Highlights
Nick Fury, despite his power and influence, is ultimately just a regular human lacking in superhuman abilities or combat skills.
Mantis, although an enjoyable character to watch, lacks the strength and effectiveness necessary to excel in battles.
Despite Sam Wilson's status as a prominent figure, he falls short in comparison to his fellow Avengers in terms of power and encounters significant difficulties when confronting super-powered adversaries.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is home to a diverse array of exceptional characters, including both superheroes and supervillains. Some possess incredible powers, while others rely on their wit and determination to overcome formidable challenges. Despite the presence of overwhelmingly strong characters, there are also many individuals in the MCU who are comparatively weaker, yet have managed to endure over the course of fifteen years of Marvel Studios' cinematic endeavors, from Iron Man to Secret Invasion.
8 Nick Fury
Nick Fury, arguably one of the most powerful and knowledgeable individuals in the MCU, owed much of his rise within SHIELD to his relationship with the Skrulls, as revealed in Secret Invasion. This connection can be traced back to his initial encounter with Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel. However, it is important to acknowledge that Fury has also engaged in morally questionable actions.
If it weren't for this pivotal event, Fury may have never emerged as a significant figure on the global stage. While he may have formed the Avengers, it cannot be denied that when fighting alongside or against others, Fury is portrayed as a mere mortal, lacking the remarkable martial arts skills seen in other secret agent characters in the MCU.
7 Mantis
Mantis made her debut in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, showcasing her intriguing and enjoyable persona. Despite her ability to induce sleep and implant hypnotic suggestions with ease, these powers have occasionally backfired. While Mantis has demonstrated her fighting skills, particularly in Guardians Vol. 3, she remains one of the less powerful and less useful Marvel characters in combat situations. However, she has gained a significant fan following and made a memorable impact in the latest Guardians installment, leaving room for her Celestial background to be explored further in future appearances, especially following the revelation of her relationship with Quill.
6 Sam Wilson
Sam Wilson, despite being a prominent figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is unfortunately considered one of the weaker characters. Although he has gained popularity and iconic status at Disneyland, the Falcon and The Winter Soldier miniseries highlighted his limitations. Unlike his fellow Avengers, Sam Wilson is unable to effectively confront super soldiers without putting himself in grave danger.
Throughout the years, Steve Rogers, with the aid of the super soldier serum, managed to hold his own in battles against formidable threats. Without having ever taken the serum himself, Sam Wilson finds himself vulnerable and ill-prepared on vast alien battlegrounds. It is highly probable that he will struggle to lead the Avengers into combat, a task his predecessor frequently excelled in.
5 Star-Lord
The majority of the Guardians of the Galaxy are not individually powerful heroes; they often rely on their team dynamics and friends for assistance in difficult situations. This also applies to their leader, Star-Lord, who was revealed in the second film to possess great power as a Celestial. However, he willingly relinquished this power when he and the Guardians defeated his father.
Despite being non-human, Star-Lord does not possess any special abilities. It will be interesting to see what kind of life he will lead now that he has returned to Earth in future appearances, and whether he can rise as a hero among Earth's finest. While he is competent in combat and skilled with gadgets and weapons, Star-Lord is considered a weaker hero compared to others in the MCU, although the portrayal by Chris Pratt has defined the character.
4 Hawkeye
Clint Barton, known as Hawkeye, has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to defy the odds and survive in a world full of superheroes. However, it is widely acknowledged, particularly in the Hawkeye miniseries on Disney Plus, that he is relatively weak compared to other characters.
While this fact has been playfully highlighted, it is important to recognize that Hawkeye has always faced limitations in terms of his abilities, despite being an iconic movie archer. Although he has accomplished impressive feats, it is likely that he would struggle against the major threats that other superheroes encounter. Given his uncertain future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is possible that Barton will peacefully retire from his superhero career, having reached the end of his journey.
3 Korg
Korg, a peculiar character in the MCU, lacks substantial Marvel Comics background to demonstrate his true strength. His survival has relied solely on his species' unique ability to regenerate their bodies from their heads. Initially appearing in Thor: Ragnarök, Korg's comedic nature has always overshadowed his physical stature.
While he has been observed engaging in battles, Korg has repeatedly failed to accomplish significant feats, indicating his limited capabilities as a solo hero. Instead, he excels as a supportive ally or reinforcement for the mighty God of Thunder.
2 Agent Carter
Agent Peggy Carter, though not typically considered a superhero, made a lasting impact in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Her own series, which was seemingly recognized as canon in Avengers: Endgame, showcased her remarkable contributions to the creation of SHIELD.
Despite not possessing the same level of power as esteemed agents like Natasha Romanoff, Agent Carter proved herself to be far more capable than meets the eye. While her strengths lay in strategic planning and undercover work rather than combat prowess, she remains a cherished character in the MCU. Hayley Atwell's portrayal of Agent Carter truly made the role her own.
1 Rocket Raccoon
Rocket, a valued member of the Guardians team, will now take the helm and lead the team in future MCU projects. Despite his small stature and lack of physical power, he has proven his immense value by expertly developing tools for mass destruction. However, in combat, he rarely plays a significant role. Rocket possesses exceptional skills with weapons and is known for his agility. His remarkable intelligence is showcased in his origin story, though his most notable combat accomplishment thus far may be tearing off the face of the High Evolutionary. Nevertheless, Rocket's strategic mind will be an invaluable asset as he guides the new iteration of the team into upcoming battles.