4 Superheroes Not Yet on the Horizon in the MCU But Likely to Define the Landscape’s Distant Future
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 4 will usher in a new wave of superheroes, as the landscape continues to bid farewell to some original saviors. Cap and Stark are no longer present. Natasha Romanoff will presumably perform her signature neck grapple one last time in Black Widow. And, it looks like the God of Thunder may be set to pass his hammer on to Jane Foster’s incoming Mighty Thor.
Some new heroes have already been confirmed — She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor, Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye, etc. Yet, many others have been mentioned — many others have been at the center of MCU rumors and insider leaks. And, 5 superheroes seem destined to make their mark in the landscape, sticking around to beat up the baddies for years on end, as was the case with multiple heroes throughout the Infinity Saga.
1. Spider-Gwen (or another version of Spider-Woman)
According to Marvel and DC insider Mikey Sutton (of GeekosityMag and Geekosity: All Things Pop Culture), Marvel Studios has a “mad crush” on Gwen Stacy. The studio reportedly yearns to properly highlight the major comic book figure who didn’t receive enough glory in either the Toby Maguire or Andrew Garfield-led franchises. The character will likely join via a Spider-Man installment but will feature in other Avenger mash-ups as well.
Spider-Gwen could easily fight alongside Peter Parker, coming to lend a hand when he needs it. She could also serve as one of the pivotal members of the rumored Young Avengers team on the way. While Spider-Gwen seems like a likely choice, other theories posit that the writers have been prepping Zendaya’s Michelle Jones for Spider-Woman — given her detective-like deduction skills and quick wit for reasons beyond character intrigue and three-dimensionality.
2. The Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer will reportedly join the MCU as Galactus’ Herald (as is the case in the comics). Galactus is the devourer of worlds, and the Silver Surfer becomes one of his obedient servants — doing as Galactus says to protect his family and safeguard his planet. Yet, the Silver Surfer is not a bad guy at heart; meaning, he will enter fighting for a villain because he has to He will later switch sides and team up with the heroes.
3. Storm
If rumors concerning Storm’s entrance into the MCU are true, she is destined to be one of the primary mutant figures in the landscape. If she joins in Black Panther, she and T’Challa may begin their comic-book accurate whirlwind romance. Their romance leads to many Avenger-X-Men team-ups, as well as children who come to fight in multiple mutant and other-worldly battles. Storm may not only introduce a new wave of heroes, but may serve as the primary X-Men head, taking over for Xavier as Headmaster (if the MCU chooses to start its saga at this point in time).
4. Mr. Fantastic
Now that Disney has access to Fox characters, the Fantastic Four are destined to become one of the landscape’s primary forces. Yet, Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards may appear first, as a member of The Illuminati – boasting a significant purpose outside his scientific, exploratory role.
Dr. Strange may form The Illuminati, recruit Mr. Fantastic, and open the gateway to Reed Richards’ family. Yet, Mr. Fantastic will reportedly come first, serving an individual purpose in combatting extra-terrestrial threats the Avengers are not suited to handle — threats that require creative (and sometimes questionable) solutions.
