The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a sprawling tapestry of heroes, from A-listers like Iron Man and Captain America to cult favorites like the Guardians of the Galaxy. But for every hero who gets a trilogy, there are dozens who remain in the shadows, waiting for their chance to shine. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon and Phase 7 looming, now is the perfect time to champion the characters who deserve their own solo films. Here are our top ten picks, ranked from 'cool to see' to 'absolutely essential.'
10. Howard the Duck
Yes, Howard the Duck had a movie back in the '80s, and it was... not great. But that's exactly why he deserves a second chance. The cynical, wisecracking duck has already won over audiences with his cameos in the Guardians of the Galaxy films and What If...?, proving there's a place for him in the MCU. A solo outing could lean into his irreverent humor and give Marvel a chance to do right by one of its most bizarre creations. Kevin Feige, make it happen.
9. Alpha Flight
Everyone knows Wolverine as an X-Man, but his roots run deep in Canada's own superhero team, Alpha Flight. Created by scientist James Hudson, the team includes the speedster Northstar, the light-wielding Aurora, the beastly Sasquatch, and the mystical Shaman. With the X-Men set to take center stage in Phase 7, Alpha Flight could bring a fresh international flavor to the MCU—and a whole lot of Canadian politeness. Plus, it's a chance to explore Wolverine's pre-X-Men days.
8. Squirrel Girl
Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl, is one of Marvel's most delightfully unconventional heroes. With the ability to communicate with squirrels and a prehensile tail, she's taken down Doctor Doom and Maelstrom—all while cracking jokes. Anna Kendrick has long been fan-cast in the role, and a Squirrel Girl movie could be a breath of fresh air in the superhero genre. It's fun, it's funny, and it's long overdue.
7. Captain Britain
Brian Braddock, the original Captain Britain, is a hero with deep ties to the X-Men through his twin sister Betsy (Psylocke). His origin story—chosen by the mystical Merlyn to wield the Amulet of Right—is ripe for cinematic adaptation. A Captain Britain film would add a distinctly British flavor to the MCU and open the door for more international heroes. With the X-Men on the horizon, the timing couldn't be better.
6. Nova
Richard Rider, the last surviving Nova Centurion, has been a fan favorite for decades. With the Nova Corps already teased in Guardians of the Galaxy, a solo Nova film feels like a natural next step. The cosmic side of the MCU is ripe for exploration, and Nova's story—a teenager inheriting the power of an intergalactic police force—is perfect for a coming-of-age space epic. Reports suggest a Nova project is already in development, and we couldn't be more excited.
5. Moon Knight
Moon Knight may have had a Disney+ series, but he deserves the big-screen treatment. Marc Spector's dissociative identity disorder and his connection to the Egyptian god Khonshu make for a psychologically complex and visually stunning story. A film could delve deeper into his multiple personalities and the gritty, street-level side of the MCU. With the right director, Moon Knight could be Marvel's answer to Joker.
4. She-Hulk
Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk, broke the fourth wall in her Disney+ series, but a movie could take her to the next level. As a lawyer who also happens to be a green powerhouse, She-Hulk offers a unique blend of legal drama and superhero action. A film could explore her dual life more deeply, with the humor and meta-commentary that made her comic runs so beloved. Plus, it's a chance to see more of the MCU's legal side, which Daredevil: Born Again has only scratched the surface of.
3. Ghost Rider
Johnny Blaze, the Spirit of Vengeance, has had two films, but neither captured the character's full potential. With the supernatural side of the MCU expanding—thanks to Blade and Werewolf by Night—Ghost Rider is primed for a comeback. A gritty, horror-infused take on the character could be a game-changer, especially with the right actor behind the flaming skull. It's time to bring the Rider back to the big screen.
2. Ms. Marvel
Kamala Khan, the MCU's first Muslim superhero, has already charmed audiences in her Disney+ series and The Marvels. But she deserves her own solo film to fully explore her story as a teenage hero juggling family, school, and cosmic powers. With her Inhuman heritage and her idolization of Captain Marvel, Kamala's journey is ripe for a coming-of-age adventure that could resonate with a new generation of fans.
1. Wolverine
Yes, Wolverine has had multiple solo films, but with Hugh Jackman's retirement (and return in Deadpool & Wolverine), the character is due for a fresh take. A new Wolverine movie could explore his origins in the Weapon X program, his time in Japan, or his berserker rage in a way that honors the comics. With the X-Men entering the MCU, Wolverine is the perfect anchor for a new era of mutant movies. He's the best there is at what he does, and he deserves a solo film that lives up to that legacy.
These ten heroes represent the best of Marvel's vast universe, and each one has the potential to deliver a unique and thrilling cinematic experience. Whether it's the cosmic adventure of Nova or the irreverent humor of Squirrel Girl, the MCU would be wise to give them their moment in the spotlight. And while we wait, we can always revisit some of the most joyful superhero movies to tide us over.
