marked them as his enemy, which included his former best friend Yuri who betrayed him when he started going way to far with his crimes. Makarov had no faith in fellow Ultranationalist leader, President Vorshevsky, whom he viewed as stubborn, weak and unwilling to make the "necessary" steps to rebuild Russia's higher power by destroying other Europe countries to ensure that Russia takes over the entire continent of Europe, even if it must stand upon a pile of ashes caused by nuclear fire. Makarov was truly egotistical and self-interested at heart, believing that he was a part of a greater purpose in the "changing world" due to enacting World War III, blinded by the belief that it would further influence his plans for conquest.
He also notably held his mentor Zakhaev in high regard to the point of see him as the true hero of Russia. It is this idolization that led him to view Vorshevsky as everything that dishonors Zakhaev's legacy and mission. After his death, he went to great lengths to avenge his death, including killing his murderer "Soap" MacTavish and the entire Bravo Six unit, as well attempting to kill Captain Price as well afterwards. Makarov hates "Soap" MacTavish, John Price and the entire Bravo Six Team worse than the Americans for killing his mentor, Zakhaev in Operation Kingfish, Makarov primary target is Bravo Six team. He even began trying to restart his mission while also fuelling his own goals, such as trying to remove the benevolent Ultranationalists who are controlling Russia while intending on leading the extremists to go further by conquering everywhere else such as Europe. Makarov appeared to even have a philosophical side to him as he came to the belief that all it really takes to start a global conflict and change the course of human history is a single man's willpower, which actually proved to be quite true.
Although he was absolutely ruthless, Makarov was also extremely intelligent, something that even frightened his fellow Ultranationalists. Makarov knows of Joseph Allen's identity when he accepted him and later blown Allen's cover to frame the America to wage war and killing thousand Americans. He knew that it wouldn't take much to send the whole world into chaos, and that massacring an entire airport in Russia was enough to push the country into seeking vengeance against America, whom he turned into his own scapegoat. Knowing his only survival is to get rid of Shepherd, Makarov let Price to give the location of Shepherd at Site Hotel Bravo and go into hiding. He also somehow worked out Price, Soap and Yuri's intended assassination for him in Prague, taking full advantage of it and using it as an opportunity to kill Soap for killing Zakhaev. However, his intellect made him quite arrogant as while he knew killing Soap would enrage Price so much to kill him, he never considered that he would undoubtedly find him. And so, fittingly, his arrogance and pure evilness are what led Makarov to his well-deserved death at the hands of Price.
Lists
| Lists of Vladimir Makarov's Actions |
|---|
Associates
VictimsKill count: 34,164+
Acts of Terrorism
|
Quotes
| “ | Революция невозможна без революционной ситуации (A revolution is impossible without a revolutionary situation). | „ |
| ~ Makarov quoting Vladimir Lenin during the teaser trailer of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. |
| “ | Revenge is like a ghost. It takes over every man it touches...Its thirst cannot be quenched until the last man standing has fallen. | „ |
| ~ Makarov during the reveal trailer of Modern Warfare 2. |
| “ | The world's men of action will look and wonder how it came to this. | „ |
| ~ Makarov |
| “ | You may be able to destroy me. But the beast will eventually come for you. | „ |
| ~ Makarov |
| “ | Месть на меня, и я получу это (Revenge is on me, and I will get it). | „ |
| ~ Makarov at the end of the reveal trailer. |
| “ | The world has been your battlefield. Everywhere you go, the blood of brothers and sons screams out against you. Perhaps you cannot yet hear it, because the soil is not your own. But you will... you will. | „ |
| ~ Makarov during the Infamy trailer. |
| “ | С нами Бог (God is with us). | „ |
| ~ Makarov recalling the Russian Empire's historical motto to his troops just before the massacre at Zakhaev International Airport. |
| “ | That was no message. This is a message. The American thought he could deceive us. When they find that body... all of Russia will cry for war. | „ |
| ~ Makarov killing Joseph Allen and leaving his body in the airport massacre aftermath, ultimately starting World War 3 between Russia and America. |
| “ | Price, one day, you're going to find that cuts both ways. Shepherd is using Site Hotel Bravo. You know where it is. I'll see you in Hell. | „ |
| ~ Makarov's last words in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 as he begrudgingly helps Price kill General Shepherd. |
| “ | Первый. Уничтожите вражескую надежду на победу. (One. Destroy the enemy's hope for victory.) | „ |
| ~ Makarov's message during the America teaser trailer. |
| “ | Второй. Используйте все в своих интересах. (Two. Use everything to your advantage.) | „ |
| ~ Makarov's message during the England teaser trailer. |
| “ | Третий. Используйте слабости противника. (Three. Take advantage of your enemy's weakness.) | „ |
| ~ Makarov's message during the France teaser trailer. |
| “ | Четвёртый. Атакуйте с неожиданной стороны. (Four. Attack from the unexpected side.) | „ |
| ~ Makarov's message during the Germany teaser trailer. |
| “ | You think I am mad. But soon, you shall see that every move, every strike was meant to bring us to this. | „ |
| ~ Makarov during the Redemption trailer. |
| “ | The symbols you have always looked to for strength are smoldering in ruin. This is what your greed has brought you. | „ |
| ~ Makarov during the launch trailer. |
| “ | All warfare is based on deception. For years, the West's hypocrisy has made the world a battlefield. The corrupt talk; while our brothers and sons spill their own blood. But deceit cuts both ways. The bigger the lie, the more likely people will believe it, and when a nation cries for vengeance, the lie spreads like a wildfire. The fire builds, devouring everything in its path. Our enemies believe that they alone dictate the course of history, but all it takes is the will of a single man. | „ |
| ~ Vladimir Makarov in the introduction to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. |
| “ | Makarov: You know who I am? President Vorshevsky: Yes. Makarov: Then you know what I want. President Vorshevsky: You're insane. Makarov: Russia will take all of Europe, even if it must stand on a pile of ashes. I want the launch codes, Mr. President. President Vorshevsky: You'll never get them. Makarov: Every man has his weakness. Find the girl. |
„ |
| ~ Makarov after capturing President Vorshevsky. |
| “ | Captain Price. Ад ждет тебя (Hell awaits you). Yuri, my friend. You never should've come here. | „ |
| ~ Makarov as he tricks and ambushes Price, Yuri and Soap in their attempt to kill him. |
| “ | Yuri, wake up. Zakhaev wouldn't want you to miss this. This deal will generate millions for our cause. Money can buy many things. Even power. The road to our future begins here, my friend. | „ |
| ~ Makarov to Yuri during the latter's flashback to 1996. |
| “ | Today, we show the world our true strength. Perhaps it will give you some as well. | „ |
| ~ Makarov speaking to Yuri during the latter's flashback to 2011. |
| “ | Understand, Yuri: this is only the beginning. | „ |
| ~ Makarov to a secretly horrified Yuri after ordering the nuclear detonation that killed the 30,000 U.S. Marines in "Shock and Awe". |
| “ | I know what you have done, Yuri. I know what you have told them. My friend. My ally. My betrayer. What happens here today, will change the world forever. Nothing can stop this. Not even you. | „ |
| ~ Makarov during Yuri's flashbacks prior to the massacre. |
| “ | I see... this is what we are dealing with, brothers. A stubborn old man, hopelessly out of step with the changing world. You too, will change. | „ |
| ~ Makarov interrogating the abducted President Vorshevsky. |
| “ | Makarov: Alexi, has your intel been confirmed? Alexi: Yes sir. Our men are already on their way to Berlin. Makarov: Are you listening? Alexi: The daughter is there. We will have her in a matter of hours. Makarov: Keep me updated. |
„ |
| ~ Makarov and Alexi to Vorshevsky of his daughter Alena's location |
| “ | Makarov: Who is this? Price: Prisoner 6-2-7. I'm coming for you, Makarov. Makarov: Haven't you heard, Price? They say the war is over. Price: My war ends with you. Makarov: Like it ended for Captain MacTavish? Tell me, Price, how long did it take him to die? I've destroyed your world piece by piece. It's only a matter of time until I find you. Price: You won't have to look far... |
„ |
| ~ Makarov taunting Price about Soap's death during their conversation in the opening cutscene of "Dust to Dust". |
| “ | Goodbye, Captain Price. | „ |
| ~ Makarov's final words before his death as he attempts to execute Price and as he kills Yuri. |
Trivia
Makarov is highly regarded as the franchise's best and yet most hated villain, as well as one of its most popular characters to date.
- Given that Makarov is named as the "First Horseman", he is presumably symbolized as the Horseman of Conquest since the figure is the first horseman in the New Testament.
- He is the most evil character from the Modern Warfare sub-series (including the 2019 reboot), and arguably the entire video game franchise, mostly due to being far more intelligent, cruel and ambitious than any of the other villains.
- Makarov has repeatedly been named one of the best and most popular villains in the Call of Duty franchise alongside Raul Menendez, and also one of the greatest villains in video game history.
- He is also arguably the franchise's most iconic and most memorable villain to date.
- It is possible to kill him BEFORE Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. This can be performed in the Modern Warfare Remastered version of the game. However, this is considered non-canon as the official canon of his death takes place in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
- But, if you do kill Makarov in the Modern Warfare Remastered level "One Shot, One Kill", you will gain an achievement/trophy, 'Time Paradox'.
- Although he didn't physically appear in the game and wasn't introduced until the sequel, Makarov is arguably the overarching antagonist of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare due to saving Imran Zakhaev's life in the "One Shot, One Kill" level (thus triggering the present day events in the game) and was directly responsible for the nuclear bomb detonation that killed over 30,000 people in the "Shock and Awe" level (that would be the catalyst for General Shepherd's motives in Modern Warfare 2).
- He is the overarching villain of the original Modern Warfare trilogy because the trilogy itself wouldn't have happened if he hadn't instigated World War 3. Plus, he was around longer and had the biggest impact in the entire plot than any other villain, and he also had bigger plans than anyone else.
- The mission "No Russian" in Modern Warfare 2 is not available in that game's Russian release. In addition, if the player kills a civilian in either its German or Japanese releases, the player will receive a "You killed a civilian!", causing the mission to fail and restart from the nearest checkpoint. However, no such penalty exists on other versions, and the player can skip "No Russian" if desired.
- While his initials have been referenced in Modern Warfare 2 as "Makarov, V. R.", his initials was then slated as "Makarov, V. A." in Modern Warfare 3. However, the latter was most likely a spelling error since the Ukrainian ghost town Pripyat was also misspelled as "Prypiat" in the opening cutscene of Return to Sender and Makarov's first name was also misspelled as "Vladamir" at the end of the mission Down the Rabbit Hole!.
- Although he didn't make an appearance and wasn't mentioned in the 2019 reboot Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (including its story continuations Spec Ops and Multiplayer/Warzone), previous characters from the original games appeared and were mentioned, meaning that Makarov could return in a possible future installment.
- His death was referenced by Captain Price when he threatened Colonel Norris for abandoning Urzikstan and painting Farah Karim as a terrorist.
- There is high speculation that Makarov may have played a major part in the events of story, especially given that he was also the puppet master behind the events of the original 2007 game despite never appearing.
- Makarov's final words before his death, "Goodbye, Captain Price", are also the last words in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 as well as the entire original sub-series.
