Black Marvel Characters: All 22 Black MCU Superheroes In Order They Were Introduced

by

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has consistently increased the number of Black heroes featured, starting with hints in its earliest films and continuing with new characters who will be important going forward. These heroes come from all walks of life – as kings, soldiers, inventors, and everyday protectors – and each one brings something unique to the larger Marvel story. Together, they demonstrate how the MCU’s world-building and commitment to representation have changed and grown over time.

Several of these characters started as subtle background figures before becoming crucial to major franchise events. Others made a splash right from the beginning and carried entire movies. While some have starred in massive blockbusters, others have grounded more intimate, realistic stories. Together, they’ve broadened the scope of the MCU, both in terms of the kinds of stories it tells and the diversity of people it represents.

Every Black Superhero in the MCU So Far

James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Terrence Howard / Don Cheadle)

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

I remember when James Rhodes first appeared in the original Iron Man movie, played by Terrence Howard. Even then, he was a really important character – Tony Stark’s best friend and the guy who connected him to the military. It felt like they were setting things up from the start for him to eventually become War Machine, which was awesome because he became such a key member of the Avengers with his own armored suit.

The character, played by Don Cheadle starting with Iron Man 2, has consistently been a key figure, evolving from a pilot into an armored hero and continuing to develop beyond that role.

Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

Samuel L. Jackson first appeared as Nick Fury in a brief scene after the credits of Iron Man. As the mysterious leader of SHIELD, Fury was the key person who brought the Avengers together, and he helped connect all the stories in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As the years passed, more of his history came to light, including his experiences alongside Captain Marvel in the 1990s. This revealed him as a highly skilled strategist and a key player in defending Earth from numerous dangers.

Heimdall (Idris Elba)

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

Idris Elba played Heimdall, the watchful guardian of Asgard’s Bifrost Bridge. He was a key friend to Thor, using his amazing senses and fighting ability to faithfully protect his homeland.

Throughout his time on screen, Heimdall consistently showed his loyalty to Asgard and its inhabitants, making him a well-liked, though often reserved, figure. His bravery was especially evident in his last stand against Thanos.

Gamora (Zoe Saldaña)

First Appearance: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Gamora, the adopted daughter of Thanos and the “deadliest woman in the galaxy,” was first shown as someone struggling with her loyalty to her cruel father. Actress Zoe Saldaña portrayed the character, transforming her from a cold and emotionless killer into a strong and courageous hero who became a key part of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Gamora’s difficult connection with her sister Nebula, and the heartbreaking way her story ended with Thanos, made her one of the most interesting characters in the more space-focused parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was a truly compelling story arc.

Sam Wilson/Captain America (Anthony Mackie)

First Appearance: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Anthony Mackie has played Sam Wilson in nine movies. Wilson, who used to be a Pararescue airman, was initially shown as a war veteran who became friends with Steve Rogers. As the Falcon, he proved to be a reliable partner to Captain America.

His path has been marked by significant personal development, ultimately leading to his becoming Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Luke Cage (Mike Colter)

First Appearance: Jessica Jones (2015)

Luke Cage, played by Mike Colter and first appearing in the Netflix show Jessica Jones, is incredibly strong and has skin that can’t be broken. Originally a police officer, he was wrongly accused of a crime, which led him to become a hero who worked for money. Eventually, he became a central figure and protector of the Harlem neighborhood he lived in.

His narrative explored themes of city crime, influence, and who people are, quickly making him a realistic and captivating character within the Defenders Saga. He became a firmly established and interesting presence in the overall story.

Misty Knight (Simone Missick)

First Appearance: Luke Cage (2016)

Detective Mercedes “Misty” Knight, played by Simone Missick, was a clever, hardworking, and determined police officer in Harlem, often partnering with Luke Cage. Misty’s story, including the loss of her arm and receiving a bionic prosthetic, evolved her from a skilled detective into a powerful and well-regarded hero. Her experiences significantly shaped her character and abilities.

She infused the growing world with a powerful feeling of order and a realistic, boots-on-the-ground viewpoint.

T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman)

First Appearance: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

T’Challa first appeared as the King of Wakanda and the Black Panther in Civil War, quickly gaining fans’ attention with his royal presence and impressive technology.

His movie Black Panther delved into his duties as a king and the guardian of his nation. Chadwick Boseman’s performance made T’Challa an immediate icon, and his memory was celebrated in Wakanda Forever, continuing even after his death.

Okoye (Danai Gurira)

First Appearance: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Danai Gurira plays Okoye, the strong and impressive General who leads the Dora Milaje – Wakanda’s elite team of all-female special forces. We first met her briefly in Civil War, but her part became much bigger in Black Panther, where we really saw how smart she is with strategy, how completely loyal she is, and how amazing she is in a fight.

She has been a key and unwavering defender of Wakanda, both during peaceful times and in the midst of terrible struggles.

The Prowler/Aaron Davis (Donald Glover)

First Appearance: Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

I remember Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Homecoming – even though he wasn’t in the movie for long, he really stood out! Donald Glover played him as this kind of small-time crook, and he actually ends up giving Spider-Man some helpful information. It was a brief appearance, but a memorable one, for sure.

The character pays homage to the comic books, as he’s Miles Morales’ uncle. His reference to his nephew suggested a potentially expansive story involving the multiverse. Having Davis play such an important role in Miles Morales’ life was a particularly meaningful moment for viewers and readers alike.

Shuri/Black Panther (Letitia Wright)

First Appearance: Black Panther (2018)

Letitia Wright plays Shuri, the incredibly smart and playfully rebellious younger sister of T’Challa. She was first seen as the leader of the Wakandan Design Group. Shuri’s amazing technological skills created a lot of Wakanda’s futuristic technology, like the Black Panther suits.

After the passing of T’Challa, I was completely blown away to see Shuri step up as the new Black Panther in Wakanda Forever. It was so moving to watch her not only carry on his legacy, but also really find her own way as a hero. It felt like a natural evolution of the character, and honestly, a really powerful story.

M’Baku (Winston Duke)

First Appearance: Black Panther (2018)

M’Baku, the strong and captivating leader of the Jabari Tribe, is a formidable rival to T’Challa, but ultimately becomes a key ally. Winston Duke’s portrayal of M’Baku in Black Panther vividly depicted a warrior who is serious, values tradition, and possesses a deep sense of integrity.

As a film buff, I’ve always been struck by his character arc. Seeing him evolve from someone who preferred to be alone to becoming absolutely crucial in protecting Wakanda – and even the whole world – really highlights how much depth and unwavering loyalty he possesses. It’s a fantastic transformation to watch unfold on screen, and it’s what makes him such a compelling character. I think it’s a testament to the writers that they were able to portray such a nuanced loyalty and growth. Honestly, it’s one of the best character developments I’ve seen in a while.

Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o)

First Appearance: Black Panther (2018)

Lupita Nyong’o plays Nakia, a Wakandan spy and a romantic interest for T’Challa, in Black Panther. Nakia strongly believed Wakanda should open its borders and help others by sharing its wealth and technology with the world.

She’s a member of the War Dogs, skilled in both spying and combat, but always puts helping others first. Following T’Challa’s passing, she dedicates herself to raising their son, Toussaint, in Haiti, and continues to be a loyal supporter of her homeland.

Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)

First Appearance: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Hannah John-Kamen portrayed Ava Starr, who is also called Ghost, a powerful villain in Ant-Man and the Wasp. An accident involving quantum technology gave her the power to become intangible and pass through solid things, but it also caused her a great deal of pain and made her condition very unstable.

Her journey, centered around finding a way to heal herself, eventually leads to some improvement in her condition thanks to Janet van Dyne. Afterward, she’s asked to become part of the Thunderbolts team, solidifying her transformation into a hero. This marks a turning point in her life, officially setting her on a heroic path.

Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson)

First Appearance: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Tessa Thompson plays Valkyrie, a once-proud Asgardian warrior now living as a tough and world-weary scavenger on the planet Sakaar. We first meet her in Thor: Ragnarok. She changes her ways by teaming up with Thor and the Hulk, and eventually earns a chance to lead Asgard, finding purpose again.

As a film fan, I’m really drawn to characters with depth, and this hero definitely delivers. I find her incredibly compelling because of how strong she is – not just physically, with her amazing combat prowess, but also emotionally. Her story isn’t just about action; it’s about a journey of overcoming past trauma, which makes her feel so much more real and, honestly, beloved as a character. It’s a really complex portrayal, and that’s what I appreciate.

Monica Rambeau/Photon (Teyonah Parris)

First Appearance: Captain Marvel (2019)

We first met Monica Rambeau as a young girl in Captain Marvel, but she truly came into her own as a smart and effective SWORD agent when she reappeared in WandaVision.

Once Monica Rambeau went through the Hex, she developed the power to take in energy and then release it, transforming into the hero Photon. Teyonah Parris’s performance brought depth to Monica’s journey as she dealt with grief and learned to control her new abilities.

Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch)

First Appearance: Captain Marvel (2019)

Lashana Lynch originally portrayed the character Maria Rambeau-an Air Force pilot and close friend of Carol Danvers-in Captain Marvel.

Maria’s influence continued to be highlighted by the introduction of alternate versions of characters, like a strong version of Captain Marvel in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and a version of Binary in The Marvels. This demonstrates her lasting importance in stories about the universe and its heroes.

Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly)

First Appearance: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

Carl Lumbly’s performance as Isaiah Bradley in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier brought to light a moving and heartbreaking part of the MCU’s past that had been kept secret. Having served in the Korean War and been given the Super Soldier Serum, he endured years of harsh testing and was unfairly imprisoned.

The story compelled Sam Wilson to grapple with the more troubling aspects of American history and fully understand the responsibilities that come with being Captain America.

Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry)

First Appearance: Eternals (2021)

Brian Tyree Henry played the role of Phastos in Eternals, a member of the group of 10 Eternals who came to Earth. Phastos is a brilliant inventor capable of building weapons and technology using energy from the cosmos, and he’s also a devoted husband and father.

His appearance marks a major step forward for LGBTQIA+ visibility in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making him the first openly gay superhero shown on screen.

Blade (Mahershala Ali)

First Appearance: Eternals (2021)

Though only featured in a brief clip after the credits of Eternals, Mahershala Ali’s voice marked the official introduction of Blade, the daywalker, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

His arrival signals the start of a fresh, otherworldly, and more intense side of the universe. His famous vampire hunting is expected to inject a new energy into the superhero genre in the upcoming Blade film, which has now received some positive developments.

Riri Williams/Ironheart (Dominique Thorne)

First Appearance: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Dominique Thorne plays Riri Williams, a gifted young inventor who built a high-tech suit of armor herself. We first meet her in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

She’s as skilled with technology as Tony Stark, and her young age and desire to help offer a new approach. Following her work with Wakanda, she becomes Ironheart, continuing the tradition of armored heroes. This major MCU film could see her expand her heroic role even further. It’s an exciting prospect!

Wonder Man (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II)

First Appearance: Wonder Man (TBD 2025)

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will be playing Simon Williams, who is also known as Wonder Man, in the new Disney+ series Wonder Man. His character is an actor and the heir to a very influential company.

Within the comic books, he develops incredible ionic abilities and transforms into a hero. His arrival is expected to shake up the world of superheroes, uniquely combining fame and bravery with extraordinary powers.

Read More

2025-09-30 17:12