Which Sidekick Should Be The Hero In Their Own Film?
The Marvel universe is full of iconic heroes and villains, but some of the most intriguing characters remain in the background. These are the ones who steal scenes, capture imaginations, and keep fans interested, even more so than the main hero. Here are 20 Marvel side characters who have the potential to shine as the stars of their own movies.
1. Valkyrie
Valkyrie is everyone's favorite superheroine. She's strong, undeniably cool, and has a rich, unexplored backstory. She's based on a Norse mythological figure, so there's plenty of lore to draw from.
Victori∀ (Victoria Henderson) on Wikimedia
2. Korg
Korg instantly stole our hearts as a hilarious and quietly profound Guardians of the Galaxy character. There's a lot of mystery about his species, history, and culture that could easily be explored.
3. Yondu Udonta
Yondu is a cyborg space pirate who can control his deadly arrow by whistling—how cool is that? He also happens to be one of the most emotionally layered characters in Guardians, with a complicated past as a Ravager that leaves so much to be explored.
4. Wong
A Sorcerer Supreme, Wong is technically the top wizard on Earth, yet we’ve only seen glimpses of his abilities. His mysterious past, dry humor, and deep knowledge are enough to earn him the spotlight, not just as Dr. Strange's friend.
5. Okoye
We know Okoye as Wakanda’s fiercest warrior, but little else. Despite being very serious in her role, she has an unexpectedly wicked sense of humor that has won over the hearts of Marvel fans.
6. Luis
Luis is the former cellmate and loyal best friend of Scott Lang (Ant-Man). He's downright hilarious, and we love him, but there's so much more that can be done with such a stellar character. He could have his own film, narrated entirely in his chaotic storytelling.
7. Heimdall
Heimdall is the guardian of the Bifröst who sees all of the Nine Realms. Can you imagine how epic and stunning a cosmic, mythical origin story showing the early days of Asgard would be?
DFID - UK Department for International Development on Wikimedia
8. Nebula
Nebula is unique in the sea of Marvel characters because of her tragic past as a tortured assassin. She's a reluctant hero and a complex personality, which would make her movie all the more compelling.
Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma on Wikimedia
9. Nakia
Nakia is one of the Black Panthers' most formidable enemies, but was once his greatest ally. She has seen the darkest corners of the world and has a complicated past, making her one of the most intriguing characters in the Marvel universe.
10. M’Baku
M’Baku is a clear fan-favorite, thanks to his strong sense of honor, dry sense of humor, and unique journey from rival warrior to close ally. Black Panther fans can't get enough of him and the Jabari tribe, making a dedicated film a no-brainer.
11. The Collector
The Collector is weird, ancient, powerful, and mysterious. As one of the oldest beings in the Marvel universe, we can see endless potential storylines for his own film.
12. Sharon Carter
Sharon Carter has one of the most intriguing yet underexplored arcs in the Marvel universe. An anti-hero with a complex past, her story is uniquely layered, and a solo field could fill in some gaps.
13. Bucky Barnes
Bucke Barnes (The Winter Soldier) is one of the most morally complex characters in the Marvel universe. His story spans trauma, manipulation, identity loss, and the long road toward redemption—more than enough material to warrant a film.
14. The Grandmaster
One of the Marvel Universe's Elders, The Grandmaster, is equal parts comedic, dangerous, and oddly charming. He's an incredibly compelling character who fans love for the bizarre way he can be hilarious one second and terrifying the next. Understanding what's under his weird exterior could be as interesting as the character himself.
15. J. Jonah Jameson
J. Jonah Jameson may not have superpowers, but that doesn't mean he's boring. A furious, loud, and stubborn newspaperman, he's long been a staple of the Spider-Man lore, but we know little about him. He's already been reimagined as a conspiracy-style online host, but there is still much to explore with this character.
16. Vulture
Vulture was a brilliant engineer before he became a villain after being wronged by corporate powers. His motivations are grounded in real-world issues like corporate greed, making him more relatable than many other villains and deserving of his own movie.
17. Darcy Lewis
Darcy Lewis provides Thor fans with a healthy dose of comic relief, but her worth as a character goes far beyond her wit. Her intelligence and resourcefulness would allow her to swiftly transition into a title role in her own story.
18. Lady Sif
Sif is known for her incredible fighting skills, bravery, and strong sense of humor. Despite her supporting role in the Thor films, she has a rich backstory as a defender of Asgard and a leader in her own right that could certainly make for a compelling film.
19. Rocket Raccoon
Rocket Raccoon is beloved by Guardians fans for his caustic sense of humor. However, beyond providing comic relief, the genetically modified raccoon is extraordinarily smart, and his journey as a lab experiment would make for an interesting and tragic backstory, adding emotional depth.
20. Agatha Harkness
Agatha Harkness is one of Earth's most powerful witches. She's been around for centuries, and her wisdom, mischievousness, and moral ambiguity make her a fascinating character. A solo story could explore her centuries of life.
