The Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced more new characters in 2022, and here are the best heroes and villains audiences met this year. 2022 was a massive year for Marvel Studios, as three highly-anticipated sequels were released exclusively in theaters. Audiences were also treated to three more Disney+ shows and the first two Holiday Specials. These eight MCU projects released in 2022 were filled with familiar heroes, as Doctor Strange, Thor, Shuri, and others were featured in prominent roles. Seeing the evolution of established heroes and villains is key to Marvel Studios' plans, but Kevin Feige also introduced new MCU characters in 2022.
All three MCU Disney+ shows released this year centered on new protagonists, while each Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's Prince Toussaint (Divine Love Konadu-Sun) who barely had any screen time. So, here are the best new MCU characters introduced in 2022.
10 The Khan Family
episodes of Ms. Marvel and worked together to bring a terrific family dynamic to the screen filled with comedy and heartfelt moments. Muneeba and Yusuf endeared themselves to viewers through how they wanted to be part of Kamala's life and encouraged her work as a superhero. Meanwhile, Aamir went on to help Kamala fight Damage Control.
9 America Chavez
The MCU introduced America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) in 2022 through MCU multiverse. It helped make America Chavez someone audiences hope to see again in the Young Avengers.
8 Gorr the God Butcher
Christian Bale's debut as Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder was truly memorable. The Oscar-winning actor fully committed to a terrifying portrayal of the Marvel Phase 4 villain. His ability to make the funny, horrifying, and heartbreaking parts of Gorr's story work is a real accomplishment. The only real problem with Christian Bale's Gorr is that Thor: Love and Thunder game him a surprisingly small role, leaving much to be desired in of showing him as the "God Butcher." Still, the movie's structural problems are not his fault and did not prevent Gorr from being one of the MCU's best new characters in 2022.
7 Riri Williams a.k.a Ironheart
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gave Ironheart Disney+ spinoff to ensure one of 2022's best new MCU characters continues to shine in Phase 5.
6 Layla a.k.a. Scarlet Scarab
One new MCU character introduced in 2022 that really left a mark was Moon Knight's Layla Abdallah El-Faouly. May Calamawy's character was introduced as an estranged love interest for Marc Spector, but she proved to be a smart and tough archeologist in her own right. Layla was put in protector mode around Steven Grant and even developed a bit of romance with this alter, while confusion and pain were associated with her and Marc's past. The revelation in Moon Knight's finale that she became the Scarlet Scarab by becoming Taweret's Avatar made Layla's superhero transformation one of the best surprises to come from Phase 4.
5 Jack Russell a.k.a. Werewolf by Night
The MCU introduced another tragic character in 2022 through Ted/Man-Thing, but also explored how difficult that was when his werewolf form took over. The struggle to find a balance between Jack's two halves makes Werewolf by Night a Hulk replacement. As the MCU continues to build out the supernatural corner of the universe, more Werewolf by Night should come after this fantastic debut.
4 Jennifer Walters a.k.a. She-Hulk
The introduction of Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) in She-Hulk: Attorney At Law helped give the MCU another standout character. The Disney+ series offered viewers an intimate look at She-Hulk's origin and struggle to combine her two lives. Maslany is terrific throughout She-Hulk and instantly makes her a very likable hero, but there is more to her than some comedy and She-Hulk's fourth wall breaks. Jennifer Walters is an excellent example of Marvel fully exploring a character's life and personality, allowing her professional, personal, and romantic sides to be featured. It helped make She-Hulk a well-rounded character who is not afraid to call out sexism and misogyny in the world.
3 Namor
Tenoch Huerta's debut as Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever immediately established him as a force to be reckoned with. The leader of Talokan is among the most powerful Marvel characters, but that is not all that makes him great. Black Panther 2 took the time to dive fully into Namor's motivations, allowing audiences to understand his desire to protect his underwater city Talokan and keep it a secret. Huerta's extraordinary performance combines his painful past, his regal persona, and the danger he poses to Wakanda. Not only is Namor one of the best new MCU characters of 2022, but he's also one of Marvel's best antagonists.
2 Kamala Khan a.k.a. Ms Marvel
One of the breakout MCU stars in 2022 was Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel. She landed the role of a lifetime by taking on the fan-favorite comic character, and the response to her has been nothing short of glowing. The youthful energy Vellani brought to Kamala Khan and her love of the Avengers perfectly matched the actress' real-life personality, allowing Ms. Marvel to really let her shine. For as much fun as Vellani brings to the character, the journey of her learning about Ms. Marvel's powers (and mutant origin) also wonderfully brought in aspects of Kamala's life as a Muslim and coming from a Pakistani immigrant family.
1 Marc Spector & Steven Grant a.k.a. Moon Knight
The best new MCU character introduced in 2022 was Moon Knight, played by Oscar Isaac. Thanks to Moon Knight's alters of Marc Spector and Steven Grant, Oscar Isaac had the challenge of playing two different characters - and eventually a third with the Jake Lockley alter reveal. Moon Knight proved to be an excellent showcase of the actor's talents, as he made Marc and Steven's personalities, voices, and mannerisms distinct. It was so impressive that viewers eventually could see when the switch between which alter was in control happened based on Isaac's eyes or facial expression.
Introducing Moon Knight allowed Marvel to tackle mental health like never before, as the character's portrayal fully explores his dissociative identity disorder. What made Moon Knight so fascinating of an introduction to the character is how it brought Marc and Steven together. Everything from the origin of the Steven Grant alter to the uncertainty about what was real worked as part of the journey to get Marc and Steven to understand each other and co-exist. Mix in Moon Knight's incredible action scenes and Steven's humor, and Moon Knight stands out as the best new MCU character introduced in 2022.
