The MCU has given fans and audiences some of their favorite and most memorable superhero characters over the past decade and a half. Ask any longtime lover of superhero movies or TV shows, and they're bound to mention Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk -- the list goes on and on. But no matter how many beloved heroes the MCU brings to life, fans should never forget that behind every great hero is usually a best friend, a loved one, or somebody in between. These characters help ground said hero and keep them from flying too close to the Sun - i.e., the sidekicks.
While heroes are praised by audiences, the sidekicks can often be forgotten and left to the margins as they never get the clout or extravagant praise that they very often deserve. But regardless of their lack of fame, the MCU sidekicks always stand by their counterparts and do everything they can to help them be the best heroes they can.
One such new character is Bruno (Matt Lintz) from the recent Ms. Marvel series on Disney+, and here are all the reasons why the freckle-faced teenager is going to be the next great sidekick of the MCU.
Bruno Is a Technological Genius
Right off the bat, Bruno has one of the best advantages of any of the prominent MCU sidekicks because he could probably become a superhero if he wants to. As we know, some MCU heroes don't actually have any "powers" and use their intelligence to create weapons/suits that help them go toe-to-toe against enhanced individuals. Iron Man is probably the most well-known, but other characters like Shuri and Rocket can't be left out. Bruno seems like he could easily fit alongside these super-smart individuals as it's been announced in the show that he's already been accepted to CalTech.
Now, we're not saying that MCU sidekicks who aren't smart aren't as good as Bruno. We're simply saying that having super-intelligence certainly can't hurt his chances of becoming a sidekick (or even a hero in his own right). Not only does it make him a valuable asset for Kamala (Iman Vellani) to keep around since he could probably invent some cool gadgets or weapons to help protect her in her future super-endeavors, but in episode 2, he proved he's smart enough to determine where Kamala's cosmic powers are actually coming from using his own inventions. Pretty dang handy if you ask us.
Bruno Is Already a Superhero Fan
Too often in superhero movies, the trope of an unwitting sidekick comes along -- the classic 'in-over-their-head' character who complains the entire time about not signing up for any superhero antics and being thrust into the shenanigans anyway. Not Bruno. If anything, Bruno was even more excited than Kamala when she got powers. It's no secret that Kamala was obsessed with superheroes (mainly Carol Danvers), but it was a great addition to have her best friend be just as obsessed as she is. Not only does it make Bruno more likable, relatable, and a better asset for Kamala to have around, but it steers away from the teenage-comedy trope of having to keep secrets from your friends.
In fact, in episode 3 of Ms. Marvel, Kamala's other best friend, Nakia (Yasmeen Fletcher), discovers Kamala's powers and true identity and immediately launches into this predictable stereotype of betrayal and disbelief. It felt a little heavy-handed, especially since Nakia was complaining about Ms. Marvel to Kamala in an earlier scene without knowing they were the same person. So, having Bruno be just as big a superhero nerd as Kamala, which allows the two of them to bond and become even closer, only makes Bruno that much more suitable as a sidekick.
Like Peter Parker and MJ Switched Roles
One of the best aspects of the relationship between Bruno and Kamala is how they practically mimic everything Peter Parker and MJ do... their roles are just reversed. In the Spider-Man movies, Peter is still the super-smart one and creates all these amazing inventions, while MJ is the thrifty, quick-on-her-feet sidekick that helps Peter with all his superhero adventures. Kamala and Bruno are literally the exact same relationship. Their roles are just reversed.
In Ms. Marvel, Kamala is the one who becomes the superhero and has to use her thrifty, quick-on-her-feet personality to help save the day. Bruno is still super-smart and has to use his intelligence and amazing inventions to help Kamala save the day rather than do it himself. Now, granted, the series isn't over, and Bruno could potentially earn himself his own hero spot if he makes enough cool inventions/weapons to hold his own against cosmic beings. But for right now, having Bruno be Kamala's boy-wonder definitely seems to be the best choice for the character and for the franchise.