Uncover the Forgotten Gems of the MCU: 10 Underrated Characters You'll Remember

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has given us a veritable smorgasbord of characters, more than you can shake a superhero cape at. We've got gods, mutants, witches, and enough superhumans to qualify for a very unusual support group. With all these flashy personalities flitting about in 34 movies and over 20 TV shows, you might succumb to the inevitable fate of scratching your head, asking, “Who’s that?” as a minor character makes a cameo in an end-credit scene. Clea? Starfox? Who knows! But let’s not overlook that despite their small roles and the dust of time that seems to coat their appearances, these forgotten darlings of the MCU have the potential to wield considerable influence in the future of this sprawling universe.

Take Stellan Skarsgård’s Dr. Erik Selvig, for instance. This charming astrophysicist began his journey as Jane Foster’s colleague, just a friendly face when Thor made quite the entrance crashing into Earth. He’s practically the unsung hero of the Avengers' origin story, navigating through mind control courtesy of our mischievous friend Loki, and only to emerge on the other side as a key player in defeating the Chitauri army. But alas! Dr. Selvig seems to have slipped through the cracks of fan consciousness, existing in the background while the glittering heroes steal the spotlight. Has anyone reminded him that he’s been there since the early days of Phase 1, serving as both a support system for Thor and a beacon of scientific wisdom? Surely we can muster a little more affection for this fabric of the narrative tapestry.

Now, let’s not forget the heartstring-tugging introduction of Morgan Stark in "Avengers: Endgame." The sight of Iron Man with a daughter sent waves of shock throughout the audience—who knew a five-year time jump could pack such an emotional punch? Her existence added a layer of complexity to Tony Stark’s heroic journey, begging the question: how do you fight evil when you have a tiny human looking up at you? While Morgan hasn’t graced our screens since her father’s funeral, imagining her future as the daughter of a genius hero is undeniably tantalizing. With the Young Avengers lineup slowly taking shape, wouldn’t it be delightful to see a teenage Morgan making waves in the MCU?

We can’t overlook Harry Styles’ swift and surprising entrance into the MCU as Starfox, a character whose backstory could warrant a family therapy session. His unexpected appearance in the “Eternals” mid-credits scene left audiences scratching their heads, peering around in confusion. We had Pip the Troll introducing him as the royal prince of Titan and brother to Thanos as if that’s just a casual family reunion. Yet, for all the regal theatrics, Starfox didn’t quite leave fans clamoring for more. A sequel to "Eternals" may not be in the cards just yet, but we know Marvel has a knack for dusting off old characters when we least expect it—just ask Sharon Carter.

Ah, Sharon Carter! First introduced as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent spying on Captain America, she quickly evolved from a forgettable love interest to a complex character entangled in the murky waters of espionage and criminal underworlds. Who would’ve imagined she’d become Madripoor’s secret criminal overlord post-Snap? If that’s not a character arc worthy of a gritty reboot, we don’t know what is! And with her new alliances, Sharon’s making the case for a grand return—and we already want popcorn for the dramatic reunion scenes.

In "Thor: Love and Thunder," Zeus tasks his son Hercules with taking down Thor, an order stunned with ego bruises, as he’s been given the short end of the thunderbolt. Both comics and mythological lore suggest a rocky relationship between these two, replete with rivalry and camaraderie. The dynamics at play could lead to dramatic, thunderous showdowns or perhaps an odd-couple scenario that fans would adore. When could we expect to see Thor and Hercules tangle in a cinematic masterpiece? Only time will tell, but we hope for an epic Thor 5.

Let’s also consider Adam Warlock, the original golden boy poised to become a true powerhouse in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3." Initially teased in the mid-credits scene of the last film, we can’t help but chuckle at the irony: he's designed to be a superweapon, yet his character is more childlike than threat. As he navigates maturity and the realities of responsibility, the audience will surely root for his transformation—who doesn’t love a good redemption arc?

And then there’s Clea. For those not as inclined toward the comics, her character might seem like a cold mystery wrapped in a riddle, emerging electrically in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." She's from the Dark Dimension; she’s related to Dormammu. Intriguing, right? But her tantalizing role shouldn’t fall into obscurity. Her chemistry with Doctor Strange hints at delightful possibilities as he learns to move on after the complicated journey with Christine. A fellow sorcerer who can match his wit? Yes, please.

Meanwhile, we journey through the winding narrative of Moon Knight—a fresh take on superhero storytelling that danced around themes of trauma and identity. Oscar Isaac’s portrayal has been nothing short of captivating, and while a second season remains uncertain, fans are chomping at the bit to see him return—especially after its unique exploration of what it truly means to be a hero.

Lastly, we must revisit Ghost, a character who slipped through the cracks despite her dramatically complex backstory. Ava Starr’s quantum accident gave her extraordinary powers, but at a great cost—chronic pain. As she crosses paths with heroes, she's poised for a redemption arc as well. The "Thunderbolts" movie in 2025 should shed light on her story, but one can’t help but hope for a moment where she can reclaim her narrative in the cosmic dance of the MCU.

This vast universe, overflowing with characters both bright and subdued, serves as a reminder. As the MCU forges ahead, we cling to the hope