10 Iconic Marvel Characters Perfect for a Fresh Start in the MCU's Future Phases

Marvel Studios is considering rebooting the MCU after Avengers: Secret Wars, which could mean some previous characters being reinvented with new actors. Since the start of the MCU with Iron Man in 2008, many superheroes and villains from Marvel Comics have been brought to life on the big screen, captivating huge audiences with their iconic stories. While this has led to the creation of the most successful movie franchise, it has also resulted in some characters being neglected or killed off prematurely, leaving potential stories untold.

There are rumors that Marvel Studios may have a solution to this issue by rebooting the MCU after Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Just like how Marvel Comics used the Secret Wars event in 2015 to establish a new continuity for the Marvel Universe, it is possible that Marvel Studios will follow suit, although nothing has been confirmed yet. This reboot could bring back forgotten heroes and villains, as well as allow beloved characters to return, albeit with new actors taking on the roles previously portrayed by the original stars of the MCU.

Natasha Romanoff’s Black Widow Backstory Could Actually Be Explored With A New Actor

Scarlett Johansson Debuted As Natasha Romanoff In Iron Man 2 (2010)

Natasha Romanoff in the ruins of the Red Room in Black Widow - Scarlett Johansson Debuted As Natasha Romanoff In Iron Man 2 (2010) - Natasha Romanoff’s Black Widow Backstory Could Actually Be Explored With A New Actor

Despite being a key hero in the MCU since her debut in Iron Man 2, Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson, never received the spotlight she deserved. Her sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame meant she missed the grand finale of the Infinity Saga, and her standalone movie was released after her character's death, losing some of its impact. If a new actor takes on the role of Black Widow after a potential reboot in Avengers: Secret Wars, Marvel Studios could focus more on her character and delve deeper into her intricate backstory that wasn't explored fully in Johansson's portrayal.

Danny Rand’s Iron Fist Received Criticism In Marvel Television’s Defenders Saga

Finn Jones Debuted As Danny Rand In Marvel Television's Iron Fist (2017)

Danny Rand with the dragon tattoo in Iron Fist - Finn Jones Debuted As Danny Rand In Marvel Television's Iron Fist (2017) - Danny Rand’s Iron Fist Received Criticism In Marvel Television’s Defenders Saga

With the upcoming release of Echo on Disney+ in 2024, Marvel Studios has decided to incorporate the Defenders Saga from Marvel Television into the official timeline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This move suggests that characters and events from the previous Netflix series could now be considered part of the MCU canon. This opens up the possibility for fan-favorite heroes like Jessica Jones and Luke Cage to make a return to the big screen.

However, there is one character that may benefit from a fresh start in the MCU - Danny Rand's Iron Fist. Finn Jones' portrayal of the Immortal Iron Fist faced criticism, making the Iron Fist series the lowest-rated project in the Defenders Saga. By recasting the role with a new actor, Marvel Studios has the opportunity to breathe new life into this powerful character and potentially create a more successful portrayal for fans to enjoy.

Malekith, The Dark Elf, Is One Of The MCU’s Most Wasted Villains

Christopher Eccleston Debuted As Malekith In Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Malekith with a burnt face in Thor The Dark World - Christopher Eccleston Debuted As Malekith In Thor: The Dark World (2013) - Malekith, The Dark Elf, Is One Of The MCU’s Most Wasted Villains

Marvel Studios might bring back some of the MCU's underutilized villains after Avengers: Secret Wars' rumored reboot. One such villain is Malekith, the Dark Elf, who was played by Christopher Eccleston in 2013's Thor: The Dark World. Despite being a significant antagonist in Marvel Comics, Malekith was killed off in his first movie appearance. There are plenty of Malekith stories from the comics that could be adapted for the MCU, like the War of the Realms event from 2019. It would be exciting to see this overlooked villain given another chance to challenge the God of Thunder in the MCU.

Pietro Maximoff’s Quicksilver Could Return As A Mutant

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Debuted As Pietro Maximoff In Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)

Quicksilver shot in the arm in Avengers Age of Ultron - Aaron Taylor-Johnson Debuted As Pietro Maximoff In Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015) - Pietro Maximoff’s Quicksilver Could Return As A Mutant

Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson made their debut as the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver in Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014. Fans of Marvel Comics' mutants were thrilled by their introduction. While Olsen's character Wanda Maximoff has had a significant character development in the MCU, Taylor-Johnson's Pietro Maximoff met a tragic end in Avengers: Age of Ultron. This left the MCU without its speedster. With Taylor-Johnson taking on the role of Kraven the Hunter in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, there is a possibility of a new actor stepping in as a revamped Quicksilver in Phase 7. This could mean a reintroduction of the character as a true mutant.

Loki Can Return As A Younger Character In Phase 7

For many years in Marvel Comics, the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver were portrayed as the offspring of X-Men antagonist Magneto. However, this changed during the AXIS event in 2014.

Tom Hiddleston Debuted As Loki In Thor (2011)

Loki protecting Asgard in Thor Ragnarok - Tom Hiddleston Debuted As Loki In Thor (2011) - Loki Can Return As A Younger Character In Phase 7

Drax The Destroyer’s Rich Marvel Comics Backstory Can Be Adapted Properly

Drax the Destroyer, a character from Marvel Comics, has a fascinating background that can be effectively translated onto the big screen. His complex history and unique traits make him a compelling figure to explore in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Dave Bautista Debuted As Drax The Destroyer In Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Drax the Destroyer with knives in Guardians of the Galaxy - Dave Bautista Debuted As Drax The Destroyer In Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) - Drax The Destroyer’s Rich Marvel Comics Backstory Can Be Adapted Properly

Dave Bautista made his debut as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, becoming a key member of the team. Even though he stepped away from the role after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023, Bautista expressed interest in playing a different character in future MCU projects. This opens the door for a new actor to take on the role of Drax in a potential MCU reboot, allowing for exploration of the character's complex backstory from the Marvel Comics.

When I mentioned that I was moving on, I was specifically referring to my time as Drax. However, I still have a strong connection with Marvel. I recently met with Kevin Feige and Lou D’Esposito, showing my willingness to take on a new role within the superhero universe. Whether it's Marvel or DC, I am a fan of the genre and would be excited to tackle a larger, more intricate role, perhaps even as a formidable villain. While my journey as Drax may be complete, I am certainly not finished with the superhero universe.

A New Mandarin Could Actually Battle Iron Man In The MCU’s Future

Tony Leung Debuted As Xu Wenwu In Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021)

Xu Wenwu using the Ten Rings at the door to Ta Lo in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Tony Leung Debuted As Xu Wenwu In Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021) - A New Mandarin Could Actually Battle Iron Man In The MCU’s Future

The Mandarin and Iron Man never faced off in the live-action MCU, despite being major rivals in Marvel Comics. In Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Tony Leung portrayed Xu Wenwu, the MCU's Mandarin, after Robert Downey Jr.'s Stark had sacrificed himself in Endgame. Leung's performance was fantastic, but a new actor could give the Mandarin a bigger role in the MCU. This could set the stage for a showdown between the Mandarin and Iron Man, while also delving deeper into the mystery surrounding the Ten Rings.

T’Challa’s Black Panther Can Return After An MCU Reboot

Chadwick Boseman Debuted As T'Challa In Captain America: Civil War (2016)

T'Challa on the throne of Wakanda in Black Panther - Chadwick Boseman Debuted As T'Challa In Captain America: Civil War (2016) - T’Challa’s Black Panther Can Return After An MCU Reboot

Chadwick Boseman's portrayal of T'Challa, the Black Panther, was a beloved addition to the MCU's Phase 3. His untimely passing in 2020 led to the character being written off due to an undisclosed illness in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. However, with enough time passing by the time of Avengers: Secret Wars potential reboot, T'Challa can be recast for a new actor. This opens up the possibility of bringing decades of Black Panther's adventures from Marvel Comics to life on screen, including his iconic romance with the mutant Storm.

Steve Rogers’ Captain America Has More Stories To Tell In The MCU

Chris Evans Debuted As Steve Rogers In Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Captain America running through the forest in Avengers Age of Ultron - Chris Evans Debuted As Steve Rogers In Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) - Steve Rogers’ Captain America Has More Stories To Tell In The MCU

Chris Evans made a lasting impact as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, in the MCU starting from his first appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011. Throughout his time in the MCU, Evans portrayed the iconic superhero every year until his departure in Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Despite this, there are still many untold Captain America stories from the Marvel Comics that Evans never had the chance to bring to life on the big screen. With the possibility of a new actor taking on the role of Steve Rogers after Avengers: Secret Wars, there is a chance to continue Evans' MCU legacy and keep Captain America alive in the MCU.

Tony Stark’s Iron Man Could Be Reinvented In The MCU’s Reboot

Robert Downey Jr. Debuted As Tony Stark In Iron Man (2008)

Tony Stark suiting up as Iron Man for the first time - Robert Downey Jr. Debuted As Tony Stark In Iron Man (2008) - Tony Stark’s Iron Man Could Be Reinvented In The MCU’s Reboot

Robert Downey Jr. was the first hero of the MCU, starting with Iron Man in 2008. He gave us a memorable moment in Endgame with Tony Stark's sacrifice. However, his absence has left a gap in the MCU that needs to be filled. Even though it's hard to picture anyone else as Iron Man, it would be exciting to see a new version of the hero after a possible reboot in Avengers: Secret Wars. This would allow the iconic character to continue living on.

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a compelling argument for a potential MCU reboot after Avengers: Secret Wars. It highlights the opportunity to reinvigorate neglected characters, explore untapped storylines, and introduce fresh interpretations of beloved heroes and villains. The prospect of seeing these characters brought to life with new actors and perspectives is intriguing and could breathe new life into the MCU.

However, it is important to acknowledge the emotional attachment fans have to the original actors who brought these characters to life. Recasting iconic roles can be a risky move, as it may disappoint loyal fans or undermine the legacy of the previous performers. Marvel Studios will need to carefully consider the balance between honoring the past and embracing the future if they decide to pursue a reboot.