11 R-Rated Marvel Characters Who Could Replace Deadpool In The MCU

Before the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” in 2024, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films generally followed a predictable pattern. They were largely aimed at families and younger viewers, with content suitable for children. Only a few movies were geared towards older teens and adults. While this approach had been successful for a long time, some films like 2025’s “Thunderbolts” and “Captain America: Brave New World” didn’t perform as well.

With some people starting to feel tired of superhero movies, Marvel Studios might benefit from focusing more on characters like Deadpool. The success of Deadpool & Wolverine showed that Marvel films with mature content can be huge hits. These characters could bring a grittier, more violent edge to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, exploring complex themes and chaos – potentially leading to similar success for future installments like Deadpool 3.

11 Marvel Characters Who Deserve R-Rated MCU Movies

Silver Samurai

Villains who commit extremely violent crimes – like beheading, dismemberment, torture, and terrorism – often deliver a lot of action and spectacle on screen. The Silver Samurai’s goal is straightforward but disturbing: he wants to achieve immortality, and he’s willing to take it from Wolverine, even if it means a violent fight. And Wolverine isn’t going to let that happen without a struggle.

Fueled by his wealth and influence, the Silver Samurai acquired advanced adamantium samurai armor and a matching heated sword. He’d bring a compelling blend of honor, intense focus, and dangerous fighting skills to the more complex side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, his samurai heritage would add valuable cultural and Indigenous representation to the MCU’s growing cast of diverse characters, enriching their stories with tradition and history.

Omega Red

Omega Red is a dangerous enemy of Wolverine who can release poisonous spores that quickly weaken and kill those nearby. He’s known for his carbonadium tentacles, which he uses to steal the life force of others. His past is incredibly disturbing – even as a young man, he was cruel, starting by harming animals and eventually escalating to violence against his own family.

Honestly, you’d think serving in the Russian army would’ve helped Omega Red control himself, but it didn’t. He still had these terrible outbursts and, tragically, ended up killing young girls and children, which led to him being sentenced to death. But here’s the really weird part – the execution failed! His mutant powers somehow saved him. Instead of just letting him go, they saw he could be an asset and started experimenting on him with something called carbonadium – basically, Russia’s attempt to create its own version of adamantium. It backfired horribly, though. The carbonadium was slowly poisoning him, and combined with his own mutant pheromones, it just made everything so much worse. It’s a really dark origin story, and it explains a lot about why he’s such a dangerous character.

Omega Red desperately needs a carbonadium synthesizer to control the metal inside his body. He’s been relentlessly pursuing Wolverine, Sabretooth, and Maverick, convinced one of them knows its location. This pursuit sparked a fierce and violent rivalry within Marvel Comics, pitting a group of unstable and dangerous characters against each other. Considering Omega Red’s troubled history, Wolverine’s intense anger, and the long-standing animosity between them, it’s a conflict that’s both compelling and brutal – even someone like Deadpool would be captivated.

Taskmaster (Tony Masters)

Fans were disappointed with how little screen time and impact Taskmaster had in the 2021 film Black Widow. Hopes that she’d return and get a better storyline in the 2025 Thunderbolts movie were dashed when she was unexpectedly killed off with a single gunshot. Taskmaster’s appearance was brief – she was killed by Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) after only a few action scenes and one line of dialogue.

Taskmaster is an incredibly gifted imitator with an almost instant ability to learn. He can flawlessly copy someone’s movements, athletic abilities, and fighting style – even their voice with a little practice – without needing any training. While he couldn’t perfectly replicate Deadpool or Moon Knight, Taskmaster’s skill set is impressive and makes him a formidable opponent. Introducing a true Tony Masters version of Taskmaster into the Marvel Cinematic Universe could add a layer of strategic intelligence and cunning to the dynamic already established with Deadpool.

Midnight Sons

Fans aren’t just excited about Doctor Strange, Blade, and Ghost Rider potentially teaming up – they’re thrilled by the idea of a grittier, more intense take on this classic superhero combination. Ever since rumors began about the ‘Midnight Sons’ project, people have been hoping to see this supernatural team brought to the big screen.

In the comic books, Doctor Strange assembles a team to battle Lilith, a powerful demon, and her demonic forces. If Marvel were to adapt this story for film, it could be one of the darkest and most mature storylines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring terrifying elements like hell, demons, vampires, and other frightening creatures.

Ghost Rider

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has already featured Ghost Rider, played by Roberto “Robbie” Reyes, a car mechanic who was on Agents of SHIELD for ten episodes. Although it was a good introduction, fans have always hoped this character would get a bigger role.

There’s growing speculation that Ghost Rider, also known as the Spirit of Vengeance, could reappear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Talk about a possible Midnight Sons project – which would focus on the supernatural – is circulating, and some sources claim Marvel has already cast an actor for the role.

This new Ghost Rider has the potential to add a thrilling mix of fiery action, revenge, and bravery to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unlike Deadpool, who relies on wit, weapons, and fighting skills, Ghost Rider would be a significantly more intimidating and dangerous force.

Sabretooth

Imagine Wolverine, but even wilder – covered in more fur, sporting bigger claws, and possessing a completely unhinged personality, all while his adamantium claws are always extended. Sabretooth has an incredibly grim backstory: he’s murdered his own family members and continues a horrifying annual ritual of hunting and tormenting his brother on his birthday.

Throughout his appearances in the X-Men films, Sabretooth was a powerful ally to Magneto and later served as a villain working for Cassandra Nova in Deadpool & Wolverine. Although a richly developed character, he’s never been the main focus – until now. With Marvel now exploring more mature, R-rated content, Sabretooth’s intense rivalry with Wolverine could finally take center stage, delivering the kind of raw, brutal conflict that even Deadpool hinted at in the MCU.

Blade

During the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, revealed plans for a new Blade movie starring Mahershala Ali. Excitement grew when Ali’s voice was first heard as Blade in a scene after the credits of Eternals. More recently, in Deadpool 3, Wesley Snipes, who previously played Blade, joined forces with Deadpool, Wolverine, and other heroes to battle Cassandra Nova and her forces.

I’m still incredibly excited for this movie, even though it’s had a rocky road getting made! Honestly, a fully-fledged MCU appearance for this half-human, half-vampire hunter is exactly what we need. And can you imagine? Vampires feel like the perfect fit for a darker, more mature Marvel story – all that underground world and the violence just feels right for an R-rating. It’s going to be amazing!

Carnage

Carnage, the dangerous alien symbiote, is famous for its connection to serial killer Cletus Kasady, who was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the movie Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Many fans were let down by the 2021 film, though, because its PG-13 rating prevented it from showing Carnage’s usual extreme violence.

The ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home cleverly paved the way for the introduction of Carnage into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When Eddie Brock briefly switched universes, a tiny piece of his symbiote was left behind. Although this differs a bit from the comics, it establishes a foundation for Marvel Studios to bring the villain Carnage and his dangerous host into the MCU.

While Marvel’s Spider-Man movies have featured many different villains, none would cause as much chaos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Carnage. For example, even when Eddie Brock tries to control his symbiote, he occasionally resorts to extreme violence.

Wolverine

Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine spanned many films in Fox’s X-Men series and recently saw a surprising return in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Deadpool & Wolverine. Despite the original character’s death, the MCU brought him back, exciting fans. The film hinted at multiple versions of Wolverine, leading many to wish Hugh Jackman had gotten his own dedicated Wolverine movie, perhaps a little earlier in his career.

Fans are still really hoping to see a solo Wolverine movie, and they want it to be incredibly raw and animalistic – think a shorter, rougher version of the character. A Wolverine film would definitely deliver the intense, violent action – lots of stabbings, slashing, and bloodshed – that made Deadpool & Wolverine so exciting.

The Punisher

Jon Bernthal’s version of the Punisher is appearing more as a helper in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, rather than the main focus. He recently joined forces with Daredevil in Season 1 of Daredevil: Born Again to fight a corrupt police team led by Wilson Fisk, and will also be featured in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. While it’s exciting to see him back, it often means his character is held back from fully embracing his violent methods. This has left many fans hoping for a standalone Punisher movie where Frank Castle can truly be the ruthless vigilante they know and expect.

Jon Bernthal is set to reprise his role as the Punisher in a new Disney+ special scheduled for 2026. This special will continue the stories from both The Punisher and Daredevil: Born Again. After initially leaving Daredevil: Born Again due to creative differences, Bernthal is now co-writing this new presentation with Reinaldo Marcus, offering fans a chance to see the darker side of the Punisher character.

Curious about a female version of the Punisher? Marvel recently released high-definition images of their new female Punisher character.

Moon Knight

While many viewers enjoyed Disney+’s Moon Knight, some dedicated comic book fans thought the show didn’t quite capture the character’s famously intense and violent fighting style.

It’s still unclear if Oscar Isaac will reprise his role in a second season of Moon Knight, and Marvel fans are waiting for Kevin Feige to follow through on plans for a Moon Knight movie. However, with the next two Avengers films bringing together a large number of heroes, many believe Moon Knight will appear in one of them. There’s also positive news about a potential Midnight Sons movie – Marvel has hired a writer to work on the script. This could be Moon Knight’s next major role, as the character is a member of the Midnight Sons in the comics.

Fans are hoping a long-awaited project will finally come to life – imagine a character like Deadpool, but set in the world of Egyptian mythology, filled with magic and a bit of craziness.

2025-11-06 02:08