Despite its impressive track record, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has featured some notably unsatisfying superhero introductions. The MCU timeline is riddled with iconic superhero introductions, quickly cementing their place firmly in the franchise in advance of numerous, pitch-perfect appearances. However, other heroes have been far less lucky, introduced as a clunky addition, a confusing plot development, or tantalizingly teased despite being unlikely to appear in the MCU’s future.

Even the best Marvel Cinematic Universe movies can include some less favorable moments that undermine a character’s introduction or development. With the intense fandom surrounding Marvel Comics, getting a character’s first appearance right can be essential. As such, the central Avengers were introduced in some of the most iconic superhero movie scenes ever. Iron Man’s introduction effectively kick-started the entire franchise, while Star-Lord’s famed musical numbers in Guardians of the Galaxy quickly garnered a cult fandom. Other characters, however, have been far less compelling, leading to some disappointing character depictions.

10. Riri Williams Felt Underdeveloped

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the sequel to the 2018 film Black Panther and is part of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gripping with the passing of their king, the nation of Wakanda attempts to figure out how to move forward with Queen Mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) at the helm. However, a nation in grieving is not observed by all, as soon Wakanda comes under attack by the underwater civilization of Talocan, led by Namor (Tenoch Huerta.) Wakanda will enlist allies outside and from within to push back this new invading threat and ensure that Wakanda truly does live on forever.

Riri Williams’ introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever felt awkwardly forced. While Riri is a cool Marvel Comics character known for taking up the mantle of Iron Man, her introduction in Wakanda Forever felt rushed and underdeveloped. It seemed as though the Ironheart miniseries being released before her movie appearance could have allowed for better character development and integration into the larger narrative.

Given the complexity of Riri’s backstory and her significance within Marvel Comics, a more gradual introduction may have helped audiences connect with her character on a deeper level. With the numerous narratives in Wakanda Forever demanding a hefty amount of running time, Riri wasn’t given the space to develop as much as she should have. Riri is set to star in the MCU’s Ironheart, which should offer more substantial and satisfying storytelling opportunities for this intriguing character.

9. Mister Fantastic’s Cameo Was Clunky

Doctor Stange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)

In Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the MCU takes a deeper dive into the Multiverse and the unknown, introducing variants of Strange and other familiar friends and foes – including The Illuminati – and offers a new perspective on how it works and connects. The story follows Stephen Strange, now post-blip and no longer the Sorcerer Supreme. When a terrifying monster rampages through New York seeking to capture a young girl from another multiverse named America Chavez, Strange finds himself as her newfound protector. Unfortunately, his new foe is a former ally, Wanda Maximoff. To protect Chavez and stop Wanda’s rampage, Strange travels the Multiverse looking for answers – and encounters engrossing and terrifying realities that expand the Marvel Universe in a whole new way.

Mister Fantastic’s introduction into the MCU was disappointingly brief, especially considering his significance in Marvel lore. In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Reed Richards’ cameo felt out of place, and his defeat was too swift and easy for a character of his intellect and importance. As the smartest man alive, his offhand comment suggesting how Wanda could defeat Black Bolt seemed uncharacteristically careless, undermining his typically impressive strategic prowess.

Mister Fantastic is presumed to have a large role in the MCU, which made his introduction in Multiverse of Madness feel like a puzzling missed opportunity. While casting Jim Krasinski as Reed Richards may have satisfied some fan-casting dreams, his cinematic portrayal was diminished by his lackluster debut. With Pedro Pascal cast in the role in the MCU’s The Fantastic Four, the character can hopefully be redeemed in the franchise’s future.

8. Professor Xavier’s Introduction Was Short-Lived

Doctor Stange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)

Professor Charles Xavier’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was momentarily thrilling but ultimately unsatisfactory.As Patrick Stewart entered in Xavier’s iconic yellow hover wheelchair, accompanied by the theme tune from X-Men: The Animated Series, the cameo combined the two strongest on-screen portrayals of the character in a layered cameo Easter egg. However, this was short-lived.

Xavier was dispatched far too easily and quickly in the Multiverse of Madness, particularly considering that he is the most powerful telepath ever. His defeat in a psychic battle felt jarring and out of character. Such an important MCU characterdeserved a more substantial introduction and a more spectacular death. While the nod to X-Men: TAS was a nice touch, Xavier’s underwhelming characterization was not the fitting and powerful entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe that Charles Xavier deserved.

7. Starfox’s Introduction Teased An Unfulfilled Narrative

Eternals (2021)

Starfox’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe teased future appearances and narratives that have never occurred. Starfox’s appearance in the Eternals post-credits sequence was disappointing, and felt disconnected from the rest of the narrative. Harry Styles has a lot of star power and has since proven his acting ability. However, at the time, Styles was presumed to have been chosen for his striking appearance, making the scene more puzzling than intriguing.

The promised narrative of Starfox (AKA Eros) and the remaining Eternals traversing space to rescue their comrades has yet to materialize. Considering the unfavorable response to Eternals, it’s unlikely that a sequel will be produced, leaving Eros’s narrative unresolved. Adding to the disappointment was the poor CGI rendering of Pip, a jarring distraction from the overall experience. This lackluster execution of Starfox’s introduction tarnished what could have been an exciting addition to the MCU.

6. Quicksilver’s Character Was Wasted

Captain America: Civil War (2014) & Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)

Quicksilver’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was disappointing because of several factors. Firstly, his super-speed, a defining trait of the character, was noticeably downgraded compared to his comic book counterpart. Secondly, Quicksilver’s unexpected demise, killed by regular bullets, seemed anticlimactic and out of place for a character with such agility and speed. Quicksilver has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to outrun gun fire andshould have easily been able to move Hawkeye out of danger without sacrificing himself.

As a vital and compelling Avenger, with a rich history as a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Quicksilver was expected to play a significant role in the franchise. His swift and unceremonious death scuppered the chance to explore this compelling narrative arc with any great detail. Moreover, Quicksilver was quickly forgotten, leaving behind a sense of missed potential and unrealized possibilities in the MCU.

5. Skaar’s Introduction Was Confusing And Underwhelming

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (2022)

Skaar’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe via She-Hulk: Attorney at Law left many viewers confused. Firstly, his appearance and design received criticism, failing to resonate with audiences or accurately reflect his fearsome and imposing appearance in Marvel Comics. Secondly, She-Hulk‘sfailure to adequately explain his existence at all added to the confusion. The franchise has previously established Bruce Banner’s inability to connect romantically with a sexual partner due to the risk of him Hulking-out.

It is now assumed that Hulk met a partner who was capable of having sexual relations with him and bearing his child, though this has not been adequately addressed. With Skaar’s presumed role in the MCU’s Young Avengers team, he will likely reappear. However, his lack of subsequent appearances or further explanations in the MCU hashindered his potential significance and backstory, leaving an aura of confusion and disappointment lingering over the character.

4. Adam Warlock Couldn’t Live Up To The Hype

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Adam Warlock was teased numerous times in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which ultimately created a hype that the character failed to live up to. Adam Warlock was teased by Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Thor: Dark World, making him one of the most hotly anticipated characters in the franchise. The hero featured prominently in the GOTG Vol. 3 promos and wasassumed to play a central role in the movie.

While he was reasonably present, his role was rather muted. Adam Warlock was often relegated to the movie’s comic-relief, portrayed as a bumbling man-child. After joining the new Guardians of the Galaxy under Rocket Raccoon’s leadership, Adam Warlock will hopefully return to the franchise once more. However, his initial appearance felt anti-climactic and disappointing, not living up to or matching the hype created by teasing his introduction.

3. Janet Van Dyne’s Return Was Anticlimactic

Ant-Man And The Wasp (2018) & Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Janet Van Dyne’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a disappointing anticlimax. The original Wasp was teased across numerous movies, creating an aura of tragic mystery surrounding her disappearance. Much of the early Ant-Man narratives in the MCU concerned finding Janet, who had previously been lost in the Quantum Realm. When she finally made her full debut in Ant-Man and the Wasp, it seemed her story would be centered as a vital component of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.

However, in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Janet’s role primarily revolved around delivering exposition, serving as a narrative device rather than a fully fleshed-out character. Her limited screen time and lack of substantial development felt anticlimactic and unfitting for a famed Avengers member or Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance. This underutilization of Janet Van Dyne was very unsatisfying, serving mainly as a plot complication than a true hero.

2. Iron Fist Was A Missed Opportunity

Iron Fist (2017-2018) & The Defenders (2017)

Danny Rand’s introduction in Iron Fist was met with much derision and disappointment. Danny wasportrayed as awkward and clunky, with his character struggling to find his footing for several episodes. This led to criticism and mockery, even within the show itself in season 2 – which poked fun at Finn Jones’s delivery of his “I’m the immortal Iron Fist” speech.

Furthermore, the casting of a white actor inthe role was widely criticized asa missed opportunity to diversify the Marvel pantheon of heroes. Though a white character in the comic books, many critics suggested that an Asian actor would have better reflected the character’s themes of martial arts and ancient Chinese mysticism. Overall, Danny Rand’s portrayal in The Defenders Saga and Iron Fist was marred by these issues, contributing to the overall lukewarm reception of the series.

Danny Rand’s introduction in Iron Fist was met with much derision and disappointment. Danny wasportrayed as awkward and clunky, with his character struggling to find his footing for several episodes. This led to criticism and mockery, even within the show itself in season 2 – which poked fun at Finn Jones’s delivery of his “I’m the immortal Iron Fist” speech.

Furthermore, the casting of a white actor inthe role was widely criticized asa missed opportunity to diversify the Marvel pantheon of heroes. Though a white character in the comic books, many critics suggested that an Asian actor would have better reflected the character’s themes of martial arts and ancient Chinese mysticism. Overall, Danny Rand’s portrayal in The Defenders Saga and Iron Fist was marred by these issues, contributing to the overall lukewarm reception of the series.

1. The Inhumans Were Squandered And Removed From MCU Canon

Inhumans (2017)

The introduction of the Inhumans into the MCU was a major disappointment for fans and critics alike. Despite the rich lore and potential of the source material, the resulting television series failed to live up to expectations. Marvel’s Inhumans squandered interesting characters and compelling storylines, delivering lackluster performances, uninspired writing, and unconvincing costumes.

Inhumans’ poor reception was evident in both critical reviews and audience feedback. When Marvel reconsidered its canon, it ultimatelyremoved Inhumans from the official timeline. The decision to distance the Inhumans from the broader MCU was a clear acknowledgment of the series’ failure to resonate with viewers and contribute meaningfully to the overarching narrative. The mishandling of such a promising property served as a cautionary tale for Marvel Studios, highlighting the importance of introducing heroes into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a faithful and compelling manner.