Clark Gregg's beloved character, Phil Coulson, has been absent from the MCU for quite some time. However, fans may have reason to rejoice as the multiverse may offer a glimmer of hope for his potential return. Coulson's tragic demise at the hands of Loki in The Avengers brought the superhero team together and left audiences heartbroken. While Coulson was resurrected in Agents of Shield, the show is not considered part of the MCU canon, leaving his character's fate uncertain. But recent comments from Gregg himself have sparked speculation that Coulson may make a triumphant return to the MCU's continuity, much to the delight of fans everywhere.
Gregg hinted at the possibility of his return as Phil Coulson during an interview with Cosmic Circus at Motor City Comic Con 2023. When asked about his return, Gregg simply responded, "There's always a chance." He went on to explain that the multiverse opens up endless possibilities, leaving fans hopeful for the return of Coulson as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury's right-hand man.
During the interview, Gregg was asked about Coulson's appearance in the upcoming Marvel Studios show Secret Invasion. While he initially seemed unaware of the release, he later questioned whether Coulson was truly human, given that a Skrull had impersonated him in Captain Marvel. Gregg concluded by speculating that Coulson's relatability to fans stemmed from his very human qualities. The uncertainty surrounding Gregg's knowledge of Coulson's future in the MCU is mirrored by the unpredictability of the multiverse, which leaves open the possibility for previously thought-dead characters and alternate versions of characters to make appearances in Marvel movies.
The multiverse has recently been explored in the movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where multiple versions of Stephen Strange were brought together. Similarly, Spider-Man: No Way Home featured different actors who played Spider-Man in the past. Even the animated series What If...? has shown various versions of Phil Coulson. Despite being officially missing in the MCU, there is a possibility that he could make a comeback. The question remains as to which version of him will return.
