The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised to embark on an ambitious journey in 2024, although it may also witness some unexpected character fatalities. This year has been relatively slow for the franchise, especially considering its continuous output since the kick-off of the Multiverse Saga. Notably, Deadpool & Wolverine stands as the sole Marvel Studios film released this year.
However, the MCU is set for a significant comeback in 2025, with three movies lined up for release. Marvel Studios has also teased audiences with a glimpse of six upcoming series, which will feature a mix of both live-action and animated content. This influx of new titles will mark the return of beloved characters as well as the introduction of new ones. As the narrative unfolds, the stakes will be high, potentially culminating in devastating losses for key figures in the MCU.
10 Red Hulk
Captain America: Brave New World (February 14, 2025)
First on the list is Red Hulk. The debut of this character is highly anticipated, yet considerable peril surrounds his future. Following William Hurt’s passing, Marvel has recast Thaddeus “Thunderbolt”Ross, appointing Harrison Ford for the role. This marks Ford’s entry into the MCU, coinciding with Anthony Mackie’s inaugural appearance as Captain America.
At 82 years old, Ford’s participation may be brief, as he may choose to limit his tenure to a notable role for Red Hulk in a single film. Ross, now the President of the United States, will undergo a transformation into Red Hulk, engaging in battle against Sam Wilson. Although the new Captain America is unlikely to be responsible for the character’s demise, he may ultimately serve the darker interests of the film’s antagonist, the Leader. This could signal a tragic end for Ross as his narrative arc reaches closure.
9 The Leader
Captain America: Brave New World (February 14, 2025)
Tim Blake Nelson returns to the MCU after a 17-year absence, reprising his role as Samuel Sterns from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. During his last appearance, Sterns became the villain known as the Leader after being contaminated by Bruce Banner’s blood. Captain America: Brave New World will finally unveil the Leader’s current endeavors.
While not prominently featured in trailers, it appears the Leader will orchestrate Ross’s transformation into Red Hulk. Given the immense threat posed by a Hulk, the Leader’s lack of control could result in disastrous consequences, including his own death. With no upcoming Hulk-centric projects likely on the horizon, the narrative might set up a finale for the Leader through his demise.
8 Karen Page
Daredevil: Born Again (March 4, 2025)
The upcoming Daredevil: Born Again series has undergone significant creative restructuring, bringing back many beloved characters from the Netflix series, including Karen Page, portrayed by Deborah Ann Woll. With a new showrunner on board, fans have received glimpses of the Daredevil trio together once again.
However, the revised narrative direction suggests that this may be a fleeting moment, as various formidable villains, such as Kingpin, Muse, and Bullseye, could target Matt Murdock’s confidants to emotionally wound him. Reports indicate that Karen Page is only featured in three out of the season’s nine episodes, heightening the risk that her character may not survive.
7 Foggy Nelson
Daredevil: Born Again (March 4, 2025)
Among the characters likely facing peril in Daredevil: Born Again, Foggy Nelson stands out, as he appears to be at greater risk of dying than Karen. While Karen’s episode count is known, Foggy’s has intentionally been left ambiguous, possibly indicating his arc concludes prematurely.
After the new showrunner’s arrival, the series re-shot its pilot episode, during which set leaks showed disturbing signs for Foggy. Footage indicates that Wilson Bethel’s Bullseye seemingly shoots in Foggy and Karen’s direction, suggesting potential bloodshed for Foggy. As such, it’s plausible that Bullseye could be responsible for Foggy’s fate.
6 Bucky Barnes
Thunderbolts* (May 5, 2025)
Sebastian Stan’s tenure in the MCU could reach its conclusion with 2025’s Thunderbolts*, where the demise of Bucky Barnes would send shockwaves throughout the series. Reportedly, earlier drafts of the script hinted at a fatal fate for Bucky. The evolving narrative may still retain elements of that original vision, as characters within the Thunderbolts team face formidable threats, including Sentry.
As the designated leader of the Thunderbolts, Bucky’s potential death might embody a selfless act to preserve the lives of his teammates, adding significant weight to the storyline.
5 Red Guardian
Thunderbolts* (May 5, 2025)
Similar to Bucky, another significant character in the Thunderbolts* team who may face death is the Red Guardian, portrayed by David Harbour. Although primarily providing comic relief, the emotional stakes surrounding Alexei Shostakov have become apparent through his interactions in Black Widow. His bond with Yelena Belova is especially poignant.
In a hypothetical scenario where he must choose between his survival or saving Yelena—who he regards as a daughter—Red Guardian would almost certainly sacrifice himself to ensure her safety. His newfound team camaraderie might spur him to prioritize the greater good over his life.
4 Valentina Allegra De Fontaine
Thunderbolts* (May 5, 2025)
In contrast to Bucky’s battlefield leadership, Valentina Allegra De Fontaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, orchestrated the formation of the Thunderbolts, resembling a darker rendition of Nick Fury. She has been gradually assembling this group across various Multiverse Saga projects and acts as an enigmatic figure with significant authority, recently revealed as the CIA’s Director.
|
Confirmed Thunderbolts Cast Member |
Character The Actor Plays |
|---|---|
|
Sebastian Stan |
James “Bucky”Barnes, A.K.A. The Winter Soldier |
|
Florence Pugh |
Yelena Belova, A.K.A. Black Widow |
|
Wyatt Russell |
John Walker, A.K.A. US Agent |
|
David Harbour |
Alexei Shostakov, A.K.A. Red Guardian |
|
Hannah John-Kamen |
Ava Starr, A.K.A. Ghost |
|
Olga Kurylenko |
Antonia Dreykov, A.K.A. Taskmaster |
|
Julia Louis-Dreyfus |
Countess Valentina Allegra De Fontaine |
|
Harrison Ford |
President Thaddeus Ross |
|
Lewis Pullman |
Bob (Rumored to be Sentry) |
|
Geraldine Viswanathan |
Unconfirmed |
As revealed in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Valentina’s position as CIA Director adds layers to her motivations in directing the Thunderbolts. Her recent acquisition of Avengers Tower signifies immense power and intrigue; however, this status may not guarantee her survival. Should she betray the Thunderbolts, team dynamics could turn against her, which could lead to her downfall. Additionally, the trailers imply that the powerful character Sentry, who is age-old and incarcerated under Valentina’s command, may be released and pose a lethal threat to her.
3 Ghost
Thunderbolts* (May 5, 2025)
Appearing only once before in the MCU, Hannah John-Kamen portrays Ghost (Ava Starr) in Ant-Man and the Wasp, where she served as a formidable opponent. However, by the film’s conclusion, she shifted towards a more sympathetic role after her condition was stabilized. Thunderbolts* will explore her journey since her initial appearance, marking a new stage in her character’s evolution.
Although Ghost’s talents as a thief and assassin fit well within Valentina’s shadowy team dynamics, she lacks a clear narrative pathway for future appearances in the MCU. Given the potential for considerable character culling in Thunderbolts*, one could speculate that Ghost, being a less established character, faces the highest risk of being written off.
2 Taskmaster
Thunderbolts* (May 5, 2025)
Taskmaster experienced a tragic backstory revealed in Black Widow, yet her status is precarious as she joins the Thunderbolts team. With Yelena Belova and Red Guardian also returning, there are questions about Taskmaster’s trajectory following Natasha Romanoff’s intervention that freed her from mind control.
Several factors contribute to the perception that Taskmaster is highly susceptible to an early demise. Despite interacting with a pivotal story arc, her introduction in Black Widow met with mixed reviews, further complicating her longevity in the MCU. Furthermore, her limited representation in promotional material may suggest that Taskmaster serves primarily as an early plot device, potentially facing the grim fate of being killed off early in the narrative.
1 Silver Surfer
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25, 2025)
Expected to debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the Silver Surfer will be given a fresh interpretation in the MCU, as Julia Garner takes on the role of Shalla-Bal. This unique portrayal diverges from the traditional concepts familiar to fans, offering new narrative possibilities within a different universe.
This inaugural Fantastic Four film is set in an alternative universe, featuring Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards and his team in a retro, 1960s-style New York City. Two potential scenarios could lead to Silver Surfer’s demise: she may choose to betray Galactus to assist the Fantastic Four in escaping to the main MCU Earth, or her universe might face annihilation due to an incursion, connecting the events to the larger Multiverse Saga in a poignant fashion.
Related Articles:
Ranking All 7 Sean Connery James Bond Films
17:25
Iron Man’s MCU Legacy at Stake in Upcoming Release Not Related to Dr. Doom
17:20
Mufasa: The Lion King Achieves Box Office Success, Solidifying Its Status as One of 2024’s Top Movies After Slow Start
16:58
Leave a Reply