Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has already seen the debut of some fantastic heroes, with Yelena Belova in Black Widow, Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Sylvie in Loki just some of those who've already joined the world of the Avengers.
With so many movies and TV shows set for release in Phase 4, it can be hard to keep up with the abundance of new characters making their MCU debut, not to mention remembering how they fit into the story. But which ones are fans yet to see but are still anticipating?
Riri Williams/Ironheart
A character that only made her Marvel Comics debut in 2016, Riri Williams is a teenaged genius attending MIT, who makes her own suit of armor similar to that of Tony Stark's, and later takes on the moniker of Ironheart for her heroic adventures.
Riri (Dominique Thorne) will make her MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, before headlining her own Disney+ show, titled Ironheart. Given her comic book connections to Tony, it will be interesting to see how the MCU relates Riri to his legacy, whilst on-screen interactions with fellow young genius Shuri (Letitia Wright) are sure to make for some great scenes.
Ikaris
There have been many Reddit fan theories about Marvel's Eternals, set for release on November 5th, and at the center of its ensemble cast is Ikaris (Richard Madden). One of the titular Eternals, a race of near-immortals who were created to defend the Earth, Ikaris has a number of abilities including flight and can project cosmic beams from his hands or eyes.
The presence of Ikaris in the MCU, alongside the other Eternals also making their debut, gives future movies the chance to expand and tell stories that cover far more time periods. Ikaris' existence, more specifically, introduces another leader figure, who, in the comics, has experience teaming up with the likes of Thor and the West Coast Avengers.
Marc Spector/Moon Knight
Marc Spector is a former United States Marine, who later becomes the mercenary Moon Knight after an incident that brought him near death (through which he becomes Earth's representative of the Egyptian moon god Khonshu).
Set to make his MCU debut in the Disney+ series Moon Knight in 2022, Spector (Oscar Isaac) has a comic book history as a part of the Avengers, and has faced villains such as Taskmaster and Bullseye, who have already had the MCU treatment in Black Widow and Daredevil respectively.
Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel
Becoming Marvel's first Muslim character to lead her own comic (according to the BBC), Kamala Khan took on the name Ms. Marvel in 2014, with the power to morph her body into other shapes, and elongate her arms and legs. She's been a member of the Avengers, as well as the leader of the Champions, a group of teen superheroes that has also included Riri Williams.
Kamala (Iman Vellani) will first appear in the MCU headlining Disney+ show Ms. Marvel, set to release later in 2021, before debuting on the big screen in The Marvels, alongside her idol Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris).
Kate Bishop/Hawkeye
Kate Bishop may also take on the name of Hawkeye, but she's far from a copy of Clint Barton. In addition to her skill as an archer, Kate has also shown that twin staffs and a sword are in her arsenal. A member of the Young Avengers since its earliest run, she's also tried her hand at being a private investigator.
Kate (Hailee Steinfeld) will debut in Disney+ series Hawkeye (in November 2021). There are a lot of reasons to be excited for Kate Bishop's introduction to the MCU, her dynamic with Clint being a forerunner, as well as the possibility to see a future team-up between Kate and her comic book best friend, America Chavez.
America Chavez/Miss America
America Chavez is a hero from a utopian parallel reality and has the power of interdimensional travel, as well as superhuman strength, speed, and agility. She's been a part of the Young Avengers, and all-female team A-Force. Her own solo comic book series titled "America" ran from 2017 to 2018.
With the introduction of America (Xochitl Gomez) in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness comes another potential Young Avenger in the MCU, and the likelihood of a future Young Avengers movie grows. With her also being part of the LGBTQ+ community, the MCU is likely to explore this in more depth in future storylines.
Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk
The cousin to Bruce Banner, Jennifer Walters is a lawyer who becomes She-Hulk in the comics after after an emergency blood transfusion from him. In contrast to Bruce, though, her Hulked-out self retains her personality and intellect, though the two share a raised sense of anger.
Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) will appear in the MCU as the titular She-Hulk in the Disney+ series of the same name. Despite her powers, Jennifer's career as a lawyer remains important to her, and the fact that she often represents other heroes in the comics is something the MCU will hopefully bring to life on-screen.