10 MCU Characters Missing From Marvel's Phase 4 (And Why)

Phase 4 is shaping up to be awesome, but why aren't this lot getting any love from Marvel?

Captain Marvel Guardians Of The Galaxy
Marvel Studios

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is going to be a very different place moving forward. Marvel Studios is expanding this shared world on the small screen thanks to Disney+, and both Iron Man's demise and Thanos' defeat have opened the door to a whole new era of storytelling.

With movies and TV shows on the way like Eternals and She-Hulk (not to mention a very vocal outpouring of support for a more diverse MCU), the time has clearly come to put the spotlight on some new characters. However, that means some fan-favourites are going to have to be put on the backburner in what looks set to be a very crowded Phase 4.

With contracts ending and actors cast anywhere up to a decade ago getting older, Marvel Studios needs to freshen things up if they hope to continue telling these stories for years to come. As a result, it's an exciting time to be a fan, but there are a number of big names missing from Phase 4 who likely won't return for at least three plus years.

Now, we're taking a look at the ten characters it's hard to believe won't have a role to play in this next Phase. From fan-favourite stalwarts to those who were supposed to debut in a post-Endgame MCU, you'll find both them and the reason for their respective absences below...

10. Ant-Man

Captain Marvel Guardians Of The Galaxy
Marvel Studios

Thus far, Marvel Studios has used the Ant-Man movies as a palette cleanser of sorts. In 2015, the hero's origin story served as an unexpected conclusion to Phase 2, while Ant-Man and The Wasp helped lighten things up after the heartbreaking events of Avengers: Infinity War. Now, with Peyton Reed confirmed to direct a third instalment, it's believed that will serve as the opening salvo for Phase 5.

Given how key Scott Lang proved to be in Avengers: Endgame, it's a shame he's now being sidelined, while The Wasp not receiving more screentime in the MCU remains one of Marvel Studios' biggest blunders.

Simply put, there's just no room for Marvel's smallest superheroes in Phase 4. Yes, there are rumblings that members of the Young Avengers will start popping up over the next few years, but rumour has it that the team won't be properly introduced until the next Ant-Man movie. Seeing as Cassie Lang suits up as Stature in the comics as part of that team, don't be surprised if this third chapter is more important than anyone expects.

With that in mind, Ant-Man's return should be worth the wait!

Contributor
Contributor

Josh Wilding hasn't written a bio just yet, but if they had... it would appear here.