10 Iconic MCU Movie Moments We Wish Were Featured in Other Films

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is known for its ambitious narrative that intertwines numerous characters and events across various films. While early installments showcased a commendable balance among these elements, as the franchise evolved, a tendency to misplace key characters and story arcs emerged. This alteration in pacing and placement often detracts from the overall impact of the MCU, leading to the introduction of significant characters and plot lines at less-than-optimal times.

Typically, the MCU has faced criticism for its timing in presenting essential characters, frequently rearranging iconic villains into storylines where they feel out of place. For example, the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World plans to feature Red Hulk as the antagonist, a choice that raises eyebrows due to legal complexities surrounding the Hulk’s standalone films that have lingered for years. Such choices highlight a broader pattern of mismatched narratives within the MCU that warrant a critical look.

10 MODOK Is Revealed

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

Within the vast universe of Marvel, the Ant-Man character does not possess a rich gallery of memorable villains. Consequently, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania opted to introduce MODOK, a character with comic roots, albeit through a controversial interpretation. In this film, MODOK is reimagined from Darren Cross, the original Ant-Man antagonist, who is physically modified into a grotesque version of himself. This deviation from MODOK’s traditional depiction and the film’s reliance on poor CGI makes for a disappointing realization of a character who could have shone brightly in a different narrative context.

Moreover, the misuse of MODOK as a comedic element in Ant-Man and The Wasp undermines the character’s original standing in the comics as the formidable leader of A.I.M. Fans often reflect on a potentially more fitting usage of MODOK in an earlier, more serious project, such as a long-canceled Iron Man film from the ’90s.

9 Jane Foster Becomes The Mighty Thor

Thor: Love and Thunder

As the dust settled from the departures of Black Widow, Iron Man, and a retired Captain America, Thor remained one of the last standing original Avengers. Given Chris Hemsworth’s limited future with the franchise, Thor: Love and Thunder presented a timely opportunity for Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, to take up the mantle of Thor. Unfortunately, the film relegated Jane’s character arc to a single movie where she was introduced and promptly disposed of, denying audiences the chance to appreciate her evolution as a hero fully.

Portman’s portrayal of Mighty Thor radiated new energy, and the narrative surrounding her wielding Mjölnir was compelling. However, the swift narrative trajectory left fans wishing for more screen time devoted to exploring her journey as a central character before her abrupt exit.

8 Blade’s Voice Debut

Eternals

Mahershala Ali’s rendition of Blade marks a significant addition to the MCU. Originally slated for release in 2023, the film’s production has faced numerous hurdles, causing uncertainty over its future. Consequently, Blade’s brief and unceremonious debut in Eternals became a missed opportunity. His introduction through a voice cameo that didn’t allow for a visual reveal felt out of place, especially given the film’s broader narrative landscape.

As the movie skipped over deeper connections or establish stakes for Blade, his first appearance in the MCU could age poorly if the standalone film does not materialize as hoped.

7 Cassandra Nova As The Villain Of Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine

In Deadpool & Wolverine, the choice of Cassandra Nova as the primary antagonist appears puzzling. As the evil twin of Professor X, her first cinematic appearance lacks context and impact without her foil present. A character of such depth and capability could have had a more significant role in the MCU’s upcoming X-Men integration, rather than being set in a less meaningful narrative.

Nova’s role serves merely as a means to an end in a more comedic setting, ultimately undermining her potential as a formidable threat. It brings into question whether the character would have resonated more effectively in a film solely devoted to exploring her backstory alongside her brother’s moral compass.

6 Ultron Being Destroyed In The Same Film He Was Introduced

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Ultron, a pivotal character in the Marvel comics, seemed to be presented as a fleeting threat in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Voiced expertly by James Spader, Ultron’s introduction showcased him as a legitimate menace requiring the Avengers’ coordination. Yet, the film quickly disposed of him, hindering the opportunity for more nuanced storytelling across multiple MCU films.

Fans of the comics had hoped for a storyline where Ultron could establish a lasting presence, often being compared to iconic villains like Loki and Thanos. If the upcoming Vision solo series remains faithful to previous comic arcs, there is hope for redeeming Ultron’s portrayal.

5 Planet Hulk Deserved To Be Its Own Movie

Thor: Ragnarok

Among the many storied arcs waiting for their cinematic triumph, the Planet Hulk storyline stands out. Yet, its rushed inclusion in Thor: Ragnarok reduced a sprawling narrative to a standalone comedic subplot. In the comics, Planet Hulk unfolds as Hulk faces exile from Earth, leading to a significant transformation into a warrior on another planet.

Marvel Studios, hindered by legal constraints surrounding the Hulk’s character rights, could have creatively navigated this limitation by reimagining the storyline within an ensemble superhero film format, allowing Hulk to be an essential antagonist rather than a plot device in Thor: Ragnarok.

4 Gamora’s Death Should’ve Followed James Gunn’s Original Plan

Avengers: Infinity War

Gamora’s tragic demise in Avengers: Infinity War marked a poignant moment in the saga, yet it significantly diverged from James Gunn’s initial vision for the Guardians of the Galaxy series. The original narrative intended for Gamora’s death to serve as a climactic capstone to her character arc in the second installment, rather than the shocking sacrifice seen in Infinity War.

While her sacrifice adds weight to Thanos’ character, the modified narrative has repercussions that linger throughout the Guardians series. Gunn humorously hints at these constraints in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, reflecting how these narrative decisions could have evolved differently for a more cohesive storytelling experience.

3 Frigga’s Death Needed To Be In A Better Movie

Thor: The Dark World

Some pivotal story developments are hampered by their placement in lackluster films. Frigga’s death in Thor: The Dark World falls tragically into this category. This impactful moment is vital in shaping Thor’s character, yet it unfolds in a film that struggled to connect with its audience, often overshadowed by uninspired villains and narratives.

The emotional weight of Frigga’s sacrifice ultimately deserves more recognition, especially since it resonates in later films like Avengers: Endgame. Had her demise occurred in a more widely embraced movie, the emotional stakes would resonate even more profoundly.

2 Riri Williams Should’ve Been Introduced In An Iron Man Movie

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Riri Williams in her new costume in Ironheart trailer

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stands out as a commendable installment in the post-Endgame MCU, anchoring its storyline in gravitas. However, the introduction of Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, disrupts the film’s pacing and coherence. Her transitions within the narrative feel fragmented and disconnected, diluting the emotional core of the story.

Ideally, Riri’s character would have been more impactful if introduced in an Iron Man-centric project, a move that could have established her legacy as a successor to Tony Stark in a more intimate and contextual manner. The upcoming Ironheart series holds promise to rectify this misstep, allowing Riri Williams to shine as the focal hero she is meant to be.

1 Black Bolt’s First Appearance Was Wasted A Cameo

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

While Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arguably thrives on its multiverse cameos, including stellar appearances by iconic characters like Professor X and Mr. Fantastic, Black Bolt’s debut leaves much to be desired. Positioned as merely a supporting character in an ensemble setting, Black Bolt’s introduction lacks the gravitas his comic lore commands.

As the leader of the Inhumans, Black Bolt deserves a more substantial presentation than being relegated to a moment of comic relief manipulated by Scarlet Witch. His narrative should ideally be woven into a dedicated film that respects his formidable abilities and character depth instead of treating him as fodder in a more chaotic narrative.

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