MCU Missed Opportunities: A Year of Promise and Wasted Potential

Missed Villain Potential in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania introduced M.O.D.O.K. (Mechanized Organism Designed Only for Killing) in a peculiar manner, merging the comic character with Ant-Man's antagonist Darren Cross. The character initially appeared comparable to the source material, but once this film version removed his mask, he was turned into a comical, CGI-heavy caricature lacking the gravitas and intelligence of the original supervillain. The decision to present MODOK in this manner wasted the potential for an eerie and compelling realization of the famed comic book character. Instead, the MODOK that audiences received was a poor imitation that was roundly a disappointment.

Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror attacking a timeline in Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania

The MCU missed an opportunity to establish Kang the Conqueror as a real threat in Quantumania. In the comics, Kang was a formidable and imposing character, driven by his unparalleled intellect. However, Quantumania portrayed Kang as a somewhat generic villain, lacking the imposing characterization from the comic books. His narrative arc was incredibly muted, and the movie failed to capture the grandeur and peril that Kang is supposed to bring as the main villain in the MCU's future. The movie's treatment of Kang as a disposable setup for the next film undermined his potential and left audiences wanting more.

Kang (Jonathan Majors) taunts Ant-Man in Quantumania

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania lost the micro charm of its predecessors by barely utilizing the protagonists' size-changing powers. The film favored a generic science-fiction plot over the series' self-aware humor and unique charm, ultimately squandering the opportunity to elaborate on the characters' powers and personalities.

Paul Rudd as Ant-Man flying on an ant beside Wasp

Underdeveloped Relationships and Storylines in Loki and Secret Invasion

Loki season 2 missed the opportunity to further develop the relationship between Loki and Sylvie. While the second season deftly developed several original characters, it sidelined the essential romance between Loki and Sylvie, relegating it to a minor subplot. This decision diminished the potential for emotional depth and character growth, leaving fans wanting more.

Loki Episode 5 Loki and Sylvie Holding Hands

Secret Invasion failed to fully explore the paranoid spy plot it promised. The series positioned Nick Fury as the protagonist in an espionage adventure but fell short of capturing the paranoia and expansiveness depicted in the original comic book story. Additionally, the series wasted the potential of Maria Hill, a formidable and loyal spy in the comics whose character was underutilized and ultimately discarded for shock value.

A shot of Nick Fury from the Secret Invasion official trailer

Unfulfilled Character Development in The Marvels and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

The Marvels squandered the opportunity to evolve Kamala Khan's character. While the movie briefly explored Kamala's admiration for Captain Marvel, it failed to provide adequate character development, leaving Kamala's character arc largely unchanged by the end of the film.

Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) look concerned in 2023's The Marvels

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 oversimplified the introduction of Adam Warlock, a complex and vital character in Marvel Comics. The movie reduced him to a comedic sidekick with minimal impact, missing the opportunity to showcase his cosmic powers and moral dilemmas from the comic storylines.

Kamala Khan, Carol Danvers and Monica Rambeau on Aladna in 2023's The Marvels