While most MCU fans haven’t heard of them before, obscure Marvel characters like Moondragon and Fantomex have plenty to offer.

Over the years, Marvel Comics has done incredible work to create a deeply memorable roster of both superheroes and villains. It’s been genuinely exciting to watch many of these beloved characters transition over to blockbuster feature films. Similarly, lower-tier heroes have been able to find newfound acclaim thanks to the success of their movies.

There are many popular Marvel characters fans are eager to see get their own films, but there are also some deep cuts who deserve their moment in the spotlight. The MCU movies and TV shows have already found success with some less popular characters, so there’s hope that even some of the most obscure can find their way to the big or small screens.

30. Cypher Is A Linguist Mutant

Douglas Ramsey, aka Cypher, has one of the coolest and most useful mutant abilities ever. He can easily understand any language he encounters, both written and spoken. He achieves this through a semi-telepathic semi-clairvoyant omnilingualism.

Since Cypher doesn’t have offensive powers — usually staying behind in battle — he’s often the less beloved member of any team he joins. However, his abilities make him incredibly valuable in detective work. A mystery crypto-thriller a la The DaVinci Code would work perfectly for him.

29. Miracleman Is One Of Marvel’s Most Powerful Characters

Miracleman, originally known as Marvelman, is one of those totemic characters who becomes a liability because they’re just too powerful. Miracleman can basically do anything, and his diverse and powerful abilities practically put Captain Marvel to shame.

Miracleman faded into obscurity until the ’80s when Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman revived the character in a big, subversive way. Miracleman is his own entity that exists outside of the standard Marvel 616 universe and so he’d be perfect for a standalone movie that kicks off a new phase or even stars in a unique Disney+ “Special Presentation.”

28. Singularity Could Lead To The MCU’s A-Force

During Secret Wars’ A-Force, Nico Minoru stumbled upon a meteorite crater in Arcadia. Inside it, there was a girl made of space fabric: Singularity. She became central to the team and eventually sacrificed for them. After the event, Singularity made the jump to Earth-616 and reunited with Nico, Captain Marvel, and She-Hulk. However, she hasn’t been in enough storylines compared with other cosmic entities.

Many fans believe Love, from Thor: Love and Thunder, is based on Singularity, but nothing has been confirmed. A film or TV series about Singularity would be the perfect way to introduce A-Force into the MCU continuity. Hopefully, she will debut in this universe during Avengers: Secret Wars.

27. Machine Man Is Marvel’s Crossover With Stanley Kubrick

Machine Man, otherwise known as Aaron Stack, is a superhero of android origins who benefits from a particularly unusual backstory. Jack Kirby introduced Machine Man in Marvel’s ten-issue adaptation of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Machine Man embodies the philosophical nature of Stanley Kubrick’s film and Arthur C. Clarke’s novel. This powerful machine reckons with what’s left of his humanity and the bleak changes that he’s witnessed throughout his existence. Machine Man could work with a new origin story, but in an age of legacy sequels and connected universes, it would be interesting if Marvel were to tie Machine Man together to a sci-fi movie.

26. Jack Of Hearts Can’t Really Control His Powers

Jack of Hearts is a tragic, cautionary figure from Marvel Comics who would have been impossible to adapt during the MCU’s initial phases. However, now feels like the perfect fit as the films transition more into multiversal adventures.

Born Jonathan Hart, he’s the product of a prolific scientist and an alien, which leaves Jack of Hearts with debilitating powers that he lacks control over. Jack has been a member of the Avengers, which makes it even more likely that the MCU will decide to adapt his complex story.

25. Sleepwalker Has Frightening Sleep-Based Powers

Some of the most fascinating superheroes are the ones who struggle with an unconscious duality. Sleepwalker bears some similarities to the powerful Moon Knight, but he can reach even greater heights. Sleepwalker is the alter ego of Rick Sheridan, a meager college student who receives a superpowered somnambulist identity after he’s experimented on by a villain.

Rick and Sleepwalker are oblivious of their other half, but whenever Rick goes to sleep, it’s the Sleepwalker’s time to shine in the ethereal Dreamworld. Sleepwalker is a product of the ’90s and there are some fun, creative places this film could go, especially with the right visionary director in control of Dreamworld’s look.

24. Balder Is Thor’s Lesser-Known Brother

Balder Odinson is the brother of Thor and Loki, but Marvel tends to ignore him a bit more than his siblings. Also known as Balder the Brave, this Asgardian is the God of Light. This means he can create it from thin air, often in such force that he can create heat out of the light. Additionally, he’s the most agile Asgardian.

Balder doesn’t have as much lore as Thor and Loki, but he’s just as powerful. His abilities can melt Frost Giants, so it would be amazing to see him go against these monsters. A Balder film would be a great way for the MCU to expand on Asgard without depending on Thor so much.

23. Mephisto Is Marvel’s Ruler Of Hell

Mephisto is one of the more popular demonic entities to come out of Marvel Comics and he’s someone who audiences are more than ready to follow after many believed that his mysterious workings were afoot in WandaVision. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time for a Mephisto solo project.

The MCU has introduced powerful magic users and Mephisto has more of a place to fit in rather than existing as an anomaly. A Mephisto vehicle could be a smart follow-up to Agatha: Coven of Chaos or a bridge into the next Doctor Strange movie.

22. Arkon The Magnificent Is A Relatable Antagonist

Arkon the Magnificent comes from Polemachus, a world that’s known for its crushing warfare and a society that increasingly celebrates the strongest of champions. This tumultuous history contributes to Arkon’s angry origins, which initially positions him as an Avengers antagonist, albeit one who’s not wholly misguided on his journey.

Arkon’s home planet had to deal with debilitating energy issues, which is what first inspired him to connect with the Avengers through the Scarlet Witch’s incredible magic. Arkon later turns to the powerful warrior woman, Thundra, as both a partner and explorer of Marvel’s Weirdworld, which could easily sustain a cinematic endeavor.

21. Danger Man Is Bizzare And Comedic

In Dan Slott and Juan Bobillo’s She-Hulk, Jennifer Walters represents Daniel Jermain, a family man who fell into a vat of Roxxon Energy Corporation chemicals and gained superpowers. Contrary to most Marvel characters, Jermain rejected this new life, suing Roxxon for the damage done to his body and his family.

Danger Man — as he was known after the accident — is a Marvel C-Lister at best, but his story resonates for its realism. Instead of jumping right into the superhero path, Jermain struggled with these changes. A film centered on him would be either a very bizarre comedy or an enthralling legal drama. Either way, it would be a refreshing change from the superhero films fans already know.