Marvel Rivals launched with an impressive lineup of thirty-three playable characters, a figure that certainly captures the attention of fans. However, ongoing leaks regarding the character roster hint at exciting additions in store. As Marvel Rivals continues to expand, the game could incorporate elements from a project long in development within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since the early Phase Two.
The MCU is renowned for its intricate storytelling, with each installment laying the groundwork for future narratives and characters. Notably, a new superhero team has been subtly integrated into various Marvel films since Phase Two, even before its formal introduction to the cinematic landscape. This strategic planning aligns with the anticipated arrival of several characters from this team, making their foray into various forms of Marvel media seemingly inevitable as the MCU expands its reach.
The MCU’s Anticipation for the Young Avengers
Since their inception in 2005, the Young Avengers have featured prominently in various comic runs, especially following the events of Avengers: Endgame. The groundwork for these super teens was laid as early as Phase Two’s Ant-Man, where the choice to present Scott Lang instead of Hank Pym introduced audiences to Cassie Lang, who eventually becomes Stature, marking her as the first Young Avengers member in the MCU, albeit without her superhero persona until Ant-Man: Quantumania.
Kate Bishop, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld in Disney+’s Hawkeye series, was the first Young Avenger to don a superhero costume. Her introduction has opened doors for the inclusion of additional Young Avengers in the MCU. Though Eli Bradley, known as Patriot, technically appears earlier in the MCU, it is Kate Bishop who exemplifies the team’s potential. Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez, appearing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, has also brought attention to the team. The recent miniseries, Agatha All Along, further highlighted these connections, especially with the introduction of Wiccan.
Fans were in for a surprise when Joe Locke’s character in Agatha All Along was revealed to be Billy Maximoff, known as Wiccan. As one of Scarlet Witch’s twins, Wiccan shares her formidable powers, while his brother, Tommy Shepherd (Speed), bears similarities to Quicksilver. The finale of Agatha All Along hints at Tommy’s upcoming introduction in the MCU, hinting at exciting developments for fans.
Despite the lack of an official Young Avengers project announcement from Marvel, upcoming projects suggest a solid foundation for the teenage superhero squad within the MCU. Though Ironheart and Ms. Marvel aren’t traditional Young Avengers in the comics, their age and Ms. Marvel’s connection to Kate Bishop signal the potential for a team-up in the near future.
Kang’s Significance to the Young Avengers and the MCU
Kang’s role, initially slated to be a central antagonist in the Multiverse Saga, is noteworthy as he is also a significant figure in the original Young Avengers comic storyline. An alternate young version of Kang, known as Iron Lad, is a founding member of the team. Although Jonathan Majors may not return to the MCU, the depth of lore established around Kang in Loki and Quantumania indicates a setup for pivotal developments, particularly regarding the Young Avengers.
The ongoing hints and setups for the Young Avengers within the MCU have been extended, yet not all members may fit seamlessly into Marvel Rivals. The game presents a valuable platform for character introductions, but many Young Avengers are essentially variations of established superheroes, which could complicate their inclusion.
Ideal Young Avengers Candidates for Marvel Rivals
Considering characters suitable for Marvel Rivals, it’s essential to identify those who are sufficiently distinct from existing playable characters. For instance, while Kate Bishop, Patriot, and Wiccan share relationships with established heroes like Hawkeye, Captain America, and Scarlet Witch, introducing them might overshadow other unique characters still waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
This criterion leaves a promising candidate: Miss America. America Chavez’s unique superpowers differentiate her substantially from other members. Furthermore, her appearance in Multiverse of Madness paves the way for Marvel Rivals to utilize a skin reflective of her cinematic debut while exploring her comic roots. Additional skins inspired by her comic book adventures could also entice fans to engage deeper with her storyline.
A Platform to Reinforce the MCU’s Lore
Although his name might suggest a link to legacy Avengers, Marvel Rivals can reintroduce fans to Hulkling. Teddy Altman, possessing unique abilities derived from his mixed Kree and Skrull heritage, diverges significantly from Hulk, featuring powerful wings that elevate his character distinctively. This fresh power set would provide exciting gameplay options.
The established dynamics between the Kree and Skrull factions, showcased in projects like Captain Marvel and Secret Invasion, could allow Hulkling to deepen this narrative strand within the MCU. His inclusion could also open the door for Noh-Varr, also known as Marvel Boy, further building on these intertwining relationships. Including such elements in Marvel Rivals could serve as an innovative method to enhance understanding of MCU lore for audiences, while also expanding the character pool significantly.
As the future of the MCU appears to be in a period of transition, one thing remains evident: Marvel has been cultivating the Young Avengers for a considerable duration. It may well be time for Marvel Rivals to shine a light on these young superheroes and their evolving stories.
Leave a Reply