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20 Marvel Characters You Didn't Realize Were In the MCU


20 Marvel Characters You Didn't Realize Were In the MCU


Did you Spot Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is packed with superheroes. However, we are often too enthralled by Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man to notice some of the more minor comic book characters that sneak into a scene or play a small role. Marvel can also have some fun by treating a longstanding character as a background actor. Here are 20 Marvel characters you didn't realize were in the MCU.

a red and gold toyJason Leung on Unsplash

1. Miek

Miek is an obscure Marvel character, but still managed to appear in Thor: Ragnarok and then Avengers: Endgame, and Thor: Love and Thunder. Miek fights alongside Korg in the Sakaar gladiatorial setting. 

a metal hook with a sign on itDeepak Rastogi on Unsplash

2. Stakar Ogord

Stakar is one of the Ravager captains in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Vol. 3. He rescued Yondu from enslavement and plays a role in safeguarding the Ravagers' moral code. His presence might be minor, but he still gets to partake in a few acts of heroism. 

black and brown monster illustrationJerry Kavan on Unsplash

3. Minn-Erva

Minn-Erva is a Kree sniper and geneticist in Captain Marvel. She's part of Starforce, fighting against Carol Danvers. She's more of an antagonist and has abilities and powers similar to other Kree with genetic enhancements.

Marvel Captain America figurineFredrick john on Unsplash

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4. The Watcher

The Watcher is a cosmic informant and appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. There's also the Watcher Informant, who was played by Stan Lee in one of his many MCU cameos. 

a person holding up two silver surfer comicsJonathan Cooper on Unsplash

5. Okoye

Okoye is the head of the Dora Milaje in Black Panther. This character's presence has grown across films in the MCU, but she is still overlooked and often forgotten about. She is key to Wakanda's defense and shows courage and moral strength in battle.

solihinkentjanasolihinkentjana on Pixabay

6. Lady Sif

Lady Sif, played by Jaimie Alexander, is an Asgardian warrior, but didn't really register with audiences. She fights alongside Thor in many of the MCU entries, but her screen time is limited. 

lego minifig on brown wooden tableRavi Palwe on Unsplash

7. W-Kabi

Played by Oscar-winning Daniel Kaluuya, W-Kabi appeared in Black Panther. Yet, he's a supporting character more than a hero, and you can't fault even the most ardent Marvel fans for forgetting that he appeared in the wildly popular movie. However, he did play a central role in the film's last battle. 

File:Daniel Kaluuya by Gage Skidmore.jpgGage Skidmore on Wikimedia

8. Dum Dum Dugan

This character appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger and is one of the Howling Commandos, fighting alongside Steve Rogers during their WWII exploits. Dugan doesn't have any superpowers, but he proves to be quite brave and loyal.

man carrying Captain America's shieldColton Sturgeon on Unsplash

9. Korg

Korg is a Kronan warrior who first appeared in Thor: Ragnarok. He's an ally to Thor and Valkyrie, helping with escape plans and their resistance against villains. Korg is a comedic character who gained a small yet loyal following after the film. Still, he never received his full due. 

a toy of a man with a hammer in his handLiam Laddusaw on Unsplash

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10. Wong

Wong is heavily featured in the Doctor Strange films, but still gets overshadowed by larger-than-life and more popular characters. He's a skilled mystic, defender of the mystic realms, and a revered guardian of relics. 

File:Benedict Cumberbatch on the set of Doctor Strange (cropped).jpgPrishank Thapa on Wikimedia

11. Luis

Played by Michael Pena, Luis provides comic relief in the Ant-Man films and a bit of heroics. He was eventually added to the comics and helps Scott Lang with planning and intel. He is most famous, however, for his storytelling style. Every superhero needs a Luis in their life and on their missions. 

File:Michael Peña 2014.jpgDoD News Features on Wikimedia

12. M'Baku

M'Baku is the leader of the Jabari tribe in Black Panther comics. In the film, he starts as an adversary of T'Challa, before eventually turning into a much-needed ally. His strength and leadership help the people of Wakanda defend their homeland. 

the big bang theory dvdErik Mclean on Unsplash

13. Ayo

Across the Black Panther films, among other MCU entries, Ayo appears as a member of the Dora Milaje. Her screen time is limited, but her presence in action scenes is notable. Still, you'll be hard-pressed to hear this character's name get called when people are listing heroes in the MCU. 

InspiredImagesInspiredImages on Pixabay

14. Howard the Duck

Howard the Duck is a popular cult figure in Marvel Comics and made a quick appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He's a cigar-chomping and sarcastic duck, and these comics' popularity came from their odd sense of humor and fun adventures.

Erik McleanErik Mclean on Pexels

15. Cosmo the Space Dog

Cosmo the Space Dog was teased in one Guardians of the Galaxy movie and then was developed further in a later one. Cosmo is a telepathic dog who gained powers through experiments conducted by the Soviets. 

Erik McleanErik Mclean on Pexels

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16. Pip the Troll

Introduced in The Eternals' end scene, Pip the Troll appeared alongside Eros. He's a mischievous, hard-drinking alien who often stumbles into heroic situations. His appearance was brief and a bit divisive, but he's a bona fide Marvel Comics character.

Sherman TrotzSherman Trotz on Pexels

17. Eros

Eros is Thanos's brother and made a brief appearance in The Eternals. Eros has huge heroic significance in the Marvel universe and eventually becomes Sersi's love interest. 

the joker comic book on brown wooden tableWaldemar Brandt on Unsplash

18. Clea

Clea is a Marvel character who only appeared in one post-credit scene. She's a sorceress from the Dark Dimension and eventually becomes Doctor Strange's partner. In the comics, she starts as a minor character, only to grow in prominence and presence.

File:TIFF 2017 Benedict Cumberbatch aka Dr Strange (37215769551).jpgJohn Bauld from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia

19. Black Knight

Introduced in The Eternals as Dane Whitman, the Black Knight is Sersi's love interest, a museum historian, and a mystical swordsman. He's been featured in Marvel comics for quite some time, and his Ebony Blade is an iconic weapon among fans. 

a red and white sticker with the word marvel on itShovit Chettri on Unsplash

20. Beta Ray Bill

In the comics, Beta Ray Bill proves himself worthy of wielding Thor's Mjolnir. He's developed a cult following over the years, but only appeared in statue form in Thor: Ragnarok. This fun easter egg had fans howling in theaters and confirmed his existence in the MCU. 

File:Cosplay of Thor at Brussels Comic Con 2019 (32535143797).jpgMiguel Discart on Wikimedia