Fifth Element Wiki
Advertisement
Read
Talk

"I will be among you … soon."
―Mr. Shadow [src]

Evil (also known as Mr. Shadow and the Ultimate Evil) is the main antagonist in The Fifth Element.

Biography[]

Evil is an ancient cosmic force that has for thousands of years tried to destroy Earth and all planets that contain life. After its emergence through a celestial alignment of three planets and one sun which happens every 5,000 years, but each time has been thwarted by the Fifth Element. In the 23rd century, it approaches planet Earth upon finding out that the five elements are no longer in place to stop it. The Evil then tried to get the four elemental stones via grunts, but they failed to get them as the stones were handed to another.

After a few failures, Evil swallowed several satellites and used them to tell its follower Jean-Baptiste Zorg, CEO of Zorg Industries, that it would be arriving soon. By the end of the film, Evil is once again thwarted by the power of the Fifth Element, killing it forever and its body becoming a second moon for Earth.

Personality[]

Although its driving purpose is to annihilate life, Evil goes about this purpose intelligently. It recognizes the risk of attacking while the Fifth Element can oppose it. Therefore it waits in deep space and seeks out mercenaries, such as Zorg and the Mangalores, to clear its path. When speaking to other beings it uses a tone that is at the same time calm yet terrifying.

Powers and Abilities[]

Evil cannot be killed by force. Any military weapons fired at it will only nourish it. Evil can annihilate anyone who gets too close to it without even trying to use its dark energy. The Ultimate Evil can destroy planets and starships with ease and can travel at a speed of hundreds of light-years per hour. It can take on the attributes of whatever it devours, for example by making a telephone call Zorg after it absorbs communication equipment.

Evil can produce a black corrosive liquid, even at great distance, that causes other beings severe pain.

If Evil can get to the altar within the Temple of the Elements in place of the Fifth Element, it will use the power from the other four Elements to bring about untold horrors for thousands of years. Its only weakness is the Fifth Element, powered by the other four Elements.

Behind the scenes[]

The original script and novelization reveals that the body of Evil is made of antimatter. During the climax at the temple, it generates its corrosive liquid to eat away at the walls and floor.

Advertisement