
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has transformed from a collection of Earth-bound hero tales into a vast multiversal epic where gods, cosmic entities, and god-like beings dictate the fate of realities. Starting with the Asgardians in Thor (2011), the MCU has woven in divine figures from various mythologies, interstellar origins, and abstract concepts, each adding layers of power and complexity to the narrative. These entities often transcend human comprehension, influencing events on a galactic or even universal scale.
With the progression into Phase 6, including releases like Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and the Ironheart series in 2025, the MCU introduces even more formidable divine and god-like characters. Marvel Studios is still expanding the roster and bringing new threats and alliances that tie into larger multiversal conflicts. These additions not only heighten the stakes but also deepen the exploration of what it means to wield god-like power in a universe teeming with heroes and villains.
Celestial Beings
The Celestials

The Celestials, ancient cosmic entities who seed life across the universe, first appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) with figures like Eson the Searcher wielding the Power Stone to destroy planets. In Eternals (2021), Arishem the Judge, Jemiah the Analyzer, Hargen the Measurer, and the emerging Tiamut demonstrate their god-like authority by creating suns, judging civilizations, and birthing new Celestials from planetary cores.
Their immense size, energy manipulation, and role in universal balance position them as the MCU's most formidable creators, far surpassing mortal gods in scope and influence.
Ego

Ego, a living planet and Celestial who manipulates matter to expand his consciousness across galaxies, debuted in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) as Peter Quill's father. His ability to form avatars, regenerate, and assimilate worlds makes him a deceptive and destructive force, only defeated by destroying his core brain. Ego's quest for universal domination shows the perilous nature of celestial power.
Peter Quill

Peter Quill, known as Star-Lord and a half-Celestial hybrid through Ego, debuted in Guardians of the Galaxy. He briefly wielded god-like matter manipulation before losing his heritage after killing his godly father, Ego, in Guardians of the Galaxy 2. His resilience, leadership, and human ingenuity persist, marking him as a former divine entity among mortals.
Eternity

Eternity, the abstract embodiment of the universe itself capable of granting reality-altering wishes, made its MCU debut in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) when Gorr the God Butcher accessed it to resurrect his daughter. As a being of infinite scope, Eternity represents the pinnacle of cosmic divinity, accessible only through immense sacrifice and wielding power that could reshape existence.
Galactus

Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds cursed with an insatiable hunger for planetary life forces, debuted in the MCU in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025). Ralph Ineson portrayed him as a tragic cosmic entity seeking to pass his burden to Franklin Richards. His vast powers include energy absorption, cosmic awareness, and empowering heralds like Shalla-Bal, making him a cataclysmic threat driven by survival rather than malice.
Shalla-Bal (Silver Surfer)

Shalla-Bal, a Zenn-Lavian empowered as Galactus's herald with the Power Cosmic, was introduced in The Fantastic Four: First Steps as a female iteration of the Silver Surfer, scouting worlds for her master's consumption. Her abilities encompass interstellar travel at light speeds, energy manipulation, and matter transmutation.
Franklin Richards

Franklin Richards, the infant son of Reed and Sue Richards possessing omega-level reality-warping abilities, appears in The Fantastic Four: First Steps as a target for Galactus's curse. His nascent powers allow him to manipulate matter, energy, and even universes, hinting at a future where he could rival or surpass entities like Eternity.
Asgardian Gods
Odin

Odin, the All-Father and ruler of Asgard, who wields the Odinforce for enchantments and cosmic battles, first appeared in Thor as a wise yet flawed king who imprisoned Hela and enchanted Mjolnir. His abilities include energy projection, wisdom-granting visions, and leadership over the Nine Realms, though his aging and eventual death in Thor: Ragnarok (2017) pass the mantle to his heirs.
Surtur

Surtur, the fire demon destined to trigger Ragnarok with his Twilight Sword, debuted in Thor: Ragnarok, where, empowered by the Eternal Flame, he destroys Asgard and defeats Hela. His immense size, flame manipulation, and apocalyptic strength make him a realm-ending threat.
Hela

Hela, the Goddess of Death and Odin's firstborn, who draws power from Asgard to summon weapons and raise the dead, is a conqueror capable of shattering Mjolnir and decimating armies. Her necromancy and regenerative abilities tie directly to Asgard's existence, rendering her nearly invincible until Ragnarok's flames consume her.
Thor

Thor, the God of Thunder who channels lightning through weapons like Mjolnir and Stormbreaker, thundered into the MCU in Thor as a reckless prince evolving into a cosmic guardian. His superhuman strength, flight, and resilience enable him to battle threats like Thanos and Gorr the God Butcher, solidifying his role as a protector across realms.
Hercules

Hercules, the demigod son of Zeus known for his immense strength and warrior prowess, made a brief post-credits appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder as an Olympian tasked with hunting Thor. Drawing from Greek mythology, his abilities rival Thor's, including durability and combat mastery honed through legendary labors.
Loki

Loki, the God of Mischief, adopted by Odin and skilled in illusions, shape-shifting, and sorcery, debuted in Thor as a cunning antagonist who evolves into a multiversal anti-hero. His time manipulation in the Loki series (2021-2023) and variant explorations add layers to his deceptive nature, often relying on intellect over brute force. The character might get even more complex when he features in Avengers: Doomsday after this Tom Hiddleston tease.
Heimdall

Heimdall, the all-seeing gatekeeper of Asgard who controls the Bifrost and perceives across the Nine Realms, first appeared in Thor as a loyal sentinel with exceptional swordsmanship and omniscience. His ability to transport beings instantaneously and detect threats from afar makes him invaluable. His sacrifice to Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) showed his dedication and loyalty.
Frigga

Frigga, the Queen of Asgard and master of illusions and sorcery who taught Loki her arts, debuted in Thor as a nurturing yet formidable figure wielding protective spells. She had immense wisdom and magical prowess, especially in defensive battles. Despite her strength, she died at the hands of the Dark Elves in Thor: The Dark World (2013).
Valkyrie

Valkyrie, also known as Brunnhilde, the King of New Asgard and an elite warrior who commands Pegasus mounts, entered the MCU in Thor: Ragnarok after surviving Hela's massacre of her sisters. She has enhanced strength, agility, and leadership skills, which allowed her to even battle Hulk.
Lady Sif

Lady Sif, an Asgardian warrior goddess renowned for her swordsmanship and loyalty, first appeared in Thor fighting alongside the Warriors Three against threats like Loki and Gorr. Her superhuman durability and combat skills endure multiple battles across realms.
Olympian Gods
Zeus

Zeus, the King of Olympus who commands lightning and presides over Omnipotence City, debuted in Thor: Love and Thunder as an arrogant leader wielding his thunderbolt. His regeneration and authority over other gods are evident, though Thor's attack exposes vulnerabilities thanks to his complacency.
Dionysus

Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry who indulges in Omnipotence City's excesses, was mentioned and briefly seen in a deleted scene from Thor: Love and Thunder. His powers likely include illusion and emotional manipulation, often relying on Zeus's protection rather than direct confrontation.
Egyptian Ennead
Bast

Bast, the Panther Goddess who guides Wakandans and grants the Black Panther's enhanced abilities via the Heart-Shaped Herb, was first mentioned in Black Panther (2018) and appeared in Thor: Love and Thunder as an Ennead member. Her protective influence emphasizes agility, strength, and wisdom, tied to her worshipers' faith.
Osiris

Osiris, the Ennead god of the underworld who judges souls and empowers avatars, debuted in Moon Knight (2022) as a council member maintaining balance among the gods. His immortality and afterlife dominion allow him to influence human affairs indirectly.
Ammit

Ammit, the Goddess of Judgment, who devours unworthy souls to preempt evil, appeared in Moon Knight, imprisoned within Arthur Harrow before her seeming destruction. Her abilities include size alteration, soul consumption, and avatar enhancement, making her a vigilant yet extreme enforcer.
Horus

Horus, the sky god of the Ennead with falcon attributes who controls elements and empowers avatars, entered the MCU in Moon Knight as part of the godly council. Horus embodies ancient Egyptian vigilance in the modern MCU.
Khonshu

Khonshu, the Egyptian moon god who grants Moon Knight enhanced healing, strength, and sky manipulation, debuted in Moon Knight as a banished Ennead seeking vengeance through avatars. His immortality and nocturnal powers drive a relentless pursuit of justice, often clashing with other gods.
Isis

Isis, the Ennead goddess of magic and protection who wields spells through avatars, appeared in Moon Knight on the godly council. Her abilities focus on healing and enchantment, influencing events subtly from the shadows.
Hathor

Hathor, the Ennead goddess of love and music who influences emotions via avatars, debuted in Moon Knight as a council member. Her subtle powers promote harmony but require human conduits. Hathor's benevolent traits soften the Ennead's judgmental nature.
Taweret

Taweret, the hippopotamus-headed goddess of childbirth and fertility who aids souls in the afterlife, entered the MCU in Moon Knight with protective magic and superhuman strength. Her cheerful guidance and supportive role distinguish her from vengeful gods.
Other God-like Entities
Dormammu

Dormammu, ruler of the Dark Dimension, who consumes realities with timeless magic, first appeared in Doctor Strange (2016) as an unstoppable force outmaneuvered by a time loop. His infinite energy and dimensional control pose existential threats, making him a lethal entity.
Thanos

Thanos, the Mad Titan driven by a genocidal quest to balance the universe, debuted in The Avengers (2012) and rose to prominence in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame (2019). His superhuman strength, intellect, and near-invulnerability, amplified by the Infinity Gauntlet, allow him to wield god-like power, reshaping reality with a snap.
K'uk'ulkan (Namor)

Namor, worshiped as K'uk'ulkan the Feathered Serpent God by the Talokanil due to his mutant powers, debuted in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) with aquatic adaptation, flight, and superhuman strength. His leadership and combat prowess rival the gods.
The Grandmaster

The Grandmaster, an Elder of the Universe who manipulates cosmic energy and rules Sakaar with games, debuted in Thor: Ragnarok as an immortal trickster. His advanced technology and longevity enable control over champions like Hulk. The Grandmaster's eccentricity also adds whimsy to his primordial power.
The Collector

The Collector, another Elder hoarding cosmic artifacts with manipulative energy, entered the MCU in Guardians of the Galaxy seeking Infinity Stones. His immortality and resourcefulness drive his obsessive collection.
Falligar the Behemoth

Falligar the Behemoth, a benevolent patron god slain by Gorr, appeared as a corpse in Thor: Love and Thunder, implying superhuman strength and durability.
Rapu

Rapu, a minor god who sustained life but abandoned his followers, showed up in Thor: Love and Thunder only to be killed by Gorr's Necrosword.
Adam Warlock

Adam Warlock, an engineered Sovereign being with energy manipulation and invulnerability, appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, created by the High Evolutionary. His strength and cosmic potential grow through experience, positioning him as a synthetic god-like guardian.
Chafa

Chafa, the first Choctaw woman and ancestral spirit who saved her people from a cave-in, appeared in Echo (2024), passing powers like strength to descendants like Maya Lopez.
Lowak

Lowak, a Choctaw ancestor and fierce competitor who led her team to victory in tribal games, debuted in Echo, granting Maya Lopez agility and cunning.
Tuklo

Tuklo, a Choctaw marksman ancestor who protected her father with unerring accuracy, entered the MCU in Echo, bestowing precision and bravery on Maya Lopez. Her skills manifest in enhanced aim and courage.
Death

Death, the cosmic embodiment of mortality influencing life cycles, debuted in Agatha All Along (2024) through the Witches’ Road and Agatha Harkness’ dark bargains. As an abstract rivaling Eternity in comics, her subtle MCU presence suggests vast, unseen power.
Mephisto

Mephisto, a demonic entity manipulating souls and reality, debuted in Ironheart (2025). Sacha Baron Cohen portrayed him as a cunning deal-maker. His magical prowess, including illusions and dimensional control, rivals Dormammu, positioning him as a massive threat who influences conflicts.
Geraldo Amartey is a writer at The Direct. He joined the team in 2025, bringing with him four years of experience covering entertainment news, pop culture, and fan-favorite franchises for sites like YEN, Briefly and Tuko.