MCU Introduces New Hero to Replace Netflix Character, Yet Major Questions About Him Remain

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to innovate by introducing a new Marvel hero, raising intriguing questions about the future of established characters. Recently, the MCU has celebrated several iconic figures from its vast comic history, highlighted by beloved characters from the recent X-Men ’97 series and unexpected returns in Deadpool and Wolverine.

As 2024 winds down, Marvel’s latest release surprises audiences by featuring yet another hero, continuing the MCU’s trend of revitalizing characters. Although Deadpool and Wolverine addressed several character arcs—securing the futures of figures like Dafne Keen’s Laura and Jennifer Garner’s Elektra—this new storyline seems designed more to provoke curiosity than to provide clarity. Interestingly, it hints at the likelihood of a significant hero’s return to the main MCU timeline.

New Iron Fist Emerges in What If…? Season 3

Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop in What If Season 3

In the sixth episode of What If…? Season 3, viewers are introduced to a mysterious young boy who embarks on an adventure alongside Shang-Chi and Hawkeye. While the child’s initial introduction as Jun-Fan might elude viewers unfamiliar with the comics, his remarkable martial arts skills quickly establish him as more than just an ordinary kid.

The episode’s conclusion hints strongly at Jun-Fan’s identity, as Hawkeye’s comment about his “iron fists”suggests that he is indeed Kwai Jun-Fan, a version of Iron Fist who originally thrived in the Wild West comics. The Watcher’s narration reinforces this idea, indicating that the tragedy faced by one character often paves the way for the rise of a new hero. This unexpected alliance with Xu Xialing and Sonny Burch could mark the beginning of Jun-Fan’s heroic journey.

Uncertainty Surrounds the Main MCU Iron Fist

Even though What If…? Season 3 sets Jun-Fan up as a potential Iron Fist, the very nature of the series—exploring alternate realities—leaves uncertainty about his role in the primary MCU timeline. Given that Jun-Fan’s comic lore aligns him with the Wild West era of Iron Fist, it appears unlikely he will also grace the main universe, though the episode presents a compelling case for this possibility.

Furthermore, while Netflix’s Marvel productions are now recognized as part of the MCU canon—evidenced by the continuation of Daredevil: Born Again after 2018’s Daredevil—the status of Iron Fist within this framework remains ambiguous. The MCU may still opt to create its own interpretation of Iron Fist, especially considering the numerous individuals who have held this title in the comics. Until the MCU formally resolves this matter, fans are left to ponder the future of Iron Fist and his potential connections to Jun-Fan.

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