Phase 4 of theMarvel Cinematic Universehas been sending the franchise in new directions. The films feature fan-favorites likeSpider-ManandDoctor Strangeas they encounter high-stakes, multi-versal threats. Meanwhile, characters like Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, and Kate Bishop get extra time to develop inDisney+shows.
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There are still many corners of theMarveluniverse that have not yet been explored by the team at Marvel Studios. Seeing as Disney+ shows are a great place to introduce fans to more obscure characters from the comics, it could be a way to bring unique characters to the MCU. These individuals are just a few who could lead their own series.
10Black Knight
Technically, the Black Knight’s MCU debut is already underway. Kit Harington portrayed the human Dane Whitman in 2021’sEternals,with a post-credits scene teasing his complex connection to the mythical Ebony Blade. To fully do this character justice, a deep dive on Dane Whitman’s backstory via a Disney+ show would be best.
In the most recent Black Knight comic mini-series,Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade, Dane struggles with his own personal trauma, and how that powers the strength of the Ebony Blade. Plus, Dane’s London roots may make this the perfect show to also introduce Brain Braddock, a.k.a Captain Britain, into the MCU.
9Hercules
Hercules is another character who may be arriving in the MCU soon. According to rumors, Russell Crowe will be making a cameo in the upcomingThor: Love and Thunderas Zeus, the Greek god of thunder and Hercules' father. It’s possible a secret casting for Hercules already exists, andwill debut in Taika Waititi’s newThorfilm.
However, the best format to tell Hercules' story would probably be through an episodic one. Since Hercules' mythological story involves completing Twelve Labors (which is also adapted by the comics), that might lead to a 12-episode half-hour series following Hercules’s quest. A good casting for Hercules would beRocketman’s Taron Egerton.
8Black Cat
Sony already has several plans for theSpider-Manuniverse on the big screen, including a potential meeting between Peter Parker and Felicia Hardy. This moment is bound to be romantically charged and tense for the heartbroken Peter. It would make sense to give fans time to fall in love with Hardy themselves via a Disney+ series.
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After rumors circulated thatThe Queen’s Gambitstar Anya Taylor-Joy would appear as the Sony/MCU’s Black Cat, fans were reasonably excited. It would make sense to not waste Taylor-Joy with a mere supporting role in a futureSpider-Manfilm. This idea would also increase the stakes of Black Cat and Spider-Man eventually facing off.
7Beta Ray Bill
Beta Ray Bill has been close to appearing in the MCU before, in 2017’sThor Ragnarok. However, he was ultimately left on the cutting room floor, with Marvel Studios producer Kevin Feige believing the cameo didn’t do the character justice. So, what would do Beta Ray Bill more justice than his very own miniseries?
It would be exciting for fans to imagine the possibility of seeing Chris Hemsworth’s Thor appear outside the films.This series could pit Thor and Beta Ray Bill against each other, before learning to work as a team. Given the character’s need to be CGI-animated, there’s probably a gauntlet of actors who would be perfect for this role, like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau or Andy Samberg.
6Wolverine
After Hugh Jackman’s exit for the character inLogan, it might be time for a new actor to pick up the mantle of Wolverine. Given the character’s backstory (adapted in films likeX-Men Origins: Wolverine), giving Logan a Disney+ series to set up his character before anX-Menfilm might be a good way to ease audiences into this new casting.
What would be important about this series is todifferentiate the new Wolverine from Jackman’s iconic portrayal. That might mean getting a more comic-accurate version of Logan, with a yellow-and-blue costume and below-average height. Perhaps Daniel Radcliffe could be good casting since he has experience perfecting iconic roles.
5Jean Grey
On the topic of mutants getting Disney+ series, Jean Grey would be another obvious choice. PreviousX-Menfilms tried to give Jean Grey her spotlight, though they didn’t pan out well critically. A solo story for Phoenix may need to come after her introduction in anX-Menfilm, but it’d be a way to give the character her much-deserved attention.
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Hopefully, a Jean Grey appearance in the MCU could be an opportunity for Sophie Turner to reprise her role from the Fox-runX-Menfilms. Given her time onGame of Thrones,Turner proves that she can hold her weight as a lead character. Hopefully, this series could be a more memorable adaptation of the Dark Phoenix story.
4Gambit
Gambit has had a very long history of trying to get his own solo adaptation. For years,a solo Gambit film starring Channing Tatum was stuck in development hell, before being canceled when Fox was bought by Disney. Recently, Tatum mourned the film’s cancellation while promoting his filmDog, expressing interest in returning to the role.
Hopefully, Channing Tatum gets his chance to finally play Gambit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. To make up for all the years of development hell, giving Gambit his own solo Disney+ series might be a chance for fans to see how Tatum would’ve owned the role. It would also be exciting to see him appear in futureX-Menmovies.
3Silver Surfer
Like the mutants, the Silver Surfer has had a complicated history with movie adaptations. The galactic traveler appeared in the critically-pannedFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Fans were disappointed in how the movie depicted the Silver Surfer’s world-eating overlord, Galactus, in contrast to his comic book appearances.
AfterEternals, Marvel has proven that doing Galactus and Silver Surfer justice is possible.This character may be a perfect way to finally get Keanu Reeves to appear in the MCU. An interesting storyline to adapt in a series would be Jim Starlin’sSilver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos, letting fans see Josh Brolin’s iconic villain once again.
2Darkhawk
Darkhawk is a fairly obscure Marvel Comics character, originally debuting in the 90’s. The character was recently reprised in the comics in 2021 for only his second volume, giving the character some newfound popularity. This run finds teenager Connor Young stumbling on an amulet that allows him to remotely control the Darkhawk Android.
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Compared to most other superheroes who appear in films, Darkhawk is most similar to Tony Stark’s ability to remotely controlIron Mansuits inIron Man 3andSpider-Man Homecoming. It would also be a good avenue to introduce a younger actor into the MCU, such asStranger Things’Finn Wolfhard or theItmovies' Wyatt Oleff.
1Squirrel Girl
When it comes to obscure Marvel Comics characters, Squirrel Girl takes the cake as one of the best. She originally appeared in 1991 but has had many interpretations since that have really stretched this character to her limits. Squirrel Girl has even defeated Thanos,canonically making her one of the strongest Marvel characters.
Squirrel Girl was set to make her live-action debut inMarvel’s New Warriorsbefore the show was canceled. Milana Vayntrub, who voiced the character in the past, had been cast to play her. Hopefully, Vayntrub gets another shot to reprise her role, though a teenage actor could also be chosen to adapt Squirrel Girl’s college-era adventures.
