Where Are They? 8 Marvel Heroes Who Need to Pop Into the MCU ASAP

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand with each new movie. The latest entry in the MCU franchise, Thunderbolts*, is but one prime example of Marvel slowly transitioning its comics roster onto the big screen. Sentry was just introduced as Marvel’s strongest hero, instantly shifting the scale of the in-universe power rankings.

The best part about these new inclusions is that there is still plenty of room for growth, as far as Marvel’s history is concerned. As a comic book publisher, Marvel has existed since 1939, meaning that the company carries with it 86 years’ worth of history. In that history comes an endless array of characters who are all ripe for adaptation. There is always discussion about which storylines the MCU should adapt as a motion picture, but there are numerous characters who are just as deserving of making a live-action debut.

8

The MCU Still Needs to Bring the Norrin Radd Version of The Silver Surfer

First Marvel Appearance: Fantastic Four #48 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott, and Artie Simek

Technically, the Silver Surfer is about to enter the MCU, but it wouldn’t be the original version as he first appeared in the Marvel Universe. Fantastic Four: First Steps will include Shalla-Bal, the female version of The Silver Surfer. A connection to the Human Torch may explain why the MCU’s Silver Surfer will be a woman. While it is all well and dandy for any version of Silver Surfer to reach the big-screen, it’s disappointing that the Marvel Cinematic Universe won’t be starting with the first Silver Surfer, Norrin Radd.

It’s understandable, considering that movie audiences already saw Norrin on the big-screen for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. The creative decision to replace him with Shallah-Bal helps freshen things up, but it also deprives audiences of seeing a more faithful adaptation of the character for the MCU. That said, Shallah-Bal’s debut could open the door for Norrin’s introduction.

7

Squirrel Should Actually Be in the MCU Already

First Marvel Appearance: Marvel Super-Heroes #8 by Will Murray and Steve Ditko

Believe it or not, Squirrel Girl came the closest to making her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut and, for things considered, probably should be in the MCU by now. In 2017, Marvel filmed a television pilot episode for New Warriors, which would have featured Milana Vayntrub as Squirrel Girl. The show was scrapped entirely during production. Plans to incorporate Squirrel Girl into the MCU were also scrapped as a result. The character of Doreen Green has produced a cult following over the past decade, thanks largely to Ryan North’s Unbeatable Squirrel Girl series.

With a large fanbase comes the potential of crossover appeal. Anyone who loved the series and fell in love with the character would eagerly want to see any movie selling itself as the official debut of Squirrel Girl. It would be a shame for Marvel to waste that potential by discarding plans to manifest her first MCU appearance completely.

6

Beta Ray Bill

First Marvel Appearance: The Mighty Thor #337 by Walt Simonson

Truth be told, Beta Ray Bill was already teased in the MCU thanks to a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo in Thor: Ragnarök where his sculpture appears. Yet, in the eight years since Ragnarök hit theaters, Beta Ray Bill has not actually appeared in the flesh, which is a shame considering he remains one of the most prominent characters in Thor lore. He’s a noble alien who proved himself worthy of lifting Mjölnir, as well as earning The Mighty Thor’s respect as both a colleague and friend. To this day, Thor can depend on Bill, hence why he’s in the Thor Corps.

In the comics, Beta Ray Bill’s place in the Marvel Universe largely because of the message it evoked that the purest forms of heroism could come from the most unexpected places and people. Such a wholesome message is perfect for the family-friendly Marvel Cinematic Universe.

5

Black Cat May Make Her MCU Debut Soon Enough

First Marvel Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #194 by Marv Wolfman and Dave Cockrum

There has been speculation that Black Cat could finally be making her introduction into the MCU via Spider-Man: Brand New Day. However, as exciting of a prospect as that is, it is indeed merely rumor and speculation as fans continue to debate what mystery role Sadie Sink has been cast in. While readers have their opinions about who Sink should and shouldn’t play, and the jury is out on if Felicia Hardy is the right part for her to play, Black Cat is certainly the right character to be up for MCU consideration.

Despite never making a live-action appearance, Black Cat’s role in the comics continues to elevate, having successfully transitioned from thief to hero. Because the MCU is overdue with bringing in Black Cat, they are going to have to do some serious catching up with the character development she’s achieved over the past couple of decades.

4

The MCU is Overdue to Bring Nova to the Big Screen

First Marvel Appearance: Fantastic Four #164 by Roy Thomas and George Pérez

While the Nova Corps first appear in Guardians of the Galaxy, the MCU has yet to depict the first Nova, Richard Rider. Knowing that Nova has been teased in name already makes it all the more surprising that Nova himself has yet to make an MCU appearance. By contrast, Nova is one of the most important characters in the Marvel Universe, having been a frontman for the Guardians of the Galaxy and having saved the world during the Annihilation event. Nova is more than ready for the MCU.

There have been plans for a Nova television show in the past, but after about three years, those plans seem to fluctuate between being on and off. Whenever Nova does finally enter the MCU, fans will be elated to see the long-awaited hero’s debut. That goes for any version of Nova, though, still, Rider be the ideal choice for the mantle onscreen.

3

Spider-Woman Expands the Spider-Verse

First Marvel Appearance: Marvel Spotlight #32 by Archie Goodwin and Marie Severin

Jessica Drew has always been an unconventional member of the Spider-Family. She received her powers differently from the rest of the Spider-Family, as her mother was struck with a beam of radiation that was laced with the DNA of spiders, allowing Jessica to be born with her superhuman abilities. Not only that, but she’s spent a large portion of her superhero career as a super-spy working with SHIELD. That being said, it is the fact that she is so different from other spider-based heroes that she remains such an enduring part of the Spider-Man franchise.

Much like with Black Cat, bringing Spider-Woman into the MCU truly helps set Peter Parker on an all-new, all-different path from that seen in the Home trilogy. She would be entering the MCU connected not only to Spider-Man and SHIELD, but to HYDRA as she was once brainwashed into joining them.

2

Blue Marvel Allows the MCU Another Opportunity to Tackle Race

First Marvel Appearance: Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel #1 by Kevin Grevioux and Mat Broome

With the introduction of The Fantastic Four into the MCU, audiences have assumed that Mister Fantastic’s debut will mean that Marvel finally has someone who is canonically the smartest hero finally onboard its cinematic roster. Little do most audiences know is that one of the few geniuses close to Reed Richards as far as intelligence is Blue Marvel. He’s not smarter than Reed, but he comes closer than most as Marvel’s smartest characters. Beyond adding more geniuses to the MCU, Adam Brashear’s origins allow new opportunities to cover complex topics like race in new and interesting ways.

Originally, his face was shielded from the world, and when his mask was torn, revealing his skin color, President John F. Kennedy asked him to take a step back because he didn’t deem America ready for a Black superhero. MCU’s last in-depth analysis of race was with Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

1

Bringing Angela into the MCU Would Be Tricky, But Worthwhile

Age of Ultron #10 by Brian Michael Bendis and Several Artists

What’s interesting about Angela, a Hellspawn hunter, is that she was not originally intended as a Marvel character. She debuted for Image Comics, where she was a recurring character for Spawn after being created by Neil Gaiman and Todd McFarlane. The two creators eventually became engulfed in a legal battle over the rights of Angela, a battle which Gaiman won. The controversial Miracleman writer would eventually opt to sell those same rights to Marvel, where she was rechristened as Thor’s sister. It’s revealed that she was secretly Odin and Freya’s long-lost daughter, rebranding her for modern times.

It’s unclear if legal complexities allow Angela to appear onscreen, but if so, it would be a worthwhile endeavor for Marvel. Following Thor: Love and Thunder’s mixed reception, the title character is in need of a fresh start. A biological hero he views as an equal could refresh the Marvel hero.

“}]] The MCU needs these Marvel heroes.  Read More