10 Marvel Characters The MCU Introduced And Then Never Properly Used

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a treasure trove of iconic characters and engaging stories. However, it’s also known for wasting potential by introducing fascinating characters only to underutilize or abandon them altogether. While the MCU thrives on its strong character-driven narratives and stellar casting, its track record with character development isn’t spotless. From promising heroes to compelling villains, many figures have been sidelined or squandered, leaving fans lamenting their missed opportunities.

A recurring issue in the MCU is its handling of villains, often killing them off after a single movie without exploring their potential. Post-Avengers: Endgame, the problem extends to newly introduced heroes, with many left in limbo for years. This article examines ten such characters whose potential remains untapped.

1. Ultron (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

Ultron, the homicidal AI villain introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron, had all the makings of a legendary antagonist. Voiced masterfully by James Spader, Ultron combined cold intellect and delusional grandeur, posing one of the gravest threats to the Avengers. Despite his immense potential as a recurring villain, Ultron was defeated by Vision in the same film he debuted.

In the comics, Ultron is a multi-movie level threat akin to Thanos, returning time and again to challenge Earth’s mightiest heroes. The MCU missed a golden opportunity to make him a more persistent force. Fans hope his rumored return in the upcoming Vision Quest series might finally do justice to this iconic villain.

2. Quicksilver (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

Pietro Maximoff, aka Quicksilver, was another casualty of Age of Ultron. Introduced as a speedster enhanced by the Mind Stone, Pietro brought energy and potential to the MCU. However, his heroic sacrifice—saving Hawkeye and a child—cut his story tragically short.

The X-Men franchise showcased the thrilling possibilities of Quicksilver’s powers through memorable slow-motion sequences. The MCU, on the other hand, teased fans with a fake-out in WandaVision, reintroducing a version of Quicksilver only to turn it into a joke. Given Wanda Maximoff’s central role in the MCU, Pietro’s absence feels like a glaring omission.

3. Shang-Chi (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

Shang-Chi brought martial arts flair and rich cultural representation to the MCU in 2021. After confronting his father and defeating the Dweller-in-Darkness, Shang-Chi seemed poised for a significant role in the Avengers, as hinted in the film’s post-credits scene.

However, over three years have passed without a proper follow-up to his story. Comparisons to Black Panther highlight the disparity—T’Challa quickly became a central figure in the MCU, while Shang-Chi has been left on the sidelines. Fans eagerly await his return, hoping for a meaningful crossover appearance.

4. Doctor Samuel Sterns (The Incredible Hulk)

Introduced in The Incredible Hulk (2008), Dr. Samuel Sterns had a tantalizing setup as the gamma-irradiated genius destined to become The Leader, a classic Hulk villain. Yet, more than 15 years later, this plotline remains unresolved.

Sterns’ upcoming return in Captain America: Brave New World has reignited hope, but with a crowded roster of villains, it’s uncertain if he’ll receive the spotlight he deserves. The Leader’s potential as a mastermind adversary remains a sorely missed opportunity in the MCU’s Hulk narrative.

5. The Scorpion (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

Mac Gargan, aka The Scorpion, was teased in the post-credits scene of Spider-Man: Homecoming, portrayed by Michael Mando. The scene set the stage for a potential showdown between Spider-Man and Scorpion, a classic foe from the comics.

Yet, two Spider-Man sequels have come and gone without Gargan making a return. His absence is puzzling, especially given the focus on Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery. Fans are left wondering why the MCU introduced such a promising villain only to leave him on the bench.

6. Jane Foster (Thor: Love and Thunder)

Jane Foster’s transformation into The Mighty Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder was a highlight of the film. Wielding a reforged Mjölnir, she brought emotional depth and epic heroism to the story.

However, Jane’s journey was cut short when she succumbed to cancer, leaving her legacy as The Mighty Thor tragically brief. With Thor off-world, Jane could have been a fitting replacement as Earth’s Thor-like protector. Her premature exit leaves a void that the MCU hasn’t addressed.

7. Ulysses Klaue (Black Panther)

Andy Serkis’ Ulysses Klaue was a delightfully chaotic villain in Black Panther. As a Vibranium thief with a bionic arm, Klaue had both charm and menace, making him one of the MCU’s more memorable minor villains.

Despite his potential, Klaue was killed off by Killmonger, ending his story prematurely. In the comics, Klaue is resurrected as a sound-based villain, playing a pivotal role in major storylines like Secret Wars. The MCU’s decision to discard him feels like a missed chance to expand on a unique and compelling character.

8. The Warriors Three (Thor)

Thor’s loyal companions—Hogun, Fandral, and Volstagg—had potential as Asgardian heroes, each with distinct personalities and fighting styles. Despite appearing in the first two Thor films, their roles were underdeveloped.

In Thor: Ragnarok, the Warriors Three were swiftly killed by Hela without fanfare. Their deaths robbed the MCU of a chance to explore their camaraderie with Thor in greater depth. A buddy-cop-style adventure featuring the Warriors Three and Thor remains an intriguing “what if.”

9. Goliath (Ant-Man and the Wasp)

Laurence Fishburne’s Bill Foster, a former colleague of Hank Pym, briefly appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Known in the comics as Goliath, Foster has a history of using Pym Particles to become a giant-sized hero.

While the MCU acknowledged his past experiments, it stopped short of showcasing him as an active superhero. Given the potential for older heroes to play significant roles (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania featured Hank Pym in action), Goliath’s sidelining feels like a missed opportunity.

10. The Eternals (Eternals)

The MCU introduced an entire ensemble of immortal superheroes in Eternals. With ties to cosmic entities like Arishem the Judge, the Eternals added depth to the MCU’s mythology. However, their absence in subsequent projects has been glaring.

Despite the mixed reception to their debut, the Eternals’ importance to the MCU’s larger narrative warrants a return. Their unique powers and lore make them too significant to leave in obscurity, especially as the multiverse saga unfolds.

Conclusion

The MCU’s vast roster of characters is both its greatest strength and its Achilles’ heel. While some figures become iconic, others are relegated to the sidelines or cut short before reaching their full potential. As Marvel Studios continues to expand its universe, revisiting these overlooked characters could enrich the MCU and delight fans.

Source: Screen Rant