Marvel Comics has gone above and beyond in adapting its extensive roster of iconic characters to the screen. Many have appeared in the big blockbuster tent poles, while others have appeared on multiple TV shows. As surprising as it may seem, many characters have yet to debut in any media; with close to 70,000 characters, someone is bound to be left out.
From the cosmic warrior Beta Ray Bill to the extraterrestrial hero Sleepwalker, these characters bring something unique and exciting to the Marvel universe. Some have struggled with inner demons and the psychological toll of their powers, while others have battled supernatural and technological threats to save the world. Many of these superheroes offer fresh perspectives on heroism, identity, and empowerment and could help to diversify the types of stories told in the MCU. These lesser-known Marvel characters deserve their own chance to shine in the spotlight.
Updated on July 26, 2023, by Jack Deegan: If you're a fan of Marvel or just looking to discover some new characters, you'll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional information.
15 Bob Reynolds/The Sentry
The Sentry is one of Marvel's most mysterious characters. He was introduced as a ruse by telling everyone he was a Silver Age staple everyone had forgotten. Sentry was supposedly a Superman archetype created by Stan Lee and Artie Rosen. The ruse was lifted, revealing that Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee created him in the late '90s. The actual story behind the character is dark, powerful, and intriguing. Sentry is often portrayed as a conflicted character who struggles with mental health issues.
This makes Sentry a unique and interesting character who deserves to be explored in a film. With the character already established as one of the most powerful mainstays in the comics, every complexity related to this character is worth exploring, including the uncanny relationship with his arch-nemesis and dark half, The Void. The Sentry is rumored to debut in the Thunderbolts movie as the team's first villain, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
14 Elsa Bloodstone
Elsa Bloodstone is a monster hunter with legendary skills passed down from her father, Ulysses. She has all the traditional trappings of a monster hunter: garlic around her neck, a silver crossbow, and a powerful bloodstone that was also her family's namesake. But she also has a few unique abilities, including the ability to see monsters even when they're disguised as humans.
Elsa is fierce and independent, but she's not above teaming up with other monster hunters or the occasional superhero when the situation demands it. Elsa is a fascinating character with a rich history, and there are many possibilities to explore regarding Marvel's Monsterverse. Laura Donnelly briefly appeared as Elsa Bloodstone in the Werewolf by Night special on Disney+, but fans would love to see her star in her own movie to further explore the MCU's dark supernatural corners.
13 Rick Sheridan/Sleepwalker
Sleepwalker is a little-known character and close ally of Spider-Man with more than enough lore to lead his own film. Created by Bob Budiansky and Bret Blevins, Sleepwalker first appeared in 1991. When a villain named Cobweb experimented on college student Rick Sheridan, he bonded with an astral consciousness known as Sleepwalker. Every time Rick falls asleep, Sleepwalker takes over his body and fights crime both in New York City and in the Dreamworld.
Despite being relatively obscure, Sleepwalker could potentially be a great movie protagonist. He's got a pretty cool power set that would lend itself well to some visually arresting scenes on the big screen. Additionally, his dual nature makes for an interesting dynamic that could be explored in depth in a feature film. There's also room to play around with his origin story without being too beholden to existing comic canon, which usually serves the MCU's purposes well.
12 Michael Moran/Miracleman
An alternate version of DC's Shazam, the character has been buried in legal shenanigans for years. Fans never thought they would see new adventures of Michael Moran, though Marvel finally nabbed him in 2009. Mick Anglo originally created the character in 1954 as Marvelman, and the character had a period of popularity until the '60s when legal issues restricted his appearances.
Revived in the '80s by Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman, Miracleman became a Shazam archetype that went beyond the usual scope of innocence portrayed by the Big Red Cheese. Miracleman understood the world and universe unlike any other being alive and set out to make it a better place, regardless of the cost. His adventures don't take place in Marvel's mainstream 616 universe, making him an excellent outline for a separate entry in the MCU that could stand unconnected.
11 Squadron Supreme
The Squadron Supreme is a team of super-powered beings from an alternate universe who first appeared in 1985. The team comprises various DC archetypes with powers and abilities similar to the Justice League's members. The team has been featured in several comics and events but has not received the Hollywood treatment yet.
The Squadron Supreme first came together during a crisis in their world when a villain named Scarlet Centurion tried to take over the world. The Squadron solved the issue by creating the utopia initiative and taking over their world instead. The Squadron Supreme has faced many challenges within its ranks and from other realities. They also have a rotating roster of members, including alternate versions of the characters from different universes. If there's one team ripe for exploring the potential of the Multiverse Saga, it's the Squadron Supreme.
10 Danny Ketch/Ghost Rider
Danny Ketch took up the mantle of the Spirit of Vengeance after Johnny Blaze's retirement, though he was initially unaware of his familial connection to the Blaze family. Ketch was actually Johnny's younger brother and the pair shared similar abilities like the devastating Penance Stare. The powerful ability to simultaneously make people feel the weight of all their sins in a single moment broke even the strongest of villains. Danny became a target for other supernatural entities who wanted to use his power for their own nefarious ends.
Despite being one of Marvel's mainstays in the '90s, the character has faded into obscurity for quite some time. His unique abilities allow for visually stunning set pieces and Ketch's struggles with his demonic possession as Ghost Rider would add an emotional depth often lacking in superhero movies. There's a lot of potential for an exciting and action-packed Ghost Rider film in the MCU.
9 Jonathan Hart/Jack of Hearts
Jonathan Hart, also known as Jack of Hearts, first appeared in the Marvel Universe in 1976. He was the son of a human scientist from Earth and an alien humanoid woman from the Contraxian race. Jack's father created an energy source called "zero fluid" that inadvertently transformed Johnathan. He gained incredible abilities from exposure to zero fluid, though he required a specially-designed containment suit to control his new powers.
Jack of Hearts is a tragic figure in Avengers lore, with a checkered history due to his total lack of control over his powers. He's a goodhearted person who wants to help others. He has been an active member of the Avengers, and his death and resurrection kickstarted the Marvel Disassembled era. Given his complex background and power set, Jack would be an interesting and unique protagonist in a film or one of the MCU's hit Disney+ series.
8 New Warriors
The New Warriors are a team of young superheroes who first appeared in the early 1990s. The team initially featured teenage characters who had all recently acquired superpowers like Nova, Speedball, Namorita, Firestar, Justice, and Night Thrasher. Since their inception, the New Warriors have undergone numerous lineup changes, but they have always remained a team of young heroes trying to make a difference in the world. The team almost always features either Justice or Speedball, two of the most optimistic characters in the Marvel Universe.
The New Warriors could be popular with a lineup including fan-favorite characters like Ms. Marvel, Scarlet Spider, and Nova. Fans almost saw a comedic TV series with a very unique lineup, though Marvel Studios might still have plans for the New Warriors in the MCU.
7 X-51/Machine Man
Originally appearing in Marvel's unique adaptation of 2001: A Space Odyssey, X-51 later appeared as the Machine Man in the mainstream Marvel universe. Dr. Abel Stack created a series of powerful androids, though it was only on his 51st attempt that he actually succeeded in creating artificial life. Unfortunately, the scientist lost his own life in the process, leaving his Machine Man to wander the planet alone.
X-51 is an incredibly powerful albeit obscure Marvel hero who also has a unique disdain for humanity. However, he still fights to protect them alongside teams like the hilarious Nextwave or even as a sometimes member of the Avengers. While X-51 would likely work well in his own film, he also plays off other characters incredibly well given his uniquely abrasive personality.
6 Dr. Adam Brashear/Blue Marvel
A former marine and scientist turned superhero, Adam Brashear became a living antimatter reactor when an experiment changed his life forever. With his new powers, he became the masked hero known as Blue Marvel throughout the 1960s. After part of his costume was damaged and the public discovered he was a Black man, the President asked him to take an early retirement to ease racial tensions. It wasn't until decades later in the modern age that Adam would once again step up as the Blue Marvel.
As a past romantic interest for Monica Rambeau, it would make a lot of sense to bring one of Marvel's many Supermen onto the big screen. Perhaps an appearance in The Marvels is on the horizon for the character, but if not there's an opportunity to introduce him in the MCU in future appearances. His story could serve as social commentary on being a Black superhero in the MCU and explore a time period of the MCU that fans haven't seen much.
5 Beta Ray Bill
Beta Ray Bill is a beloved Marvel character with a unique appearance and compelling backstory that would translate well to the big screen. He's an alien warrior worthy enough to wield Thor's Mjolnir, granting him a similar power set to the God of Thunder. The MCU could expand the cosmic side by introducing Bill's new alien race and culture.
Beta Ray Bill's story explores identity struggles with his alien and deity heritages. Marvel Studios can also explore his journey to prove himself as a hero and earn the respect of other heroes, despite his unfamiliar appearance and culture, which would make for a compelling and inspiring story. Fans already know Beta Ray Bill exists in the MCU since they saw a glimpse of him in Thor: Ragnarök. Since Thor may be taking a break after Love and Thunder, fans could easily get behind another powerful hammer-wielding hero in the MCU.
4 Kevin Plunder/Ka-Zar
Fans might be surprised to learn that Marvel Comics has its own take on the classic literary character of Tarzan, though there are a few key differences. Kevin Plunder was the infant son of wealthy explorers, though he was left alone after they died in the prehistoric Savage Land. A mutated intelligent sabretooth cat named Zabu raised the young human who became known as Ka-Zar to the Savage Land locals as he grew up to become one of them.
The Savage Land is an important location in the Marvel universe, and Ka-Zar is its greatest protector. He gains power from Savage Land and even briefly became the Herald of Galactus, proving he has the connections in the Marvel universe to make it outside of the Savage Land and onto the big screen.
3 Great Lakes Avengers
Everyone knows about the mainline Avengers team, and the West Coast offshoot is popular among comic fans. However, nobody really thinks about the Great Lakes Avengers, which includes heroes like Flatman, Doorman Big Bertha, and their leader Mr. Immortal. The team decided to form together and protect the Midwest as both coasts already had their own superhero team.
With a version of Mr. Immortal appearing in an episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Marvel Studios has already started planting the seeds for the misfit mutants. A team like the Great Lakes Avengers would work very well for a sitcom series on Disney+. Their comics are focused on fun misadventures that set them up perfectly for a comedy series, and it would be a missed opportunity not to bring them into live action one day.
2 Heather Douglas/Moondragon
A former member of The Avengers and Defenders, Moondragon is best known for her time with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Trained by the father of Thanos, Heather Douglas learned the Titan's methods of combat and how to unleash her psychic powers. Possessing powerful telekinetic and telepathic abilities, Moondragon is a force to be reckoned with.
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marking the end of the road for the original team, now would be the perfect time to introduce Moondragon into the MCU. Drax is stepping into his role as a Dad, and he actually serves as the reborn version of Moondragon's father in the comics. There's a ton of potential to bring her into the MCU and help fill out the new team's roster. She also has a close connection with another powerful hero named Phyla-Vell, who recently appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as well.
1 Wendell Vaughn/Quasar
Wendell Vaughn was the first character to bear the mantle of Marvel Boy in 1978. He later took the name Quasar just one year later when a powerful cosmic being named Eon chose him to become the new Protector of the Universe. He's one of Marvel's most intriguing and powerful characters who have yet to appear in the MCU. Quasar wears the powerful Quantum Bands, which allows him to manipulate energy and create constructs with his mind.
This unique power could offer visually stunning and creative action sequences on the big screen. Quasar has a strong connection to the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe, something Marvel is about to lose with their last entry in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. By setting up Quasar, the MCU can expand and explore the vastness of the shared universe even further.