8 Forgotten MCU Characters

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As a longtime fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I reflect upon the characters that graced our screens only to vanish without a trace. Among these forgotten heroes, there are some whose stories could have been woven into the grand tapestry of the MCU, had they been given the chance.

One such character is Mac Gargan, or Scorpion, played by Michael Mando in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” His brief appearance at the end of the movie teased a promising future for the character, yet he was never heard from again. It’s as if the writers took one look at his potential and thought, “Nah, let’s just move on.”

Now, I’m no comic book expert, but I do know a thing or two about storytelling. And when you introduce a character as intriguing as Scorpion, you don’t just abandon him like a lost puppy at the pound. You give him a second chance! After all, who among us doesn’t love a good redemption arc?

And what about Mac Gargan himself? He’s an actor with talent to spare, as evidenced by his critically-acclaimed work on “Better Call Saul.” To see him relegated to the scrap heap of forgotten MCU characters is nothing short of a crime against entertainment.

I can only hope that one day, the powers that be in the Marvel universe will look upon their mistakes and realize the error of their ways. Until then, I’ll just have to settle for watching reruns of “Better Call Saul” and dreaming of what could have been for Scorpion.

Oh, and one last thing: If you happen to be a Marvel writer with a heart and a sense of justice, please remember that a hero is defined not by their power, but by their ability to overcome adversity. So give Scorpion another chance, won’t you? For the love of all that’s good in this world, let’s bring back the Scorpion!

*Pun intended*

The Marvel Cinematic Universe stands among the broadest and most intricate franchises ever created. Following a less than memorable Phase Five, we’re now moving towards Phase Six, set to kick off with “The Fantastic Four: First Footsteps” in 2025 and wrap up with “Avengers: Secret Wars” in 2027. Fingers crossed that it will return to the greatness it initially showcased when this cinematic relationship between studio and audience was still fresh. Many fans have expressed nostalgia for Phase One, and no doubt they also miss some of the beloved characters along with it.

As a long-time fan of this saga with over four decades of following its evolution, I can attest to the sheer complexity that comes with keeping track of its ever-expanding universe. With more than 40 movies and TV shows under its belt, even the writers and directors seem to struggle to keep up. This intricate web of stories has led to some characters with immense potential being overlooked, much to the dismay of fans like myself.

However, I remain hopeful that these characters will make a return in future projects, as there are numerous projects in development. Until then, it’s challenging not to ponder where they might be and what they might be up to. After all, we, the dedicated followers, have already raised our concerns about their absence, hoping for their eventual reappearance. It’s a bit like being a concerned citizen reporting a missing person – we can only wait and hope for their return.

8
W’Kabi

Last spotted in ‘Black Panther’

In my role as the head of security for Wakanda’s Border Tribe and being married to the commander of the Dora Milaje, Okoye, I once stood firmly by the side of T’Chaka and T’Challa. However, when it came to addressing Ulysses Klaue’s actions, I felt they fell short. This dissatisfaction led me to change my loyalty to Killmonger. Consequently, due to this betrayal, I was exiled from the hallowed grounds of the Golden City.

Behind-the-Scenes Factors

As a long-time fan of Daniel Kaluuya’s work and someone who has followed his career since he burst onto the scene with “Get Out,” I must say that it is exciting to see him becoming such a big name in Hollywood. His talent and charisma are undeniable, and I think the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could greatly benefit from having an actor of his caliber on board.

Regarding the absence of his character, W’Kabi, from the MCU franchise, it seems that scheduling conflicts might have played a significant role in this decision. With Daniel being heavily involved in Jordan Peele’s latest project, “Nope,” it is understandable that he was unavailable for filming “Wakanda Forever.”

However, I am left wondering if we will see Daniel reprise the role of W’Kabi again anytime soon. Given his busy schedule and the numerous projects he is tied to, it seems unlikely that he will be returning to the MCU any time soon. But who knows, maybe one day we will get to see more of this talented actor in the Marvel universe!

7
Doc Samson

Last spotted in ‘The Incredible Hulk’

For a period, psychiatrist Dr. Leonard Samson had a romantic relationship with Betty Ross. It was only natural that he felt upset when Bruce Banner reappeared and resumed his relationship with Ross. In an attempt to have Banner apprehended, Samson reached out to Betty’s father, Thaddeus Ross. Unintentionally, this action sparked the conflict at Culver University.

One of Hulk’s Greatest Enemies

Ty Burrell began starring in “Modern Family” approximately when he was also featured in “The Incredible Hulk”. At that time, the future of the franchise wasn’t certain yet, which made it sensible for him to concentrate on a popular sitcom instead. Nonetheless, given the strength and impact of Doctor Leonard Samson’s character in Marvel comics, there is a need for his return to the screen.

He possesses powers akin to the Hulk, harbors intense hostility towards Bruce, and is widely recognized for his catchphrase, “If you can do it, Bruce, I can do it better.” Similar to his biblically named counterpart, his strength is linked to the length of his long green hair (although this was altered in subsequent editions). It’s hoped that he could potentially show up in the “New World Order.

6
Prowler

Last spotted in “Spider-Man: Homecoming’

In the bustling city of New York, a man known as Aaron Davis, or the criminal alias Prowler, aspired to grow his dominion. To achieve this, he attempted to forge an alliance with some of Adrian Toomes’ henchmen. His aim was to acquire their weapons that were part alien and human hybrid. However, following an earlier rescue by Spider-Man, Davis reconsidered his plan. Instead, he assisted the hero in removing all these weapons from the streets.

Still a Cherished Character

As a movie enthusiast, I must share that in Spider-Man: Far From Home, while rumors circulated about the appearance of Glover’s character, it seems they decided against it due to logistical constraints. The screenwriters, Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, had initially considered incorporating Prowler into the storyline, but ultimately chose not to because explaining his presence in Europe (the film’s setting) rather than his hometown of New York City would have required extensive exposition, which might have slowed down the pace of the narrative.

In a future role, Glover might make a brief appearance in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”, but it’s yet to be determined if this character aligns with the one within the Marvel Studios universe.

5
Madame B

Last spotted in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

One reason Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, stands out as one of the MCU’s top fighters is due to extensive training by Madame B. During her character’s history, she was assigned to train female assassins alongside Dreykov in the Red Room. Despite intentionally failing tests to prevent graduation, Madame B recognized this and compelled Natasha to complete the program instead.

Gone for Good?

As a long-time fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I was eagerly anticipating the Black Widow solo movie to delve deeper into Natasha Romanoff’s complex past and uncover the enigmatic figure of Madame B, who was rumored to be a central antagonist in the film. However, to my disappointment, we only saw Dreykov on screen, with no sign of Madame B. This left me puzzled, as her absence seemed incongruous given her supposed importance to the narrative.

Given my background in film and storytelling, I can’t help but wonder if Julie Delpy was unavailable for the project due to scheduling conflicts or other commitments. Unfortunately, there has been no official word on that matter. As a result, we are left guessing about Madame B’s fate and whether we will ever see her again in the MCU now that Natasha is no longer part of it.

In my opinion, the absence of Madame B from the Black Widow solo movie was a missed opportunity to explore a compelling and intriguing character. As someone who has followed the evolution of Marvel’s storylines closely, I believe that delving into Madame B’s background would have added depth and richness to the film, enhancing our understanding of Natasha’s past and her motivations as a character.

Overall, I remain hopeful that we will get to see more of Madame B in the future, perhaps in another medium or franchise. But for now, we can only speculate about what could have been and appreciate the intriguing mysteries that still surround this enigmatic character.

4
Liz Allan

Last spotted in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

During his early MCU years, Peter Parker often made time for affection, having been in a relationship with Elizabeth “Liz” Allan, the daughter of Adrian Toomes. Liz was admired by many at Midtown School of Science and Technology, where she served as captain of its academic decathlon team. Upon discovering her father’s illegal activities, she and her mother relocated to Oregon.

Far from New York

In the movie “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Liz was noticeably present, but in a quick, almost unnoticed scene of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” her photo appears. One might wonder why Peter Parker didn’t pursue any further connection with her after their last encounter, and what she has been doing lately?

It’s unfortunate that the character decided to leave Spider-Man and the series behind given her intriguing backstory in the comics. She marries Harry Osborn, has a child named Normie Osborn, then transforms into Misery after merging with parts of Anti-Venom and Carnage.

3
Corpsman Rhomann Dey

Last spotted in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

In the initial “Guardians of the Galaxy” film, I had the pleasure of witnessing Oscar nominee John C. Reilly bring Nova Corps member Rhomann Dey to life. Initially, he was the officer who apprehended Star-Lord, but following their daring prison break, Dey shifted from an adversary to a crucial ally in our heroes’ journey.

Was the Entire Corps Wiped Out?

Fans might well think that the Nova Corps would play a significant role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, we discover in Avengers: Infinity War, Xandar along with the Nova Corps are annihilated (as they were guardians of the Power Stone).

Nonetheless, it seems crucial to uncover details regarding the fate of such an extensive galactic defense force. Are they all deceased? Who among them might still be alive? Was Dey one of the survivors? Furthermore, considering his comedic talents, John C. Reilly could have continued to bring a unique charm to this franchise.

2
Dr. Helen Cho

Last spotted in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

In the movie “Age of Ultron”, we find ourselves drawn to Dr. Helen Cho as she heals Hawkeye following the intense opening battle. Unfortunately, her luck doesn’t hold up. She is captured and manipulated by Ultron, forced to construct a powerful body for him. After her rescue, she continues her work at the Avengers’ base.

Could Have Been the Avengers’ Official Doctor

Due to her extensive knowledge and position as the head of the U-GIN Research Group, Dr. Helen Cho is far too significant to be overlooked. Her genetic expertise could have proven valuable during instances when any of the heroes sustained injuries, while her work with Vibranium would have likely made her a pivotal figure in the Black Panther films.

1
Mac Gargan, aka, Scoripion

Last spotted in ‘Spider-Man-Homecoming’

In the closing moments of Spider-Man: Homecoming, the character Mac Gargan, known as Scorpion and played by Michael Mando from Better Call Saul, makes an appearance. He has a brief conversation with Adrian Toomes, hinting at his potential future role as a villain. However, he fails to reappear in any subsequent MCU scenes. This scene therefore earns the title for being the most pointless post-credit moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A Closed Chapter?

Questions arose about Scorpion possibly coming back when Toomes, his former boss, was moved from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the Sony Spider-Man Universe in the Morbius post-credit scene. Since the two characters had a strong connection, it seemed logical that Scorpion might follow him. However, he didn’t show up in any of the subsequent Sony movies. Interestingly, the actor himself seems unsure as to why he wasn’t contacted again about reprising his role. He recently shared a social media post expressing disappointment over the character’s lack of presence.

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2024-12-30 02:32