Marvel Comics has plenty of teams that could be the next Avengers, and redefine the future of the MCU. The MCU has featured other teams, such as the Guardians of the Galaxy, but the Avengers dominated the franchise’s earliest phases. The Avengers continue to exert an influence on the MCU, but Marvel has plenty of other heroic teams as well.
The MCU has begun experimenting with teams other than the Avengers. The Thunderbolts, later christened “The New Avengers”, were one such team. A few months later The Fantastic Four made their long-awaited MCU debut. Furthermore, the X-Men are around the corner. Here are seven more teams from the pages of Marvel Comics that could have an impact on the MCU.
Power Pack Could Give Younger MCU Fans the Ultimate in Wish Fulfillment
Power Pack Has Been a Cult Favorite For Over 40 Years
While teams of young heroes were nothing new when Power Pack #1 hit racks in 1984, the property took the concept in new and exciting directions. The four Power children: Alex, Julie, Jack and Katie, not only fought off alien invasions, but also had to navigate school and social lives as well as keep their heroic careers a secret from their parents.
While the MCU has a diverse fanbase, younger viewers are a sizable demographic, and a Power Pack movie or Disney+ show could be peak wish fulfillment. Kids would find plenty to love in Power Pack, and with smart enough writing and production, it could easily rope in their parents as well.
The MCU Needs More International Teams, and Alpha Flight Could Fill This Gap
Alpha Flight Is a Cool Concept That Needs to Join the MCU
The Canadian superhero team Alpha Flight has been a staple of the Marvel Universe since the late 1970s, but so far has not made it to the MCU. Yet with the MCU heading in a more international direction in films such as Captain America: Brave New World, the time is ripe for Alpha Flight to make their presence felt.
Adapting Alpha Flight might prove tricky. Over the years, Alpha Flight’s various books have varied wildly in tone. Some have taken a serious approach, while others have skewed more humorous. Deciding which one to use for the MCU’s Alpha Flight will be crucial to the property’s success, but if done correctly, could add international flair.
Is There a Place for the Champions in the MCU? Depends On Which Version They Use
The Teenage Incarnation of the Champions Would Be the Best Fit
There have been different teams named the Champions in Marvel history. The first, debuting in the 1970s, was a seemingly random collection of heroes, including Ghost Rider and Black Widow. This incarnation of the team faded quickly, but a new, teenage-oriented version appeared in the 2010s, and became a favorite among fans and critics.
Should the MCU see fit to incorporate the Champions, then the latter version would work best. Some members of the teenage lineup of the Champions, such as Ms. Marvel, have already debuted in the MCU. Nova, another member of the Champions, is on his way. The Champions could even function as an Avengers-style movie for the MCU’s youngest heroes.
The Original Guardians of the Galaxy Could Redefine the MCU’s Future, Literally
The OG Guardians of the Galaxy Could Give the Cosmic Side of the MCU a Jolt
The MCU’s first Guardians of the Galaxy movie was something of a landmark in the franchise. It proved that teams other than the Avengers could work in live-action, even if the squad was made up of relatively obscure heroes. It came together so well, it might be impossible to believe this team was less than a decade old.
The original Guardians of the Galaxy hail from the 31st century, and bringing them into the MCU and leaving them in their native time frame would be a bold move. One of the original Guardians, Yondu, did appear in the MCU, although he was native to the 21st century. His presence gives hope the originals may one day appear.
If the X-Men Are Coming to the MCU, Can X-Force Be Far Behind?
X-Force Could Show the Dark Side of the MCU’s Mutants
It is no secret that the X-Men’s impending MCU debut will be a massive hit, and will most likely inspire other mutant-themed movies. Of the potential mutant teams that the MCU could use, X-Force makes the most sense. The MCU’s X-Force could show the diversity of mutant viewpoints in the franchise.
Rumors are flying that the MCU’s phases post-Six will focus predominantly on the mutants, and X-Force would be the perfect place to introduce more to the mix. There is also a great deal of flexibility in the X-Force concept, giving the MCU a handful of different incarnations to draw from.
The MCU’s Multiverse Saga Would be the Perfect Vehicle to Introduce the Squadron Supreme
The Squadron Supreme Has Had Many Incarnations in Marvel Comics
The Squadron Supreme have had a checkered history in Marvel Comics: at times they have been villains and other times heroes. Various creators have used the Squadron to explore “real world” issues, such as the abuse of power. Regardless of which approach the MCU takes, the Squadron Supreme will have an impact.
1985’s Squadron Supreme, written by the late Mark Gruenwald, is rightfully regarded as a masterpiece.
Currently, the MCU is embroiled in the “Multiverse Saga,” and as the Squadron Supreme hail from another Earth, now is the perfect time for them to debut. The Squadron is pastiches for DC’s Justice League. Seeing the MCU put their own spin on League members would be a treat for fans of both franchises.
The MCU’s Supernatural Side is Growing, and the Midnight Suns is Its Next Step
The MCU Needs the Midnight Suns, But They Need to Get Blade Right First
The MCU has made a few forays into the magical realm, including the first two Doctor Strange films, as well as Werewolf by Night. Bringing in the Midnight Suns is the logical progression of this development, but the supernatural side seems to have stalled since the MCU’s Blade reboot fell into production hell.
The Midnight Suns are a loose collective of Marvel’s supernatural heroes, some of which have already debuted. Others, such as the Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider, have yet to appear, but a Midnight Suns feature film would be the perfect place to introduce him, as well as a host of other supernatural characters, to the MCU.
