10 Marvel Characters Are About to Receive Major Power Upgrades in the MCU

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As MCU Phase 6 approaches, marking the near end of the Multiverse Saga, I expect a multitude of familiar faces will return, significantly stronger than before. This strengthening is crucial if the Avengers are to face off against Doctor Doom, who is expected to have bolstered his power to secure an advantage in the Multiverse Saga’s final showdown. Given the presence of numerous god-like characters within the Multiverse Saga, enhancing abilities is essential for many heroes to keep up with their rivals.

In some instances, certain Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters might have reached their peak power level. For instance, the Sentry from the Thunderbolts* seems to possess god-like abilities, a trait that aligns well with the character’s comic book origins and is likely why the MCU has chosen to portray him this way. Nevertheless, there are other MCU characters who still have room for growth in terms of power, and it appears that the MCU has set the stage for their development in their recent appearances.

10. Skaar Will Have Much More To Do Than Stand There

Last Seen In She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

In the series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” Smart Hulk came back from Sakaar along with his hidden Sakaaran son, Skaar. When Skaar emerged from behind his father, dressed in traditional Sakaaran attire and remained silent, the scene concluded without any additional spectacle. Consequently, since there was no chance for Skaar to display any powers during that moment, it went by without any demonstration of abilities.

Given this scenario, it’s likely that Skaar will demonstrate similar traits in future appearances, potentially amplifying his influence within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If the MCU stays true to the comics, Skaar will inherit several of Hulk’s characteristics, such as super strength, and may even have the ability to manipulate earth, stone, and even lava through his “Old power.” It’s uncertain where Skaar will reappear next, but speculation suggests that he might team up with the Young Avengers or pave the way for a hidden World War Hulk storyline.

9. Cyclops Will Probably Receive The Focus He Deserves

Last Seen In Dark Phoenix

In the X-Men prequels, Tye Sheridan plays a younger version of Cyclops, but James Marsden’s portrayal of the character was last seen in X-Men: The Last Stand. This onscreen exit, lacking any grand farewell, marked a somewhat underwhelming film chapter for Cyclops as the X-Men leader. In the Fox X-Men movies, Cyclops had a less prominent role compared to Wolverine.

Currently, it has been confirmed that James Marsden will be rejoining the cast for Avengers: Doomsday, likely to resume his character as Scott Summers alongside his fellow X-Men co-stars from previous films. Considering the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s history of enhancing portrayals of underrepresented characters, it seems plausible that Cyclops will receive a more defined role and improved treatment when he makes his return to the silver screen. This renewed focus should result in him assuming the X-Men leader position more explicitly, as well as showcasing a stronger demonstration of his optic blasts.

8. Shuri Will Be A More Experienced Black Panther

Last Seen In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Shuri, portrayed by Letitia Wright, assumed the role of Black Panther following her successful creation of the heart-shaped herb. This bestowed upon her the same powers as her deceased brother. With these new abilities, Shuri squared off against Namor, the ruler of the enemy nation called Talokan. However, due to circumstances, Shuri didn’t have much time to develop her skills as Black Panther before being thrust straight into a challenging situation.

In the future, when Letitia Wright reprises her role in Avengers: Doomsday, it’s expected that significant time has passed, as confirmed by Thunderbolts. This time leap will allow Shuri to extensively develop her skills as the Black Panther. She is likely to enhance her abilities with her intellect and advanced Wakandan technology, fully utilizing the potential of the Black Panther mantle and powers.

7. Monica Rambeau/Photon Has Been Spending Time With Binary

Last Seen In The Marvels

In the film The Marvels, Monica Rambeau initially hesitated to take up a superhero role. For most of the movie, she was only utilizing a fraction of her full power. However, after Kamala Khan and Carol Danvers channeled energy through the Quantum Bands into her, her abilities were amplified significantly. Now radiating bright white-blue light, Rambeau utilized these enhanced powers to seal an interdimensional breach connecting Earth-616 with a realm inhabited by Beast from the X-Men and Maria Rambeau, who is known as Binary.

If Rambeau’s powers weren’t depleted during her last appearance in the MCU, we can expect to see her at the height of her abilities next time. Given that she’s with Binary and other X-Men who probably have access to a training facility like the Danger Room, it makes sense that she might receive additional training. Considering she will likely be working alongside the X-Men as fellow superheroes in “The Marvels”, I can’t wait to see how Monica’s teamwork skills and overall abilities have developed.

6. Ms. Marvel Will Have Been Honing Her Skills

Last Seen In The Marvels

In her most recent outing in “The Marvels,” Ms. Marvel found herself as a greenhorn, working alongside initially hesitant partner Monica Rambeau. Recently discovering her ability to create light-energy structures, Ms. Marvel was plunged headfirst into the deep end against the Kree Supremor Dar-Benn, though she had the backup of Captain Marvel and Monica Rambeau. Primarily relying on instinct and a brief tutorial from her new colleagues, Kamala Khan managed to defeat the danger.

After Ms. Marvel brought Kate Bishop into the Young Avengers, it seems likely that she has been improving her abilities since she’s firmly established as a superhero and in a good position with Nick Fury. It’s possible that this development will lead to an enhancement of her powers, similar to those of her comic book character, though the specifics are yet to be revealed. Regardless, I have no doubt that she will exude greater self-assurance as a combatant.

5. Smart Hulk Needs To Relinquish Control Back To Savage Hulk

Last Seen In She-Hulk: Attorney At Law

In the five years between “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”, Bruce Banner managed to combine his intellect with the Hulk’s physique. This amalgamation is often referred to as Smart Hulk. One of Smart Hulk’s most remarkable feats was orchestrating the Blip, a phenomenon where his gamma-resistance protected him from the destructive energy emitted by the Infinity Stones, ultimately leading to the demise of Tony Stark. While it’s undeniably advantageous to have Banner’s sharp mind in any given situation, I can’t help but yearn for the return of his previous, wild Hulk persona.

It seems likely that confronting Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday might require it, given the circumstances. Hulk, with his design specifically tailored to overpower even the cleverest adversaries, could potentially regain control from Banner in a stronger, more vengeful form. This transformation would then enable him to challenge Doctor Doom head-on, a scenario that many fans have been anticipating, as they feel that Hulk’s portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been toned down compared to his comic book version.

4. America Chavez Was Being Trained As A Sorcerer

Last Seen In Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness

In “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” America Chavez made her first appearance as a character from multiple universes who was being hunted by the film’s main antagonist, the Scarlet Witch. Throughout the movie, America struggled to master her abilities, which enabled her to move between different realities through starlight-shaped openings. In the end, she managed to gain sufficient command over these powers to compel Wanda to face the truth about her transformation into a villain, leading Wanda to eliminate all versions of the Darkhold and herself in the process.

It appears that America Chavez, having been left to train at Kamar-Taj under Wong’s guidance, will likely not only perfect her skills in traversing multiple universes, but also enhance them with sorcery. This strategic training seems beneficial for the prospective Young Avenger, as her portal abilities might be insufficient in a direct confrontation. The MCU might choose to emphasize America’s comic book powers more prominently, where she can summon abilities such as flight and super-strength by tapping into the multiverse.

3. Cassie Lang/Stature Is Likely Being Trained

Last Seen In Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania

Cassie Lang spent five years during the Snap honing her skills and demonstrating her genius in quantum physics, culminating in building a Quantum Satellite. This technological marvel partially orchestrated her own journey, along with her father and the van Dyne family, into the Quantum Realm. Additionally, she gained control of another suit with abilities similar to Ant-Man and Wasp’s, which she utilized within the Quantum Realm to stir up rebellion against Kang the Conqueror.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I must admit that at first, I was skeptical about my daughter’s eagerness to follow in my footsteps as a superhero. But our journey through the Quantum Realm showed me just how extraordinary Cassie is. Her name was mentioned by Kamala Khan when she brought Kate Bishop on board, hinting at a potential role for Cassie in the Young Avengers down the line. When that time comes, I can only imagine that Cassie would have mastered her suit and its abilities, possibly gaining more combat training and knowledge from the van Dynes and Hank Pym.

2. Johnny Storm Won’t Be So Easily Defeated

Last Seen In Deadpool & Wolverine

In an unexpected turn of events, Chris Evans’ character Johnny Storm made a humorous yet impactful guest appearance in the movie titled “Deadpool & Wolverine“. Although his presence offered some backstory and comic relief, he didn’t play a significant role in the main duo’s objective. When Johnny Storm ignited to confront Cassandra Nova’s minions, he was quickly overpowered by Pyro, who snuffed out Johnny’s flames from afar, rendering him powerless. Eventually, Nova mercilessly dispatched Johnny Storm, stripping him of his skin.

In the upcoming movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it’s unlikely that Johnny Storm will suffer the same fate as he did in previous appearances. Instead, we can anticipate some spectacular displays of power from this key character. Admittedly, his temporary loss of flames while in space echoed a similar event from “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Nevertheless, there’s a possibility that Johnny might explode (go nova) in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which would certainly be an unforgettable spectacle.

1. Yelena Belova Now Has More Resources At Her Disposal

Last Seen In Thunderbolts*

As an ardent admirer, I’d like to highlight that Yelena Belova, much like her late adoptive sister Natasha Romanoff, isn’t endowed with superpowers in the traditional sense. Yet, she exhibits extraordinary feats through her unparalleled skill and agility. Her prowess is reminiscent of the Avengers-worthy power that Romanoff possessed. The thrilling comic series *Thunderbolts* serves as a testament to Belova’s abilities, demonstrating that she can evade even a telekinetic barrage from the Void with grace and precision.

With Belova officially taking charge of the New Avengers, it’s clear that we’ll witness an escalation in her powers within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Given their government endorsement and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s support, the New Avengers will now have unparalleled access to a wealth of resources. This means Yelena can significantly enhance her collection of assassin tools. Florence Pugh has been confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, and the post-credits scene in Thunderbolts* hints at her character reaching peak power, so we’re eager to see what she brings to the table!

(*Note: I couldn’t find an officially confirmed title for the movie mentioned. It was just referred to as “Thunderbolts” in my source material.)

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2025-05-25 01:53