As excitement builds for Avengers: Doomsday, one notable character from Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) remains absent from the initial cast announcement—G’iah. Announced at the end of March, Marvel Studios revealed the first 27 actors returning to reprise their roles, featuring beloved members of the Avengers, the Thunderbolts, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. Together, these heroes are poised to confront Robert Downey Jr.’s version of Doctor Doom. Yet, I find myself hoping for a broader roster, particularly one character that may have slipped your mind from Phase 5.
The initial cast lineup for Avengers: Doomsday took many by surprise, especially with the inclusion of iconic X-Men actors like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, and Rebecca Romijn. There’s also significant anticipation surrounding the returns of Namor, Shang-Chi, and Thor. However, I remain puzzled by the omission of several talented Marvel actors. Notably, one character—aside from prominent figures like Mark Ruffalo, Brie Larson, and Elizabeth Olsen—could make a compelling addition to the film’s narrative and would be an invaluable asset in the battle against Doctor Doom.
Why G’iah Is One Of My Favorite New MCU Characters
Emilia Clarke’s Impressive Portrayal of G’iah in Secret Invasion
While Secret Invasion may not have resonated well with audiences, it introduced several captivating elements. Samuel L. Jackson’s return as Nick Fury was expected, but it was Emilia Clarke’s G’iah who truly shone throughout the series. G’iah began as Talos’ daughter entwined in Gravik’s Skrull insurrection, but by the series’ conclusion, she ascended to the formidable role of Super Skrull, acquiring powers from a wide array of characters through the Harvest process.
| Harvest DNA Sample | Debut Project | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Banner’s Hulk | The Incredible Hulk | 2008 |
| Emil Blonsky’s Abomination | The Incredible Hulk | 2008 |
| Thor | Thor | 2011 |
| Frost Beast | Thor | 2011 |
| Steve Rogers’ Captain America | Captain America: The First Avenger | 2011 |
| Bucky Barnes’ Winter Soldier | Captain America: The First Avenger | 2011 |
| Chitauri | The Avengers | 2012 |
| Thanos | The Avengers | 2012 |
| Extremis | Iron Man 3 | 2013 |
| Gamora | Guardians of the Galaxy | 2014 |
| Groot | Guardians of the Galaxy | 2014 |
| Drax the Destroyer | Guardians of the Galaxy | 2014 |
| T’Challa’s Black Panther | Captain America: Civil War | 2016 |
| Mantis | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 | 2017 |
| Brunnhilde’s Valkyrie | Thor: Ragnarok | 2017 |
| Korg | Thor: Ragnarok | 2017 |
| Ebony Maw | Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 |
| Proxima Midnight | Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 |
| Corvus Glaive | Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 |
| Cull Obsidian | Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 |
| Outriders | Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 |
| Ava Starr’s Ghost | Ant-Man and the Wasp | 2018 |
| Carol Danvers’ Captain Marvel | Captain Marvel | 2019 |
Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of G’iah was captivating, bringing a blend of intensity and charisma that consistently drew attention. With her global fame stemming from her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones, it feels like a missed opportunity for Marvel Studios to overlook her potential after Secret Invasion. Currently, there’s been no indication of her return for future MCU projects, heightening concerns about the trajectory of G’iah.
Marvel Studios’ Shift Away from Secret Invasion’s Narrative
The Neglect of Secret Invasion’s Storyline
Sadly, G’iah’s fate might be linked to the underwhelming reception of Secret Invasion, as Marvel Studios seems to have disassociated itself from the series’ events. The show set the stage for significant new story arcs within the MCU, yet these threads have not been revisited. For instance, Nick Fury’s character evolution was notably absent from discussions in 2023’s The Marvels, and the crucial Skrull rebellion was ignored despite its potential significance. This trend continued with 2025’s Captain America: Brave New World, further evidencing Marvel’s amnesia regarding previous narratives.
At the conclusion of Secret Invasion, Dermot Mulroney’s President Ritson initiated an open war against extraterrestrials, which held promise for an intriguing new conflict within the MCU. However, within Brave New World, Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford, was appointed President—a development completely void of any reference to Ritson’s declared war. This oversight leaves the narrative of Secret Invasion in ruins, raising fears that G’iah, last seen negotiating with Olivia Colman’s compelling Sonya Falsworth, will also fade into obscurity.
The Ideal Opportunity for G’iah’s Return in Avengers: Doomsday
Potential for G’iah’s Comeback in Avengers: Doomsday
There’s a strong possibility that Doctor Doom might target G’iah in Avengers: Doomsday, aiming to harness her unique powers. This narrative twist could push Doctor Doom to unprecedented levels of strength, enabling him to construct Battleworld and proclaim himself as “God Emperor,”a storyline reminiscent of Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars in 2015. Emilia Clarke deserves much more than to be relegated to the shadows of failed series; the crossover potential presented in Avengers: Doomsday could serve as the perfect platform for her character’s resurgence.
- Emilia Clarke’s G’iah holds immense potential for character development and storytelling.
- Doctor Doom’s quest for dominance could seamlessly intertwine with G’iah’s narrative.
- Avengers: Doomsday must embrace the full potential of its diverse character roster.