The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is renowned for its intricate storytelling and character continuity. However, it has also gained a reputation for introducing characters who vanish for extended periods, often leading to viewer frustration. The compelling interconnectedness of MCU films typically allows for character returns and long-term plot arcs, but not every character receives adequate attention or development after their introduction.
This is particularly disheartening for characters who either hold significant comic book legacies or have been heavily marketed. With the recent announcement of the cast for Avengers: Doomsday, fans are hopeful that some of their favorites, such as Shang-Chi, will make a comeback. Nonetheless, many impact players within the franchise continue to drift in cinematic limbo, overshadowed by other storylines.
10 Starfox
Eternals
The concluding moments of MCU films often unveil new characters who may not resurface for years. This phenomenon is exemplified by the introduction of Starfox in Eternals. He is an Eternal, originally from Titan, and is known as Thanos’ adopted brother. After renouncing Arishem’s dominion, he escapes to a life of rebellion with Pip the Troll. Despite being portrayed by superstar Harry Styles and his notable role in the cosmic lore of Marvel, Starfox has been sidelined along with other Eternals, raising concerns about his future in the franchise.
9 Skaar
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
The Hulk’s lore has often been obscured in the MCU, particularly due to the fragmented rights surrounding standalone Hulk films. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law offered a rare glimpse into this universe, culminating in the introduction of Skaar, Hulk’s half-alien son. Originating from Sakaar, Skaar is closely linked to major Hulk story arcs in the comics, yet he remains voiceless in the series. There is potential for his reintegration in the rumored Young Avengers team, which could revitalize interest in this character.
8 Leonard Samson
The Incredible Hulk
The turbulent history of standalone Hulk films has left many intriguing characters in the shadow. Particularly, Dr. Leonard Samson, a psychotherapist and Betty Ross’ love interest, has remained largely unutilized since his initial appearance. Portrayed by Ty Burrell, Samson’s character hints at a future as the supervillain Doc Samson after undergoing gamma exposure. Given the recent resurgence of characters from The Incredible Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World, fans are hopeful for a return of Samson in upcoming narratives.
7 Black Knight
Eternals
Dane Whitman, introduced in Eternals, has the potential for a rich character arc as Black Knight. Despite Kit Harrington’s strong portrayal, Dane’s promising journey has stalled since his initial appearance, creating a missed opportunity. The post-credits scene hints at a transformation, but ongoing production challenges for the Blade film suggest his path may be obstructed for the foreseeable future. Fans hope to see this character wield the Ebony Blade in the near future.
6 Madame B
Avengers: Age of Ultron
While some characters may enjoy a future within the MCU, others like Madame B seem relegated to obscurity. Introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron as the enigmatic figure behind Dreykov’s Black Widow program, her absence in subsequent narratives is glaring. Despite the opportunity for her character to resurface alongside Black Widow’s allies, Madame B remains a question mark within the MCU landscape. Future interactions with Yelena Belova, who has emerged in the recent MCU storyline, could reignite interest in her character.
5 Dr. Helen Cho
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Avengers: Age of Ultron introduced Dr. Helen Cho, a significant character in the male-dominated superhero landscape, yet her absence from future MCU films is notable. As a brilliant scientist pivotal in Ultron’s storyline, she is also the mother of prodigy Amadeus Cho, who has become a superhero in his own right. Given the increasing demands for diversity within MCU projects, an introduction of her son or further exploration of her character could prove beneficial and engaging to the audience.
4 W’Kabi
Black Panther
W’Kabi, portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya, is another compelling character from the Black Panther movie whose story arc is left unresolved. W’Kabi’s betrayal during the conflict against Killmonger and his absence in subsequent MCU entries highlights a significant gap in narrative continuity. With a storyline that could involve potential redemption or conflict, a return in future iterations of Black Panther could lend depth to both his character and the overarching plot.
3 Hercules
Thor: Love and Thunder
In Thor: Love and Thunder, the mythological landscape of the MCU expands dramatically with the introduction of Hercules, played by Brett Goldstein. The post-credits scene indicates a future conflict between him and Thor, tapping into their rich comic book history. Given Hercules’ long-standing role as a powerhouse in the Marvel narrative, his eventual clash with Thor could reinvigorate the MCU storyline and attract a new audience as well.
2 Scorpion
Spider-Man: Homecoming
One of the more frustrating narrative threads left dangling is the introduction of Scorpion, present in a post-credits scene from Spider-Man: Homecoming. The character, portrayed by Michael Mando, was intended to present a new threat following Vulture’s incarceration, yet his storyline has failed to progress in subsequent Spider-Man centric movies. As a fan-favorite villain, the lack of Scorpion’s involvement in the MCU is a missed chance for compelling storytelling.
1 Aaron Davis
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Amidst the intrigue of Spider-Man: Homecoming is Aaron Davis, a character played by the multifaceted Donald Glover. Recognized in the comics as the Prowler, Davis presents a unique tie to the greater Spider-Man universe and is also related to Miles Morales, a character who could introduce a wealth of new narratives. The absence of a fuller exploration of his character within the MCU creates a gap in the storytelling potential, especially considering Peter Parker’s current loneliness and the potential for new connections.
- MCU fans continue to hope for character developments and returns.
- The interconnected narrative style of Marvel often leaves some characters underdeveloped.