The Next Best Marvel Character for a Movie Franchise

With the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), fans and industry experts alike are continually asking who the next best character to be developed into a movie franchise might be. Recognizing both established favorites and new possibilities, here are some compelling choices that could captivate audiences and extend the prominence of the Marvel universe.

Black Widow: The Ultimate Femme Fatale

First on our list is Black Widow, aka Natasha Romanoff. With her penchant for espionage and her status as one of the most accomplished superspies in the MCU, she presents a thrilling narrative potential. An origin story or a tale of her recent solo missions could be particularly engaging. Additionally, there are numerous established characters in the comics who could make for exciting team-up scenarios with Black Widow, benefiting both her fanbase and current comic readers interested in stories featuring diverse female protagonists, such as Wanda Maximoff, Carol Danvers, and Valkyrie.

Captain Marvel: An Untapped Superhero

As mentioned by the user, Captain Marvel from DC Comics should be a top priority for adaptation. This character, often overshadowed by others, offers a blend of juvenile wish-fulfillment and historic credibility, making her appealing to a wide demographic. The ability to transform into Superman with the snap of a finger presents a unique premise, combining elements reminiscent of Home Alone, Big, and The Man of Steel. This character crossover could draw in fans of both DC and Marvel properties, creating a unique and massive market potential.

The X-Men: Inevitable and Essential

The X-Men, with their rich history and wide array of characters, represent a natural next step for the MCU. While some have suggested that the X-Men might be better suited for a standalone fracturing, others argue that integrating them into the MCU would expand the scope and depth of the franchise. The X-Men have been hinted at in the MCU already, with their presence being felt in Infinite Cinematic Universe films like Captain America: Civil War. These hints and mentions have piqued fans' interest, making the inclusion of the X-Men a compelling and inevitable next move.

Doctor Strange: A Unique and Magical Exhibit

Not all potential MCU heroes need to be super-powered beings. Doctor Strange stands out as a unique and powerful candidate for a movie franchise. This character offers compelling human elements, such as a brilliant but skeptical neurosurgeon who realizes that there is additional magic in the world beyond his scientific understanding. The combination of real-world issues and mystical elements could provide a fresh and engaging story for fans and newcomers alike. Furthermore, Doctor Strange's backstory involves a fascinating array of villains and mystical lore that could captivate audiences.

Adding to Doctor Strange's appeal, Tom Hanks has expressed a strong interest in playing a superhero role. His legendary acting range, showcased in films like Captain Phillips and Saving Private Ryan, would be a perfect fit for the role of Doctor Strange. With Hanks' involvement, the film could become an instant blockbuster, combining dramatic depth and magical wonder. The casting of Tom Hanks could be a significant coup for the Marvel franchise and would ensure the film stands out in a crowded superhero genre.

Whether through an origin story, a solo mission, or a grand cinematic integration, the next best Marvel character for a movie franchise has clear potential. Black Widow, Captain Marvel, the X-Men, and Doctor Strange all offer compelling narratives and significant market appeal. It is undoubtedly time for Marvel to extend their cinematic universe with these characters, ensuring continued success and expansion of the MCU.