Following the stunning conclusion of theMarvel Cinematic Universe’s(MCU) Infinity Saga, which began back from the firstIron Man(2008), to theAvengers: Infinity War/Endgame(2018-19) serving as its two-part climax, and ending withSpider-Man: Far From Home(2019) as its coda, there was naturally some uncertainty about what was next for Marvel. The MCU was poised to carry on. But how would it do so?
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The launch of Phase 4 of the MCU finally came in 2021, to mostly mixed results. However, there were some gems, such asShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsand especiallySpider-Man: No Way Home, which endedMarvel Studios' crowded 2021 slate with a bang and continued to shatter box office records well into 2022.
While some fresh faces were introduced in 2021 like the titular Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), the year was mostly dedicated to honoring the legacies of the old guard and giving some of them additional development that was previously lacking. Now, with the 2022 movie and television docket entering full swing, it is finally time for several brand-new MCU heroes to make their debuts and carryMarvelinto an exciting new chapter.
Moon Knight: A Dark Vigilante Of Two Minds… Literally
Moon Knight is a character who has existed in the pages ofMarvel Comicsfor decades. Yet, most people know very little about him, if anything at all, and those who take the time to find out would likely either be confused or weirdly fascinated by his origin and background.
Marc Spector was a mercenary who was killed during a job in Africa but was then resurrected by Khonshu, the Egyptian moon deity, who chose Spector to be his champion on Earth, the “moon’s knight”, as it were. After returning to the U.S., he embraced his newfound purpose and became a costumed vigilante. While at times depicted as having superhuman abilities, Spector, as Moon Knight, relies primarily on technology, resources, and his skills as a hand-to-hand fighter, much like Batman. To aid him in his crusade, Spector created multiple separate identities to infiltrate and acquire information from different levels of society. These personas include wealthy businessman Steven Grant and cab driver Jack Lockley. Eventually, it was revealed that Spector’s various identities were the result of dissociative identity disorder.
ADisney+limited series about the character is set to premiere in early 2021, starringOscar Isaacas Marc Spector. Thetrailer for the showset up much intrigue and promised an unusual tone and style for an MCU property. It appears that only the Marc Spector and Steven Grant personalities will be depicted in the series, in addition to the vengeful Moon Knight persona. There also seems to be a significant supernatural presence in the story. Whatever the case, the series is sure to be a brilliant showcase forOscar Isaac’s acclaimed abilities as a performer, as well as those ofEthan Hawke, who plays his nemesis.
Ms. Marvel: The Ascended Fangirl
Kamala Khan only became a part of the Marvel Comics roster within the last decade, but she has already risen to become a huge fan favorite. A Pakistani-American teenager from New Jersey, Kamala acquired shape-shifting abilities after discovering her additional status as an Inhuman. A big fan of superheroes, particularly Carol Danvers, Kamala was inspired to become one herself, taking up the mantle once held by her idol. As Ms. Marvel, Kamala would even go on to become a member of the Avengers.
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Canadian newcomerIman Vellaniis set to bring Kamala Khan to life in her own MCU series. Not much is currently known about the story, but a major part of Kamala’s identity in the comics is her struggles with family, faith, and heritage. Hopefully, this carries over into the live-action series, as it would offer a refreshing take on the superhero narrative.Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, has alsodiscussed their desireto establish Kamala’s background and family life on the small screen before having her join the heavy hitters on the big one.
She-Hulk: Legacy Of The Incredible Green Rage Monster
Jennifer Walters was just a regular lawyer when a grievous injury required her to receive ablood transfusion from her cousin, who was none other than Bruce Banner, The Hulk. As a side effect of the procedure, Walters gained a portion of the Hulk’s gamma power, transforming her into a female version of her green-skinned cousin, albeit with her personality and intelligence intact. Aside from the typical superheroics that followed, She-Hulk would also continue to serve as an attorney, one who specializes in cases involving other superheroes and superpowered individuals, similar to Matt Murdock/Daredevil.
A lot of rumors have naturally been circulating about the upcomingShe-Hulkshow, such as that it will utilize a format in which it breaks the fourth wall like the comics sometimes did, or thatCharlie Coxwill appear as Matt Murdock. One certain thing is thatTatiana Maslanyis an outstanding talent, and she will doubtless bring a level of fierceness and humanity to the part of She-Hulk that only she can when she debuts as the character alongside a returningMark Ruffaloas Bruce Banner.
America Chavez: The Dimension Hopping Avenger
Miss America Chavez is someone who does not seem to want to be locked down to any one place, or more specifically, anyone’s reality. Her true place of origin was a dimension known as the Utopian Parallel, but after the death of her parents, she chose to leave home and explore the multiverse as a superhero. Apart from conventional superpowers like superhuman strength and flight, she can travel between different realities, which makes her a perfect new addition to the MCU as it explores thepossibilities of a multiversein Phase 4.
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NewbieXochitl Gomezis set to debut as America inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, alongside established MCU powerhousesBenedict CumberbatchandElizabeth Olsenas Dr. Stephen Strange and Wanda Maximoff, The Scarlet Witch, respectively. But even if she ends up being a supporting player in the movie, she is expected to have a future in the MCU, especially with several members of the Young Avengers, a team that America was a part of in the comics, having already been introduced in Phase 4 so far, such as Wanda’s twin sons, Speed and Wiccan, and Hawkeye’s protégé, Kate Bishop.
Riri Williams: The Heir To The Iron (Man) Throne
Like Kamala Khan and America Chavez, Riri Williams is a relatively recent addition to Marvel Comics. Reception to the character has been fairly divisive. Regardless, she has remained popular enough to continue as a Marvel hero and appear in various forms of Marvel-related media. Williams is a young genius who created an Iron Man-inspired armor comparable to Tony Stark’s own while she was studying at MIT. After performing an act of heroism in the suit, Riri was approached by Stark, who decided to support her development as a new superhero, Ironheart.
In the present-day MCU, Tony Stark has sadly passed on, so any influence that the character may have on Riri when Ironheart is finally introduced, if any, is uncertain. In any case, very little is known about Riri Williams' role in Phase 4. She will be played byIf Beale Street Could Talk(2018) starDominique Thorneand will make her first appearance inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverbefore headlining her Disney+ show. Details about theBlack Panthersequel are scarce, meaning the extent of Ironheart’s part in the film or how it will connect to her series is hard to tell. Audiences and fans will have to wait to learn more.
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