10 Insane Marvel Variants That Will Change the MCU Forever

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is renowned for its captivating tales that delve into assorted dimensions and temporal frameworks. In the upcoming film titled Avengers: Doomsday, there are hints of a monumental clash between various incarnations of the Avengers, potentially involving superheroes from the X-Men and alternate realities. This paves the way for an exhilarating adventure that will surpass anything MCU enthusiasts have previously encountered.

As Marvel delves into novel storylines, fans might welcome grittier versions of beloved Marvel characters or innovative portrayals of villains with complex narratives. Picture an Avengers film set in an alternate universe, similar to The Boys, but retaining the awe-inspiring action and profound emotions that the MCU is renowned for. If such a movie materializes, Marvel’s strongest Variants could offer a more thrilling and daring MCU experience.

These Powerful Marvel Variants Could Reshape the MCU

Cap-Wolf

Captain America’s previous tales have followed a pattern similar to the MCU, with encounters involving aliens, deities, and mutants. Yet, the narrative of Steve Rogers as Cap-Wolf presents additional outlandish aspects, such as werewolves, malevolent doubles, druids, and other elements that make Cap-Wolf’s yarn seem extraordinary or excessive.

This narrative centers around Captain America, who’s been imbued with mystical powers from a stone. His life takes an unexpected turn when he’s turned into a werewolf during the search for John Jameson. Along his journey, he encounters Dredmund the Demon Druid, Moonhunter, and Wolverine. Additional Marvel characters expected in this storyline are Wolverine, Werewolf by Night (Jack Russell), and Wolfsbane from X-Factor.

Read more about how Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers appeared in the Captain America 4 trailer.

Punisher MAX

Supporters of “The Punisher” are well-acquainted with brutality. Whether from the “Punisher” series or his role in “Daredevil: Born Again”, Frank Castle is never shy about violence. He even implored Daredevil to put down an attacker, and in a fight, Castle often emerges battered and bruised but still on his feet.

Nonetheless, nothing matches the intensity and destruction found in the Punisher MAX series. This comic book imprint, set during and following the Vietnam War, drove the Punisher, Frank Castle, into a war-torn state, taking down human traffickers and war criminals ruthlessly.

In this portrayal of The Punisher, actions were drastically intensified, involving tactics like feeding adversaries to bears, hanging entrails from trees using only his own strength, and in some adaptations, going as far as killing a child believed to avenge his father’s demise in the future.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe might take a bold leap by exploring more gritty storylines, drawing inspiration from the intense violence depicted in the comic books – quite different from the toned-down portrayals viewers are used to.

The Maker (Reed Richards’ Dark Doppelgänger)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the buzz surrounding The Maker, who appears to be a fascinating doppelgänger of Reed Richards. This character, often hailed as one of the MCU’s most anticipated variants, is a brilliant scientist with an intellect that knows no bounds, making him Marvel’s epitome of genius. However, it’s hard not to see why such a gifted hero frequently transforms into a formidable villain – a stark reminder that brilliance can sometimes lead to chaos.

In this rendition, Mr. Fantastic might prove to be more menacing than the colossal and deity-level threats that Reed Richards has dedicated his life to counteract. As Secret Wars approaches, it’s not unreasonable to envision The Maker stirring up trouble as a joker in the pack, possibly butting heads with Kang over the management of time or squaring off against Doctor Doom in a power struggle that could potentially shatter the multiverse.

Fans of Marvel can’t wait to see the Maker portrayed on the big screen, whether it be as a malevolent character, an instigator, or something much more chilling.

Cosmic Ghost Rider

If the Punisher’s portrayal in Marvel Comics isn’t brutal enough to meet the usual level of violence, then Cosmic Ghost Rider will step up. Known for his excessive and extreme actions, he’s currently not fitting within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This fits his character well, given that he’s the same individual who once demolished skyscrapers without flinching, and that was only the start of his violent exploits.

If Marvel chooses to embrace daring changes, transforming the Punisher into Ghost Rider could prove an exhilarating move. In the “Thanos Wins” narrative, Castle struck a pact with the devil, transforming himself into the Spirit of Vengeance, blending his relentless justice system with flames from hell and chains.

This adaptation will usher in a more daring and true-to-the-comics era of the MCU.

Zombie Spider-Man

Enthusiasts were quite thrilled when Marvel revealed that Marvel Zombies, scheduled for release in October 2025, was on the way. While emulating the comics was impressive, nothing could surpass a complete Marvel zombie outbreak more than a Zombie Spider-Man.

Despite the grim twist in the narrative, it’s challenging not to keep reading. In the comics, Peter finds himself bitten by a recently transformed Zombie Captain America. He hurries home with the intention of getting Aunt May and Mary Jane out of the city, but ultimately succumbs to his newfound Hunger and consumes them both.

Apart from the exhilaration of a Marvel Cinematic Universe zombie film, this upcoming adaptation boasts an electrifying roster, bringing together characters like Magneto, Daredevil, Hawkeye, Silver Surfer, the Hulk, Iron Man, and even Venom – making it one of the most anticipated ensembles so far.

War Machine (Frank Castle Edition)

There’s an undeniably thrilling concept behind Frank Castle donning Iron Man’s armor. Although it seems far-fetched, given that Frank Castle is set to appear in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” there could potentially be an opening in the Iron Man team.

It’s intriguing to imagine how the character of Frank Castle would play out on-screen, given that he stands in stark contrast to Tony Stark. While Stark was known for his flair and charm, Castle is defined by his ruthlessness and strategic acumen.

Maestro Hulk

Instead of continually portraying Bruce Banner’s struggle to suppress his Hulk persona across various films and timelines, future Marvel Cinematic Universe stories could capture audience interest by exploring the emotions that the Hulk experiences when Bruce Banner is in charge and conscious.

In simpler terms, Professor Hulk is Bruce Banner who possesses the Hulk’s strength, while Maestro is the Hulk who has Bruce Banner’s intelligence. At first sight, this setup sounds intriguing; however, it becomes less appealing when you learn that while Professor Hulk was calm, Maestro, as depicted in several Incredible Hulk comics, is known to be clever, deceitful, and power-hungry.

Should this tale be brought to life through a movie, Maestro Hulk might engage in epic battles with several notable figures. Potential candidates for the cast could include Namor, Hercules, Rick Jones, and Doom – both superheroes and villains.

Whether you missed it then or want to replay it now, Marvel’s Avengers also featured Maestro Hulk.

King Thor

In the Marvel Comics Universe, Thor has gone through some remarkable transformations in his story arc. Initially portrayed as a spoiled and arrogant character who was exiled, he eventually evolved into a hero, a foundling, mourned the loss of several brothers, and grappled with depression. These life events molded him significantly. Despite speculations about Thor retiring from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his actions reflect the impact of all those losses… thus leading to the emergence of King Thor, a character driven by genocidal tendencies.

Instead of the Thor from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that fans are familiar with, King Thor is significantly older, angrier, and much more ruthless. Over countless centuries of war and sorrow, he governs Asgard with ferocity and wrath. At his most troubled, he clashes not only with a malevolent, corrupted form of Loki but also a Wolverine empowered by cosmic forces. If King Thor ever appears on screen in the Marvel universe, viewers might see a Thor who is no longer restrained – a god weary of loss and primed to destroy everything around him.

BuckyCap

In the 2014 movie “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) viewers encountered a deadly assassin portrayal of Bucky Barnes. Over time, this character transformed his life and joined forces with the Avengers to fight alongside them.

Due to the missed opportunity for Bucky Barnes to fully redeem himself by assuming a heroic and patriotic superhero role, many fans have been eagerly anticipating the emergence of “BuckyCap.” This potential storyline could provide a sense of redemption for some who felt let down when Steve Rogers passed his shield to Sam Wilson instead of Bucky.

From another perspective, there remains the ongoing doubt about acceptance. Regardless of whether he was brainwashed or not, Bucky Barnes wreaked havoc during his tenure on the wrong side. Is it realistic to think that the world could fully embrace him as the future Captain America?

Superior Iron Man

It’s not unexpected that Tony Stark’s final scene in Avengers: Endgame didn’t meet fan expectations, and it remains one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most heart-wrenching moments.

In the anticipated movie “Avengers: Doomsday”, Robert Downey Jr., famed for his portrayal of Iron Man, will play Doctor Doom. However, it’s not likely that the storyline will suggest that Doctor Doom is just a variation of Tony Stark.

While it’s true that a Tony variant might not be immediately forthcoming, it doesn’t rule out the possibility entirely. For instance, there’s Superior Iron Man – a grittier, more ruthless Stark character who peddles Extremis technology to the highest bidders, revels in disorder, and justifies morally dubious actions as steps towards advancement.

In case Superior Iron Man ventures into the multiverse, he won’t resemble the hero fans are accustomed to; instead, he might become an unpredictable factor or even turn into a potential antagonist.

2025-06-30 20:35