There are so many mouths to feed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While it would be easy to give the heroes big enough to have their own solo movies all of the attention, ignoring their supporting casts isn’t fair. Sam Wilson wouldn’t be holding the shield if he didn’t have significant roles in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, so it’s smart to flesh out as many characters as possible when opportunities present themselves. The only problem is that it’s impossible to tell how popular a character will become, especially if they aren’t a big part of the plans.
There are countless examples of MCU characters stealing the scenes that they appear in, only to disappear without a trace or be relegated to the background. It’s a tough life being a role player in the world’s biggest franchise, but keeping their spirits alive helps ease the pain. Here are seven underrated MCU characters that no one talks about.
Despite being a bit of a doofus in the first couple of Guardians of the Galaxy movies, Kraglin is fiercely loyal, being by Yondu’s side through thick and thin. He keeps that same energy when he joins the Guardians on Knowhere, and it pays off in a big way when he helps save countless animals from the High Evolutionary. Everyone needs a friend like Kraglin, even if it’s tough to have an intellectual conversation with him.
There are so many great characters in Wakanda, so it’s easy to forget just how important Ayo is. She is by T’Challa’s side throughout Civil War and even offers to throw down with Black Widow. After the two return home, Killmonger wreaks havoc, and Ayo is there to help protect her country and her king. Okoya may be the face of the Dora Milaje, but Ayo is the backbone.
The MCU is full of shady characters who want to do harm to others, and it’s easy for good people to end up working for them. Melina Vostokoff, a Red Room alum, helps Dreykov continue brainwashing young women, but her perspective shifts when her adoptive daughters return to her life. Despite only having one MCU appearance in Black Widow, Melina makes a major impact, helping pave the way for Yelena Belova to become an Avenger.
Tony Stark has so many people to thank for helping turn his life around, including Pepper Potts and James Rhodes. However, Ho Yinsen is the first one to really push the future hero, guiding him through his time in captivity at the hands of the Ten Rings. Yinsen dies in the escape from the cave in Iron Man, but the MCU is a very different place without him.
When it comes to Asgardians, Odin, Loki, and, of course, Thor get all the love. After all, they have incredible abilities and major arcs in the franchise. Frigga deserves the same amount of attention, though, as she’s the moral compass that keeps the entire family grounded. Without her, Loki goes down an even darker path, and Thor doesn’t believe in himself when it matters most in Avengers: Endgame.
Speaking of Loki, the God of Mischief gets a rude awakening in his solo show when he crosses paths with the Time Variant Authority. Fortunately, he makes a couple of friends, including Mobius and B-15, who believe that there’s more to the Asgardian than meets the eye. B-15 proves to be an especially important figure, taking over the entire TVA after the truth about He Who Remains comes out. Deadpool and Wolverine even owe her their gratitude.
With Nick Fury around, it’s easy to forget that S.H.I.E.L.D. employs anyone else. However, Maria Hill is just as important as her boss, taking part in every major conflict and always remaining cool, calm, and collected. The MCU does Hill dirty by killing her off in Secret Invasion, but a lackluster death won’t destroy all the years of hard work that she puts in alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
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