10 Multiverse Variants Who Could Outshine Their Originals In The MCU

As the Multiverse Saga nears its conclusion, fans are excited and hoping it will deliver on its promise of showcasing incredible alternate versions of our favorite heroes. Marvel Studios has announced which characters will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, and because these characters have so many possible variations, the possibilities are endless.

Seeing characters like Pincer, Hayabusa, or the Maker make an appearance – even a significant one – in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars would get fans incredibly excited. These movies are exploring the multiverse, and many are hoping Marvel will embrace its comic book roots. These alternate versions of heroes and villains could become just as popular as the originals, mirroring what’s happened in the comics themselves.

Dark Beast Is A Sadistic Scientist

Originally from Earth-295, Dark Beast (Henry McCoy) is a version of the Beast who never received the positive influence of Charles Xavier. After Apocalypse took control of the United States, Dark Beast became a leading scientist for him, conducting cruel experiments on other mutants simply to indulge his own malicious desires and with no concern for their well-being.

Kelsey Grammer plays Beast, and while the character looks like a monster, he’s fundamentally a good person. To really shock audiences, Marvel could introduce a truly evil version of Beast. Dark Beast would be an ideal choice, and fans would be excited to see Grammer portray a much more menacing side to the character.

King Erik Magnus Could Rule Over a Piece of Battleworld

Now that Ian McKellen is reprising his role as Magneto, fans are speculating about whether a different version of the character will appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The upcoming Secret Wars storyline introduces King Erik Magnus, who rules the nation of Genosha with his family – Wanda, Pietro, Lorna, and his grandchildren Billy and Tommy. Together, they are known as the House of Magnus and reside within the realm of Battleworld.

This version of Magneto is one of the most self-assured and morally judgmental, which makes him a strangely compelling villain. He’s also strongly defined by his relationships with his children, Pietro and Wanda, before later storylines complicated things. It would be great if the Marvel Cinematic Universe acknowledged this earlier, more family-focused portrayal of the character, perhaps through an alternate timeline or universe.

Pincer Is An Evil Ant-Man Who Killed His Own Daughter

It’s surprising to think of a bad version of Ant-Man, considering Scott Lang’s character, but one does exist. In an alternate reality (Earth-9907) where the Red Skull won World War II and Doctor Doom is a harsh ruler, Scott Lang never turned his life around. He instead became increasingly cruel and malicious.

In an alternate reality (Earth-9907), Scott Lang, known as Pincer, is a ruthless character who would even harm his own daughter if ordered to by Doctor Doom. This Scott Lang is drastically different from the Ant-Man we know in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While he wouldn’t be as charming, his darker story would offer a refreshing change for viewers.

Worthy Sam Wilson Could Reference Avengers: Endgame

During the Secret Wars event, a unique group emerged: the Thors. Acting as enforcers across Battleworld, these warriors all wield Mjolnir, but aren’t simply different versions of the classic Thor. One example is Sam Wilson, who also goes by Worthy Sam, and works as a Thor within this reality.

A version of Sam Wilson from another universe could finally give the MCU’s Sam the attention he’s earned. While he’s been Captain America, his story hasn’t been fully explored. Seeing him wield Mjolnir would be a powerful moment for fans, showcasing his potential and reminding us why he’s the right choice to lead the next generation of Avengers. It would also be a nice nod to Steve Rogers’ iconic scene in Avengers: Endgame.

Witness Gambit Could Redeem Channing Tatum’s Portrayal

Channing Tatum originally planned to star in his own Gambit movie, but when that project was canceled, he got the chance to play the character in Deadpool & Wolverine. His upcoming appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars has sparked debate among fans: some want to see more of Gambit, even though he’s often portrayed as comedic relief, while others believe the character should be retired.

A more developed version of the character would be a great fit for this ongoing story – like the Witness from Earth-1191. This version of Gambit exists outside of normal time, at the point where all possible timelines meet. This gives him complete understanding of everything happening in the universe, making him incredibly powerful. This backstory would connect well with the current Multiverse storyline and allow the actor playing Gambit to portray a more nuanced and complex character.

Legion of X’s Nightcrawler Is His Most Metal Version

While technically the same Nightcrawler from the classic Marvel comics, the version in Legion of X is arguably the most impressive take on the character. This Nightcrawler fully embraces his demonic side, sporting horns, piercing yellow eyes, and genuinely menacing claws and fangs. He’s genuinely frightening – a stark contrast to the more subdued portrayal in the X-Men movies.

Kurt Wagner, the Nightcrawler from Fox’s X-Men films, often struggles with being different. However, the Nightcrawler in Legion of X not only accepts his differences but celebrates them alongside his abilities. Alan Cumming, who previously played Nightcrawler, deserves a storyline where his character feels powerful and confident. Cumming is a talented actor who could deliver a compelling and unique take on the character – a version fans would enjoy, particularly when compared to the less impactful portrayal seen in the Fox films.

Hayabusa Is An Incredibly Unique Character

In 2022, Peach Momoko launched Demon Wars, creating a fresh universe rooted in Japanese mythology and folklore. This new world features reimagined versions of popular heroes, though they’re so distinct that recognizing them can be tricky. A prime example is the character Hayabusa, a wise spirit resembling both a bird and a human – a unique take replacing the familiar hero Falcon.

While Hayabusa’s name shares a meaning with ‘falcon,’ he’s truly unique. Like all the characters in this rich universe, he boasts a compelling backstory and striking design. It’s exciting to think this world could be adapted for film, and Hayabusa would be an ideal character to kick things off. His wisdom and powerful abilities would make him a strong and helpful addition to the heroes’ team in the Multiverse Saga.

An Older Yelena Belova Would Make For An Emotional Arc

In an alternate reality (Earth-807128), Red Skull successfully led the villains to win, taking control of the United States. Now an older and more headstrong Yelena Belova, once the Black Widow, struggles to survive in the harsh, desolate landscape of what is now called Amerika. While she’s not as physically strong as she once was, she continues to navigate this new, conquered country.

This version of Yelena, nicknamed Wastelander Black Widow, really shows how tough and adaptable the character is. Given all the challenges Yelena has faced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, seeing an older version of her appear would be a powerful and moving moment. Plus, Marvel Studios has a great opportunity with casting – an older, more developed Yelena could instantly win over fans if the story highlights her struggles and resilience.

The Maker Could Bring Back A Former Reed to the Big Screen

The Maker is definitely one of the most debated versions of Reed Richards. Unlike the kind and brilliant Reed Richards played by Pedro Pascal in Fantastic Four: First Steps, this version, from Earth-1610, became a villain because he felt it was the only way to fix things. As the Maker, he even built an army of unthinking followers to assist him with his plans.

Okay, so we’ve seen four different versions of Mr. Fantastic in movies now, and honestly, a lot of us fans are really hoping Marvel brings back either Miles Teller or Ioan Gruffudd. I’d especially love to see Teller come back as the Maker! The movie he was in was heavily based on the Ultimate comics, so it feels like a natural fit. It would be awesome to see that version of Reed show the main MCU Reed just how far things can go if he doesn’t keep his darker side in check.

Thunderer Thorlief Could Redeem Chris Hemsworth

Following the disappointing reception of Thor: Love & Thunder, which many felt missed the mark with its humor, fans are hoping Marvel Studios will give Chris Hemsworth a more impactful story for the character. The upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars movie could be the ideal opportunity, potentially featuring Thunderer Thorlief, also known as Ultimate Thor. This version of Thor has a particularly tragic backstory, experiencing personal hardship alongside his time with the Ultimates, witnessing the destruction of Asgard, and ultimately, the collapse of his entire reality, Earth-1610.

After the multiverse falls apart and Doctor Doom builds Battleworld, Thunderer Thorlief joins a team of Thors. He’s a detective and one of the first of these gods to stand up to Doom, which helps turn the tide. While not the Thor we know from the main Marvel universe, Chris Hemsworth could easily play this darker, more brooding version – a take fans have been hoping for since he first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

2025-11-28 01:52