Avengers: Secret Wars promises to be the biggest crossover event in the world Marvel Cinematic Universe since Avengers: Endgamewith many long-awaited character returns likely to finally manifest. Taking inspiration from the comic book of the same name, the plot of Avengers: Secret Wars It’s likely we’ll see all of the MCU’s most prominent heroes and villains together on a battleworld manufactured at the behest of the all-powerful Beyonder. As such, the film has the opportunity to include some long-awaited returns of long-dormant characters.
In recent years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been notorious for introducing new characters only to sideline them, never to be seen again outside of their solo projects. Outside the confirmed cast of Avengers: Secret WarsIt’s possible that the film will finally see the reprisal of underutilized roles throughout Phases 5 and 6, possibly even surpassing the list of Avengers: Endgame. It’s also worth mentioning that the MCU may continue to experiment with reprisals of old pre-MCU characters across the multiverse, as was done in Deadpool and Wolverine and Spider-Man: No way home.
10
Wesley Snipes’ Blade
There’s still only one Blade (for now)
One of the most acclaimed special appearances Deadpool and Wolverine was the surprising return of Wesley Snipes’ Blade. As the star of one of Marvel’s first successful film series, Snipes demonstrated he still has it in his cameo appearance, taking out swarms of Cassandra Nova’s minions. The film even poked fun at the MCU’s troubled development Blade redo, claiming that “There will only be one Blade.”
Considering the ongoing behind-the-scenes issues facing the reboot, it’s possible that Wesley Snipes’ Blade will return to the MCU a second time before the new version has a chance to manifest itself. His popularity Deadpool and Wolverine the appearance only makes such an occasion all the more likely. With the multiversal shenanigans of the current overarching story, it’s easy to overlook Snipes’ reappearance.
9
Shang-Chi
It has been strangely absent since its introduction
Since his introduction in his solo film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten RingsSimu Liu’s martial arts master has been strangely absent in subsequent Marvel films. Despite joining forces with Wong, who has repeatedly shown himself to be a favorite for cameos in MCU projects like She-Hulk: Lawyer, Shang-Chi himself has yet to reappear in the series. It’s a shame that Marvel Studios couldn’t find more space to fit in one of their best new characters.
Hopefully, Avengers: Secret Wars will see the long-awaited return of the kung fu expert. Shang-Chi could even enjoy a new boost in power over the events of the film, possibly gaining his comedic duplication powers. In reality, Shang-Chi should have appeared in a Marvel Cinematic Universe project much earlier Avengers: Secret Wars releases, but the crossover film will represent a deadline for Simu Liu’s hero to finally return.
8
Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider
The spirit of revenge needs to walk again
If there’s a mid-2000s Marvel movie character who deserves a cameo Deadpool and Wolverine who didn’t make it, is Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider. Stuntman Johnny Blaze was transformed into a flaming spirit of vengeance by the demon Mephisto, becoming a dark deliverer of penance in two independent solo films. The character gained a different interpretation, Robbie Reyes, in Agents of SHIELDbut Nic Cage’s version remains the most famous and sought-after incarnation of the supernatural hero.
Once again, the nature of the multiverse could be a great place to see the long-awaited return of Nicolas Cage’s Johnny Blaze after years without a release. Better yet, it could be a great way to introduce the more demonic side of the Marvel mythology, an area that has remained desperately unexplored by the MCU thus far. It would be nothing short of a show stopper to see Cage’s flaming bicycle enter the scene after a 14-year theatrical absence.
7
Moon Knight
Need to make the leap from Disney+ to the big screen
Many of the characters featured in Disney+ streaming shows have yet to get the cinematic screen time they deserve. If Blade or Ghost Rider appear, few would be better than Moon Knight to join them on a supernatural crusade completing a cinematic version of the comic book team, the Midnight Sons. As one of the strongest performances from any Disney+ exclusive character, Oscar Isaac’s Marc Spector and Steven Grant would be wonderful to see sharing the screen with the MCU’s best-known heroes.
Admittedly, as a mostly street character, Moon Knight may feel out of place in the cosmic arena of Secret Wars plot. But for the series that managed to make Hawkeye and Black Widow feel impactful against the existential threat of Thanos, that shouldn’t be too big of a problem. Hear Moon Knight’s chilling orchestral theme announce his sudden arrival in Avengers: Secret Wars would certainly give goosebumps to patient fans.
6
Hulk by Eric Bana
Could bring back the savage Hulk in a big way
Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner is a mere shadow of his first appearance in The Avengers in the current state of the MCU canon. Having patched up his two conflicting off-screen personalities to become the lovable Professor Hulk, Banner is no longer a compelling character, mostly serving as comic relief to the likes of She-Hulk and Thor. This leaves the classic rage of the vengeful Hulk unfortunately out of the equation for the MCU’s next big crossover, something that could be resolved by the reappearance of Eric Bana’s old Hulk.
It’s true that the awkward legal situation regarding Hulk films may have prevented such a move in the past, Universal’s remaining rights to the character preventing a Mark Ruffalo Hulk solo film in the first place. But with more resources than ever to legally circumvent these limitations, as proven by the absorption of Spider-Man and the X-Men into the MCU, it’s unlikely that rights will continue to be an issue. Eric Bana could be the Hulk back to his classic, furious self Avengers: Secret Wars alongside a good dose of nostalgia.
5
The Guardians of the Galaxy
The updated team could see a final scream in Secret Wars
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 stands out for being one of the few MCU films that feels like a definitive ending. The conclusion to James Gunn’s brilliant space opera trilogy ends with Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Mantis and Nebula all leaving the team to go their separate ways, leaving Rocket and Groot in charge of a new lineup of Guardian rookies. In short, it’s incredibly unlikely that the classic Guardians of the Galaxy roster will return to the MCU.
That said, there’s a delicious possibility that Rocket and Groot’s new team will reappear to join the fray. Avengers: Secret Wars. After all, having the vocal talents of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel return as Rocket and Groot would be much easier for the studio to manage than justifying a big personal appearance from the likes of Chris Pratt or Dave Bautista. It would be a shame for the MCU to never utilize the new Guardians of the Galaxy team outside of the series, and Avengers: Secret Wars it would be the perfect opportunity.
4
Ultron
Might See His Big Villain Return
In terms of MCU villains, it’s hard to find a greater case of wasted potential than Ultron. Despite his menacing appearance and the excellent smooth tones of James Spader’s voice, Ultron was casually killed in the same film he was introduced in, despite being a major threat in the comics. Fortunately, it looks like the upcoming Vision TV show will revive Ultron, with Spader confirmed to be reprising his role as the character for the first time in ten years.
After returning in the Vision solo series, it would make sense for Ultron to continue his reign of terror alongside other world-threatening villains like Kang and Doctor Doom in Avengers: Secret Wars. Seeing him interact with other major antagonists would be a great reward for MCU fans’ patience. As a sentient computer program, there is no limit to the number of ways Ultron can survive and thrive on different worlds, overcoming death whenever the story demands.
3
The Eternals
Another missing superhero team in need of a revival
Few characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been swept under the rug as much as the Eternals, whose poorly-reviewed debut film was all but eliminated from the Marvel Studios canon. Despite forming a relatively important aspect of the MCU’s Earth creation myth, the Eternals have yet to return in a Marvel project since their 2021 debut. Eternalslanguishing in obscurity. Recently, the film has been reevaluated with a more open mind by some fans, who have retroactively given the title a small cult following.
Considering the grand cosmic implications Avengers: Secret Wars, It might be as good a time as any to return to the long-ignored superhero team. Considering that Captain America: Brave New World is finally addressing the massive celestial corpse left floating in the Indian Ocean as a result of Eternals’ ending, it may be that the parahuman protectors finally cross paths with other main characters. Even if their return isn’t as widely celebrated as other characters, at least the Eternals could complete the list of Avengers: Secret Wars.
2
Ulysses Klaus
It’s weirdly important in the Secret Wars comics
One villain that the MCU introduced and killed off perhaps too soon is none other than Andy Serkis’ Ulysses Klaue. Clearly inspired by the comic villain Klaw, Serkis’ character was a despicable delight to watch. Black Panther, which saw him sadly die at the hands of Erik Killmonger. A fan-favorite secondary villain, Klaue could have an interesting chance at being revived in Avengers: Secret Wars thanks to its surprising importance.
The MCU has ignored certain villain powers from the comics, especially when it comes to Klaue. Although the villain started out as a simple human with a prosthetic enhancement, as his MCU version reflects, the character ends up gaining a body made of solid sound that ends up being vitally important in the game. Secret Wars comic plot. Perhaps the MCU could find a way to reintroduce Serkis’ despicable and endlessly entertaining vibranium thief into a new sound-based body, just in time for Avengers: Secret Wars.
1
America Chavez
Could be vitally important for the next big crossover
Avengers: Secret Wars is in a somewhat strange position in the grand scheme of the MCU, being left to drum up enthusiasm and pick up the pieces in the wake of the failed Multiverse saga. Even though Kang is no longer the next big bad to terrorize the MCU, the dimension-traveling nature of his being has still made a profound impact on the series, seen recently in films like Deadpool and Wolverine. With that in mind, few character returns will make as much sense for the upcoming crossover films as America Chavez.
A young woman with mysterious powers to travel the multiverse, América Chavez could prove to be of vital importance to Avengers: Secret Wars. Her ability to bring others with her across different dimensions could be crucial in organizing heroes from across the MCU multiverse, opening the door for more pre-MCU film cameos. Last seen honing her powers with the mystical practitioners of Kamar-Taj, Chávez was in a great place to return. Avengers: Secret Wars.