Over a span of more than fifteen years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced numerous characters through movies and streaming shows, yet there remain crucial comic book heroes that fans eagerly anticipate seeing in live-action films.
As a die-hard film fan, I find it intriguing how some characters have subtly been alluded to, hinted at, or even teased indirectly by Marvel Studios. It’s clear they’re not neglecting these characters but rather keeping them under wraps for the perfect moment, franchise, or phase – like a masterfully crafted secret waiting to unfold on the silver screen!
Marvel isn’t idle with these superheroes; instead, they are keeping them in reserve for an optimal situation. Essentially, they’re biding their time behind the scenes, waiting to seize the limelight at just the right moment.
Why These 10 Heroes Are Still Missing From the MCU & What Marvel’s Waiting For
Here are ten Marvel characters that it appears the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is intentionally holding off on introducing, as the ideal moment for their arrival must be carefully timed.
Nova
One popular Marvel character that fans are eagerly awaiting news about is Nova, specifically Richard Rider. It was confirmed by Marvel’s president, Kevin Feige, in 2022 that a project involving this hero is currently being worked on.
The reason for Marvel’s delay: The off-screen destruction of Xandar in Avengers: Infinity War lays the groundwork for Richard Rider’s origin, much like it did in the comics when Rhomann Dey transferred the Nova Force to Rider following Xandar’s downfall. This method allows Marvel to introduce Nova without altering the Nova Corps as established in Guardians Vol. 1.
Postponing the release of Marvel’s upcoming project avoids an overload of cosmic stories following “Guardians” and “Thor: Love and Thunder”. By managing both multiverse projects like “Loki”, “Deadpool & Wolverine”, and supernatural ones such as “Blade”, Marvel seems to be fine-tuning Nova for a Disney+ series or possibly linking it to the epic event, “Secret Wars”, in order to make the greatest possible impact.
Hyperion
Hyperion can be likened to Marvel’s equivalent of Superman – an extraterrestrial being with flight capabilities and divine attributes, who has portrayed both heroic and autocratic roles in various multiverse narratives.
The reason behind Marvel’s delay: It’s because Hyperion shines in a multiversal setting. As the leader of the Squadron Supreme, he personifies an alternate universe form of heroism reminiscent of classic characters. Given that Marvel fans now grasp multiverse concepts, he could debut as either a sinister adversary or a surprising ally. Moreover, his power level suggests he’s perfect for the escalation level anticipated in Phase 7.
Franklin Richards
Franklin Richards, a character from Marvel Comics, possesses immense power due to being the offspring of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. Although he’s yet to make an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it’s possible that the film studio has been preparing for his introduction behind the scenes.
Waiting on Marvel: A fresh, officially unveiled photo from Fantastic Four: First Steps hints at Sue Storm showing signs of pregnancy, leading fans to assume that Franklin is already being born. By introducing him as a child now, Marvel can gradually develop his Omega-level powers throughout various stages. Since his abilities are linked to the multiverse and significant cosmic events, it seems Marvel plans to use Franklin strategically, potentially making him a character of immense power comparable to Kang, Doom, or even the Beyonder in scope.
Ghost Rider
While Robbie Reyes made an appearance on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel Studios hasn’t officially integrated Ghost Rider into the main continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The reason Ghost Rider is yet to appear: It’s because Ghost Rider falls under the more sinister, R-rated realm of Marvel, an area they are just beginning to delve into with titles like Blade and Deadpool. It’s expected that he might debut in Midnight Sons or a team-up focusing on horror elements. The question isn’t “if,” but “when” Marvel decides to fully embrace supernatural horror.
Blue Marvel
Adam Brashear, an exceptional physicist, former Marine, and renowned superhero, hails from the comic series The Ultimates.
Marvel is holding off on introducing Blue Marvel because he aligns well with their upcoming lineup of super-intelligent characters, following in the footsteps of Tony Stark and Shuri. Additionally, his connections to Monica Rambeau and Carol Danvers suggest a potential role in a future Captain Marvel team or a new Avengers squad. It seems that Marvel is strategically spacing out its high-IQ legacy characters.
Molecule Man
Initially portrayed as a villain in the 1984 and 2015 comic series titled “Secret Wars,” Owen Reece evolved into a pivotal figure of cosmic importance across the multiverse. In the earlier version, he served as a significant piece on the Beyonder’s chessboard; however, in the 2015 rendition by Jonathan Hickman, he played a crucial role in the destruction and rebuilding of the multiverse itself.
Marvel is delaying Molecule Man’s introduction because he’s a character who can change the course of the multiverse. If introduced too early, his impact might not be as powerful. With Secret Wars on the horizon, it seems Marvel is planning to unveil him as a crucial element – perhaps even the cause for the multiverse’s collapse.
Captain Britain
In the movie “Avengers: Endgame”, Brian Braddock was alluded to indirectly, as Peggy Carter mentioned him in a different timeframe scenario.
Marvel is delaying the introduction: They want to wait until general audiences are more familiar with concepts like timeline variants and alternate Earths, since Captain Britain’s mythology revolves around the multiverse and the Captain Britain Corps. With “Secret Wars” on the horizon, Braddock might appear as a protector across dimensions. There have been rumors about Henry Cavill and Jamie Dornan for potential casting roles.
Captain Universe
The Captain Universe entity isn’t an individual, instead it represents a powerful cosmic energy that selects a vessel whenever the universe faces critical danger.
The reason Marvel is holding back: It’s because the Uni-Power works best when it catches audiences off guard by linking up with a character already established (like Spider-Man in Spectacular Spider-Man issues 158-160, or Sue Storm in Fantastic Four issue 329). As Marvel gears up for perilous universe-wide consequences, this unpredictable factor could serve as a twist in the Fantastic Four series or even lead to an Avengers-scale conflict in the future.
Magik (Illyana Rasputin)
In the 2020 film, The New Mutants, Magik (Illyana Rasputin), portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, made a brief appearance. However, it’s important to note that this movie is part of Fox’s separate X-Men timeline, not connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The reason Marvel is delaying: Magic aligns perfectly with the mystical growth of the MCU. However, since the X-Men reboot has yet to materialize, Marvel might be postponing her debut as part of a fresh, mutant team within the MCU.
Miles Morales
Through Sony’s animated Spider-Verse movies, Miles Morales has emerged as a generational symbol of recognition. Although he hasn’t made an appearance in live-action yet, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has subtly sown the groundwork for his eventual debut.
Reason behind Marvel’s delay: In the 2017 film, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Donald Glover’s character Aaron Davis (the Prowler) casually refers to his nephew, a hint that strongly suggests Miles Morales. This sets up the groundwork for Miles’ eventual introduction.
One method of rephrasing in a simple and clear manner is: Marvel seems to be planning for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man (Peter Parker) to grow older, perhaps through “Spider-Man 4” or after the “Secret Wars”, before introducing Miles Morales as the next Spider-Man. This would avoid overshadowing Miles and allow for a smooth transition of the role, much like passing a baton in a race.
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2025-05-27 22:35