The Marvel Cinematic Universe spent a decade exploring the "Infinity Saga" that introduced heroes like Captain America and Iron Man as they battled against Thanos. With those stories ended the stage is set for a crop of new characters to join the MCU as the various franchises prepare to explore a new adapted saga.
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Fans of the MCU recently experienced WandaVision which helped tease the new direction of the shared universe that will be explored by upcoming films and Disney+ series. The series has given even more clues as to a few of the new characters that might be appearing in the next phases, which we'll be exploring further today.
10 Adam Warlock Was First Teased In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2
James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is expected to hit theaters in 2022, though not much has been released about the next entry in MCU's cosmic franchise. However, a post-credit scene from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 teased a powerful new addition to the MCU known as Adam Warlock that was created by the Sovereign.
In the comics, Adam Warlock was an incredibly powerful cosmic being who played a large role in the Infinity Gauntlet comic storyline that inspired the MCU's "Infinity Saga," so expect to see Adam Warlock make his full appearance soon.
9 Fans Have Been Hoping To See Beta Ray Bill In The Thor Franchise
The alien known as Beta Ray Bill is an ally of Thor who was given his own powerful enchanted hammer by Odin in the comics, and fans have been calling for his appearance in the MCU since Thor first hit theaters in 2011.
2017's Thor: Ragnarok featured a nod to the character as his visage was included along with other Marvel characters on the Tower of Champions on planet Sakaar, which could tease Beta Ray Bill's long-awaited debut in the upcoming Thor: Love And Thunder.
8 Captain Britain Could Be An Important Part Of The Multiversal MCU
The MCU has become known for teasing characters before they make their live-action debut, and fans have already seen two separate easter eggs that have teased Brian Braddock/Captain Britain, the superpowered guardian of the UK and the Omniverse.
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Avengers: Endgame saw a brief mention of a "Braddock" by Peggy Carter during the time heist, while Spider-Man: Far From Home mentioned the multiversal Earth-833, which was home to a Spider-themed Captain Britain. Given the multiversal nature of the next phase of the MCU, Captain Britain is a likely bet to help steer The Avengers across the Omniverse.
7 Namor The Sub-Mariner's Debut In The MCU Is Long Overdue
Namor the Sub-Mariner is both the King of Atlantis and one of Marvel's first mutants, though he hasn't made a live-action appearance despite his origins as one of the first superheroes to make an appearance in the comics.
The character's absence is partially due to the sale of Namor's movie rights to Universal during Marvel's bankruptcy in the 90s. Given the deals that have allowed Spider-Man and the Hulk to join the MCU, fans might finally get to see Namor on the big screen if a similar deal is made to use the character.
6 Spider-Woman Could Make Her Debut In The MCU Instead Of SPUMC
Spider-Woman is another character whose film rights are questionable, as the character name is part of Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters (SPUMC) and has already appeared in one form as Spider-Gwen's original codename in Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.
However, Jessica Drew is one of the most popular characters to use the name Spider-Woman and is a shared property that can be used in both universes, as long as the Marvel version removes any elements from Spider-Man. Yet given the success of the Sony/Marvel deal with Spider-Man, it's still possible Jessica Drew could appear as Spider-Woman in the MCU.
5 Blue Marvel Is The New Scientific Mind The MCU Needs After Tony Stark
Following the death of Tony Stark/Iron Man in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, the MCU is without its primary scientist who not only outfitted the Avengers but also helped saved the universe by solving time travel. While young genius Riri Willaims is set to carry on Stark's legacy in the upcoming Ironheart Disney+ series, the MCU will need a new big brain to help deal with cosmic threats.
Dr. Adam Brasher/Blue Marvel is a fantastic option as he is one of the most powerful Marvel heroes and he also works with Captain Marvel and Monica Rambeau/Spectrum (recently empowered on WandaVision) on the cosmic superteam known as The Ultimates that could guide the next phases of the MCU.
4 Nova Is A Human Member Of The Corps Introduced In Guardians Of The Galaxy
The intergalactic police force known as the Nova Corps debuted in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy as they secured the Kyln prison colony and protected the planet Xandar from Ronan the Accuser, though Avengers: Endgame revealed that Xandar has been destroyed by Thanos.
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This opens the door for Richard Rider to step up as Nova, the last member of the Corps with incredible abilities that he used to first become a street-level hero before he graduated to his eventual role as a cosmic protector, which would fit in nicely with other heroes like Captain Marvel and the Guardians.
3 Doctor Voodoo Could Debut As A Major Player In The Magic-Filled Next Phase
Jericho Drumm is one of Marvel's most powerful magic-users, who briefly took over Doctor Strange's role as the Sorcerer Supreme when he started going by the name of Doctor Voodoo instead of Brother Voodoo.
Drumm is not only a master of voodoo and other magical rituals, but he is spiritually connected to his dead brother Daniel and has become known as the Avenger of the Supernatural. Doctor Voodoo also has a romantic history with Scarlet Witch, which could be explored following the events of WandaVision, which teased a possible magic-based storyline for the next phase.
2 Silver Surfer Could Join The Fantastic Four When They Make Their MCU Debut
Marvel Studios announced a number of new series that are set to introduce new characters like Ironheart and Shang-Chi, though one of the biggest surprises was the reveal that a new adaptation of the Fantastic Four would appear in the MCU following the return of the character's film rights from Fox.
While no details about the upcoming reboot beyond Jon Watts' role as director, fans are hoping that the Silver Surfer will make an appearance alongside the FF, which could also mean the World-Devourer Galactus could also make his MCU debut as well.
1 Doctor Doom Could Step Into The Giant Void Left By Thanos In The Next MCU Saga
Silver Surfer isn't the only character from the Fantastic Four's world that could make a huge impact on the MCU, as the team's arch-rival Doctor Doom could also make his debut following Fox's sale of the film rights to Marvel Studios.
However, there have been rumors that Doctor Doom could make his appearance outside of the upcoming Fantastic Four film in films like Black Panther II, which could help set up the despotic ruler of Latveria as a powerful threat for the Avengers, especially considering his dark history with Scarlet Witch that could reshape the entire MCU.
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