Keeping on top of the Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn't too complicated back in the day. There was a little bit of Iron Man in Hulk, a little bit of Thor in Iron Man, and so on. Each teaser arrived one at a time but, deep into Phase 4, the MCU has expanded so much that there are currently two dozen unresolved plot threads that might appear in upcoming films and TV shows.
Warning: The remainder of this article features full spoilers for the entirety of the MCU!
Remember when the new White Vision flew off, for example? What about Nick Fury hanging out with the Skrulls in space? And what's Valentina up to in her pursuit of the U.S. Agent and other anti-heroes? The MCU isn't bashful about referencing these teasers in subsequent films and shows, so it's best to be prepared before heading into the next viewing.
Samuel Sterns Hulking Out
Throughout 2008's The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner communicates with Samuel Sterns as they try to find a cure to get rid of Hulk. After failing to help Banner but succeeding in making the evil Abomination, Sterns is knocked to the ground as drops of Banner's tainted blood drip into his wound, causing his forehead to swell as he turns into... something.
In the Marvel comics, Sterns becomes one of the Hulk’s most iconic enemies, The Leader, and his MCU return has finally been confirmed. Sterns will make an appearance not in a Hulk film though, but instead in Captain America: New World Order. The big-brained baddy is known for several malicious plots in the comics, but his attempted taking over of the U.S. government might be what Marvel focuses on given the Captain America franchise’s focus on politics already.
The Sorcerer Mordo Turning Evil
Once a member of the Masters of the Mystic Arts, Karl Mordo turned on his fellow sorcerers following the stream of natural law violations that took place throughout Dr Strange. Deciding that no sorcerer was worthy of wielding magic, Mordo was seen in the end credit scene stripping Jonathan Pangborn of his powers.
This was sort of addressed in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, as Strange meets an alternative universe version of Mordo and comments that his version "snapped and dedicated his life to trying to kill" him, but it's unclear if that's all dealt with or if Mordo is still out there causing problems.
The Birth of Adam
The five separate Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 post-credit scenes were hard enough to keep track of at the time so we'd forgive you for forgetting the cocoon that's soon to birth Adam. Ayesha, leader of the Sovereign (the gold people-skinned aliens) created something "more powerful, more beautiful, and more capable of destroying the Guardians of the Galaxy."
Adam, known to Marvel fans as Adam Warlock, was created similarly in the comics, albeit by a separate group, but with the intention of being the perfect being. He’s undergone several iterations - and has appeared as both an enemy and ally of the Guardians of the Galaxy - but we’ll need to wait until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to see exactly how actor Will Poulter’s version fits in.
Scorpion's Revenge on Peter Parker
As Adrian Toomes, the Vulture, arrives in prison following his battle with Spider-Man, he soon meets Mac Gargan, more commonly known in Marvel mythos as Scorpion. Gargan tells Toomes that his criminal cronies are looking to take down Spider-Man, alluding to a villainous group well known in the comics as the Sinister Six.
This team of supervillains has included several different members in the comics but, while we sort of saw a version of this in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Scorpion obviously wasn’t involved. His full descent into villainy is actually caused by J. Jonah Jameson in the comics, so with actor J.K. Simmons reprising the role of his raving Daily Bugle personality, perhaps the MCU will pursue that storyline too.
Quill's Search for Gamora
While Avengers: Endgame ends on bittersweet note for our heroes, Peter Quill's story is definitely more on the bitter side as he's forced to deal with the heartbreak of losing, getting back (sort of), and losing Gamora again. In a brief scene at the end of the film, just before Thor boards the Guardians' ship, we can see Quill initiating a search for his long-lost love. Now that the Guardians have moved on from their partnership with Thor, however, it’s likely we’ll see this pursuit for Gamora in Vol. 3.
Nick Fury Chilling in Space
In one of the MCU's more bizarre plot twists, we find out at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home that Nick Fury isn't actually Nick Fury but instead Talos the Skrull. The real Fury is in outer space with the rest of the alien race. We haven't seen Fury since, but thanks to news of the upcoming Secret Invasion Disney+ series, we know that's where we'll see him again.
In the comics, the Secret Invasion storyline revolves around a Skrull invasion established through various superheroes and key members of world governments being replaced by the alien shapeshifters. But in a twist, the MCU painted the Skrulls as a more misunderstood and heroic race being oppressed by the Kree, so perhaps the conflict in Secret Invasion will see a schism amongst the Skrull survivors, one led by the benevolent Talos and the other his daughter, who fans theorize is the comic book villain of Secret Invasion named Veranke.
White Vision Taking Off
While this version of Vision was just built to basically be a government weapon, his conversation with Wanda's magical recreation of the original Vision caused a complete reboot. White Vision gained all of the original's memories and declared himself to be the true version before having an identity crisis and flying away to parts unknown.
Though it happened through different means, White Vision in the comics was also born after the original was pulled to bits, and it looks like Marvel is planning a whole new show focused on the character. Vision Quest is reportedly in development and apparently known internally as the “White Vision project,” even set to feature the return of Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff.
Monica Rambeau Goes to Space
Monica Rambeau deals with a lot during the course of WandaVision but her newly gained super powers at least garner the attention of "an old friend" of her mother's. A Skrull was sent to recruit Rambeau and, as she pointed up to indicate where they're going, she's presumably going to space.
Rambeau’s next appearance in the MCU is in The Marvels - which as the name suggests also features Captain Marvel and Ms. Marvel - but we don’t know too much about the film’s plot. As evidenced in WandaVision there’s seemingly beef between Rambeau and Captain Marvel, with the leading theory suggesting it’s related to her mother’s death.
Sharon Carter Infiltrating the U.S. Government
After a lot of back and forth, Sharon Carter seemingly gives up her role as the Power Broker at the end of Falcon and the Winter Soldier as she returns to the States and takes up her old position as a secret agent. In the ultimate double (triple?) cross, however, Carter makes a dramatic exit and informs her criminal friends back in Madripoor that they now have direct access to the U.S. government.
Given Carter’s ties to Captain America, she’ll likely reappear in New World Order. A plot about overthrowing the U.S. government would certainly match the film’s title, and partnered with The Leader’s inclusion, it certainly seems likely.
From Captain America to the U.S. Agent
Following the tried and failed experiment to recreate Captain America, we see the disgraced John F. Walker meet the mysterious Valentina and don a new suit. "Things are about to get weird," she tells him. "So when they do, we're not gonna need a Captain America. We're gonna need a U.S. Agent." Valentina says that she'll be in touch, likely once she’s put together the remaining team of anti-heroes to create the Thunderbolts.
Marvel finally confirmed the upcoming Thunderbolts film’s line-up, which alongside the U.S. Agent is set to include Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, Yelena, and The Winter Soldier. This super-team is something of an anti-Avengers… to borrow from DC Comics, picture the Suicide Squad. The intentions of the group have shifted between good and evil in the comics, though, so it’s unclear which way the MCU will take it.
Kang and the TVA
Existence itself exploded into an infinite number of universes at the end of Loki as He Who Remains was killed by Sylvie. Loki returned to the Time Variance Authority - currently in chaos - only to find that this doesn't appear to be the reality he knew, but a new one ruled by Kang, another version of He Who Remains who returned with an iron fist.
Kang the Conqueror is due to appear next in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and, though this seems a little unusual at first, the Pym Particle was a major part of Avengers: Endgame’s time-travel plot so it makes sense that Kang, the self-described master of time, would target Scott Lang for daring to intrude on his domain.
The Adventures of Taskmaster and the Widows
In Black Widow, following the downfall of the Red Room and Dreykov's death, the Widows on board the giant invisible flying base are freed of their mind control. The gang, taking Taskmaster with them, appeared to head off to save their comrades still under Dreykov’s control, but we now know that Taskmaster is joining the Thunderbolts. That’s not to say she didn’t save some Widows along the way though. Yelena, who’s also joining the team, has been up to a lot in the meantime too, but more on that in a moment.
Valentina's Secret Plan
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine is perhaps one of the most mysterious characters currently in the MCU but we’re slowly but surely learning more. We now know she’s director of the CIA, and thanks to confirmation of the Thunderbolts film, the identity of her anti-hero super squad has been revealed too.
Despite knowing she’ll lead the team of Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, U.S. Agent, Yelena, and The Winter Soldier, however, it’s unclear exactly how this will play out. Her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is fairly distinct from her previous, more shady appearances, so there’s a chance Valentina is leading a double life. Is she putting together a CIA-controlled version of the Avengers? Or putting the team together for her own nefarious purposes? We’ll just have to wait and see.
The Ten Rings' Beacon
Wong appears to be building his own Avengers as, alongside the previously mentioned Abomination, he also recruited Shang-Chi and Katy. Introducing them to Captain Marvel and Bruce Banner, the group discovers that the Ten Rings are acting as a beacon, "sending a message" to an unknown place and person.
Xu Xialing Taking Over the Ten Rings Organization
With her father gone and brother back in the States, Xu Xialing takes over the Ten Rings organisation at the end of Shang-Chi. With Razor Fist and Jon Jon at her side, she declares they "have a lot of work to do" before the camera moves away to reveal the modernised version of her base.
The Eternals Being Kidnapped
After managing to stop the birth of a Celestial, things don't go the Eternals' way after Arishem the Judge appears and abducts Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos. This leaves Makkari, Druig, and Thena to search for them among the stars when none other than Thanos's brother appears. Eros, joined by his troll companion Pip, declare they know how to get the other Eternals back.
Dane Uncovers the Ebony Blade
Following his girlfriend being kidnapped by a Prime Celestial, Dane Whitman decides he can't just sit and do nothing and so he steps back into his family's dark past. Opening a chest with the inscription "Death is my Reward," he reveals a sword wrapped in bloody bandages that appears to respond to him. Before he can touch the weapon, however, a mysterious voice from behind asks: "Sure you're ready for that, Mr Whitman?"
The man behind the ominous question is none other than Mahershala Ali, who is slated to star as Blade in an upcoming MCU Blade movie. Dane becomes the cursed Black Knight in the comics, and in addition to seeing him suit up in armor, we're now also looking forward to him teaming up with Blade, perhaps for the MCU's version of the Midnight Sons.
Kingpin and Echo
Given that on-screen deaths are often reversed in the MCU, we're not taking any chances with the alleged off-screen death of crime boss Kingpin at the end of Hawkeye. Though introduced as a heartless criminal, Echo is revealed to just be from a tough background and definitely warms up towards the end of the series. So did she kill Kingpin?
This scene was actually directly pulled from the comics so we (probably) already know what’s coming. Spoilers ahead!
Echo’s gunshot doesn’t kill Kingpin, but instead blinds him. Kingpin is also confirmed to be appearing in the standalone Echo Disney+ series, so unless there’s flashbacks, he likely survived.
Forgetting Peter Parker
Following his multiversal adventure in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker made the world a better place for everyone but himself. The world forgot him, meaning he lost his man in the chair Ned and his girlfriend M.J. Though Parker almost goes to his best friends with the full story, he sees how happy they are and decides not to. But surely it can't end there, right? That would be too sad.
The Venom Symbiote
Another world version of Eddie Brock, Venom's host, appear thanks to the multiverse shenanigans taking place in Spider-Man: Far From Home. While this appears to be just a fun cameo in a film full of fun cameos, Brock's appearance actually has some pretty significant knock-on effects as a piece of the Venom symbiote remains on Earth.
As is the case with most heroes and villains, there has been a ton of different versions of Venom throughout the comics’ history. The MCU hasn’t confirmed any plans to introduce it at the moment, so whether it becomes a straight villain by bonding with Eddie Brock, blends with Spider-Man akin to the original live-action film, or does something else entirely, we just don’t know.
Spider-Man’s iconic black suit was first introduced in Secret Wars - a major event from the comics that sees some of Marvel’s most iconic characters face off - so perhaps an eventual Secret Wars film would be a sensible moment to reintroduce it and finally deliver the MCU's version of Spider-Man's black suit.
Moon Knight's Third Personality
Two's company and three's a crowd for Mark Spector and Steven Grant as a third split personality, Jake Lockley, appears at the end of Moon Knight, having made another deal with the Egyptian god Khonshu. Though the series ended with Spector and Grant freeing themselves of Khonshu, it looks like Lockley has brought them straight back into the chaos.
America Chavez Training at Kamar-Taj
Wong adds yet another superhero to his team as America Chavez decided to stay on earth following the events of Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. She begins training with the Masters of the Mystic Arts at Kamar-Taj. Chavez never finds her mothers in the film, which could be pursued in the future, perhaps in the long-teased Young Avengers.
Doctor Strange and Clea
A lot happens at the end of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The film closes, first of all, with Strange falling to his knees in pain before a third eye opens on his forehead. During an end-credit scene, however, it seems that Doctor Strange has come to terms with it. The true teaser comes as the mysterious Clea appears and tells Strange that he's caused a multiversal incursion and they need to go and fix it. Opening a portal to the Dark Dimension, both Strange and Clea step in.
In the comics, Clea is a sorceress from the Dark Dimension and the niece of Dormammu, Strange’s first major foe. The incursion is also directly linked to the aforementioned Secret Wars event, meaning this interaction could be a potential tie-in later on, but regardless, the duo will likely be the focus of a potential third Doctor Strange film.
Love and Thunder
As his latest adventure points out, Thor has lost a lot of people, but he seemingly gains someone as he adotps Gorr the God Butcher’s child, Love. While this probably isn’t her real name (Thor obviously isn’t called Thunder either), the pair’s adventures will seemingly shape the future of the Norse god’s MCU adventures.
As for what these will entail, nobody really knows, as Love is a completely fresh character that doesn’t exist in the comics. In the short amount of time we see the two hang out we learn that Love has some pretty advanced super powers, and she’ll seemingly use them to join Thor in battle as they travel the universe fighting baddies. Maybe she could eventually join America Chavez on the Young Avengers.
God Versus God
Despite Thor piercing his chest with the Thunderbolt, Zeus is still alive and kicking, or at least alive and barking orders. But he doesn’t attempt to hunt down Thor himself, he sends his son Hercules in his place, likely setting up a new antagonist for the God of Thunder.
Thor and Hercules have been long-time rivals in the comics, with their relationship ranging everywhere from mortal (or immortal maybe) enemies to teammates in the Avengers, so, at this stage of the MCU when the universe appears to be expanding in infinite directions, we’ll just have to wait and see which end of the spectrum Hercules settles on.
Ms. Marvel the Mutant
Though we were first told that Kamala Khan was a djinn, and that her power came from within, it turns out she’s even more special than that as her bestie Bruno revealed she’s actually a mutant. Technically he says her genes contain something “like a mutation”, but considering the X-Men animated series theme song played over the top of the scene, it’s pretty clear this is step one on a likely long journey to the MCU fully introducing mutants.
It's hard to say how this revelation about Kamala’s mutation will eventually lead to the introduction of iconic X-Men like Wolverine and Cyclops—especially because she was originally introduced as an Inhuman in the comics—but at least we know they’re finally on the way to the MCU proper. In the meantime, what we do know is she’s headed towards a team-up with her idol Carol Danvers in The Marvels.
The Marvels
Kamala Khan is only given a moment’s rest at the end of the series as, seconds after she lies down in the end-credits scene, her bangle glows and blasts her across her room into a now destroyed closet. The wrong Marvel appears, however, as Carol Danvers emerges instead of Kamala.
It absolutely appears to be Captain Marvel, and not just Ms. Marvel in her body, as she seems to be just as confused as we were. That presumably means that Kamala is somewhere in space, probably much, much more confused, but this does set up The Marvels pretty well - the Captain Marvel 2 that sees the pair unite alongside Monica Rambeau. It’s still pretty unclear how the switch happened, but as we know there’s a missing second bangle, perhaps Captain Marvel somehow came across it.
Three-Hulk
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law saw the expected addition of, well, She-Hulk to the MCU, but it also threw a curveball by introducing a third Hulk at the very end. At a casual family barbecue, Bruce Banner shows up to introduce Skaar, his long-lost son from the planet Sakaar. There isn’t much to go off since the new character didn’t even have a line of dialogue, but as always there’s plenty of comic book material to speculate on.
Skaar has a particularly tragic backstory that intertwines with the Planet Hulk and eventual World War Hulk comic book arcs, in which Hulk is (sort of) banished from Earth and sent to Sakaar before returning in a rage to destroy it. The MCU has obviously gone a different direction with Banner but the inclusion of Skaar opens up some potential to return to these beloved comic book storylines.
The Man-Thing Cinematic Universe
Werewolf by Night is arguably the most unique Marvel Cinematic Universe entry so far, and fans could be forgiven for thinking the black and white horror-esque short wasn’t related to the flashy fighting seen in films featuring Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and so on. It therefore may come as a surprise to learn that Man-Thing, the giant, swampy, tentacle-covered, well, man-thing, has actually appeared in the MCU before, at least partly. Before Hulk took to the gladiator arena in Sakaar, Man-Thing was seemingly a Champion there, and a statue commemorating his success can be seen in Thor: Ragnarok.
As for where he or Werewolf by Night’s title character will show up next in the MCU, no one really knows! Werewolf by Night’s executive producer Brian Gay has confirmed Man-Thing will definitely make a return, but as for when or where, even he says he doesn’t know. The character hasn’t appeared in too many comic book crossovers either, but has featured in the X-Men before, meaning it just as well could be the MCU’s mutant era when we next see him.
The Ironheart of the Matter
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had a comparatively definitive conclusion that didn’t weave too many unresolved plot threads compared to other recent MCU films, but it did have one in the form of Riri Williams’ Ironheart.
As a genius inventor who creates a super suit that flies and shoots laser beams, Williams is of course inspired by Iron Man, sound effects and all. She’s also just 19 though, meaning she’s probably not going to be an exact replacement for Tony Stark, at least straight away. Instead, we’ll presumably see her grow and deal with her new life as a semi-superhero in the Ironheart Disney+ series. Will she continue to have a connection to Wakanda in that series? And how will her experiences in Wakanda Forever affect her? We’ll have to wait and see.
More Namor
One other plot thread teased in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever didn’t focus directly on the Wakandans themselves but instead their underwater contemporaries. After Namor is defeated by Shuri and pledges loyalty to her rule, what appears to be a no-strings-attached allegiance quickly turns out to be another play for power. Facing complaints from Namora, Namor explains that he plans to use Wakanda’s unsavoury relationship with the rest of the world as a catalyst for Talokan’s own takeover.
Note: This story was updated on Nov. 17, 2022, with the latest information about the MCU. It was originally published on July 12, 2022.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
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