7 Marvel Characters Disney Quietly Shelved That Could Still Save the MCU
Disney faces growing pressure from Marvel fans, and a significant part of that frustration stems from how the studio has handled several MCU characters since taking complete control of the franchise.
Fans watched Disney rewrite some characters in ways that didn’t land, introduce others only to make them disappear, and position a few for greatness before quietly pushing them aside. Fans aren’t demanding a total reset—they simply want these characters to receive the second chance they finally earned.
The Road Ahead for Marvel
Marvel has huge plans on the horizon. Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) is getting ready to take center stage, new team-ups are forming, and the Avengers will soon face threats bigger than anything we’ve seen. It’s an exciting stretch, but it would feel even stronger if Marvel brought back a handful of characters who never got their fair shot. These seven could make the next era of the MCU feel bold again.
TheMandarin
Marvel’s twist years ago was clever, but it didn’t erase the demand for the real Mandarin. Wenwu (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) was great in Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), but he wasn’t the comic-accurate version fans expected. The actual Mandarin controls the Ten Rings, commands fear, and carries a presence that shifts the balance of power.
His abilities—from energy attacks to gravitational control—make him the type of villain who can go head-to-head with characters like Doctor Doom. Marvel has an open lane to bring in the authentic version and give fans the threat they’ve been waiting for.
Taskmaster
Taskmaster’s (Olga Kurylenko) debut in Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) didn’t reflect the iconic comic version. Disney trimmed away the character’s personality, sarcasm, and tactical swagger. Fans expected a villain who could mimic any fighting style and weapon with ease.
The classic Taskmaster has photographic reflexes and enough charm and menace to steal entire scenes. Bringing back a proper version would strengthen Marvel’s street-level stories and restore what made the character so popular in the first place.
The Eternals
Marvel introduced a massive group of powerful characters, teased massive cosmic stakes, and then let everything hang unresolved. The Eternals—Sersi (Gemma Chan), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Druig (Barry Keoghan), Thena (Angelina Jolie)—each brought something fresh, and their connection to the Celestials opened the door to huge ideas.
Fans still talk about Arishem, the cliffhanger ending, and the characters taken by the Celestial judge. The story is far from finished, and bringing them back could give the MCU the kind of scale it needs as it pushes toward multiversal threats.
Dar-Benn
The Marvels moved fast, and Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) never had the room to grow into the dangerous force she was meant to be. Her powers were strong, her motives clear, but the pacing didn’t allow her to develop. A Variant could easily fix that. Her energy-based abilities offer plenty of storytelling potential, and a more fleshed-out version of her could bring real cosmic tension to Marvel’s next chapter.
Monica Rambeau
Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) acquired extraordinary powers in WandaVision, but Disney never gave her the spotlight she truly deserved. Her time in The Marvels once again placed her in a supporting role. Fans know she can manipulate energy at a level that makes her one of Marvel’s strongest new heroes. A comeback that finally lets her lead would instantly strengthen the next Avengers team.
America Chavez
America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) should be one of the cornerstones of the Multiverse Saga. Her portal-opening abilities make her vital, but she stepped back after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Fans want to see her train, grow, and become the major hero she’s meant to be. No one else can move between universes the way she can, and Marvel needs that right now.
Quicksilver
Quicksilver’s (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) early exit remains one of Disney’s biggest MCU disappointments. His speed and reflexes never had the chance to shine before he was written out. With the Multiverse wide open, Marvel could easily bring him back. Fans are ready for a second attempt at the character—one that lets him live up to his potential.
What Their Return Would Add
Each one of these characters brings something valuable to the MCU. Power, depth, personality—there’s no shortage of what they could contribute. As Marvel prepares for Doctor Doom and the next phase of Avengers stories, these characters could help strengthen the entire foundation.
A Stronger MCU Starts Now
Fans haven’t forgotten these characters. They’re still waiting, still hoping, and still eager to see Marvel finish what it started. If Disney brings even a few of them back, the MCU’s future could feel more exciting than it has in years.
