Most Anticipated Characters Coming To The MCU' In Phase 3. And More!

When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there hasn't been a shortage of villains and heroes for fans to dive into. From the humble beginnings of Iron Man (2008) to where the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stands today, the universe of Marvel based characters has grown into dozens of superheroes and associated heroes. And while some fans have become overwhelmed with the amount of superheroes being featured in each Marvel film, most fans are excited for every new addition that appears on the big screen.

I for one, am absolutely fascinated when a new reveal confirms the addition of another Marvel character to appear in the MCU'. The more the better right? But with so many characters being introduced into a universe all at the same time, some MCU' characters may get left behind, while others progress into the future of the franchise. And yes, every Marvel character deserves their time in the spotlight, but overall, every fan of the Marvel franchise wants to see something different when it comes to cinematic adaptations of their favorite comic-book properties.

Not everyone interested in superhero movies wants to see Iron Man or the Hulk, or even Captain America in every Marvel film which is why introducing a plethora of characters for many fans to delve into makes so much sense. And with the MCU' growing substantially since the conception of Iron Man (2008), we have an entire roster of established characters, and those who have yet to appear in the MCU' but will enter the fold at some point in the near future.

When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there hasn't been a shortage of villains and heroes for fans to dive into. From the humble beginnings of Iron Man (2008) to where the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stands today, the universe of Marvel based characters has grown into dozens of superheroes and associated heroes. And while some fans have become overwhelmed with the amount of superheroes being featured in each Marvel film, most fans are excited for every new addition that appears on the big screen.

I for one, am absolutely fascinated when a new reveal confirms the addition of another Marvel character to appear in the MCU'. The more the better right? But with so many characters being introduced into a universe all at the same time, some MCU' characters may get left behind, while others progress into the future of the franchise. And yes, every Marvel character deserves their time in the spotlight, but overall, every fan of the Marvel franchise wants to see something different when it comes to cinematic adaptations of their favorite comic-book properties.

Not everyone interested in superhero movies wants to see Iron Man or the Hulk, or even Captain America in every Marvel film which is why introducing a plethora of characters for many fans to delve into makes so much sense. And with the MCU' growing substantially since the conception of Iron Man (2008), we have an entire roster of established characters, and those who have yet to appear in the MCU' but will enter the fold at some point in the near future.

5 Most Anticipated Marvel Characters Coming To The MCU' In Upcoming Years.

1. Adam Warlock

We've already seen a tease of Adam Warlock during the post-credits scene of Thor: The Dark World as Lady Sif was handing over the Aether to Tanaleer Tivan a.k.a. the Collector, to safeguard the Infinity Stone (the Aether). During the scene, we get a brief glimpse of Adam Warlock's cocoon in the Collector's museum.

In Marvel comics, the cocoon is used by Adam Warlock for multiple purposes. For one, the cocoon is where Adam Warlock was birthed as 'Him' by the Beehive. And then there's the use of the cocoon for regenerative purposes. Warlock can create a cocoon around himself to regenerate his body after taking on physical injuries. That factor could play into why Warlock's cocoon is contained in the Collector's museum in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Thor: The Dark World (2013). We don't necessarily know how far the Collector would have gone to collect Adam Warlock for his collection, but in the scenario that the Collector took to capturing Warlock, there may have been a confrontation that resulted in Warlock being forced into a cocoon which the Collector took as his prize in place of Warlock.

Of course Adam Warlock will come out of the cocoon eventually but he'll be in custody of the Collector. But accounting for Adam Warlock being hinted at appearing in the MCU' sometime in the near future, it's unlikely that he'll be caged for much longer.

2. Beta Ray Bill

First of all, we need to address the rumors circulating since James Gunn revealed a picture of Thor's hammer, Mjonir, on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Now that image could have all kinds of implications but the more popular rumor going around is that Beta Ray Bill has found Thor's hammer somewhere in the Marvel universe. As to why that rumor has any ground is explained here.

The reasoning that some fans have taken to believing, is that Thor will die at some point in Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and the result will leave Mjonir without a bearer, which would call upon someone else worthy to hold the hammer. In that line of reasoning, yes it makes sense for another bearer to be called on to wield Thor's hammer but why Beta Ray Bill?

The closest we've seen anyone coming to lifting Thor's hammer was Steve Rogers in Avengers: Age of Ultron. And that tease of Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America being able to lift the hammer could be hinting towards Rogers' future. However, it's unlikely that Steve Rogers is joining the Guardians of the Galaxy in Volume 2. But back to Beta Ray Bill. He could plausibly appear in the MCU, but it won't be where anyone is expecting.

While some fans have gone to believe that there'll be some connectivity between Thor's hammer on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (GOTG2) and Beta Ray Bill, the director of the film, James Gunn, has confirmed that the prop was simply around. Neither Thor or Beta Ray Bill will appear in GOTG2. We can still hope for Beta Ray Bill to show up at some point despite not making an appearance in GOTG2. And with Thor and Hulk travelling around space and other worlds in Thor: Ragnarok, they may encounter Bill somewhere along the way.

3. Ms. Marvel a.k.a. Carol Danvers

Ms. Marvel has been a hot topic of discussion since Avengers: Age of Ultron, but has fallen out of sight with the Captain Marvel film falling to a later premiere date. Captain Marvel being pushed back to 2019 isn't necessarily a bad thing. But seeing is how Ms. Marvel was supposed to be introduced during the pre-credits scene of Avengers: Age of Ultron, it drives the question of what role will she play in the future of the MCU' since her intended introduction in Avengers: Age of Ultron was scrapped. We can deduce that there was a story arc designed for Ms. Marvel with her in mind for Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with her introduction to the MCU' being delayed until 2019, it probably means that Carol Danvers a.k.a. Ms. Marvel will play another role in the Marvel universe. It's likely that Carol Danvers will be depicted as a pilot for a terrestrial protection force when another army of invaders like the Chitauri arrives on Earth. We don't know when that will be but it's safe to assume that by the time Captain Marvel rolls around, more alien races will be present on Earth or at the bare minimum, arriving on Earth.

4. Dormammu

Now, we're probably a long way off from seeing Dormammu on-screen but his origins have already been teased with information on Doctor Strange (2016) being leaked online.

As of now, we know that Chiwetel Ejiofor will be playing Baron Mordo, who also has major ties to Dormammu in Marvel comics. Then there's the addition of Amy Landecker in an unidentified role, but she's been seen alongside Mads Mikkelsen in set photos from Doctor Strange. Mikkelsen has been confirmed to be playing the antagonist in the film but in an unknown part. We can safely place Mikkelsen out of the role of Dormammu. Although there's a possibility that his appearance as Dormammu will only show up when digitally edited later on; but that's a theory for now. However, with both Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Mads Mikkelsen playing Kaecillius in Doctor Strange, it's safe to say that these two individuals will extend ties to other well known Marvel villains, including Dormammu.

Mads Mikkelsen may not be portraying Dormammu in Doctor Strange, but we can safely assume that his involvement in the film will intersect with that of Baron Mordo who will initiate the introduction of Dormammu at some point in the film; possibly during the post-credits sequence. In the likely scenario that Stephen Strange a.k.a. Doctor Strange leaves both Baron Mordo (Ejiofor) and Kaecillius (Mikkelsen) characters lying in defeat at the conclusion of the film, they may seek out help by alternative means, searching for the infamous Dormammu in another dimension. But that's just my theory.

5. Mantis

Mantis is probably the most concrete character we can confirm to have an upcoming appearance in the MCU'. We know that Pom Klementieff will be portraying Mantis in the upcoming Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2, despite none of the set photos shared by James Gunn depicting one shot of Mantis on set. It's likely that Mantis will have a minimal part in the film. But in all probability, James Gunn removed any set photos of Mantis to keep the reveal of her character secreted until he intends to allow marketing to promote Klementieff as Mantis. And of course, there's the possibility that Klementieff hasn't been screened yet for likability to the intended demographic. If her scores fail to meet expectations of fan reception, her part may be recast before the film meets its premiere date. And in the scenario that Mantis only has a small part in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, another actress could easily enter the role in a set of reshoots. But that would be the worst case scenario for Mantis' role in GOTG2.

Potential Additions Coming To The MCU' In Phase 3.

Those five picks are the most anticipated Marvel characters coming to the MCU' within the first part of Phase 4. But in the worst case scenario, we'll see all of these characters in the MCU' before Avengers: Infinity War in 2018. Here are a few more additions coming to the MCU' as well, two of the picks in this section have already been confirmed for appearances in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2.

6. J'Son of Spartax a.k.a. Mister Knife

J'son of Spartax, otherwise known as the Jason of Spartax, father to Peter Quill has yet to be introduced to the MCU. Director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, James Gunn, has confirmed that J'son will be introduced during the film, but he won't be the iteration of his character from Marvel Comics. Meaning that J'son won't be the emperor of the Spartoi Empire. But then who will J'son of Spartax be in connection to Peter Quill a.k.a. Star-Lord? It's possible that whichever actor is taking on the role of J'son will be under the moniker of Mister Knife. Mister Knife is the code-name used by J'son after his time as emperor of the Spartoi Empire.

Accounting for Gunn's statement of J'son not being the comic-book iteration of his character, Gunn may have only been implying that J'son of Spartax wouldn't be an emperor of alien society, but that factor doesn't interfere with J'son of Spartax taking on other elements of his character's role in the Marvel universe. We could see J'son of Spartax as more of a Ravager like Yondu. The two do have some affiliation with one another. In the scenario that J'son of Spartax is more like Yondu, he could be a villain of the MCU', taking on the moniker of Mister Knife.

In Marvel Comics, J'son of Spartax takes on the title of Mister Knife after his time as Emperor of the Spartoi Empire ran its course. It was there that J'son ran a criminal empire which brought him into contact with his son, Peter Quill, after he placed a bounty on Quill's head.

As for now, that tidbit isn't relevant to who J'son of Spartax will be in the MCU'. But in the scenario that James Gunn wants to distort fans' expectations of J'son, his comments on the character of J'son not sharing similarities to his comic-book counterpart could have been to set up a massive villain arc for J'son of Spartax as Mister Knife.

7. Nova

There are currently no plans to introduce Nova into the MCU' but fans have been theorizing on when the Nova could receive his first opportunity to appear. However, some keen movie-goers have noted that the Nova Corps of the MCU' don't share the signature abilities of the Nova Corps in Marvel comics. And while that may not mean much, it could be foretelling the exclusion of the Nova Corps from the central setting of the MCU. Also implying that Nova will never exist alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy or the Avengers. But there's always hope that Nova will be saved for a future film, and he may be utilized when the Avengers and the Guardians finally crossover; potentially in Avengers 3 or Avengers 4, originally titled Avengers: Infinity War.

8. Wonderman a.k.a. Simon Williams

Nathan Fillion has been officially cast in the role of Simon Williams in the MCU', and will make his first appearance as Simon Williams in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The casting of Fillion in the role of Williams doesn't mean very much right now, but where his character will go during the film is of much intrigue.

In Marvel Comics, Simon Williams is otherwise known as Wonderman. Wonderman is another hero of the Marvel universe who has displayed great power and authority in times of crisis. He was originally a member of the Masters of Evil but became a member of the Avengers after a change of heart. After his stint as a member of the Avengers, Williams went on to pursue an acting career. But that instance was shortly lived when he was once again called upon by the Avengers to battle the Apocalypse Twins. Sadly, Simon Williams lost his life in the battle.

The part of Simon Williams in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will likely elude to Williams' character arc as an actor. Several mock posters of movies featuring Simon Williams have been seen on cinema walls, on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. It should also be noted that these signs have been seen in a town that looks to have been retrofitted to appear from another time. The town may have been retrofitted to create the appearance of another time, possibly placing Simon Williams during the time that Peter Quill was abducted from Earth. The use of the Simon Williams' films may be utilized as a call-back to Peter Quill's life on Earth, despite the brief period it was. But more so, the confirmation of Simon Williams a.k.a. Wonderman on Earth leaves a massive slate for his character to fill in the near future.

Unused Marvel Characters Who May Return To The MCU' Later On

Here are a few more Marvel characters who also have the potential to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Several villains of past Marvel films haven't had definitive deaths or conclusions granted them which leaves them in the position to return to the spotlight of the MCU' to once again create a problem for the Avengers or any other of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

9. Red Skull

The last we saw of the Red Skull was in Captain America: The First Avenger, wherein Red Skull is absorbed by the Tesseract, and sent somewhere in deep space. He hasn't been seen since, but we can expect a return before the Infinity Stones are all assembled in the Infinity Gauntlet.

10. The 'Real' Mandarin

The real Mandarin was first teased in the One-Shot of "All Hail The King" which featured an agent on the Mandarin's behalf threatening Trevor Slattery after his stunt was revealed to the world as a hoax on behalf of Aldrich Killian during Iron Man 3 (2013) .

11. Emil Blomsky a.k.a. Abomination

Abomination is currently being held in a cryo-cell in an Alaskan military base, run by the United States Armed Forces. He's been in containment since the conclusion of The Incredible Hulk (2008). His name was mentioned by Agent Phil Coulson in the first season of "Marvel's Agents of Shield", wherein Coulson mentioned to Grant Ward of his intention to place Ward on guard-duty of Emil Blomsky a.k.a. Abomination if he acted out as a part of SHIELD.

That's my list for the next biggest arrivals to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Phase 3, but who are you waiting to see? There are lots of other Marvel heroes and villains who've yet to appear but could plausibly show up at some point.