The last time Marvel Studios was in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 2019, it delivered a panel presentation that would change the MCU fandom forever. MCU fans were waiting anxiously for their future after the Infinity Saga. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, delivered a variety of series and movies as well casting announcements. These would define the past three years in fandom content.
While the upcoming Marvel Studios SDCC panel is not expected to live up to the tremendous excitement of 2019’s, there are still plenty of significant announcements coming for the MCU faithful not just at this weekend’s Hall H presentation, but also at D23 in September.
There are many types of announcements which can influence the future direction of the red brand. We get first glimpses at the upcoming projects Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and The Marvels. Updates about the other Disney+ shows on Phase 4. Updates on the remaining Disney+ series from Phase 4.
Nothing can beat the excitement of seeing new logos projected on a projector screen. Finding out which actors will join the illustrious MCU roster is like watching your favorite team have a top 10 pick in the draft.
Between SDCC and D23, the next 50 days will be full of new faces officially joining the MCU. Here is a look at every unassigned and unannounced character confirmed or rumored to appear in 10 Marvel projects and which actors are attached to them.
She-Hulk
CONFIRMED:
- Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk
- Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk
- Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination
- Jameela Jamil as Titania
- Benedict Wong as Wong
Daredevil/Matt Murdock
Charlie Cox is back as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. After an electrifying cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans of the Netflix Daredevil series have accomplished what only Snyder Cut fans have accomplished, and they #SavedDaredevil.
Matt Murdock appears in She–Hulk , a rumor more than confirmed by Geeks Worldwide EIC K.C. Walsh said, “Daredevil is definitely showing up.” This was a week before Charlie Cox appeared in No Way Home to help Peter Parker and Happy Hogan with their legal struggles.
There are rumors that Charlie Cox will appear as MCU’s Daredevil in one of the projects. However, there have been rumors about him appearing alongside Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin in Echo. An She–Hulk announcement would be the best, with possibly Cox’s appearance.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Very High
Werewolf By Night
Werewolf
There has been some confusion surrounding the highly rumored, but never confirmed Marvel Studios Halloween Special Werewolf by Night. So, although the project isn’t yet on the schedule, Marvel has begun filming the lead and has cast the casting.
TheWrap reported Golden Globe winner Gael Garcia Bernal will lead the special and bring proper monsters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With the creation of the creepy side of the red mark in Moon Knight , and the forthcoming Blade Werewolf By Night Bernal could be promoted to the top leagues of greater MCU.
This is yet another instance of something that’s all but formal and waiting to be announced on stage by the man wearing the hat.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Very High
Black Panther Wakanda Forever
CONFIRMED:
- Letitia Wright as Shuri
- Danai Gurira as Okoye
- Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia
- Angela Bassett as Ramonda
- Winston Duke as M’Baku
- Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams/Ironheart
- Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross
Namor the Submariner
Namor, the Submariner, is another casting that’s been in the rumours for many months. However it has not yet become an official Marvel Studios casting. The best option is to go with the comics. Tenoch Huerta will bring Namor to life in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The legendary Marvel Comics character Namor will be appearing in a new project. His significant role in Wakanda Forever . did not allow him to make it into the Multiverse of Madness Illuminati.
If Huerta is confirmed, it will be the start of an anti-hero position on the MCU roster.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: 99%
Namora
With Namor in the Black Panther 2nd sequel. Namora may also be making her debut. Charles Murphy, an insider, reported that the Atlantean was being played by Mabel Cadena HTML1.
In Black Panther , Ryan Coogler presented Wakanda’s culture and history to Academy acclaim. Namora and Namora will be introduced in Wakanda forever ,. Atlantis’ underwater world is expected to receive a similar treatment. Namora will play an important role in the development of this new area within Marvel Universe.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Very High
Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom
It’s a long shot that a Marvel character will appear in Wakanda Forever , Doctor Doom. Marvel Comics’ legendary villain has the ability to be a part of any major MCU movie. The Fantastic Four Project is my favorite but Black Panther – Wakanda Forever comes close.
This fan cast is the most popular in fandom, with recent successes with MCU villains. Cillian Murphy is a top contender with his role in Peaky Blinders showing the range and charisma he can bring to the part. Other former popcorn villains like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Michael Fassbender, and Giancarlo Esposito have also been great candidates.
This role is expected to be a key building block for the MCU. The MCU will continue to grow if it can land a high-quality actor such as the one listed above.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Not Impossible
The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 & Holiday Special
CONFIRMED:
- Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord
- Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer
- Pom Klementieff as Mantis
- Karen Gillan as Nebula
- Vin Diesel as Groot
- Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon
- Will Poulter as Adam Warlock
Zoe Saldana is likely to be back in The Holiday Special Vol. 3, or both.
Santa Claus
This casting is something fans are hoping isn’t revealed. This is an interesting cameo and should be the talk of the Internet. Rumours have it that Santa Claus will appear in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
Director James Gunn tweeted that the special will “be introducing one of the greatest MCU characters of all time.” Gunn also responded to a The Direct exclusive fan art of Santa Claus in a Guardians Holiday Special poster.
The tweet also showed that the actor who was fancast as Santa on that poster had engaged with it. That actor’s name is Mark Hamill.
Twitter math suggests that there is a possibility.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Very Low
High Evolutionary
The High Evolutionary, a cosmic Marvel creature, would be a perfect fit in Phase 4’s current timeline. Characters like Arishem and Zeus all made their debuts during the past calendar year.
Peacemaker star Chukwudi Iwuji has been cast in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. The High Evolutionary is the favorite role for him. Given the proper amount of screentime, he is an James Gunn collaborator and could potentially take over the show.
It is also rumored The High Evolutionary may explore Rocket Raccoon’s past in the final installment of the trilogy. The High Evolutionary has a lot of involvement in Marvel Comics panels, which gives Iwuji the chance to really make an impact with his MCU debut, if that is what he is doing.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: High
Daniela Melchior
Another Gunn disciple from the DCEU is Daniela Melchior. After her scene-stealing role in The Suicide Squad as Ratcatcher II, it was reported by James Gunn that she would be making an appearance in Volume 3.
Drax’s Daughter Moondragon and Kitty Pryde could be suitable candidates for the role .. Either of these roles could warrant a substantial part for Melchoir moving forward, with the latter placing her in a significant position in the MCU roster.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Likely-ish
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania
CONFIRMED:
- Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man
- Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne/Wasp
- Michael Douglas as Hank Pym
- Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet van Dyne
- Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang
- Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror
MODOK
Sources claimed that MODOK would be debuting in the MCU with Ant Man and the Wasp Quantamania .. This exclusive was made by The Direct. MODOK will be introduced in the third installment of The Peyton Reed Trilogy. Jonathan Major’s Kang is also reintroduced after his terrifying appearance in Loki.
Who is the floating head villain and why? It remains to be confirmed. Early rumors tagged iconic funnyman Jim Carrey for the role, but the tides have shifted to suggest that Corey Stoll will return to voice MODOK.
In the climactic moments of 2015’s Ant-Man, Stroll’s character Darren Cross seemingly shrank into nothingness after taking on the persona of Yellowjacket. Fans know that the Quantum Realm has a history of returning characters who are different from how they came in.
The sudden deformation of Cross during his last moments could also open up an opportunity to return as the mysterious MODOK.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Average
Bill Murray
Human sacrifice! Living together with dogs and cats! BILL MURRAY IN THE MCU!
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is proud to have hosted legendary comedians over the years. JB Sloove and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have made a name for themselves within Hollywood’s biggest movie franchise. It is now that Bill Murray can make a splash in the MCU.
This role is more of a supporting role than a lead one, though speculation suggests that he might be Scott Lang’s dad, Hank Pym’s rival, or another multi-faceted role player. Paul Rudd or Bill Murray, whatever the case may be, are likely to fill seats at a Spider-Man level.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: We can only dream
Blade
CONFIRMED:
Dracula
Blade is the casting announcement that set the bar for Marvel Studios SDCC moments. Although this year’s panel doesn’t expect to achieve those heights it is clear that the fans still want to hear about Blade.
With Mahershala Ali in the leading role, anyone who joins him will fly high as the Blade character has been a major contributor to modern comic-book movies.
It is believed that Dracula, the villain of the film, will play a significant role. Recent Reddit rumors casting The Boys Antony Starr as the legendary vampire have recently been debunked. The role remains open, but Homelander is what the people want.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Average
Black Knight
Kit Harington made his MCU debut as love interest Dane Whitman in Eternals. Harington, despite his minor role in Chloe Zhao’s star-studded film, is the recipient of an iconic Marvel Studios after-credits scene bump.
The Black Knight was always Whiteman’s goal, but his scene after credits gave him the edge with an appearance by Mahershala Ali in Blade. The Midnight Sons’ MCU bandwagon was started by this Nick Furry-esque appearance.
Blade will surely be a building block for that branch of the universe, and Harington is expected to return in a bigger role.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Likely
(Editor’s Note: These are the last MCU projects with confirmed roles or rumored positions that must be filled. The announcement of potential projects is a condition for every character. Though, these are the fancasts that have dominated the internet for the better part of 2022. )
Fantastic Four
Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic
The Multiverse is an amusing thing. Ever since Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige uttered the words “Fantastic Four” at the end of 2019’s SDCC, there has been one man with the majority of votes to be the MCU’s Reed Richards. That fancasting came true in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness with John Krasinski becoming Earth-838’s Mr. Fantastic. It was an amazing moment.
Then, Multiverse of Madness didn’t become the most popular MCU movie ever. It was also not as well-received as people thought it would be. Alternate fancastings of the Fantastic Four leader have been the hot topic for 3 months.
Penn Badgley, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rahul Kohli, Dev Patel, John Cho, and many others have been named when discussing the ideal Reed Richards. John Krasinski is the most likely to win the franchise.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Likely
Sue Storm/Invisible Woman
Sue Storm, Marvel’s first-generation family joins Reed Richards for one of today’s most sought after roles in pop culture media. The actress who brings the Invisible Woman alive after two failed attempts with F4 will now be trusted to fulfill the role. The writers can’t stop her. )
Emily Blunt is the far-and-away favorite to join her real-life husband on screen as the parents of the MCU. Much like Krasinski, Blunt has been fancast supreme for this role since 2019.
Other names being tossed in the ring are Lily Collins, Amanda Seyfried, Kristen Stewart, and up-and-comer Samara Weaving.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Slightly Less Likely than Reed Richards
Johnny Storm/Human Torch
Reed Richards is the captain of the team. Sue Storm is the lady in the suit. Johnny Storm, however, reigns supreme. It is this character that shows the cast of Fantastic Four movies was not their fault.
MCU Legends Chris Evans, Michael B. Jordan and Johnny Storm have all been defeated before.
Dacre Montgomery, Rudy Pankow, Joe Keery, Zac Efron, and just about every other good-looking young actor have been mentioned. If done well, this role can make you a superstar.
This role is dependent on team age. Efron is a great choice if Marvel Studios becomes older. Younger? Montgomery and Pankow lead the clubhouse.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Slightly Less Likely than Reed Richards
Ben Grimm/The Thing
Ben Grimm is the most intriguing casting. This casting is dominated by the voice, as The Thing will most likely be a CGI-animated character.
There have been a variety of names thrown around from John Cena to Daveed Diggs to Jesse Plemons. Comedians Seth Rogan, Jason Segel, and Jack Black have also been pegged for the role.
No matter who Marvel chooses, this actor will join Bradley Cooper and Josh Brolin in helping to bring the heart of the movie through CGI characters.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Slightly Less Likely than Reed Richards
The Mutants
Charles Xavier/Professor X
Among the many sins committed by Fox X Men films, the cast of Professor Charles Xavier is one that has been overlooked. James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart brought the most powerful mutant on the big screen to critical acclaim. Stewart played the same role as in Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness.
Much like Professor X, the new role will be very challenging. The role has been portrayed by a variety of actors. Bryan Cranston, Ralph Fiennes, Mark Strong, Gary Oldman, and Giancarlo Esposito have been fancast as the leader of the X-Men.
More importantly, Professor X’s execution will play a major role in shaping the future of MCU. The The Mutant idea is rumoured. Now the question is, when will the X-Men appear? This will be the narrative pace set by Chuck X.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Very Low
Magneto
Just like his counterpart in the MCU, Magneto is going to be an important player for many years after he debuts. Magneto, the master magnetism, will be an affront to the mutants and even more heroes.
Giancarlo Esposito is being rumored for both sides of the mutant superpowers. Fans would be delighted to have Esposito, a legendary TV villain who has been around for many years.
Many of the above names for Professor X have been fancast to Magneto. Some outside-the-box picks are Daniel Craig, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and Jeremy Irons.
An adjusted origin story is something comic readers will need to accept. Current narratives have removed the Holocaust survivor story from their stories. Another topic is the tragic birth of Magneto.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Very Low
Wolverine
There isn’t a role that puts more pressure than Wolverine in Hollywood. There is more to Batman than Spider-Man and Superman. One Wolverine has been around since the beginning. Hugh Jackman.
Taron Egerton is the favorite on the list, but a wide variety of actors have been deemed “perfect” for the role. Tom Hardy, Keanu Reeves, Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Daniel Radcliffe, Jon Bernthal, and even fandom favorite Andrew Lincoln would perform well.
The biggest problem will be to distinguish Jackman’s Wolverine. The adaptation of the Fox X Men comics is a significant departure from the comics. A much shorter, scruffier, rougher-around-the-edges Wolverine will be the biggest advantage showrunners can give whoever wears the claws in the MCU.
CHANCES OF BEING ANNOUNCED AT SDCC: Very Low
The Defenders
The Netflix Marvel series are now available on Disney+. Charlie Cox’s appearance in Spider-Man : No Way Home paved the way for continuity within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This was in addition to Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin Hawkeye.
Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Punisher are Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Finn Jones, and Jon Bernthal’s jobs to lose. These characters are expected to answer the most pressing questions regarding the red brand, and will set the stage for street-level branches of the MCU.
The Future of the MCU
The MCU has a wide range of characters that they can add to their roster over the coming years. The MCU may just be starting to get started based on the seemingly endless X-Men roster.
These roles are something that Marvel Studios Head Of Casting Sarah Finn has perfected over time with her team. These legendary roles will be brought to life by who? Nobody knows the answer. Fans are excited about the possibility of new announcements in the coming 2.5 months.
Make sure to follow full San Diego Comic-Con 2022’s coverage from Friday, July 22, to Sunday, 24 right here at The Direct.
