Since the defeat of Thanos in “Avengers: Endgame,” the roster of heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has significantly expanded. While some supporting characters have taken on more significant roles, such as Sam Wilson becoming Captain America, most of the new heroes are either working alongside established ones or emerging on their own. From Shang-Chi’s (Simu Liu) journey to understand his power to Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) becoming a local legend as heroic as her idol, the MCU is thriving with a fresh generation of superheroes.
It’s worth highlighting that the latest group of superheroes in the MCU are notably younger than even the Phase 1 movie casts were when the franchise first began. With characters such as Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), and others, a youthful generation of heroes has emerged that could have a significant impact on the future of the MCU. The focus on introducing young heroes is so apparent that some fans are speculating about the possibility of a Young Avengers team forming. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of compelling young Marvel characters that the MCU can bring in to broaden its youthful lineup further.
Spider-Man (Miles Morales)
Miles Morales’ Spider-Man could be one of the MCU’s leading contenders for the Young Avengers team. Like Peter Parker, Miles’ abilities stem from a genetically altered spider bite. However, besides possessing the standard spider powers, Miles can generate electricity to enhance his punches and camouflage himself to become invisible. Although Miles has often taken on the Spider-Man mantle in the past after Peter Parker’s death, the MCU can potentially explore alternative storylines for the character.
The collaboration between PlayStation and Insomniac’s “Spider-Man” games has demonstrated that Peter and Miles can operate in tandem. At the same time, Sony’s “Into the Spider-Verse” showcases Miles partnering with a host of other spider-powered heroes. The MCU now has the opportunity to bring both Spider-Men together, particularly since Peter’s current arc in the franchise presents a suitable opportunity for it. As Peter establishes his own identity as Spider-Man, having him serve as a mentor to someone like Miles seems like a natural progression. Even Spider-Man actor Tom Holland has expressed interest in introducing Miles into the MCU.
It’s worth noting that Miles’ uncle Aaron Davis (Donald Glover), also known as The Prowler, has already been established in the MCU. In “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” he appears as a car thief who alludes to having a nephew. With Miles’ rising popularity and his uncle’s existence in the MCU, it’s highly likely that Miles will eventually take on the Spider-Man mantle in a live-action film. Considering the current demand for the character, the prospect of introducing Miles as a live-action character is undoubtedly an enticing idea.
Jubilee
With the gradual integration of mutants into the MCU, it’s only a matter of time before the X-Men become a crucial presence. When they finally make their debut, Jubilee should be among the first to be introduced, as she’s a beloved young X-Men character that fans would be thrilled to see. Jubilee possesses the ability to emit powerful energy blasts from her hands, which she dubs “fireworks.” Despite her colorful appearance and lively personality, Jubilee is not to be underestimated, as her enemies will discover their peril.
Jubilee, a classic young X-Men character, could be a key addition to the MCU’s X-Men team when mutants are fully integrated into the franchise. She’s known for her powerful energy blasts and close bond with Wolverine, and her colorful look and energetic personality would add a youthful presence to the team. The MCU could draw inspiration from the comics and “X-Men: The Animated Series” to develop her character more than the previous Fox movies did. A prominent role for Jubilee could differentiate the MCU’s X-Men from their live-action predecessors. Additionally, Jubilee’s point-of-view role in the animated series made her a gateway to superhero stories for an entire generation, making her an appealing addition to the MCU.
Bombshell
Bombshell, also known as Lana Baumgartner, stands out from the other young heroes as she begins her journey by aiding supervillains instead of being a hero. Lana initially assists her mother, Lori, in robbing banks by using her energy beam blasts to break open safes. Her encounters with Spider-Man often result in conflicts, but after Peter Parker’s death, she turns towards the path of heroism. In the end, she joins forces with Miles Morales and various other heroes.
Bombshell, also known as Lana Baumgartner, stands out from the other young heroes as she begins her journey by aiding supervillains instead of being a hero. Lana initially assists her mother, Lori, in robbing banks by using her energy beam blasts to break open safes. Her encounters with Spider-Man often result in conflicts, but after Peter Parker’s death, she turns towards the path of heroism. In the end, she joins forces with Miles Morales and various other heroes.
Cloak and Dagger
Cloak and Dagger, a pair of runaways named Tandy and Tyrone, are a perfect example of opposites attracting, and their dynamic would be a fantastic addition to the MCU. After being exposed to mysterious chemicals, the two teens gain superpowers and join forces to fight crime on the streets of New York City. Their unique backgrounds and upbringings set them apart, and their abilities couldn’t be more different; Dagger wields deadly energy blades made of light, while Cloak envelops people in his dark energy, shielding and teleporting them to safety.
Freeform tried to adapt Cloak and Dagger into a live-action series, but unfortunately, it was canceled after two seasons. However, with the MCU’s recent focus on street-level Marvel heroes such as Daredevil and The Punisher, Cloak, and Dagger could be an excellent addition to that initiative. The MCU could explore their adventures in the dangerous underworld and introduce a new type of young hero on the screen. This duo is the definition of opposites attracting, and their contrasting backstories and powers make them a great pairing to see in the MCU.
X-23
The recent trend in the MCU is to explore parental relationships among its characters. Heroes such as Thor, Hulk, and Scott Lang have mentored their own kids, but pairing Wolverine with his “daughter” Laura Kinney, aka X-23, would be a great addition to this theme. As a lab-created mutant with Adamantium claws and a fierce personality like her father’s, X-23 would add a unique dynamic to the MCU’s Wolverine. Watching their relationship develop over time would be an exciting and distinctive aspect of the character’s portrayal.
The idea of pairing Wolverine with his “daughter” Laura Kinney, also known as X-23, seems fitting given the MCU’s recent focus on parental relationships among its characters. Laura was created using Wolverine’s DNA and has Adamantium claws that, like her father’s, can cause devastating damage. While we’ve seen Wolverine and X-23 team up in “Logan,” adding them to the broader X-Men and MCU universe would change the dynamic considerably. It would be intriguing to see how Wolverine’s role within the group would evolve and how Laura would interact with other young heroes in the MCU. This father-daughter duo would fit right in with the MCU’s current emphasis on family relationships while providing a formidable force.
Noh-Varr
Noh-Varr, among the heroes discussed, could be the most probable to appear soon in the MCU. As a Kree possessing the same powers as Captain Marvel, he eventually goes by the name Marvel Boy. His arrival would bring in some much-needed representation to the screen, given that the character is bisexual. It would also introduce one of the most potent characters in Marvel’s canon. The upcoming Captain Marvel sequel, titled “The Marvels,” could provide a perfect opportunity for Noh-Varr to make his debut, and rumors are already circulating about potential actors for the role.
The news of Korean actor Park Seo-Joon joining “The Marvels” cast as Prince Yan of Aladna has sparked speculation that he could actually be playing Noh-Varr. The MCU has a history of keeping roles secret or misleading audiences, as seen in “Loki” and “WandaVision.” While it’s uncertain if Noh-Varr will debut in “The Marvels,” he is a crucial character in Marvel’s young roster and is expected to join the MCU in the future.
Nova (Sam Alexander)
The Guardians of the Galaxy have had some involvement with the Nova Corps, but the hero of the Corps, Nova, has yet to make an appearance in the MCU. As “Vol. 3” marks the end of the Guardians’ story, new protectors will be needed in the Marvel cosmos, and even the likes of Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) may not suffice. Therefore, Nova could be a valuable addition. Rather than starting with the original Nova, Richard Rider, perhaps the MCU could begin with his successor, Sam Alexander.
The upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” might set the stage for Sam Alexander to take on the mantle of Nova. As one of Marvel’s prominent but missing heroes, Nova has the potential to rebuild the Nova Corps in the wake of Thanos. Sam’s ties to younger Marvel characters also make him an ideal candidate for the MCU. Perhaps, he and Richard Rider could team up to save the galaxy. With Nova’s inclusion in the MCU expected soon, Sam Alexander’s version would be an exciting addition to the franchise.
Squirrel Girl
Squirrel Girl is an unusual yet endearing character in Marvel’s vast catalog, and it’s precisely her eccentricity that could set her apart in the MCU. Doreen Green was born with a rare genetic mutation that granted her squirrel-like abilities and a bushy tail. Growing up, she was different from other kids and eventually adopted the superhero persona of Squirrel Girl, forming bonds with various animal companions along the way. Squirrel Girl’s introduction into the MCU has the potential to tap into Marvel’s comedic side, appealing to audiences while offering a fresh take on the neighborhood hero archetype.
The MCU had explored lesser-known heroes before, like with the Halloween special that featured Man-Thing and Werewolf by Night and with the upcoming Echo series. Squirrel Girl’s story would be perfect for one of the MCU’s “Special Presentations” on Disney+. It would inject a unique energy into Marvel’s young roster, and having the established cast interact with a hero as quirky as Squirrel Girl would be a lot of fun. Her introduction to the MCU would undoubtedly turn heads and grab people’s attention.
Vivian ‘Viv’ Vision
Although Wanda’s two children have already made their appearance in the MCU, we are still waiting for Viv, Vision’s daughter, to make her introduction. Viv was created by Vision to help him feel more human and share similar abilities. However, her introduction in the MCU would be complex, given that Vision is no longer alive. Nevertheless, there’s a possibility that Viv could be created by the White Vision from “WandaVision,” who’s still out there somewhere.
It’s possible that White Vision could follow in Wanda’s footsteps and create his own family, which could include Viv to make him feel more human. This is a plausible scenario, given how aimless the character was when he left Westview. Introducing Viv in this way would provide her with a fitting backstory and add a young hero who could be instrumental to a future Young Avengers lineup.
Moon Girl
The MCU boasts a collection of super-intelligent characters, including Shuri (Letitia Wright) and Riri Williams, but it shouldn’t overlook the genius residing in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Meet Lunella Lafayette, a teenager who utilizes her intellect and exceptional roller skating abilities to become the heroic Moon Girl. With her impressive technology and the help of her unlikely partner, Devil Dinosaur, a massive T-Rex she inadvertently brought to the present, they create an amusing and action-packed duo with plenty of thrilling heroism to offer.
The animated series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” from Disney showcased the charming and youthful spirit of the character in 2023. It’s an excellent blueprint for the MCU to follow. Similar to Ms. Marvel, Moon Girl has the potential to become a beloved local hero. The addition of Devil Dinosaur will make her even more unique. The animated show was entertaining, but it also demonstrated Moon Girl’s potential as a hero. This makes her an ideal candidate to join the MCU’s expanding roster of young heroes.
Prodigy
Marvel’s Prodigy could be one of the most intelligent mutants in the MCU. David Alleyne’s mutant power to absorb the knowledge and skills of others could make him an incredibly valuable asset to the X-Men. Although he initially goes into hiding to avoid being outed as a mutant, once he joins the X-Men, he becomes a critical member of the team. Prodigy is not only a genius but also a skilled fighter thanks to his ability to absorb the fighting techniques of his adversaries.
When mutants eventually make their debut in the MCU, Prodigy could potentially become one of the smartest young mutants to join the franchise. His ability to absorb knowledge and skills from others makes him a versatile and competent fighter. Prodigy has been part of various mutant hero squads, including the X-Men and the Young Avengers, and is likely to become a key member of the MCU’s version of the X-Men. While it’s uncertain when we’ll see the mutants in the MCU, Prodigy’s introduction is expected to play a significant role in establishing the young mutant roster.
Power Man (Victor Alvarez)
While the MCU is bringing in Charlie Cox’s Daredevil in the upcoming series “Daredevil: Born Again,” many of the other Netflix Marvel shows’ characters are left with uncertain futures. Luke Cage is one such character, and if Michael Colter can’t reprise the role, then the mantle of Power Man could be passed on to Victor Alvarez’s iteration. Victor’s version of Power Man possesses a combination of Luke Cage’s strength and his father’s criminal power, Shades, making him an intriguing character to explore in the MCU.
Victor Alvarez’s version of Power Man could be a perfect addition to the MCU’s street-level heroes. His origins in Hell’s Kitchen could fit right in with Daredevil’s introduction to the MCU. If Michael Colter is unable to reprise his role as Luke Cage, continuing Luke Cage’s legacy through Victor Alvarez’s Power Man could be an excellent option. Victor’s mix of strength and power, inherited from his father, the criminal Shades, could make him a formidable hero. Moreover, if Colter’s Luke Cage is brought back, pairing him up with Victor could result in an intriguing partnership and a good pseudo-father-son dynamic. Joining the Young Avengers could be another option for Victor to bring more value to the MCU.
