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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has set its sights on television series, expanding its stories through episodic releases. Shows such as Wandavision (2021; Schaeffer), The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021; Spellman), and Loki (2021-; Waldron) are paving the way to Marvel’s cinematic future. It goes without saying that there will be more character-driven shows, but who deserves the spotlight next? Here are six Marvel characters (and teams) in no particular order that would both make for a compelling story and advance the existing narrative.
6. The Howling Commandos
First introduced in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger (dir. Joe Johnston), The Howling Commandos are Cap’s ragtag group of fighters. After being rescued from a POW Camp, the bunch launched missions under Steve Rogers, doing their part to take down HYDRA. After Rogers went into the ice, Timothy “Dum Dum” Dugan took over as leader, and the group continued to fight for the allied forces throughout WWII.
The composition of the group is much different than their comic book counterparts, but the MCU maintained the diversity of the Commandos. A possible series could explore them working for SHIELD post-war, taking odd jobs, and doing the ‘dirty work’ that agents like Howard Stark might shy away from. If needed, the show could also serve as a reintroduction to life-model decoys or LMDs. Dum Dum Dugan is still operating as a soldier for hire in the comics, as his consciousness was imported into an LMD. That storyline could make for an interesting new thread to the MCU, as we have only seen LMDs in the now non-canonical Agents of Shield.
5. Ghost Rider
Speaking of things that were only canon in Agents of Shield, Gabriel Luna‘s Ghost Rider at one point had a spinoff series in the pipeline. Unfortunately, due to creative differences, the project was shut down. The character is due to a revival sooner than later for a couple of reasons. One: the multiverse has opened up, opening the door to any amount of crossovers. Two: the demon Mephisto has been heavily teased throughout the beginning of Phase Four.
Mephisto plays a large role in the creation of Ghost Rider, as in his origin story, he sells his soul to the arch-demon. Ghost Rider would be a safe bet to appear sooner than later with both of these factors coming into play. Whether they cast someone new or stick with Luna, Ghost Rider would make an excellent addition to Marvel’s growing superhero roster.
4. Captain Carter
Peggy Carter’s (Hayley Atwell) involvement in the MCU has fluctuated throughout the years. Originally appearing in the first Captain America movie, she would return in four other MCU movies. In addition to her film appearances, she had her own short-lived spinoff Agent Carter (2015-2016; Markus & McFeely). Needless to say, she was a fan favorite. In episode one of What if…? (2021-; Bradley), the character was reimagined as a super soldier, taking Steve Rogers’ spot as he is injured in a surprise HYDRA attack.
After being injected with the super-soldier serum, she becomes Captain Carter. Her character has always been a brave and witty agent of S.H.I.E.L.D, but she is turned into an action hero with the serum. In an exclusive interview with Inverse, executive producer Brad Winderbaum stated that Marvel is interested in “spinning off one of these variants in a future project” (( https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/what-if-episodes-could-expand-into-live-action-mcu-spinoffs-exclusive-star-wars )). He also said that the characters featured in the animated series aren’t excluded from the possibility of making the leap into live-action. Out of the episodes of What If…? released so far, Captain Carter seems the most likely.
3. Taskmaster
While Taskmaster was introduced in Black Widow (2021; Shortland), that particular character’s storyline was pretty wrapped up by the end of the film. If Marvel wanted to reboot and revamp the character, the premise would be simple. After the events of Black Widow, SHIELD could revamp the Taskmaster program and create a more comic-accurate depiction of the character, possibly Tony Masters. In the film, the character takes a massive diversion from the source material. This is fine, but it might be worth revisiting the character in a possible second iteration of the mantle. Taskmaster, in the comics, is a recurring foe for characters such as Spider-Man, Deadpool, and The Avengers, so it would make sense for them to find their way back onto the screen soon.
2. The Marvel Knights
Originally a short-lived team-up between different street-level heroes formed to kidnap the Punisher, Marvel Knights could suit as a replacement for Netflix’s The Defenders (2017; Petrie & Ramirez). Marvel wouldn’t have to follow the comic directly; however, each set piece is already available. The original team consists of Daredevil, who serves as their leader, Black Widow, Shang Chi, Dagger, Luke Cage, Moon Knight, and eventually The Punisher himself.
With Charlie Cox‘s rumored return to the MCU, it would only make sense for the character to lead a new street-level group of vigilantes. Marvel has always covered the cosmos and the streets, and the Marvel Knights could fill that need.
1. The Young Avengers
All signs point towards The Young Avengers in the MCU. Originally formed by Iron-Lad in the comics, the team first banded together to fight Kang the Conqueror, a futuristic version of Iron-Lad himself. After the encounter, the remaining young heroes were banned from retaking their mantles, and the team seemed to be dead in the water. Kate Bishop, who leads the team in Iron-Lad’s absence, reforms The Young Avengers in secret along with Hulkling, Wiccan Cassie Lang, and Patriot. With many of these members of the team being introduced throughout recent television series and more coming soon in upcoming shows, including Hailee Steinfeld‘s Kate Bishop, it seems like the familiar cast of characters is being built.
With the main Avengers somewhat out of commission after losing both of their leaders, The Young Avengers could make a splash in the MCU. While they may eventually receive a film, it would make more sense to start on the small screen, narratively and logistically. Starting in an episodic series could take the time to introduce each member of the team. This would also set up the entire future of the MCU, creating a sort of legacy that could go beyond Phase 4. Rebooting the universe after The Infinity Saga is a tall task, but the Young Avengers are the ones to do it.