The MCU hopes to redeem itself in the coming time, with a range of movies and TV series set to roll out in the next year or so. The slew of projects is headlined by the likes of Deadpool & Wolverine and Captain America: A Brave New World, with both movies set to bring about a range of new characters and faces to the MCU.
Giancarlo Esposito in The Boys | Amazon Prime
The latter, also brings in Giancarlo Esposito to the MCU, although fans have been left in the dark about the character he might end up playing. However, it is not to say that there have been no theories about the same, and one of them revolves around a character who has been heavily involved with the Avengers and The Celestials, in the comics.
This theory sees Giancarlo Esposito playing the role of Machine Man
Gustavo “Gus” Fring. Credits: Sony Pictures Television
The introduction of an actor as legendary as Giancarlo Esposito is undoubtedly a major coup for Marvel. However, it will be interesting to see how his skills are put to use by Kevin Feige and company. Some Redditors believe that Esposito might as well prove perfect for the role of Machine Man/Aaron Stack.
Giancarlo is Machine Man
byu/Grand-Needleworker38 inMCUTheories
This seems partly down to the overall look and demeanor that Esposito sported in the trailer, as it reminded some fans of the character who first appeared in the comics via 2001: A Space Odyssey, which came out in April 1977. Also known as X-51, Aaron Stack is effectively a sentient robot created by Dr. Abel Stack as part of a secret US military project.
The experimental army of robots was created to protect the planet from a variety of threats. However, unlike all of his counterparts, Aaron Stack was raised and treated like a human being, and developed into a bonafide superhero who would go on team-ups with major players such as the Hulk, Iron Man, and the rest of the Avengers.
Furthermore, he also shares a profound history with the Red Hulk, who he teams up with in multiple comic arcs. With Thaddeus Ross set to transform into the beast in the coming movie, it only increases the chances of Esposito potentially playing Machine Man.
There are a range of theories about Giancarlo Esposito’s MCU character
Giancarlo Esposito in Captain America: Brave New World. Credits: Marvel Studios
While Machine Man is an obvious possibility, there are a range of other characters that Esposito appears ideal for, at this point. First and foremost, it includes George Washington Bridge, or G.W., who was part of the Six Pack mercenary unit alongside the mutant Cable.
He then eventually joined S.H.I.E.L.D., which put him against the likes of the X-Force, which at this point also included Cable. The two eventually mended their relationship, and while Cable is one of the many mutants set to make an appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine, this one might not make much sense, at least for the time being.
The second potential character he is speculated to play is that of Clay Quartermain, another S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who is known to have ties with the Hulk. Quartermain in the comics was the leader of the Hulkbusters, and has been known to have a history with both Captain America and Bruce Banner’s Hulk.
Finally, we have Jake Fury, who is none other than Nick Fury’s brother. However, this one is a negative character, as Jake was initially an antagonist before committing suicide, after which he was replaced by a duplicate, who assisted Nick Fury in later missions.
There is no doubt that Esposito is suitable for all of the characters mentioned above, although the most exciting possibility for the time being appears to be that of Machine Man.
Captain America: Brave New World will hit theaters on 14th February, 2025.