The Marvel Cinematic Universe: A Missed Opportunity for Some Characters
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has had a mixed track record when it comes to adapting comic book characters. While some have been brought to life with great success, others have been underused or poorly represented. With the possibility of a major reset following the end of the Multiverse Saga and the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars film, there’s an opportunity to revisit these characters and give them the proper attention they deserve.
Pietro Maximoff Died Too Soon
When Pietro Maximoff, also known as Quicksilver, first appeared in the post-credit scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, fans were excited about the potential of the twins joining the Avengers. However, Pietro’s story took a tragic turn in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where he died in the final act. His death was one of the earliest “mindscrews” in the MCU, but now, with the possibility of an X-Men storyline, Quicksilver could return and be given a more significant role. His connection to the Homo Superior in the comics makes him a valuable addition to any future project.
Malekith Appeared Too Early
Malekith the Accursed, one of Thor’s most formidable villains in the comics, made his debut in Thor: The Dark World. However, his portrayal in the film was lackluster, making him forgettable. In the comics, Malekith is a complex character with a tragic backstory and a high-stakes quest to conquer the Nine Realms. Now that the MCU has evolved, it might be the perfect time to bring him back and give him the depth he deserves.
The Mandarin Got Lost In The Mix
The introduction of the Mandarin in Iron Man 3 was met with excitement, but it turned out that Ben Kingsley’s character was not the real Mandarin. It wasn’t until Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings that Wenwu was revealed as the true Mandarin. However, this revelation came too late and didn’t add much to the overall narrative. If the MCU plans to reboot its storytelling, the Mandarin’s story could be revisited and properly developed.
Taskmaster Was Doomed From the Beginning
Taskmaster, a character with a rich history in the comics, was portrayed in the MCU as a mindless minion rather than the skilled fighter he is in the source material. The decision to gender-bend the character and reduce his role to a secondary figure was disappointing. If the MCU is planning a reset, Taskmaster could be reintroduced with a more accurate backstory and a stronger presence in the narrative.
Mar-Vell Is A Very Complex Figure in the Comics
In Captain Marvel, the MCU reimagined Mar-Vell as Carol Danvers’ mentor, which was a departure from the original comics. In the comics, Mar-Vell was a male Kree warrior torn between his alien heritage and human values. The MCU version, while well-acted by Annette Bening, didn’t fully capture the complexity of the character. If the MCU is looking for a new hero to lead its future, Mar-Vell could be the perfect choice.
Trish Walker’s Story Isn’t Over
Trish Walker, also known as Hellcat, was introduced in Jessica Jones as a close friend to the protagonist. Her journey into becoming a vigilante and her struggles with addiction and mental health were compelling. With Daredevil: Born Again on the horizon, there’s an opportunity to bring Trish back and explore her redemption arc. Her story could be a powerful addition to the MCU.
Fans Have Basically Forgotten About Doc Samson
Doc Samson, a key ally of the Hulk in the comics, was reduced to a secondary character in The Incredible Hulk. Despite being a significant part of the Hulk’s story, he was overshadowed by other characters. With the MCU reintroducing several characters from the film, including Betty Ross and the Leader, it’s time to bring Doc Samson back for a cameo that highlights his importance.
Mantis Is The Celestial Madonna in Comics
Mantis, a beloved member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, has been underutilized in the MCU. In the comics, she is a powerful empath with a cosmic destiny. The films have often treated her as a comedic relief character rather than the serious figure she is in the source material. If the MCU continues to expand, Mantis should be given a more meaningful role that reflects her true potential.
Gorr Didn’t Kill Any Gods In The Movie
Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale, was introduced in Thor: Love & Thunder as a formidable villain. However, his story felt incomplete, and he didn’t live up to the expectations set by the comics. If the MCU is planning a reset, Gorr could be reworked into a more dangerous and impactful villain, reclaiming his title as Thor’s darkest nemesis.
Hulk’s True Emotional Core Needs Exploring
Bruce Banner’s journey in the MCU has been inconsistent, with his emotional core often overlooked. The last time fans saw Hulk in his full glory was in Thor: Ragnarok. Since then, the focus has shifted to Smart Hulk, which doesn’t fully explore the trauma and rage that define the character. If the MCU is resetting its approach, a film that delves into Bruce Banner’s inner struggles would be a welcome addition.
