7 Best MCU Characters That First Appeared on Disney+ Shows

The introduction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) into Disney+ has significantly reshaped how fans encounter new heroes and adversaries. Instead of being limited to two-hour movies, Disney+ offers more detailed character introductions, complex backgrounds, and a platform for lesser-known comic book characters to make an impact in extended storylines. This transformation not only enriches the MCU but also rapidly brings forth captivating personalities who have swiftly become beloved by fans or critical figures in the grand narrative. Consequently, Disney+ TV series have proven to be a successful stepping stone for MCU characters, providing them with the screen time required to define their motivations, powers, and roles within the expansive interconnected universe.

As a passionate movie reviewer, diving into the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through Disney+ has been an exhilarating journey. From gritty street-level crusaders to cosmic titans, these diverse characters have showcased the incredible storytelling versatility that this streaming service has unleashed. They’ve brought fresh viewpoints and invigorating dynamics to the established MCU, breathing new life into the world we all love. Here are my top picks for the most captivating MCU characters introduced on the small screen:

1. Wanda Maximoff (WandaVision) – The complexities of grief and love come together in this enchanting series, as Wanda grapples with her powers and emotional turmoil.
2. King Ezekiel (The Falcon and The Winter Soldier) – This charismatic leader demonstrates the resilience and hope needed to rebuild a fractured world, all while donning the mantle of a new Captain America.
3. Loki (Loki) – The God of Mischief finally gets his due in this captivating series, as we delve deeper into his character and unravel the mysteries surrounding the Sacred Timeline.
4. Maya (Moon Knight) – Haunted by her past and struggling with multiple personalities, this enigmatic heroine embarks on a thrilling journey to find redemption and discover her true purpose.
5. She-Hulk (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) – With wit, charm, and superhuman strength, Jennifer Walters navigates the complexities of life as a lawyer and the challenges that come with being a gamma-irradiated green giantess.

1) Kate Bishop

Stepping onto the screen in the Hawkeye series, I found myself instantly drawn to Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld. As an accomplished archer and ardent fan of Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), Kate offers a delightful mix of youthful zest, resilience, and unexpected proficiency. The show skillfully unveils her backstory, which was shaped by the events of The Avengers’ Battle of New York, and highlights her innate abilities in combat and investigation, even before she fully embraced her heroic role. Steinfeld’s portrayal brilliantly encapsulates Kate’s charm, intellect, and hidden vulnerability, generating a captivating chemistry with Renner’s experienced Avenger.

Kate Bishop’s debut on Disney+ showcases an excellent method for Disney+ to broaden the MCU’s lineup of heroes by passing the baton effectively. The extended television format offers plenty of time to delve into her connection with Clint, examine her family history, and solidify her as a worthy heir to the Hawkeye legacy. Her appearance hints at a promising future for the upcoming Avengers, leaving fans excited about where her story will lead within the larger cinematic world.

2) Moon Knight

Introducing Moon Knight in his own series, we get a new Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) hero who is notably darker and psychologically deeper. Played brilliantly by Oscar Isaac, this character struggles with Dissociative Identity Disorder, presenting as the ordinary gift shop worker Steven Grant and the harsh mercenary Marc Spector. Both characters serve the Egyptian moon god Khonshu (voiced by F. Murray Abraham). The series explores topics such as mental health, mythology, and moral complexity, distinguishing it from many other MCU productions in tone. Moreover, Isaac’s knack for fluidly transitioning between personalities, each with their individual quirks and viewpoints, left viewers captivated by his outstanding performance.

Moon Knight showcased Disney+’s ability to delve into more mature storylines and unique superhero narratives within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The series, steeped in themes of trauma, the supernatural, and mystery, provided a new taste, with the enigma of Jake Lockley, the third main persona, further heightening curiosity. Moon Knight’s arrival broadened the mystical and supernatural aspects of the MCU, demonstrating that Disney+ is an ideal platform for characters who break away from the conventional superhero mold, introducing complex internal struggles into the mix.

3) She-Hulk

Jennifer Walters, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, burst onto screens in ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, delivering a distinctive mix of superhero action, legal humor, and self-aware commentary. As a lawyer who inadvertently acquires Hulk abilities, Jennifer juggles the intricacies of her new green physique alongside her career and personal life. Although the series garnered mixed reviews, Maslany’s acting stands out, flawlessly portraying Jennifer’s sharp wit and occasional frustration with the absurdities she encounters.

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As a devoted cinephile, I’ve got to say that diving into “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” on Disney+ was an absolute treat! This show has boldly ventured into new territory for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), serving up a half-hour dose of laughter that we haven’t seen before. It’s been fascinating to watch as they delve deep into the complexities of Jennifer Walters’ character, tackling themes such as self-identity, sexism, and the unique challenges faced by female superheroes in the public eye.

Despite a few bumps along the way, it’s refreshing to see the MCU embracing humor and self-awareness, demonstrating that they can handle characters whose stories are just as much about everyday battles as they are about saving the world. This series has certainly provided a timely and much-needed boost of laughter and relatability within the expansive MCU landscape.

4) US Agent

In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Wyatt Russell’s character John Walker debuted in a dramatic fashion, introduced as the government’s selected replacement for Captain America. The character arc of Walker is one of the most intriguing and multifaceted in the Disney+ era, as he struggles with the weight of the shield, his personal doubts, and the challenge of meeting an unattainable legacy. Russell delivers a strong portrayal, showcasing Walker’s transformation from a respected soldier to a morally questionable figure, ultimately assuming the name “US Agent.

In “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” the storyline allowed for an in-depth examination of the complexities surrounding patriotism, and the mental strain experienced by a super-soldier, lacking the inherent nobility of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). John Walker’s transformation from a beacon of hope to a morally ambiguous hero was masterfully portrayed, with Disney+ providing an ideal platform for this intricate character analysis. The upcoming series “Thunderbolts” suggests that Marvel Studios will delve further into characters who straddle the line between good and evil in their depiction of heroism.

5) Sylvie

In the series Loki, it was Sophia Di Martino’s character, Sylvie, who stole the spotlight from the other intriguing personalities introduced. Unlike any other, Sylvie, a variant of Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, has spent her entire existence evading the Time Variance Authority. Her intense thirst for vengeance against those responsible for altering her reality sets her apart. Her intelligence, adaptability, and emotional layers swiftly made her a powerful and relatable character. Furthermore, Di Martino’s acting brought out Sylvie’s tough facade and hidden sensitivity, creating an enthralling dynamic with Hiddleston’s Loki.

In a significant turn of events, Sylvie’s debut was crucial not just for the “Loki” series, but for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) saga as we know it. Her actions caused the splitting of the Sacred Timeline, leading to cosmic turmoil within the MCU. Disney+, with its extended runtime, proved to be the perfect medium to delve into Sylvie’s heart-wrenching past and establish her pivotal role in events that reshaped the very fabric of the universe. A storyline this grand and impactful wouldn’t have been possible within the constraints of a two-hour film. Therefore, Sylvie serves as a powerful example of how these series can introduce characters who quickly become integral parts of the larger MCU narrative.

6) Ms. Marvel

In the series “Ms. Marvel,” Iman Vellani’s character, Kamala Khan, made an exciting debut, radiating energy and offering a fresh, distinctive viewpoint on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As a Pakistani-American teen from Jersey City who admires Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Kamala’s path to heroism is filled with appeal and relatable growing-up challenges. Moreover, Vellani’s acting is impressive, skillfully conveying Kamala’s excitement and adorable awkwardness.

Ms. Marvel demonstrated Disney+’s capability of introducing fresh superheroes and offering significant representation to a wide audience. The series skillfully intertwined Kamala’s powers with her personal journey of self-exploration. Her successful transition onto the big screen in The Marvels further cemented her status as a pivotal young hero, illustrating how Disney+ shows can successfully propel characters into larger MCU endeavors.

7) Death

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s show “Agatha All Along,” Aubrey Plaza introduced Death as a captivating character for the first time. At first, she was portrayed as the mysterious Rio Vidal, an ex-lover of Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), and the initial Green Witch. However, it wasn’t until later that her true identity as Death, symbolizing death and decay, became apparent. Furthermore, Death’s deep connection with Agatha, including a heartrending past involving their son Nicholas Scratch (Cooper Friedman), brought an unexpected emotional depth to the character.

Plaza’s portrayal skillfully expressed Death’s ancient might, her deep bond with nature’s order, and her intricate emotions towards Agatha. In Agatha All Along, we delved into Death’s reasons, specifically her duty to uphold cosmic balance and her struggle against those who resist it, such as Billy Maximoff, portrayed by Joe Locke. By giving Death human qualities, the Marvel Cinematic Universe enriched its mystical folklore while introducing a character whose impact might reverberate throughout the universe. This exploration unfolded within the confines of a tightly-knit narrative centered around a character-driven streaming series.

Which Disney+ MCU character has been your favorite new addition so far?

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2025-06-16 23:43