These deep-cut <em>Avengers</em> heroes possess the potential to become the next generation of <em>Marvel Cinematic Universe</em> stars. Although they may not have fulfilled their complete potential in the comics, these characters could redefine their roles in Marvel lore with strong performances in the MCU as part of a future line-up of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Following Avengers: Secret Wars, the MCU is anticipated to reboot. This likely means new versions of its classic A-list heroes, but it also provides ample opportunity to introduce forgotten figures from Avengers history.
The characters collected here could be cinematic game-changers, elevating their Marvel reputation in the process.
Captain Universe/Enigma Force
First Appearance: Micronauts #1 (1978); Latest Appearance: King In Black #5 (2021)
Captain Universe is the name given to various hosts of the Enigma Force, a powerful cosmic entity that traces its origins back to the early days of the Marvel Universe. The Enigma Force has had numerous hosts over the years, including many iconic Marvel heroes such as Spider-Man, Hulk, Juggernaut, Deadpool, and more.
Captain Universe’s powers of cosmic awareness and ability to manipulate the very foundations of the cosmos would make them instantly the most powerful hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From a behind-the-scenes standpoint, this character offers an opportunity to learn a vital lesson from the first fifteen years of the MCU.
This lesson is that Marvel will always cast strong, charismatic leads in its films. However, their goal for the next generation of MCU heroes should be to make fans fall in love with the character and their powers rather than solely focusing on the performer portraying them. Captain Universe’s unfixed nature provides a natural chance to explore this.
Star Brand
First Appearance: Star Brand #1 (1986); Latest Appearance: Avengers Assemble Omega #1 (2023)
The Star Brand is similar, in some respects, to Captain Universe. It is a cosmic artifact that grants its wielders incredible superpowers. Like Captain Universe, this hero was an attempt by Marvel to innovate, although it never fully resonated with audiences as hoped.
Initially from a different continuity than the Marvel Universe entirely, Star Brand was eventually integrated into Marvel’s mainstream canon and has been a member of several Avengers teams since then. The character has never been entirely forgotten by Marvel, but the company has struggled to find a definitive direction for them.
Among all but the most diehard Marvel fans, Star Brand remains a relatively obscure character. However, an incarnation of Star Brand could prove to be an unexpected success on screen if portrayed by the right performer and given a storyline that showcases their potential for high-octane superhero action.
Machine Man
First Appearance: 2001: A Space Odyssey #8 (1977); Latest Appearance: Red Hulk #5 (2025)
Machine Man is a creation of Jack Kirby who originated in an adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, before joining the Marvel Universe proper where he has been a reliable ally of the Avengers, X-Men, and other heroes over time. However, Machine Man has never quite achieved mainstream popularity like many of Kirby’s other characters.
This time around, Machine Man could finally get his due with an impactful role in the MCU. The character has worked closely with Red Hulk in several stories, including this year’s One World Under Doom crossover event. If Red Hulk has a future in the MCU, there’s a good chance Machine Man will also get a shot at cinematic glory.
Living Lightning
First Appearance: Avengers West Coast #63 (1990); Latest Appearance: Astonishing Avengers Infinity Comic #28 (2025)
Living Lightning has been a tertiary part of the Avengers franchise for thirty-five years. As of this year, he is part of the cast of Astonishing Avengers Infinity Comic, a digital-exclusive series. That said, he is effectively a career-long Avenger who started with the West Coast squad before graduating to the main roster.
Living Lightning, or simply Lightning as he goes by these days, has a compelling backstory that MCU fans would easily connect with—a classic trajectory from tragedy to heroic triumph. Additionally, Lightning is a queer hero which could bring much-needed representation to the next era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Quake
First Appearance: Secret Wars#2 (2004); Latest Appearance: Force Works 2020#3 (2020)
Daisy Johnson, better known as Quake, may not be central in Marvel Comics now but was significant in Marvel canon starting in the mid-’00s. As her name implies, she can manipulate her surroundings to create earthquakes.
Quake’s popularity peaked with her inclusion in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. The series made changes to her backstory that were later incorporated into comics but weren’t necessarily well-received by fans. This was her apex in Marvel history so far, but a pivotal MCU role could mark her major comeback.
Deathcry
First Appearance: …Latest Appearance…
Deathcry is an alien warrior from Shi’ar race known for its recurring role in X-Men lore. The daughter of frequent X-antagonist Deathbird, Deathcry was more heroic but never fully caught on as a Marvel hero. Less than twenty years after her debut she was killed off and has remained dead for nearly fifteen years since.
The concept of death can easily be circumvented in Marvel lore. When a character stays dead as long as Deathcry has it suggests they are not just dead but defunct. Still, this character remains available for MCU adaptation which could rejuvenate her comic counterpart.
Hyperion
First Appearance…
Hyperion is one of Marvel’s most powerful characters and stands alongside Sentry as closest equivalent to Superman within its universe. As MCU approaches reboot following upcoming Avengers movies Hyperion ranks high on fans’ lists for future appearances.
This character has been described at times as almost too powerful for existence within Marvel Universe. Complicated lore includes several Multiversal variants which could also position him as dangerous antagonist if utilized properly by MCU.
Black Knight
First Appearance…
Differently from other characters listed here Black Knight has already been introduced into MCU through 2021’s Eternals film regarded among low points putting its characters’ futures at risk. However if one cast member could still impact it’s Kit Harrington’s Black Knight.
This character has orbited Avengers for decades while Harrington’s role barely hints at his superhero potential if at all. Notably his use advanced technology makes him low-key Iron Man substitute for future MCU which might seem longshot now but under right context Black Knight could thrive.
Apart from brief appearance alongside Fantastic Four early 2025 Black Knight largely dormant since starring in own miniseries during 2021 yet compelling comic story alongside full-on MCU appearance as key member Avengers might kick off golden era for this underrated character.
