7 Marvel Characters the MCU Should Retire After Phase 6

As a devoted Marvel enthusiast, I can’t contain my excitement as we approach the commencement of Phase 6 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The curtain will rise with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” on the big screen, marking the start of the final act in the Multiverse Saga. Several beloved characters from the MCU have been integral to the storyline thus far, but it’s possible that some of their narratives may reach their conclusion soon.

Over a span of 17 years and 36 films, we’ve been building towards this pivotal phase. Highlights include the eagerly anticipated grand spectacles of 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday” and 2027’s “Avengers: Secret Wars”. With “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars” looming on the horizon, it’s fascinating to ponder the potential farewells that could unfold in these movies. The poignant goodbyes experienced in “Avengers: Endgame” for Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), and Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) serve as a reminder of the emotional depth that awaits us in the coming years.

I firmly believe that by the end of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 6, it’s time for these seven characters to take a well-deserved bow after gracing our screens for so long. I’m eagerly anticipating their final appearances in the epic battle known as Secret Wars.

1) Scott Lang/Ant-Man

Although Ant-Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) has been the lead in his own trilogy, he hasn’t quite stood out as a major figure within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, Scott’s involvement in Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame placed him at the heart of some of the Infinity Saga’s most significant battles. Nevertheless, there may come a time when Ant-Man’s role within the MCU diminishes. Despite this, Scott remains an Avenger and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania marked his first encounter with Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). However, it seems that Kang, who is rumored to be the next major villain in the MCU, took a back seat to Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) in the narrative.

Additionally, the less than favorable reviews and box office performance of “Quantumania” have diminished Ant-Man’s status as a prominent character, potentially signifying a shift away from his storyline within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This is further suggested by the reduced presence of the supporting cast from previous Ant-Man films. Paul Rudd, who plays Ant-Man, has been confirmed for “Doomsday,” but it seems unlikely he will continue in the franchise beyond the next two Avengers films. Given the disappointing narrative of “Quantumania,” it appears that Ant-Man’s story may be coming to an end. A fitting conclusion would involve him joining his fellow Avengers one last time in “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars.

2) MJ

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it’s been fortunate to have an actor as gifted as Zendaya, but her abilities were not fully utilized in her role as MJ. As the love interest of Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) in the MCU’s Spider-Man: Homecoming trilogy, MJ was intended to be a secondary character. However, her limited depth and development have been disappointing. Since Spider-Man: No Way Home concluded with everyone in the universe forgetting who Peter is, MJ’s presence is no longer required. Zendaya appears set to return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and it seems that this fourth MCU Spider-Man film will be her last. Prolonging a one-dimensional character for too long doesn’t make sense, and Zendaya’s star power would shine brighter elsewhere.

3) Peter Quill/Star Lord

In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” the core team’s journey came to an end within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), leaving Peter Quill/Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt) on Earth, estranged from his former comrades. This appears to hint at potential future appearances in “Doomsday” and/or “Secret Wars,” potentially wrapping up Quill’s storyline with a grand finale. While Star-Lord was the team leader, other members like Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Nebula (portrayed by Karen Gillan), and Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) had more captivating storylines and complex personalities. Consequently, most of Quill’s appeal stemmed from his found family dynamics. With James Gunn now overseeing the DC Universe, it’s unlikely that Quill or any other former Guardians will have significant roles in the MCU for long. As a character, there isn’t much left for Star-Lord to achieve. Therefore, the MCU might consider writing him out of the universe permanently.

4) Clint Barton/Hawkeye

In simpler terms, after being part of the original six Avengers for over ten years, Jeremy Renner’s character Hawkeye (Clint Barton) seems ready for his story to come to an end. His latest appearance in the series “Hawkeye” saw him handing over his hero duties to Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), choosing instead to focus on family life. The show provided a satisfying finale for Clint, as it not only helped Kate discover her superhero identity but also allowed Clint to confront his past as Ronin and express his feelings about Natasha’s death to her sister Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), revealing the truth of what happened.

Jeremy Renner has disclosed that he declined the offer to reappear in Hawkeye Season 2. However, it might not be significant if he’s absent from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) moving forward, as his story seems to have reached its conclusion. Nevertheless, Phase 6 should provide a fitting farewell for Clint, considering the numerous years he’s spent protecting the world and helping others. He truly deserves a satisfying sendoff after all this time.

5) Peggy Carter

In the sequence of events depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell, passed away during Captain America: Civil War after playing significant roles in Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier towards the end of her life. Contrary to expectations, Peggy’s character persists, making appearances beyond her presumed final role in Avengers: Endgame. The Multiverse Saga has presented an unexpected twist on the Captain Carter variant seen in What If…?, and Atwell is reportedly set to reprise her role as Agent Carter in Doomsday. Although Peggy was a beloved character in both The First Avenger and her solo Marvel series, Agent Carter, her multiverse versions seem to add little depth to her original storyline. It’s argued that the MCU should allow Peggy’s journey to conclude peacefully instead of exploring further variations.

6) Bucky Barnes

It seems that the Marvel Cinematic Universe struggles to find a consistent direction for Bucky Barnes (portrayed by Sebastian Stan). This captivating anti-hero initially appeared as Steve Rogers’ best friend, then became the mind-controlled Winter Soldier and pursued a journey towards redemption. However, his latest appearance in Thunderbolts leaves us puzzled due to his conflicting character traits. Although Bucky’s tragic and tumultuous past fits well with the other Thunderbolts members, his transformation into a U.S. congressman and the team’s encounter near the movie’s midpoint create a sense of dissonance for his character within the group.

Introducing Bucky into a team of unfamiliar characters after they’ve already formed their dynamic doesn’t align with his character development, as he would have had more harmony with Sam Wilson/Captain America (Anthony Mackie). Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier) and the Thunderbolts will reappear in Doomsday, and it may be wiser to conclude his story arc by the end of Phase 6.

7) Thor

In a nutshell, the mighty Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth), a founding Avenger and a legendary Marvel character, has experienced a somewhat turbulent journey within the MCU. Despite being the hero with the highest number of solo films – four in total – only “Thor: Ragnarok” truly shines amongst his other films that didn’t quite meet expectations. Thor was occasionally misused but was never left idle, leaving an indelible impact on the MCU through scenes like his electrifying arrival in Wakanda during “Avengers: Infinity War.

As Phase 6 approaches, it seems that Thor’s time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has run its course, particularly evident in the less-than-impressive portrayal of the hero in “Thor: Love and Thunder”. With his prime years behind him, stories like “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars” might serve as a fitting swan song for Thor, either ending in his demise or setting the stage for a more tranquil life with his adopted daughter, Love. Given that the MCU no longer requires another standalone “Thor” film at this juncture, it would be more appropriate to grant this iconic character a grand farewell in the upcoming “Avengers” series.

2025-06-03 03:45