It only took over 80 years, but Namor the Sub-Mariner finally got his cinematic debut in Universal Studios holds purview).

Interestingly, many fans have been expecting him for a long time – particularly since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Given that there are still many more characters waiting for their moment to arrive, it'll be interesting to see if the MCU directors will continue to drop subtle clues as to who is next.

Spider-Man (Miles Morales)

The most egregiously teased character is, of course, Miles Morales. Spider-Man: No Way Home when he said there has to be a world where a Black Spider-Man exists too.

Miles is a relatively recent introduction in the comics, but unlike other teenage newcomers, Ms. Marvel and Ironheart, he is restricted when it comes to cinematic distribution rights. Thanks to the popularity of Spider-Man video games, Miles is growing more and more popular by the day. Ideally, Marvel and Sony would need to strike up a deal in conjunction with Tom Holland’s return as Peter Parker if they want Miles to in on the fun too.

Rick Jones

It seems particularly strange that Rick Jones hasn’t actually appeared in the MCU yet. He is the epitome of a Marvel Comics sidekick, having worked alongside Hulk, Captain Marvel and Captain America, among others. As such, there are plenty of avenues through which he could’ve been introduced.

In Captain America: New World Order, that could be another project Rick Jones could logically fit into.

Beta Ray Bill

In Werewolf by Night). Also, among the former champions was Beta Ray Bill. He is best regarded for being one of the few non-Asgardians worthy of lifting Mjølnir, although later he would end up using Stormbreaker as his primary weapon.

Though it hasn’t been officially announced, Avengers: Secret Wars.

Ares

Another former champion of Sakaar is Ares, the Olympian God of War, son of Zeus, and half-brother to Hercules. Ares is among the more prolific gods in the comics and is a likely addition to the MCU soon - especially since they introduced Brett Goldstein as Hercules in Thor: Love and Thunder.

Importantly, Ares would be a very interesting new character as he has become more of an anti-hero over the years since his debut in the comics. He’s even served on the Avengers for a time. As such, his perspective and his relationship with his brother will be interesting to compare with that of Loki and Thor.

Jocasta

Following Ultron ing JARVIS into the body he created for himself in Avengers: Age of Ultron (creating Vision), Tony Stark needed a new AI for his tech. While he landed on FRIDAY, he did consider a program called JOCASTA. That’s a blatant reference to the android, and bride of Ultron herself, Jocasta. While initially programmed to be a villain like him, she broke free and became a hero and an Avenger to oppose him.

Vision Quest with Jocasta in tow.

Human Torch (Jim Hammond)

Marvel Comics #1 not only saw the introduction of Namor the Sub-Mariner and Captain America, but also the Human Torch. Before Johnny Storm ever shouted “flame on” and ed the Fantastic Four as the Human Torch, Jim Hammond first used that moniker. He is an android created by Phineas Horton and has the same powerset as Johnny Storm (who has come to overshadow him - although Hammond has featured occasionally in modern comics as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a West Coast Avenger).

This Human Torch was shown briefly at the 1943 Stark Expo in Captain America: The First Avenger, interestingly, on display as “The Synthetic Man”. This is another case of an easter egg remaining an easter egg as there would be an issue with the chronology given the impending arrival of the Fantastic Four.

The Fantastic Four

February 14th, 2025, can’t come soon enough for some fans as this ist when Fantastic Four is currently set to debut in theaters. Along with the hype about mutants, Daredevil’s return, and the identity of the new Black Panther, the MCU fanbase has been desperate to know who will be playing Marvel’s First Family.

Of course, John Krasinski played Earth-838’s Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic) in clearly referencing Franklin and Valeria Richards. While the future for Earth-616’s Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing are guaranteed, those two young heroes’ time in the MCU is likely in the very distant future.

Wolverine

It took fans by utter surprise when Ryan Reynolds dropped two videos updating viewers on Logan, but he’s back for more. Currently, there’s no inclination whether it’s going to be another permanent gig or a one-time ing of the torch to someone else.

This announcement comes shortly after an easter egg in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law in which, Wolverine is subtly referenced in a news story on the side of a shot. This posits that there is a Wolverine on Earth-616, so it’ll be interesting to see if they ever interact in Deadpool 3.

Brawn (Amadeus Cho)

Avengers: Age of Ultron introduced Claudia Kim as Helen Cho, a revolutionary scientist who created the Cradle, the technology responsible for the creation of Vision. Unfortunately, although she survived to continue working with the Avengers, she hasn’t been seen or referenced since. That’s a shame because she’s linked to a popular and incredibly intelligent hero, Amadeus Cho. He becomes the successor to Bruce Banner, taking up the moniker Totally Awesome Hulk and later Brawn.

Amadeus is a major young hero like Miles Morales, Hulkling, and Marvel Boy who could fit into the MCU now or later, even as part of the Young Avengers (although that role might be filled by Skaar, who was recently introduced in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law). There is some hope yet for Amadeus and Helen as the Cradle could come back into play in Vision Quest should Vision wish to create a family of synthezoids just like him.

Nova

In one of the best cosmic heroes in the comics. They’ve been left waiting since then.

Richard Rider, of Earth, becomes a member of the Nova Corps when chosen by their final member, Rhomann Dey (played by John C. Reilly), upon his death. As Nova, he becomes incredibly powerful, serving on the Avengers, New Warriors, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Thankfully, the wait is ending as a Nova project is in the works (via CBR).