Top 10 Most Forgettable Characters in Marvel Movies

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is renowned for its plethora of unforgettable characters that have captivated audiences worldwide. However, amidst this star-studded roster exist a number of obscured figures, often labeled as D-listers or even lower. The success of superhero franchises like the MCU hinges on the strength of their characters—unique personalities, compelling storylines, and dynamic powers are essential for leaving a lasting impression. Unfortunately, for every iconic performance, there are an equal number of characters who fade into the background, largely forgotten by viewers.

Many of these individuals are civilian side characters who lack significant comic book legacies but still deserved better representation. Others consist of underwhelming villains that demonstrate the MCU’s persistent challenge of developing formidable antagonists. It’s worth noting that this issue isn’t unique to the MCU, as some Marvel films from the early 2000s also suffered from bland character choices.

10. Betty Ross

The Incredible Hulk

Despite being introduced early in the MCU’s tenure, The Incredible Hulk has seen most of its cast largely sidelined due to ongoing legal disputes surrounding future Hulk films. Liv Tyler’s portrayal of Betty Ross stands out as one of the franchise’s most forgettable romantic leads. As the daughter of General Ross—who is actively pursuing the Hulk—Betty’s character attempts to comfort Bruce Banner rather than play an integral role in the narrative.

Tyler’s performance did little to etch her character into the memories of fans, with many even failing to notice her absence when Mark Ruffalo took over the role of the Hulk in The Avengers. With little beyond her scientific acumen and her romantic connection to Banner, Betty remains an overwhelmingly one-dimensional presence. Her reprisal in Captain America: Brave New World presents an interesting opportunity for development.

9. Dar-Benn

The Marvels

Regrettably, even newer additions to the MCU continue to introduce forgettable villains like Dar-Benn, the antagonist from the much-criticized film The Marvels. As a fervent Kree warrior and Accuser—akin to Ronan from Guardians of the Galaxy—Dar-Benn is driven by a desire for revenge against Captain Marvel, whom she blames for the chaos on her home planet.

However, her character is painfully generic, lacking distinct personality traits, innovative powers, or compelling motives. Her actions appear as a mere carbon copy of Ronan’s narrative arc, employing the same heavy Kree gavel as her weapon. It’s clear that characters like Dar-Benn contributed to the film’s poor box office performance.

8. Cypher

X2

Cypher Cyclops and X-Manor children in X2

Fox’s X-Men franchise was typically proficient at showcasing memorable mutant characters, but it still featured its fair share of forgettable figures, best exemplified by Cypher from X2. Briefly mentioned in Stryker’s list of mutants, he is captured during an attack on the X-Mansion, only to be rescued later.

Cypher’s power to fluently understand and speak any human language is intriguing but lacks cinematic flair, making it hard to portray on screen. His role in the narrative is so minimal that even the most fervent X-Men enthusiasts may struggle to recall him.

7. Erik Selvig

Thor

Erik Selvig stands in front of a bookcase in the MCU

The supporting characters in the first two Thor films have often been overshadowed, and Erik Selvig, a distinguished astrophysicist, is a prime example. Although he appears in three Thor films and two Avengers installments, his character fails to resonate with audiences.

His sporadic appearances leave viewers puzzled upon his reintroduction, especially as he becomes a comedic element in Thor: Love and Thunder, where he is humorously arrested for public nudity at Stonehenge. With such limited impact, it’s no surprise that Selvig is often forgotten in the expansive MCU.

Hulk

The 2003 adaptation of Hulk directed by Ang Lee has become notably obscure over time, largely due to its dark tone and subpar CGI effects. The film features David Banner, portrayed by Nick Nolte, as Bruce Banner’s abusive father, becoming an adaptation of a minor Marvel villain.

Despite Nolte’s talent, David’s character development feels mishandled, especially with his bizarre transformation at the film’s climax. In fact, he manages to be less memorable than the digital creatures Hulk battles—an impressive feat in its own right.

5. Yon-Rogg

Captain Marvel

In her solo film, Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers contends with Yon-Rogg, portrayed by Jude Law—a so-called ally who ultimately reveals nefarious intentions. Unfortunately, this twist is painfully predictable, depriving the audience of any suspense regarding his character’s true agenda.

While he possesses Kree physicality, he lacks the charisma and threat to pose a genuine challenge to Carol, rendering him an unremarkable villain whose existence pales in comparison to the film’s more compelling elements.

4. Crossbones

Captain America: Civil War

Brock Rumlow, otherwise known as Crossbones, exemplifies the filler villain archetype in Captain America: Civil War, initially introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier as a HYDRA operative infiltrating S.H.I.E.L.D.

During his return in full costume, many viewers may have forgotten his earlier role, which diminishes his impact. While his persona includes a cool design and gadgets, he ultimately feels like just another lackluster antagonist for Captain America to defeat.

3rd Baron Von Strucker

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, another HYDRA leader, emerges as one of the least memorable villains in Avengers: Age of Ultron. He first appears in a mid-credits scene in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where he orchestrates experiments that produce iconic characters like Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch.

Unfortunately, with an uninspired design and insufficient screen time to elaborate on his motivations, Von Strucker fades into obscurity by the film’s conclusion, leaving little impression on the audience.

2. Malekith

Thor: The Dark World

Malekith, the primary antagonist from Thor: The Dark World, epitomizes a forgettable villain in the MCU. As the leader of the Dark Elves, he aims to cast the universe into a dull, eternal darkness, yet his motivations and design fail to excite.

Christopher Eccleston’s performance suffers from disinterest, often echoing his disdain for the role and its demanding makeup process. This results in a lackluster villain who left minimal mark on viewers, frequently forgotten in discussions of MCU villains.

1. Church

Elektra

In the realm of remarkably bland characters, Kirigi from the 2005 film Elektra reigns supreme as one of the most forgettable Marvel villains. Leading The Hand’s clan of ninjas, he is hinted to have killed Elektra’s mother, yet he lacks any substance or detailed background.

With vague powers and a lifeless portrayal, Kirigi feels lackluster compared to the film’s other characters, ultimately becoming one of the most seldom remembered antagonists in Marvel’s cinematic history.

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