10 Underrated Marvel Heroes Who Deserve Their Solo Movies

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Marvel has a huge collection of characters, and many capable heroes have been quietly driving storylines for years without ever getting their own starring role. Despite interesting and sometimes surprising developments in the comics, these characters are consistently overlooked when it comes to making blockbuster movies. The comics themselves have shown these heroes are capable of complex and compelling stories, but the films haven’t yet recognized their potential.

People aren’t necessarily getting tired of superheroes themselves, but rather the predictable stories they’re being told. Marvel Comics has a wealth of unique and interesting characters and storylines that could revitalize their movies – if the studio remembered just how strange and creative the original comics were.

10. Moonstone (Karla Sofen)

Karla Sofen started as a skilled but manipulative psychologist, eventually becoming the complex character known as Moonstone. Using the power of a Kree gravity stone, she can fly, shoot energy blasts, and even become intangible. Her complicated past and shifting allegiances, especially with groups like the Thunderbolts, make her a compelling and nuanced character who stands alongside Marvel’s most popular heroes and villains.

I’m really excited by the potential of a Moonstone solo film. It could be something truly different for the MCU – a deep dive into a character grappling with some really complex issues. Imagine a psychological thriller where we see her internal battle between her own human flaws and the incredible power she wields. It’s a story ripe with themes of narcissism, the possibility of redemption, and the dangers of power – things we haven’t really seen explored in depth within the Marvel movies so far. It feels like fertile ground for a genuinely compelling, character-driven story.

9. Monica Rappaccini

Monica Rappaccini is a brilliant but dangerous biochemist and the leader of A.I.M. She’s one of Marvel’s smartest villains, equally skilled at using technology and manipulating biology – and she does so with ruthless intelligence. Her battles with heroes like Hulk, Iron Man, and S.H.I.E.L.D. show she’s not just a typical bad guy; she challenges the heroes’ desire to control unpredictable situations.

A movie focusing on Rappaccini could explore the complicated moral questions surrounding science and authority, and how intense dedication can ultimately corrupt even the most logical person. The story wouldn’t require a typical hero’s journey; Rappaccini’s own experiences would be enough to create a gripping, thought-provoking look at a genius who pushes the boundaries too far.

8. Elsa Bloodstone

Elsa Bloodstone is a skilled monster hunter who brings a unique blend of style, intelligence, and dark humor to the more mysterious side of the Marvel Universe. She continues the work of her father, Ulysses Bloodstone, possessing incredible strength and dedicating her life to battling supernatural threats. Like Deadpool and Blade, Elsa’s confident and sarcastic personality makes her a compelling and popular character.

A standalone movie could delve deeper into the magical side of the Marvel universe, offering witty British humor and exciting action. Imagine a blend of gothic horror and modern adventure – a way to make monster hunting feel both fashionable and emotionally resonant, especially when most Marvel films focus on huge, universe-level threats.

7. Blue Marvel (Adam Brashear)

Adam Brashear is a brilliant physicist and incredibly powerful hero in Marvel Comics with a largely unexplored story. His history includes being unfairly sidelined due to racism in the 1960s, which gives his character a deeply moving backstory that resonates more than any flashy action sequence. A quiet savior, he’s repeatedly saved the world, often without receiving any recognition for his efforts.

A film about Blue Marvel could show his life as both a brilliant scientist and a powerful superhero, and delve into his thoughts on what it means to be a hero when the world isn’t fair. It would be a smart, action-packed story that pushes the boundaries of both what superhero movies say about society and how visually impressive they can be.

6. Wiccan (Billy Kaplan)

Billy Kaplan, known as Wiccan, is a powerful but also sensitive young hero – the son of Wanda Maximoff. He’s figuring out who he is, what he’s meant to do, and how to live up to his family name. While he’s already shown bravery as part of the Young Avengers, his abilities suggest he’s capable of even greater things.

A story focused on a solitary Wiccan could delve into the deeper meaning of magic – how it’s fueled by feelings, relationships, and faith – instead of just flashy displays. The character’s journey is a great opportunity to explore themes of inner strength and the worry of repeating past family errors, especially in a vast universe where kindness can be a weakness.

5. Squirrel Girl (Doreen Green)

Squirrel Girl is often seen as a funny, less serious Marvel hero, but she actually wins more fights than many others – and in surprisingly smart ways. She doesn’t rely on brute strength; instead, she uses clever thinking and a kind heart. She’s even managed to defeat major villains like Doctor Doom, Thanos, and Galactus, usually by finding creative solutions instead of fighting them directly.

A movie focused solely on this character could highlight her positive outlook as a source of power, making her a refreshing contrast to the negativity often seen in heroes. If done genuinely, it could overcome audience exhaustion with superhero films by focusing on happiness, intelligence, and understanding – qualities that are often overshadowed by stories of trauma and revenge.

4. America Chavez

America Chavez is a powerful and proud queer hero who brings a fresh perspective to the Marvel universe. She can create star-shaped portals to travel between different realities, which fits well with Marvel’s current focus on the multiverse. While she’s often part of a team, her complex backstory – growing up with two mothers in another dimension – is rich enough to warrant its own dedicated story.

As a huge movie fan, I’m really excited about the potential of a solo America Chavez film. I think it could be amazing – blending all that wild, interdimensional action with a really relatable story about finding where you belong and figuring out who you are. What I especially love is that her confidence and rebellious spirit wouldn’t just be for show; it’d be core to who she is as a young hero, someone who actively creates her own path and destiny. It’s a really powerful concept!

3. Namorita

Namorita, related to Namor, has always been a fascinating character, but often overlooked. As an Atlantean princess, she struggles to balance her royal responsibilities with her desire for independence. Her time with the New Warriors highlights this conflict, showing her as a leader caught between different lifestyles. Her story explores important themes like protecting the environment, political struggles, and dealing with personal regrets.

I’d love to see Namorita get her own movie! It could be amazing, showing us the politics happening underwater and really contrasting the beautiful, advanced world of Atlantis with how we humans are damaging the oceans. What I think would really set it apart is her strong moral compass – she’s not just good or bad, she’s complicated, and that’s exactly the kind of character the MCU needs to explore those gray areas a bit more.

2. Shang-Chi (Comics Version)

Before appearing in movies, the comic book version of Shang-Chi was a tough, thoughtful kung fu expert, influenced by spy work, a strong moral code, and a rebellious spirit. His stories centered on self-control and the balance between reason and feeling. The comics were more realistic and deserve to be adapted with the same raw, intense style.

A fresh take on the character, leaning into his original comic book style, would be visually stunning and focus on his internal struggles rather than large-scale action. This approach could revitalize martial arts stories within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

1. Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd)

The Silver Surfer is one of Marvel’s most thoughtful characters – a powerful being wrestling with regret and loneliness. His stories combine the awe of space with deep, emotional themes, exploring ideas about responsibility, right and wrong, and finding forgiveness. Though well-known, he hasn’t yet had a movie that truly captures the complexity of his comic book origins. A Silver Surfer film could be something special, offering a blend of intimate sadness and spectacular cosmic visuals, going beyond typical superhero stories.

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2026-02-09 03:43