8 MCU Characters That Deserve Redemption in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars After Marvel’s Phase 4 & 5 Disappointments

Marvel Studios faces scrutiny for character portrayals in Phases 4 and 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As the studio prepares for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, there’s an opportunity to redeem several heroes who have been sidelined or misrepresented. Following the monumental success of Avengers: Endgame, there was a noticeable dip in quality. The expansion into series on Disney+ diluted the focus on key characters, leading to some of Marvel’s finest superheroes being underutilized. Nevertheless, the upcoming crossover films provide the perfect platform to rectify these missteps.

Recently, Marvel announced the initial cast for Avengers: Doomsday, comprising 27 actors. However, the lineup may not yet be complete, as several prominent MCU characters are still unaccounted for. Many of these characters, including those from projects like Secret Invasion, Thor: Love and Thunder, The Marvels, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, require a second chance as their recent portrayals have been less than favorable. The Russo brothers’ upcoming films could potentially offer these characters the redemption arc they so desperately need in Phase 6 of the MCU.

8 Carol Danvers’ Captain Marvel

Carol Danvers Debuted In The MCU In Captain Marvel (2019)

Brie Larson introduced audiences to Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel (2019), revealing her connection to the Space Stone and establishing her as one of the MCU’s mightiest defenders. Her pivotal role in Avengers: Endgame showcased her potential, yet she has experienced a marked absence since then. Larson has faced undue backlash largely due to her portrayal as Marvel’s first female lead hero, an issue that has sadly persisted throughout the Multiverse Saga.

While Larson’s return in Avengers: Doomsday remains uncertain, her relationships with Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau in The Marvels suggest her inclusion in Phase 6 makes narrative sense. Unfortunately, despite audience approval, The Marvels underperformed at the box office, casting doubt on Danvers’ trajectory in future narratives. Given her status as a powerhouse in the Marvel franchise, it’s time for Captain Marvel to reclaim her deserved spotlight.

7 Scott Lang’s Ant-Man

Scott Lang Debuted In The MCU In Ant-Man (2015)

Scott Lang, portrayed by Paul Rudd, has been a crowd favorite since his debut in Ant-Man (2015). While his movies often provided comedic relief following more intense films, 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania didn’t resonate well with fans or critics alike. Thankfully, Rudd is confirmed for a return in Avengers: Doomsday, presenting a chance for Ant-Man to return to his roots after the missteps of his last outing.

The character has garnered significant popularity throughout the years, making it all the more disappointing when Quantumania failed to recapture the charm of his initial appearances. The upcoming crossover movies hold promise for a fresh perspective on Ant-Man, especially since potential changes to his personal connections may occur, particularly with Hope van Dyne due to Evangeline Lilly’s reported retirement plans. With a deeper understanding of the multiverse, Scott Lang is poised to play a vital role in the unfolding narrative of Doomsday.

6 Bruce Banner’s Hulk

Bruce Banner Debuted In The MCU In The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Since Bruce Banner’s introduction in The Incredible Hulk (2008), the character of Hulk has seen a complex evolution. While Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal has been central to the MCU narrative, the character has undergone a “nerfing” effect—diminishing in power over time. From a fearsome force in the original films to the comparatively subdued Smart Hulk seen in Avengers: Endgame and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, fans hope to see a return to form.

Fans are eager to see Hulk return to his primal roots in Avengers: Doomsday and beyond. With no solo film on the horizon for Ruffalo’s Banner, it’s crucial for his character to receive impactful development in these upcoming crossovers. Phase 4 arguably overlooked Hulk’s full potential, so fans are ready to witness him reclaim his status as a formidable Avenger in Phase 6.

5 Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk

Jennifer Walters Debuted In The MCU In She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (2022)

Similarly to Hulk, Jennifer Walters, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, did not receive the spotlight she deserved in her debut series, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Introduced in 2022, She-Hulk is one of the most innovative superheroes brought into the MCU, yet her launch was marred by subpar visual effects and a lack of focus on her character’s depth. With recent improvements in Marvel’s visual effects processes, there’s real hope for a more compelling narrative in Avengers: Doomsday.

Speculation surrounds Maslany’s participation in the upcoming film, fueled by rumored concept art and potential scheduling conflicts, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. It would be refreshing to see Jennifer Walters embrace her serious side amid the action and drama of Doomsday, possibly teaming up with Bruce Banner against villains like Doctor Doom, which would increase the stakes for both characters and reinvigorate their dynamic.

4 Thor

Thor Debuted In The MCU In Thor (2011)

One of the MCU’s premier heroes, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, has had an evolution of character that remains unsettled. While his initial portrayal in the 2011 film and subsequent appearances was more serious, Thor: Ragnarok shifted to a comedic tone that was well-received. However, Thor: Love and Thunder veered too far into humor, neglecting Thor’s emotional journey established during Infinity War and Endgame.

The response to Thor: Love and Thunder indicated a desire for a more balanced representation of the character. Hemsworth was among the first cast members confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, suggesting a narrative pivot that will honor Thor’s complexities. The conclusion of Love and Thunder, which saw Thor take on a protector role for Gorr’s resurrected daughter, has set the stage for a heartfelt return that could mend the missteps of his previous outings.

3 Nick Fury

Nick Fury Debuted In The MCU In Iron Man (2008)

Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Nick Fury has been integral to the MCU since Iron Man (2008). The recent Secret Invasion series had the earmarks of an epic story arc but ultimately fell flat, failing to capture the thrilling essence of the comic storyline. The linear and subdued narrative did little to advance Fury’s character, leaving fans craving a resurgence.

As someone who helped establish the Avengers initiative, Fury’s return in Avengers: Doomsday could reinstate his position as a vital figure in the MCU. An impactful story that showcases Fury’s leadership and capabilities would not only benefit the character but also enhance the overall momentum of Phase 6.

2 Wanda Maximoff’s Scarlet Witch

Wanda Maximoff Debuted In The MCU In Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Though Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, seemingly met a tragic end in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), speculation continues around her potential return in future MCU narratives. As one of the franchise’s mightiest characters, Wanda’s evolution from antagonist to hero deserves exploration.

Elizabeth Olsen will lend her voice to a zombified version of Scarlet Witch in the new Marvel Zombies series set to release in 2025, but fans are eager for her return in live-action. Given the impending revival of her comic backstory as Magneto’s daughter, the possibility of reuniting with her cinematic brother, coupled with interconnections involving Ian McKellen, could pave the way for her redemption as a hero once more.

1 Eternals

The Eternals Debuted In The MCU In Eternals (2021)

The Eternals, introduced in the 2021 film of the same name, received a mixed reaction upon release but have been subject to a reevaluation over time. However, their low critical rating may have prompted Marvel to sideline these celestial beings from future story arcs. As it stands, the Eternals have only resurfaced in the animated series What If…?, leaving their potential in live-action untapped.

For Marvel Studios to overlook the Eternals would be a grave mistake, especially considering their vast potential for expansion into intergalactic conflicts. The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars might usher in a new era for the Eternals, tying them into the greater Marvel lore while providing significant character development for each member. This could potentially lay the groundwork for future Eternals narratives and a sequel championing cosmic story arcs.

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