The Avengers has a plethora of characters, spanning 30-plus films and dozens of television series. However, three characters were arguably the principal protagonists of the MCU: Captain America, Iron Man and Thor. In the wake of these characters exiting the MCU in one way or the other, there seems to be a protagonist-shaped hole in the MCU that refuses to be filled.
There were numerous rumours that this niche was to be filled by the likes of Captain Marvel, Black Panther and Spider-Man, but that fell apart due to Chadwick Boseman’s untimely demise, Sony’s contract with Marvel and the lack of fan support for Captain Marvel. However, going forward, there need to be three new characters that the universe can base itself around, given that the lack of such a structure has spelt doom for the MCU.
Star-Lord, Doctor Strange and Black Panther should be the new faces of the Avengers
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ends with Star-Lord returning to Earth. The end screen promises the audience that Star-Lord will return in a future instalment of the MCU. Star-Lord has led a team of misfits through many a battle, and his time in space affords him the adjusting to modern life story arc that is very reminiscent of Captain America. Similarly, Peter Quill is looking for peace and stability after losing the love of his life. Star-Lord would be the perfect replacement for Steve Rogers.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever saw Shuri take up the mantle after the untimely death of T’Challa. Not only is Shuri a brilliant scientist, but she is also responsible for setting up a world for the next generation, namely her nephew, T’Challa’s son from Nakia. A traumatised, rich, orphan with the seeming weight of the world on her back, makes her the perfect fit to step into the shoes of Iron Man, where the character can serve as the financier and scientist for the team, just like Iron Man.
Thor is still alive in the MCU. However, it seems that the trajectory he will take in the franchise might have less to do with the CMU at large and more to do with him. Having had his time in the spotlight, another heavy hitter could take his place, someone who can exhume the pathos of lost loved ones and what it means to be worthy. Doctor Stephen Strange has been haunted by dark visions of his future and has travelled through multiple dimensions to stop numerous threats. His mystical abilities and his knowledge of other worlds make him the perfect replacement for Thor.
Marvel’s formula could have multiple solutions for the MCU
The ideal set of characters that could serve the MCU as ‘main characters’ has multiple options available to itself. First, there needs to be a financier/genius, a role embodied by Tony Stark. For the upcoming Phases of the MCU, this could go to a multitude of characters. Reed Richards is a good fit. So is Shuri, as she is now the reigning monarch of Wakanda.
Then there needs to be the soldier, someone who can serve as the moral compass of the team. Wolverine comes to mind. So does the current Captain America, Sam Wilson. Then, of course, there needs to be a powerhouse from space. The heavy hitter who does not go insane every time they power up. Doctor Strange could be a candidate for this. Hercules also fits this bill well.
Essentially, Marvel has a model that works and is on the verge of introducing a myriad of characters that could set the stage for the next few Phases of the MCU. The lack of characters to focus on has led the MCU to seem lacklustre and unconnected, something that needs to be taken into consideration by the execs over at Disney.
As the story stands now, there is no denying that the formula works. It must not be tampered with. It has not failed the Avengers or the MCU at large in the past and it won’t fail them now. Marvel Studios still has a couple of chances to make it right, but how long they have to win back the trust of the fans remains to be seen.
