5 MCU TV Moments That Should Have Happened in Movies

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Since the release of Avengers: Endgame, the television segment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has flourished on Disney+. However, some of the franchise’s most memorable TV moments could have been more impactful as movie scenes. As debates about the MCU continue regarding whether TV shows should only focus on characters distinct from films and if a series should ever be essential viewing for movies, it’s an opportune moment to revisit the key moments in MCU series and contemplate if they might have been more effective in a film format. From WandaVision to Loki, the MCU’s Disney+ shows are rich with crucial character developments that make a strong case for subscribing to the streaming service. Yet, there are scenes so significant that it leaves one wondering why they weren’t premiered first on the big screen.

These five notable Marvel Cinematic Universe instances were more impactful when depicted in television series; however, a larger-than-life presentation on the cinema screen might have made them even more unforgettable.

1) Wanda Maximoff Becomes the Scarlet Witch in WandaVision

The show WandaVision marked a brilliant start for Marvel Cinematic Universe’s TV projects on Disney+. It continued the engrossing storyline of Wanda Maximoff, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen. Struggling with her mourning after constructing a fictitious town in Westview, Wanda eventually metamorphoses into the Scarlet Witch. In the closing moments of Episode 8, Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) reveals, “This is chaos magic, Wanda. And that makes you the Scarlet Witch.” This statement sets up the series finale where Wanda accepts her new role, dismantles her Westview spell, and departs on her own with the Darkhold in tow.

The instant when Wanda obtains Agatha’s power, transforming into her recognizable Scarlet Witch attire and crown amidst the clouds above Westview, is certainly worthy of being showcased on the big screen. This scene also symbolizes one of Wanda’s most substantial developments within the MCU, and it feels unusual that this significant unveiling of the Scarlet Witch transpired on a streaming platform instead of in a traditional movie theater. Despite this, WandaVision stands out as the MCU’s most impressive TV series. However, if Wanda’s realization of her destiny as the Scarlet Witch had unfolded on the big screen, it would have caused a more profound impact across the franchise.

2) Sam Wilson Becomes Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) hands over his iconic shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) at the end of “Avengers: Endgame.” However, it’s not until the events unfolding in the Disney+ series that Sam officially assumes the role of Captain America. Initially hesitant, Sam finds himself donning his new star-spangled suit and wielding the Captain America shield for the first time during a confrontation with the Flag Smashers. Seeing him take flight and crash through a window is exhilarating, while hearing him declare “I am Captain America” is fulfilling.

Even though it was a crucial scene, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”‘s pivotal moment would have had a greater impact if it were part of a movie instead of a TV show. Since Sam Wilson’s debut as Captain America is a significant event in the MCU following “Endgame”, it would have been ideal to include this moment in an upcoming “Captain America” film, allowing fans to fully appreciate this groundbreaking moment at the theater. It seems that delaying Sam’s first outing as Captain America for the next “Captain America” movie would have provided a more fitting tribute for the fans.

3) Yelena Belova Faces Clint Barton in Hawkeye

In Hawkeye, the standout narrative revolves around Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), a former Red Room assassin, who mistakenly believes that Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) was responsible for her sister Natasha Romanoff’s (Scarlett Johansson) death. After exchanging humorous encounters with Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) in New York City, Yelena confronts Clint at the Rockefeller Center in the finale of Hawkeye. They engage in a fierce battle, and Clint attempts to reveal the truth about Natasha’s selfless demise to Yelena. The emotionally charged confrontation between Yelena and Clint concludes with them expressing their deep love and longing for Natasha through tears.

Exceptionally intense and brimming with raw feelings, this Hawkeye scene barely allowed for a moment’s pause within the show’s crowded storyline. Luckily, not a single second of Pugh’s screen presence was wasted; Yelena’s role in Hawkeye, however, seemed ripe for its own project. It appears that Yelena’s narrative is most effectively told as the core of a story, as evidenced by her exploration of her sister’s demise alongside Clint. Consequently, her confrontation with her sister’s death should have been a significant focus in an MCU film, similar to how it was presented in Black Widow and potentially Thunderbolts*.

4) Billy Maximoff Reveals Himself in Agatha All Along

In the intriguing and puzzling tale of Agatha All Along, a key moment is the long-awaited unmasking of Billy Maximoff, who turns out to be the son of the Scarlet Witch. Initially, he was known as Teen to Agatha and the rest of the coven. However, in Episode 5, his true identity is disclosed due to anger over Agatha’s murder of Alice Wu-Gulliver on the Witches’ Road. After Wanda destroyed her fabricated world in WandaVision, Billy was reborn as Billy Kaplan and makes a powerful debut in Agatha All Along.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV shows are known for their grand reveals and jaw-dropping moments, but Billy’s link to the powerful Wanda makes him a perfect fit for a movie role. At times, Billy’s character in “Agatha All Along” steals the spotlight from the main character. This suggests that Billy’s introduction could have been more suitable in a movie. However, “Agatha All Along” is an excellent continuation of “WandaVision” and offers a compelling standalone story.

5) Loki Finds His Glorious Purpose in Loki Season 2

In the thrilling finale of Loki’s second season, the titular character, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston, concludes an intriguing tale that takes him on a captivating multiverse adventure. Initially presented as a stray version of the Trickster God, Loki transforms into the God of Stories in the last episode. Despite being distinct from his previous MCU portrayal—which spanned six films—the captivating narrative and climactic ending could have been perfectly suited to a Multiverse Saga film.

Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of Loki has always been suited for the big screen, making it more appropriate for him to complete his character arc on the silver screen. With Tom Hiddleston set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, it seems fans will need to watch Loki on Disney+ to prevent any confusion about Loki’s evolving role. If Loki’s TV series storyline is significant enough to earn him a spot in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster, then at least part of his story should be presented in movie format.

All of the MCU’s TV shows are available to stream on Disney+.

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2025-05-17 03:17