9 Marvel Characters Who Deserve the Spotlight in the MCU
The Marvel Spotlight banner has introduced us to the self-contained story of Maya Lopez in Marvel's Echo. Now, it's time to shine the spotlight on other deserving Marvel characters who could benefit from their own Marvel Spotlight projects in the MCU. Here are 9 superheroes who could use the Marvel Spotlight banner to tell their character-focused stories.
Nova - A Galactic Hero
After the debut of the galactic Nova Corps in Guardians of the Galaxy, rumors have been swirling about a potential Nova series or movie in the MCU. Richard Rider and/or Sam Alexander, recruits from Earth who become major interstellar heroes, could have their story told under the Marvel Spotlight banner. A Nova project would offer a perfect opportunity for a self-contained story before potentially connecting to the greater universe in the future.
Richard Rider's Nova in Marvel Comics
The cosmic adventures of the Nova Corps could provide viewers with everything they need to know about these interstellar heroes, much like the captivating story of Maya Lopez in Marvel's Echo.
Wonder Man - The Actor Turned Superhero
Simon Williams, also known as Wonder Man, is set to star in an upcoming MCU series. Imbued with iconic energy, Wonder Man possesses a range of impressive powers and abilities. The show is leaning into the idea of Simon being an actor and stuntman before he enters the world of superheroics, making it a likely candidate for a Marvel Spotlight story.
Yahya Abdul Mateen Wonder Man MCU Casting
The journey of Wonder Man, from actor to superhero, holds the potential for a compelling character-focused narrative under the Marvel Spotlight banner.
Ghost Rider - The Spirit of Vengeance
Robbie Reyes' Ghost Rider made a memorable introduction in Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, driving a flaming muscle car as the Spirit of Vengeance. A new Ghost Rider series under the Marvel Spotlight banner could make him canon in the MCU, while focusing on his journey as the Spirit of Vengeance.
Gabriel Luna's Robbie Reyes as Ghost Rider in Marvel Television's Agents of SHIELD
A Ghost Rider project under the Marvel Spotlight banner would bring the character's supernatural journey to the forefront, offering a captivating and self-contained story within the MCU.
Blade - The Vampire Hunter
The MCU's Blade movie starring Mahershala Ali was announced back in 2019, and the character's supernatural world and vampire hunting may find a home in a Marvel Spotlight story. The Marvel Spotlight banner could serve as the perfect platform to introduce Blade before connecting him to the greater cinematic universe.
Mahershala Ali will be Blade in the MCU's Phase 5
Blade's dark and intense journey as a vampire hunter could unfold in a character-focused Marvel Spotlight project, offering fans a deeper dive into the supernatural realm of the MCU.
Mahershala Ali Blade MCU phase 5
Daredevil: Born Again - The Man Without Fear
Daredevil: Born Again could be a Marvel Spotlight project, featuring a brief recap of events from the original Daredevil show and perhaps The Defenders. This self-contained story could gauge audience responses before further integrating Matt Murdock (and Kingpin) into the MCU.
Matt Murdock's Daredevil imagined in MCU fan art
A Marvel Spotlight project centered around Daredevil: Born Again would bring the iconic hero's gripping narrative to the forefront, offering a fresh perspective on the Man Without Fear within the MCU.
Black Knight - Legacy of the Ebony Blade
The post-credits scene of Eternals teased the legendary Ebony Blade, setting the stage for the MCU's Black Knight to take center stage. Dane Whitman's character-focused story surrounding his family history and the dark blade could find a home under the Marvel Spotlight banner.
Kit Harrington's Dane Whitman looks at the Ebody Blade in Eternals' post-credits scene
Black Knight's potential Marvel Spotlight project offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of the Ebony Blade and its impact on the hero, delving into the character's rich history within the MCU.
Jessica Jones & Luke Cage - New York Vigilantes
Krysten Ritter and Mike Colter could return for a Jessica Jones & Luke Cage series, continuing their relationship and romance as New York-based vigilantes in the MCU. This self-contained story could reveal the core details of their prior history before embarking on a new adventure within the Marvel Spotlight banner.
Luke Cage and Jessica Jones on the train in the MCU
A Marvel Spotlight series featuring Jessica Jones & Luke Cage would offer a fresh and engaging narrative, showcasing their dynamic relationship and crime-fighting exploits in the heart of New York City.
Silver Surfer - The Cosmic Redemption
The Silver Surfer, seeking redemption after serving as the herald of the cosmic world-eater Galactus, could be the focus of a character-driven Marvel Spotlight project. This self-contained narrative would delve into Norrin Radd's evolution into a hero seeking to wield the Power Cosmic as a force for good.
Silver Surfer.
A Marvel Spotlight story featuring the Silver Surfer would explore the cosmic hero's journey of redemption and self-discovery, offering viewers a captivating and introspective look into the character's cosmic odyssey.
Future X-Men Characters - A Mutant Showcase
With the impending debut of the X-Men in the MCU, Marvel Spotlight could soft-launch various mutants with their own series or specials. This approach would allow Marvel Studios to gauge audience reception and pick and choose the mutants for the MCU's X-Men roster, giving overlooked or underutilized mutants a dynamic chance to shine within the Marvel Spotlight banner.
Cyclops in comic-accurate costume in X-Men Apocalypse
A Marvel Spotlight showcase of future X-Men characters would offer a fresh and diverse exploration of mutants within the MCU, setting the stage for the highly anticipated arrival of the X-Men in the Marvel cinematic universe.
