Top 5 Most Underutilized Characters in the MCU
- George Dowling
- May 26
- 4 min read
The MCU has built a universe full of legendary heroes, but let’s be honest: not everyone gets their due. Some characters show up with massive potential—cool powers, great design, a compelling presence—and then... fade into the background, get no development, or worse, get killed off too soon.
Here are 5 MCU characters that were absolutely underutilized. Marvel, what were you thinking?
Makkari
Appears in: Eternals
Powers: Super speed
Makkari wasn’t just fast—she was cinematically stunning. Her speed scenes were some of the most visually innovative in the MCU, using vibration and movement rather than flashy effects or slow motion. She communicated through
sign language, bringing authentic and important representation as the first deaf superhero in the franchise.
But for all her presence and power, Makkari was barely involved in the main plot. She was missing for half the movie, and when she did show up, we got glimpses of her personality and a teased romance with Druig—but no real development. She had a rich history as an Eternal, thousands of years of experiences, and one of the most heroic attitudes on the team... and yet she was treated like a background player.
She deserved more than a few standout moments—she deserved a story arc.
Death Dealer
Appears in: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Powers: Peak agility, master of martial arts, Ten Rings elite operative
Death Dealer looked like a breakout character waiting to happen. With his terrifying mask, silent menace, and history as Shang-Chi’s personal trainer-turned-rival, the stage was set for a deep, personal conflict. Instead, he gets one standout fight scene... and then dies offscreen in a soul-sucker ambush. No dialogue. No flashback. No closure.
In the comics, the character was introduced as a relentless MI6 agent turned mercenary, and while the MCU changed his background, the potential for a full-blown redemption arc or a dramatic duel with Shang-Chi was right there. Marvel built him up like a sub-boss, then treated him like cannon fodder. He could’ve been Shang-Chi’s Winter Soldier—instead, he was a wasted threat.
White Vision
Appears in: WandaVision
Powers: Synthetic physiology, density control, energy projection, flight, enhanced strength and intelligence
White Vision might be the biggest unresolved thread in the entire MCU. Born from the original Vision’s body and reactivated by S.W.O.R.D., he represents a fascinating identity crisis: what happens when you’re given your memories, but none of your emotion? His mid-air debate with Wanda’s recreated Vision—about the Ship of Theseus—is one of the most philosophical moments in Marvel history.
And then… he flies away.
No mention since. No reunion with Wanda. No insight into his emotional or existential journey. Not even a name drop.
In the comics, Vision has long wrestled with identity, emotion, and humanity. White Vision is prime material for a story about memory, AI consciousness, and rebirth—and yet Marvel hasn’t followed up. With the Multiverse Saga exploring synthetic life, this version of Vision could’ve been at the center of it all. Instead, he’s floating in limbo.
Xialing
Appears in: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Powers: Martial arts mastery, weapon combat, now controls the Ten Rings criminal empire
Xialing is the definition of self-made. Ignored by her father, denied training, she taught herself to fight in secret and built an underground fight ring from nothing. Her presence was cool, composed, and cutting—just as powerful emotionally as she was physically. She didn’t need saving—she needed space to take over the story.
The post-credit scene showed her taking control of the Ten Rings organization, with her own aesthetic and agenda—setting up what could’ve been an entire storyline about power, legacy, and morality.
Then… silence.
Xialing’s arc is richer than Shang-Chi’s in many ways. She represents ambition, trauma, and the consequences of being overlooked. She could be ally, rival, or anti-hero. Marvel gave her the throne, then left her sitting in the shadows.
Quick Silver
Appears in: Avengers: Age of Ultron
Powers: Super speed, enhanced reflexes, high-speed combat agility
That’s right—another speedster on this list. Funny how the MCU keeps introducing them and then cutting their arcs short.
Pietro had the swagger, the emotional depth (especially with Wanda), and a unique visual style to his speed that felt raw and physical—more of a chaotic blur compared to Makkari’s graceful burst. He had so much potential as a young Avenger, a conflicted antihero, or a long-term rival within the team.
But instead? He got one movie. One sacrifice. One quick exit.
In the comics, Quicksilver is a major player—central to mutant politics, time-bending storylines, and deep character drama involving Magneto and Wanda. The MCU teased us with greatness… then bailed. Even WandaVision couldn’t resist bringing him back (sort of)—only to turn it into a joke.
For a character with decades of iconic moments, Pietro Maximoff was treated like a speed bump. He should’ve been a long-distance runner.
From cosmic speedsters to forgotten warriors, these characters had the powers, presence, and potential to shape the MCU in big ways—but Marvel barely gave them time to stretch their wings. Whether it was a rushed exit, a wasted subplot, or just a lack of follow-through, each of them deserved so much more.
As the MCU continues to grow into Multiverse territory and new phases unfold, there’s still time to bring some of these underutilized heroes (and antiheroes) back into the spotlight. Give them arcs. Give them meaning. Give them screen time.
Because sometimes, it’s the heroes we barely saw who leave us wanting more.
NerdCanvas
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