In the initial three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Avengers consistently served as the core superhero team and frequently participated in major events. However, as the narrative arc of the universe evolved, Marvel Studios began to diversify its strategy by developing multiple teams and superhero groups to pave the way for a new generation to replace the original Avengers. This is also the reason why, in the subsequent three phases, extending from 2021 to 2026, the studio is only set to release two Avengers blockbusters, namely The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars.
Like a vital link, the emergence of numerous distinct superhero teams coincides with the introduction of several new, more formidable villain organizations, featuring larger-than-life scales. In practice, Marvel Studios has also stealthily prepared for the debut of several vibrant new teams for its future projects.
The Intelligencia
The Intelligencia first appeared in the series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law as a group of anti-fans targeting the new superhero lawyer, Jennifer Walters. However, in the comics, the Intelligencia is an assembly of some of the most brilliant villains in the Marvel universe, known for their cunning intelligence and plots against superheroes. The group is led by Samuel Sterns, also known as the Leader. Reports indicate that this villain will play a role in the upcoming blockbuster Captain America: New World Order, scheduled for release in May 2024. This has led many fans to believe that Marvel Studios still has significant plans for the Intelligencia, especially since their appearance in She-Hulk was merely a teaser for their larger role.
Alongside this, after their debut, the Intelligencia has also opened the door for various other villains to join the MCU in the near future, including well-known names like Mad Thinker, Mr. Sinister, and The Wizard. Even MODOK, who appeared in Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, is a significant member of the Intelligencia in the comic source material. The emergence of these characters will make the Intelligencia a more formidable threat and potentially serve as a counterbalance to the Avengers in the near future of the MCU.
The Dark Avengers
Marvel Studios has been quietly developing the Thunderbolts team throughout Phase 4 of the MCU, through projects like Black Widow, The Falcon & the Winter Soldier, and Hawkeye. This team is set to officially debut in July 2024, closing out Phase 5. However, the emergence of the Thunderbolts could also pave the way for the Dark Avengers as a replacement for the Avengers in the future, steering the MCU into a darker direction.
In the comics, the Dark Avengers are considered an evil version of the Thunderbolts, originating from the events of the 2008 storyline Secret Invasion. After the Skrull invasion, Norman Osborn transformed the Thunderbolts into a new superhero team, dubbed the “dark Avengers,” to become the most dangerous team in the world for an extended period. However, many members of this group are actually villains, frequently undermining the reputation of the Avengers and constantly engaging in malicious activities.
The Gamma Corps
After years of playing a supporting role, Hulk has begun to receive significant attention regarding his legacy and fame. Over the past year, Marvel Studios has introduced various iterations of Hulk into the MCU, including She-Hulk, Skaar – Hulk’s son, and the upcoming Red Hulk – a character set to appear in Captain America: New World Order. This has led many fans to believe that Marvel Studios will soon bring the Gamma Corps to the big screen.
In the She-Hulk series, members of the Intelligencia obtained blood samples from Jennifer Walters and created a serum capable of transforming ordinary humans into Hulk-like beings. This storyline has not yet been fully resolved by Marvel Studios, and it is entirely possible that it serves as a precursor to the introduction of the Gamma Corps, a military unit created under the influence of gamma rays, recognized by the U.S. government for their potential to counteract Hulk’s destructive power.
In the comics, the Gamma Corps consists of individuals who have undergone various transformations related to Hulk, first appearing in the 2007 storyline World War Hulk. The Gamma Corps was assembled after the green-skinned hero declared war on Earth. Although they do not need to be overly complex, these characters could still play essential roles to support the development of Hulk’s character and deepen his story.
H.A.M.M.E.R
Although S.W.O.R.D has replaced S.H.I.E.L.D in the MCU, Marvel Studios has also stealthily sown the seeds for a darker organization, primarily H.A.M.M.E.R. In the source material, H.A.M.M.E.R was established following the Skrull invasion, operating similarly to a “dark version” of S.H.I.E.L.D – an organization that had been regarded as defunct after Tony Stark took on the role of director following the events of the superhero civil war.
Actually, during the events of Secret Invasion, Norman Osborn was appointed by the U.S. government to lead this new intelligence organization. Almost immediately, he utilized his newfound power to establish the Dark Avengers and control the country.
S.W.O.R.D faced numerous significant failures when replacing S.H.I.E.L.D, including the Scarlet Witch’s incident in Westview and the upcoming secret invasion by the Skrulls in Secret Invasion. Alongside this, with the Thunderbolts set to debut, it is highly likely that H.A.M.M.E.R will be quickly established to replace S.W.O.R.D, simultaneously activating the Dark Reign storyline in the MCU. This storyline centers around Norman Osborn’s stronghold, as he dares to control a covert invasion, aiming to conquer New Asgard.
The Sinister Six
Spider-Man: No Way Home introduced five villains from Spider-Man into the MCU, leaving only one villain missing for a live-action version of the Sinister Six to exist in cinematic history. In reality, Sony has been quietly developing this villainous team for several years, featuring characters like Vulture, Morbius, Venom, and soon Kraven the Hunter.
No Way Home demonstrated that Sony is always prepared for Marvel Studios to borrow characters from the Spider-Verse. This could certainly happen in the future, especially as Peter Parker’s journey within the MCU is far from over. Additionally, the upcoming large-scale event, Secret Wars, is likely to bring many surprises and could potentially introduce the Sinister Six into the MCU.
Serpent Society
Sam Wilson will officially make his MCU debut as the new Captain America through the project New World Order, set to release on May 3, 2024. The title of this film hints at the possibility of the Serpent Society making an early appearance on the big screen. This is a criminal organization consisting of supervillains who often engage in illicit activities for prominent villains like Kingpin, Hydra, or AIM. The Serpent Society is known for its high-stakes missions, often coming into conflict with the Avengers.
In fact, Marvel Studios’ head, Kevin Feige, has been planning to introduce the Serpent Society into the MCU since 2014 through a Captain America project. However, this project was later replaced by Civil War, and only recently has Feige had the opportunity to realize this vision. Some sources suggest that actress Xosha Roquemore will portray the supervillain Diamondback, a member of the Serpent Society in New World Order.
The Serpent Society is likely to not only appear once in the MCU but will continuously create challenges for the Avengers in various projects. Additionally, the Serpent Society could potentially serve as a critical puzzle piece in the greater narrative tapestry of the MCU in the upcoming phases, along with potential projects like Daredevil: Born Again, Echo, and Captain America.
Source: Marvel Studios, ScreenRant
