If You’re An MCU Fan, These 10 Marvel Heroes Need To Be On Your Radar

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, introducing new characters and adapting beloved comic storylines with each installment. As the MCU moves beyond the Infinity Saga and well into the Multiverse Saga, a fresh roster of heroes is poised to make their mark on the big screen.

For avid Marvel Comics fans, understanding who these characters are and their comic book origins can offer exciting insights into the MCU’s future, giving hints as to what can be expected on the big screen.

From powerful cosmic beings to youngsters with untapped potential, these upcoming heroes promise to bring new dynamics, challenges, and incredible powers to the cinematic universe, shaping its next epic chapters. Prepare to get acquainted with the faces that will soon be coming to live-action.

1

Reed Richards

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1 By Stan Lee And Jack Kirby

As the brilliant leader of The Fantastic Four, Reed Richards is one of the most intelligent minds in the Marvel Universe, often considered the smartest man on Earth. His powers of elasticity allow him to stretch and reshape his body into virtually any form, making him incredibly versatile in combat and exploration. Beyond his physical abilities, Reed’s scientific knowledge is unparalleled, allowing him to invent groundbreaking technologies and solve complex cosmic problems. Reed is often at the forefront of major scientific breakthroughs and discoveries that impact the entire Marvel cosmos.

Reed’s upcoming introduction to the MCU in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to be a cornerstone for the franchise’s future. His genius will likely make him a key figure in combating and addressing multiversal threats and scientific conundrums that no other hero can; not even Bruce Banner. His dynamic with the other members of The Fantastic Four, Sue, Johnny, and Ben, will also be crucial, as their bond is as foundational to their heroism as their powers are, offering a different kind of team dynamic than previously seen in the MCU.

2

Sue Storm

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1 By Stan Lee And Jack Kirby

Susan Storm, the Invisible Woman, is often understated in her power, but she is undoubtedly one of Marvel’s most impressive heroes. Her ability to make herself and others invisible, coupled with her power to generate incredibly strong force fields, makes her both a defensive and offensive strength to her team and the larger Marvel Universe. Her force fields can be used for protection, as platforms, or even as weapons, allowing her to create blunt force trauma, exert pressure, or generate blasts, making her powers far more dynamic than mere invisibility suggests.

Her role in the MCU’s Fantastic Four will be vital, not just as a powerhouse, but as the emotional anchor of the team. Sue’s compassion and leadership qualities often balance Reed’s sometimes distracted scientific pursuits and Johnny’s impulsiveness, making her the glue that holds Marvel’s First Family together. With the introduction of The Fantastic Four to the MCU, her abilities will undoubtedly be brought to life in spectacular fashion, leaving no questions as to why she is an indispensable member of the team and a force to be reckoned with.

3

Johnny Storm

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1 By Stan Lee And Jack Kirby

Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, is the fiery, hot-headed younger brother of Sue Storm. His powers allow him to engulf his entire body in flames, fly at high speeds, absorb fire without harm, and project fiery bursts and nova flames with massive destructive potential. His catchphrase, “Flame On!”, is an iconic symbol of his excitement and boundless energy. While often playful and impulsive, Johnny has a strong sense of justice and fiercely protects his family and friends with a deep loyalty beneath his flashy exterior.

The MCU’s interpretation of Johnny is expected to bring a much-needed sense of youthful energy and comedic relief, while also developing his heroic journey and overall growth. His powers will likely be a showstopper, perfect for the big screen, and his personality will undoubtedly create entertaining interactions with the more serious members of The Fantastic Four and eventually other MCU heroes. As part of a foundational team, Johnny’s growth from a brash teenager to a seasoned hero will be an exciting arc to witness.

4

Ben Grimm

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1 By Stan Lee And Jack Kirby

Ben Grimm, famously known as The Thing, is the heart and soul of The Fantastic Four. Transformed into a monstrous, rock-skinned giant, Ben possesses incredible superhuman strength, durability, and resilience, making him virtually indestructible. Despite his gruff exterior and constant complaints about his unfortunate appearance, Ben is deeply compassionate and loyal, often struggling with his monstrous form but always stepping up to protect those he cares about, especially his family.

His emotional depth and physical power will make him a fan favorite in the MCU. The visual effects for The Thing in trailers for First Steps have already been praised and showcase his brute strength in action. But it’s his inherent humanity and relatable struggle that will truly tug on heartstrings. Ben’s friendship with Johnny, his complex relationship with Reed, and his protectiveness over Sue will be key elements in establishing The Fantastic Four’s family dynamic and their place in the broader MCU landscape.

5

Simon Williams

First Appearance: Avengers #9 By Stan Lee, Don Heck And Jack Kirby

Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man, began his comic book journey as a villain, enhanced by Baron Zemo with ionic energy to infiltrate and destroy the Avengers. However, he quickly defected and became a hero, known for his unique ionic powers. His powers grant him superhuman strength, speed, durability, and even the ability to convert into a pure ionic energy form, making him virtually immortal. He also famously had a career as a Hollywood actor, adding a unique, celebrity dimension to his heroic life.

With a Wonder Man Disney+ series already confirmed and set for a December 2025 release, Simon Williams is poised to be a significant new addition to the MCU. His background as an actor can offer a satirical and meta-commentary on the nature of celebrity within the MCU itself. His complex history as both a misguided villain and a dedicated Avenger provides a rich depth for his character to explore, and can potentially connect Simon to existing or other upcoming MCU projects.

6

Robert Reynolds

First Appearance: The Sentry #1 By Paul Jenkins And Jae Lee

The Sentry, Robert Reynolds, is one of Marvel’s most powerful heroes with “the power of a million exploding suns.” However, his abilities come with a terrifying downside: the Void, a dark, destructive entity that is the opposite of his heroic persona and constantly threatens to overwhelm him. This internal struggle between light and darkness defines the Sentry, making him a tragic and compelling character whose very existence is a balance between salvation and destruction.

Sentry’s appearance and overwhelming positive reception in Thunderbolts* and becoming a member of the New Avengers is a huge signal of his future importance. His introduction dramatically shifted the power dynamics by bringing the full, overwhelming strength of the Void into the MCU. The potential of more of Bob’s internal battle with the Void already showed a deeply psychological and complex character arc, exploring themes of mental health and trauma.

7

Richard Rider

First Appearance: Nova #1 By Marv Wolfman And John Buscema

Richard Rider is a high school student from Queens who is suddenly chosen by the dying Xandarian Nova Centurion, Rhomann Dey, to inherit his powers and become the superhero known as Nova. As a member of the intergalactic Nova Corps, Richard has incredible powers derived from the Nova Force, including flight, superhuman strength, durability, and the ability to generate energy blasts. He often acts as Earth’s protector in cosmic conflicts, bridging the gap between street-level heroes and cosmic entities.

With the Nova Corps already established in Guardians of the Galaxy, the introduction of Richard Rider feels like a natural progression for the MCU’s cosmic side, especially with The Fantastic Four set to explore multiversal travel further. A Nova project has long been rumored, which could give a grounded human perspective to the vastness of space. His story has the potential to explore themes of responsibility, heroism on a galactic scale, and the legacy of fallen heroes.

8

Dane Whitman

First Appearance: Avengers #47 By Roy Thomas And George Tuska

Dane Whitman is the modern-day Black Knight, inheriting the cursed Ebony Blade from his ancestral line. While he doesn’t have inherent superpowers, the Ebony Blade gives him enhanced strength, invulnerability, and the ability to cut through almost any substance. However, the sword also carries a blood curse, tempting its wielder towards violence and madness. Dane’s constant struggle to control the blade’s dark influence defines his heroic journey, making him a complex figure torn between nobility and primal rage.

Dane Whitman, portrayed by Kit Harington, was introduced in Eternals with a significant tease of his future as the Black Knight. His connection to the mystical Ebony Blade opens up an entirely new magical corner of the MCU, distinct from Doctor Strange’s sorcery or Wanda Maximoff’s chaos magic. His struggle against the blade’s curse could possibly intertwine with other mystical characters like Blade or even delve into Arthurian legend within the Marvel Universe.

9

Hercules

First Appearance: Journey into Mystery Annual #1 By Stan Lee And Jack Kirby

Hercules, the Prince of Power and Olympian God of Strength, is one of Marvel’s oldest and most formidable characters, inspired by Greek mythology. Son of Zeus, Hercules carries god-like strength, invulnerability, and immortality, making him a powerful ally and a sometimes-reckless force of nature. He’s known for his jovial personality and love for battle, often acting as a foil or friendly rival to Thor, presenting a different brand of divine power and heroism.

Brett Goldstein’s surprise cameo as Hercules in the post-credits scene of Thor: Love and Thunder confirmed his arrival in the MCU. His presence signifies a deeper dive into the mythological pantheons beyond Asgard, potentially setting up conflicts or alliances with the Olympians. Hercules’ incredible strength and charismatic personality will make him a formidable addition to any team, and his rivalry with Thor promises exciting and humorous confrontations in future films or series.

10

Amadeus Cho

First Appearance: Incredible Hercules #112 By Greg Pak And Khoi Pham

Amadeus Cho is a brilliant Korean-American teenager, often called the seventh-smartest person in the world. He temporarily became the Totally Awesome Hulk after absorbing the gamma radiation from Bruce Banner, retaining his intellect while transforming into a powerful and sometimes impulsive creature. Unlike Banner, Cho embraces his Hulk form with enthusiasm, using his super-intelligence to wield his impressive strength, making him a unique iteration of the Hulk.

While not officially announced for live-action, the groundwork for Amadeus Cho exists in the MCU with characters like Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk. His introduction would add to the already growing roster of Young Avengers being assembled in the MCU, alongside Wiccan, Speed, Hawkeye, Stature, America Chavez, and Ms. Marvel. His genius intellect combined with incredible strength would make him an extremely versatile hero, and his existence could open doors to new scientific and super-team stories in the evolving MCU.

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