Ever wondered why some of the most exciting new faces in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) just vanish into thin air, leaving fans scratching their heads? That's the bitter reality of the Multiverse Saga, where fresh heroes burst onto the scene only to be sidelined forever. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Marvel Studios prioritizing big-name stars over promising newcomers, or is this just the inevitable chaos of an expanding universe? Let's dive into ten standout characters who were hyped up big time and then promptly forgotten, exploring what went wrong and why it matters for the franchise's future.
The MCU used to be a masterclass in weaving together a sprawling ensemble with crisscrossing narratives. As it ballooned into Phases 4 and 5, however, keeping track of every newcomer became a real challenge. Sure, figures like Sam Wilson stepping into Captain America's boots or Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova stealing scenes have shone brightly. But a troubling pattern emerged: Major players from the comics got flashy introductions, only to fade away without a hint of follow-up. As the Multiverse Saga wraps up, these forgotten heroes highlight a creative misstep that's left audiences yearning for more.
Take Eros, for instance—who fans might know as Starfox from the comics. Rumors swirled for ages that Harry Styles was cast as Thanos' brother, and in 2021's Eternals, he made a dazzling cameo alongside Patton Oswalt's Pip the Troll, teasing his role in the team's upcoming escapades. For beginners, Eros is a charismatic, powerful Eternal with abilities tied to emotions, making him a fun, multifaceted character in Marvel lore. Styles even inked a deal for multiple films, suggesting big plans. Yet, nothing materialized. He's MIA ever since, with no confirmations for future appearances. And this is the part most people miss: Despite his comic-book prominence, Eros' MCU stint boils down to a single, tantalizing tease. Imagine the potential for a love story or sibling rivalry with Thanos—could Marvel have squandered a goldmine of storytelling?
Then there's Hercules, who pops up in Thor: Love and Thunder's mid-credits sting, played by Brett Goldstein. Fans of Greek mythology or comics will recognize him as the mighty demigod, a heroic figure who's teamed up with the Avengers in print. Here, he's set up as a vengeful antagonist after Russell Crowe's Zeus survives Thor's wrath, vowing to slay the Thunder God. Three years on, and Hercules hasn't reappeared. With Chris Hemsworth's Thor era winding down, the window for that showdown is slamming shut. But here's where it gets controversial: Was introducing Hercules as a foe a smart twist, or does it undermine his heroic roots? Some argue it could lead to redemption arcs, but others say Marvel dropped the ball on a classic character.
G'iah, portrayed by Emilia Clarke in Secret Invasion, stands out as a Skrull rebel initially allied with the villainous Gravik. She evolves into a hero, taking down Gravik and absorbing powers from Captain Marvel, the Hulk, and others to become the Super-Skrull—a powerhouse capable of shape-shifting and mimicking superhuman feats. For newcomers, Skrulls are alien shapeshifters, adding layers of intrigue to infiltration plots. Despite her epic debut, G'iah hasn't crossed paths with the MCU again. The show's poor reception, partly blamed on her over-the-top storyline, might be the culprit. And this is the part most people miss: Her abilities come with plot holes that could unravel stories, sparking debates—should Marvel risk bringing back such a potentially game-breaking hero, or is her absence a mercy?
Werewolf by Night, Marvel's Halloween special, offered a refreshing horror twist amid a string of flops. It spotlighted Gael García Bernal as Jack Russell, the cursed Werewolf by Night, Laura Donnelly as the intrepid Elsa Bloodstone, and the eerie Man-Thing—a swamp creature with empathic powers that can sense emotions and danger. Think of it as Marvel dipping into supernatural horror, with characters blending action, mystery, and scares. Despite rave reviews, none have returned. The potential for a horror sub-franchise feels wasted, like a thrilling prologue with no sequel. Fans hold out hope for future projects, but optimism is low.
The Eternals, introduced in their 2021 film, were supposed to usher in a bold new chapter: Ten cosmic beings tasked with safeguarding Earth from Deviants under the Celestials' watch. Survivors like Sersi, Kingo, Thena, Makkari, Phastos, and Druig seemed poised for major arcs after losses in battle. Only Kumail Nanjiani's Kingo voiced a What If...? cameo. The movie's box-office flop likely scared off further development, leaving their story unresolved. As the Multiverse Saga ends, a reboot might be their only shot—controversial, since it erases their original impact. But here's where it gets controversial: Did Eternals fail because of pacing issues, or was the concept too niche for mass audiences?
She-Hulk, with Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters, debuted in her Disney+ series, gaining powers from her cousin Bruce Banner's blood to transform into a green-skinned fighter and lawyer. She promised to be a cornerstone for future Avengers tales. Yet, the show's flop—criticized for humor and tone—shifted plans. No confirmed roles in upcoming films, even with leaked art for Avengers: Doomsday going unconfirmed. Maslany's public disenchantment with Disney adds to the uncertainty. For beginners, She-Hulk represents strength and smarts, but her sidelining raises eyebrows: Was the series' failure a fair judgment, or did it overlook her potential as a relatable hero?
America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is a teen with the rare ability to hop between realities—crucial in a multiverse-spanning saga. Fans speculated she'd be key against threats like Doctor Doom. But she's absent from Avengers: Doomsday, possibly due to her obscurity. While a Young Avengers role could emerge, her omission feels like a missed opportunity. And this is the part most people miss: Her unique powers could have offered fresh dynamics, yet Marvel might be saving her for smaller stories.
Clea, Charlize Theron's sorceress from the same film, shares a complex bond with Doctor Strange as both rival and love interest, plus ties to Dormammu. Their post-credits journey to mend a multiversal rift hinted at big things, but updates are nonexistent. Potential for Doctor Strange 3 or Avengers films exists, but silence reigns. Beginners might appreciate Clea as a mystical counterpart to Strange, adding romantic tension to magic-heavy plots.
Black Knight, Kit Harington's Dane Whitman from Eternals, starts as Sersi's romantic interest but claims an enchanted sword in a cliffhanger scene to become the heroic Black Knight—interrupted by Blade. Harington wants a return, but rumors of his inclusion in the Blade reboot fizzled amid rewrites. Fans await clarity, though disappointment looms. This character's arc teases legacy and destiny, making his fade-out frustrating.
Finally, Moon Knight, Oscar Isaac's Marc Spector in his Disney+ series, delivers a standout performance juggling personalities as a vigilante blessed by Egyptian gods. The finale promised more, and execs were bullish. But no season two or crossovers, with Isaac disinterested in Disney ties. A reboot might resurrect him, but it wouldn't recapture the original's depth. And here's where it gets controversial: Was Moon Knight's niche appeal its downfall, or did Marvel undervalue its psychological depth?
So, what do you think? Should Marvel resurrect these forgotten heroes for a stronger, more cohesive universe, or is letting them go the right call to avoid overload? Do any of these absences particularly irk you, or do you see merit in focusing on proven hits? Share your hot takes and debates in the comments below—we'd love to hear your side!
