The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has showcased a remarkable array of characters as it prepares for the release of Avengers: Doomsday. However, it’s surprising to note that one character, potentially the most powerful among them, has only been seen in a brief scene and has not played a more significant role in the franchise. While a selection of formidable Avengers have been confirmed for the upcoming film, others remain conspicuously absent, including a unique hero who made a peculiar cameo in a Marvel series yet has faded from the narrative ever since.
The ensemble cast for Avengers: Doomsday is impressive, featuring noteworthy names from the X-Men, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, and the Avengers. On the flip side, numerous characters are missing from this installment, which raises eyebrows. Although it wasn’t realistic to expect every Marvel character to appear, I anticipated more members of the upcoming Young Avengers, hinted at in The Marvels, to be involved, especially considering one character’s unusual introduction back in 2022.
The MCU Introduced Skaar 3 Years Ago—but Has Not Utilized the Character Since
His Introduction in the Finale of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Skaar, the son of Hulk, made his debut in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, appearing at a family barbecue. This significant yet understated introduction showcased Skaar, who shares his father’s giant green facade, in a single scene—and he has not reentered the MCU narrative since. Even as the Hulk narrative expands in Captain America: Brave New World with the addition of Red Hulk and the return of Betty Ross, the absence of Skaar from discussions remains glaring.
Speculations regarding an impending World War Hulk film have circulated, but this plot line has yet to be explicitly referenced in the Marvel films, relying mainly on comic lore for context.
Skaar’s narrative within the MCU presents a tangled web. While She-Hulk hinted at connections to the planet Skaar, where Bruce encountered during Thor: Ragnarok, the series has not explored key details of Hulk’s lineage or the circumstances surrounding Skaar’s conception. Despite the buildup and tantalizing connections to the comics, concrete information remains elusive.
Skaar’s Unique Comic Book Powers Render His Barbecue Introduction puzzling
Skaar’s Exceptional Abilities
In the Marvel comics, while Hulk is Skaar’s father, it is from his mother that he gains an intriguing array of additional powers. Skaar not only resembles Hulk in appearance and strength but also shares similar regenerative abilities that escalate with his rage. Uniquely, he inherits something known as The Old Power from his mother, Caeira—a member of Sakaar’s Shadow People who is also a wielder of this formidable energy.
This ancient power allows Skaar to connect with the history of his home planet, enabling him to manipulate rock, stone, and lava. These skills are prominently featured in his comic narratives, both on Sakaar and Earth. Consequently, it feels anticlimactic that Skaar’s MCU introduction was relegated to a barbecue scene, devoid of dialogue or any demonstration of his formidable abilities, leading to questions about his future in the franchise.
Potential Opportunities for Skaar’s Return in the MCU
Skaar as a Potential Young Avenger
Despite Skaar’s absence from the MCU since 2022, there is still hope for his return. Numerous characters introduced throughout the Multiverse Saga have had limited appearances thus far. For instance, America Chavez from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has yet to appear in another live-action feature, while Cassie Lang hasn’t been seen since Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Nonetheless, both are strong candidates for a future Young Avengers project.
This trajectory could also apply to Skaar, whose potential inclusion in the Young Avengers would position him alongside characters like Wiccan, Kate Bishop, and Ms. Marvel, fulfilling a crucial role within the team. His raw strength, coupled with unique abilities, could elevate the dynamics of the group, particularly if his Old Power is utilized in action sequences, showcasing a distinct side of the Hulk legacy.
The way Skaar was introduced in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law leaves much to be desired, but there is optimism surrounding the character’s prospective development within the MCU. With such intriguing powers and ties to an alien world, Skaar could present fresh storytelling opportunities. It is vital that he finds a place within the ranks of the Young Avengers and plays a significant role in the franchise’s future.