Will 'Doctor Strange' Lead To More Supernaturals Joining The MCU/Marvel TV?

Now that magic and the supernatural are becoming part of Marvel TV and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the door has been opened for more supernatural characters to show up in Marvel films and television series. We'd first heard of magic and the supernatural existing in the MCU when the Doctor Strange film was announced, and now Marvel TV has just featured their first supernatural character in the form of Ghost Rider, Robbie Reyes on the current season of Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Robbie Reyes is being played by Gabriel Luna on Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., but taking into account the events of the season four premiere, it's very apparent that Robbie Reyes won't be the last supernatural character joining Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. this season.

Not only is Robbie Reyes drawing forth supernatural elements on Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. but with the knowledge of more supernatural characters being added to the Marvel TV universe, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it opens up the possibility for other well known supernatural heroes / villains of Marvel comics to make appearances as well.

Doctor Strange will introduce the supernatural/magical realm to the MCU.

As of now, we know of several magically inclined characters having pivotal roles in the upcoming Doctor Strange movie, from Baron Mordo to the Ancient One, all characters that'll likely have pivotal roles in the MCU. But what about after Doctor Strange takes place? It's not like Doctor Strange will be the only MCU film to feature supernatural characters. There's going to be more magic, and more supernatural, in the coming years. However, we don't know which MCU films will integrate magical/supernatural characters in their plots. There may be specific films that will feature supernatural elements or those elements could just be integrated into the MCU, one piece at a time.

Regardless of theories on when the MCU will begin introducing more supernatural characters, the real question is who will be the next supernatural character to join the MCU?

Johnny Blaze, the Ghost Rider

Yes, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. is featuring Robbie Reyes as the Ghost Rider in its newest season but that doesn't mean a different Ghost Rider can't show up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's possible the decision to introduce Robbie Reyes on Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. might have been purposely done to gauge audience reaction to the Ghost Rider character after the critical reception of Nicholas Cage's Ghost Rider.

In the scenario of Robbie Reyes, the Ghost Rider reviving the character's image in the eyes of fans, then it's very likely the MCU will recruit Johnny Blaze's Ghost Rider for a titular role in an MCU film. Could the MCU be preparing for a Ghost Rider standalone film in Phase Four? With Nicholas Cage attached? (not likely).

Blade

Since the property rights to Blade were reverted back to the Disney/Marvel brand, fans have been speculating on when Marvel would decide to revive Blade but no announcement has been made, yet.

It may be some time before Blade becomes a part of Marvel TV or the Marvel Cinematic Universe but with Ghost Rider joining Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., Blade could plausibly show up on the series as well. Although, Blade would be better saved for an MCU film. There may even be an Easter Egg for Blade in the Doctor Strange film.

Some of the film will take place in New York, the stomping grounds of many Marvel heroes, including Blade, which means there could be Easter Eggs for more supernatural characters joining the cinematic universe.

(Sidenote: Disney/ Marvel's re-acquisition of the property rights to Ghost Rider and the Punisher were accompanied by one other Marvel property, the only property reclaimed by Marvel that hasn't been utilized in Marvel TV or the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet - that being Blade.)

Nick Fury's Howling Commandos

In a far off chance that Marvel is going full steam with their drive for more supernatural elements and characters to join both the Marvel TV and cinematic universes, the Howling Commandos could make their way into the MCU as well.

In Marvel Comics, Nick Fury's Howling Commandos is a team comprised of Marvel's horror monsters, who are sent in to fight other supernatural threats. Warwolf, the Living Mummy, Frankenstein's clone, the Zombie John Doe, Vampire by Night are all members of Nick Fury's Howling Commandos.

As to how Nick Fury's Howling Commandos could appear in the MCU is up for debate. There may be an opportunity for Nick Fury to rejoin the fight when Doctor Strange opens up the realm of magic and supernatural, requiring Nick Fury to assemble his team of Howling Commandos. Or in an even likelier scenario, the Howling Commandos could be much more appropriate for Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.

After learning of Robbie Reyes the Ghost Rider being featured on Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., Reyes could be deemed a threat to the world and there may not be anyone capable of defeating a supernatural force like Ghost Rider, which would call for S.H.I.E.L.D. to assemble their own team of supernaturals - similar to how a team of Inhumans was recruited in Season Two of Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. to counteract the outbreak of Inhumans in the civilian populous. Whatever the case may be, Nick Fury's Howling Commandos could definitely find a place at S.H.I.E.L.D. with Ghost Rider running a muck.