Top 10 Most Anticipated MCU Characters for 2023
#10: M.O.D.O.K.
Top 20 Anticipated Horror Movies of 2023
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023) This oversized brainiac has been a staple of Marvel media for decades, but he’s had less luck on the big screen. Reportedly, M.O.D.O.K. was supposed to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as early as 2008’s “Iron Man.” That didn’t materialize, and neither did an appearance in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” despite the fact that they’d gotten as far as casting Peter Dinklage. Clearly, M.O.D.O.K.’s been trying to weasel his way into the MCU for a while, and it’s finally happening with the third “Ant-Man” movie. There’s no word on casting or his future in the franchise, but rest assured, his signature brand of maniacal incompetence should be well worth the wait.
#9: William Jackson Harper’s Mysterious Role
Top 10 Plays By William Shakespeare
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023) At this point, surprise cast-additions are kind of Marvel’s thing. But, you don’t usually hear about them before the movie comes out. So, when a well-regarded actor joins the franchise in an undisclosed role, it’s bound to cause some major fan theories. It didn’t help that Jackson Harper’s involvement was only announced after principal photography on the film had wrapped. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean he was a late addition to the ensemble. But, in a series chalk-full of secrets and easter-eggs, his tardy casting has led to rampant speculation. After all, the Emmy-nominated actor has the range to play just about any character in the whole Quantum Realm.
#8: Sonya Falsworth
“Secret Invasion” (2023) There’s precious few actors in the whole business who can stand toe to toe with Samuel L. Jackson in a scene. However, you could say the exact same thing about Olivia Colman. On principle, watching these actors square off is worth the price of admission alone. Especially since the trailer doesn’t confirm if Colman’s character is a hero, a villain, or something in between. Either way, the two will definitely have their hands full with Abigail Brand. In the comics, she’s the commander of S.W.O.R.D., and even has ties to mutantkind. Did we mention she’ll be played by Emilia Clarke? Yeah, as if the cast list wasn’t already stacked.
#7: Steve Rogers as the Hydra Stomper
Top 10 Best Unscripted Steve Carell Moments
“What If...?” (2021-) Cap may have hung up his shield after “Endgame,” but that doesn’t mean he’s completely done with the MCU. Thanks to the multiverse, Steve’s making his grand return. Albeit, in animation. And as a villain. Reportedly, the second season of “What If…?” is a continuation of Peggy Carter’s time as a hero. Naturally, that means recreating “The Winter Soldier,” but with Steve back from the supposed-dead instead of Bucky. Reinterpreting one of the MCU’s best films through a different lens is just the kind of nostalgic storytelling that “What If…?” does best. If it’s half as strong as its first season, Steve’s return as Hydra Stomper will be one to remember.
#6: Aubrey Plaza Joins the MCU
“Agatha: Coven of Chaos” (2023) It seems like the residents of Westview are getting a new neighbor. And, quite frankly, it’s long overdue. Aubrey Plaza has a penchant for personifying monotone, unhinged, and just plain weird characters across all genres. So, now that Wanda’s put the neighborhood more or less back to normal, Plaza’s the perfect candidate to spice things up again. While there’s no word on who she’ll be playing, or even whether they’re a hero at all, Plaza’s reputation speaks for itself. Much like some other new additions, the fact they’re keeping the specifics of her role under wraps can only mean good things for her tenure in the MCU.
#5: Gravik
“Secret Invasion” (2023) So far, the MCU’s version of Skrulls has been portrayed as a misunderstood, sympathetic race. But, as they say, all it takes is a few bad invaders to spoil the bunch. In the upcoming Disney+ series, the namesake infiltration will be presumably led by Gravik, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir. If the brief shots in the trailer are anything to go by, he’ll be a fantastic villainous foil to Talos and Fury. After all, just because the Skrulls are in hiding doesn’t mean every single one of them wants peace with Earth. Ben-Adir’s commanding screen presence will surely add some wrinkles to any intergalactic treaties - assuming all out war doesn’t start before they even get that far.
#4: Parker Robbins / The Hood
“Ironheart” (2023) If a suit of armor is off the table, a magical cowl is the next best thing. Or, at least, that’s what Anthony Ramos’ character thinks. Since Riri Williams is all about technology and science, it’ll be interesting to see her dynamic with a character that uses actual magic. While plot details for the show are currently under lock and key, since The Hood was a notorious supervillain in the comics, odds are good he and Riri won’t be seeing eye to eye. However, Ramos has described the character as a misfit. If they double down on the sympathetic parts of the character, he could easily turn into one of the MCU’s best villains.
#3: The High Evolutionary
Top 10 Most Anticipated Disney Movies of 2023
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023) It’s high time this guy joined the Marvel Universe, pun fully intended. In a more cosmic-focused MCU, his continued absence would have been a total missed opportunity. The High Evolutionary focuses on just that: evolution. Except, he has a tendency to forget the difference between saving the universe and destroying it. The brilliant pragmatist finally arrives in the MCU in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” where he’s sure to make some waves for everyone’s favorite galactic morons. Especially since he’ll be played by Chukwudi Iwuji, who’s worked with “Guardian’s” director James Gunn before on the show “Peacemaker.” If their first collaboration is any indication, the High Evolutionary is in good hands.
#2: Adam Warlock
Black Adam vs Superman
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (2023) After years of teases, rumors, and delays, this overpowered wizard is finally stepping onto the big screen. And, frankly, it’s about damn time. Adam Warlock is arguably one of the most notable Marvel characters yet to appear in the MCU. His rich backstory, complex personality, and integral role in several high-profile storylines make him a near must-have going forward. Thankfully, Will Poulter’s testing out his magic for a meaty role in the third “Guardians” flick. The hype surrounding his introduction is real, which makes sense given his ties to Thanos and the High Evolutionary. Suffice it to say, Adam Warlock is going to make a big splash
#1: Kang The Conqueror
Top 10 Worst Things Kang The Conqueror Has Done
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023) As the MCU continues to expand, it becomes more and more difficult to find a villain that can reasonably pose a threat to The Avengers. But, if anyone can fill Thanos’ gauntlet, it might very well be Kang. Technically, a variant of him already appeared in the first season of “Loki.” But, really, that just served as an appetizer for what Jonathan Majors can do in the role. He’ll make his official debut in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” where he’s bound to show what he’s really made of. After all, you don’t get a whole Avengers film named after you unless you’re the real deal.
