Marvel Studios Prevented 1 Epic MCU Character from Returning In Phase 5

Marvel Studios' final Phase 5 movie, Thunderbolts*, did not get the chance to include one specific fan-favorite character from the Multiverse Saga.

Coming in as the major team-up movie of Phase 5, Thunderbolts* brings an extensive roster of characters together for what is expected to be an epic adventure. There is plenty to look forward to with the titular team, the villainous Sentry, and even the potential inclusion of Marvel Comics' Songbird.

This film's cast includes characters who starred in over a handful of past MCU entries, including The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and Ant-Man and the Wasp. However, that list has been narrowed down through development over the last couple of years.

Major Characters Nixed From MCU Phase 5

Speaking with GamesRadar, Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier revealed one major character he initially wanted to include in the MCU's final Phase 5 movie.

Looking back on his pitch for the movie, Schreier remembered how he "wanted Man-Thing to be on the team" at one point in the production process. However, he admitted that "it all worked out for the best" without the green behemoth in the film.

While Man-Thing made his MCU debut in Werewolf by Night, he has not been seen in the MCU since, and he did not make the cut for Thunderbolts*. However, he is far from the first actor prevented from being in a Marvel Studios project.

Most recently, a trio of characters were kept out of What If...? Season 3: Beta Ray Bill, Iron Fist, and Ghost Rider. Because they had not previously appeared in the live-action MCU, they were not available for use in the animated series.

Agatha All Along had its own duo of characters who did not make it into the series: Mephisto and Hulkling, both of whom had notable ties to the show's leading characters.

Additionally, for unknown reasons, X-Men '97 was not allowed to use Deadpool, who made his official Marvel Studios debut shortly after in Deadpool & Wolverine.

When Will Man-Thing Return to the MCU?

Man-Thing became an instant favorite upon his debut in Werewolf by Night, leading many to wonder where he could possibly appear again in the MCU. Unfortunately, more than two years after that project debuted, there is still no sign of the monster affectionately known as Ted.

This massive character was last seen in the woods sitting by a fire with Gael Garcia Bernal's Jack Russell at the end of Werewolf by Night.

Ted has connections to the supernatural side of the Marvel universe, including when he fought demons with Jennifer Kale (seen in the MCU's Agatha All Along). Other comic book issues put him in stories with the Nexus of All Realities, further tying him to events off Earth and in different realities.

While he is not expected to appear in movies like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, upcoming projects for groups like the Midnight Suns could serve as a reentry point for Ted. For now, Man-Thing will stay in the wings, but the MCU will surely revisit his area of expertise as soon as the Multiverse Saga gets closer to its conclusion.