The current iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy team is preparing to conclude their Marvel Cinematic Universe adventure together, but there’s a possibility of the Guardians making a comeback with a fresh lineup.
The final chapter of the Guardians of the Galaxy’s cinematic journey is approaching with Vol. 3. While it appears that this current incarnation of the team will reach its conclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is a strong likelihood that the roster of heroes will undergo changes to usher in a new era. The Guardians hold immense value both for the Marvel brand and within the MCU, making it unlikely for them to be completely abandoned.
Throughout the comics, a multitude of heroes have joined the Guardians, many of whom have yet to be introduced or associated with the team on screen. Marvel can draw inspiration from these characters as they plan for the future and envision the team’s destiny. Incorporating them into a forthcoming lineup would not only make narrative sense but also introduce captivating conflicts and help shape the Guardians beyond their original roster.
Moondragon
Heather Douglas, co-created by Bill Everett, Mike Friedrich, and George Tuska in 1973, remains an intriguing character who has yet to grace the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her backstory is just as tragic as many other members of the team. Following the devastating encounter of Douglas’ family with Thanos’ spaceship, the Mad Titan mercilessly took their lives, with Douglas narrowly escaping the same fate. Raised on the planet Titan, she honed her remarkable martial arts and telekinetic abilities, harnessing her power through unwavering determination. Embracing the moniker of Moondragon after a triumphant battle against a cosmic dragon, she eventually became part of the Guardians.
While her adventures are too numerous to recount, her connections with the Guardians were forged in the crucible of warfare. Intriguingly, one version of her story involves her father’s soul being placed within Drax the Destroyer, establishing a familial bond between the two. Moondragon’s origins harmonize seamlessly with what the MCU has already explored. Coupled with her diverse skill set and profound seriousness, she would serve as an excellent contrast to the lightheartedness of the group while embodying a formidable powerhouse.
Phyla-Vell
Phyla-Vell, created by Peter David and Paul Azaceta in 2004, has embraced various heroic identities throughout her career, including Quasar, Captain Marvel, and Martyr. As the daughter of Mar-Vell, she represents a second generation of heroes. With her rich cosmic comic book lineage, it was a natural fit for Phyla-Vell to join the ranks of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Although her time with the team may have been brief, she made numerous sacrifices to support her teammates and restore harmony to the galaxy.
Phyla-Vell possesses an impressive array of powers, including super speed, strength, agility, flight, and energy projection. She can also absorb energy from adversaries and wields the Quantum Bands, an artifact that has yet to be fully introduced in the MCU. As The Marvels sets out to establish the Marvel brand, it seems fitting that Phyla-Vell could soon make her debut. With her unwavering heroism and genuine compassion, she would provide a captivating contrast to the criminals and misfits who typically populate the Guardians’ roster.
Hercules
Hercules recently made his debut in the MCU through a post-credits scene in Thor: Love and Thunder, although he was originally brought to life by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. While not much is known about how the character will be portrayed on screen, the comics have portrayed the demi-god as a well-meaning yet bumbling hero, embarking on cosmic adventures. While similarities may exist between Thor and Hercules, the Olympian’s persistent avoidance of responsibility starkly contrasts with the Asgardians’ eventual ascension to monarchy.
Considering that Thor has already joined the team, the Guardians will require an equally formidable and fantastical figure to fill his shoes. Hercules brings with him a lineage of adversaries for the Guardians to confront, with some of their most captivating narratives in recent years involving clashes with the ancient Greek Gods. The kind-hearted yet naive Hercules would serve as an organic replacement for characters like Drax as the team dynamics evolve. With Hercules needing to acclimate himself to the vastness of the cosmos away from his father, a group like the Guardians might be the ideal environment for him to find his footing.
Agent Venom
Flash Thompson, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in 1962, stands out as one of the prominent characters to bond with the Venom Symbiote. Initially portrayed as a monstrous antagonist to Spider-Man, the character later developed a symbiotic connection with the alien entity, transforming into the military-inspired Agent Venom in 2011. With an improved understanding of his newfound abilities, Thompson became a vital intermediary between the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy. However, as the Klyntar symbiote occasionally exhibited volatile behavior, Agent Venom added a dangerous dynamic to the team, leaving his allies uncertain about his ability to keep the symbiote under control.
While Flash Thompson is currently a character in the MCU, it’s improbable that he will be bonded with the Venom Symbiote in the near future, although it cannot be completely ruled out. If the cinematic adaptation were to follow the military-focused storyline from the comics, the transformation into Agent Venom might be a more plausible scenario than the traditional monstrous iteration. Joining the Guardians of the Galaxy may seem like a distant possibility, yet the inclusion of Thompson could create a hilariously mismatched dynamic of personalities, making his addition to the team an unexpectedly fantastic choice.
Angela
Angela, originally created by Todd McFarlane and Neil Gaiman in 1993 within Image Comics, eventually found her way to Marvel in 2013. Seamlessly fitting into Asgardian comic runs, she was revealed as Aldrif Odinsdottir, Thor’s long-lost sister. With her intergalactic origin story established, a collaboration with the Guardians of the Galaxy became increasingly probable. Angela is a complex character, often misunderstood and harboring inner rage, making her both friend and foe to Marvel’s heroes. Her presence introduces captivating conflicts that the rest of the team must navigate.
In the MCU, a variant of the Guardians known as the Aguardians of the Galaxy has been established, featuring Thor among their ranks. With the deity of Thunder moving on, a godly version of the team could be reinstated, with Angela filling his powerful shoes. Her stern and regal persona provides a striking contrast to the whimsical nature of the Guardians, while her awe-inspiring abilities make her a formidable force on which the team can depend as a true powerhouse.
Cosmic Ghost Rider
There have been many individuals who have taken up the Ghost Rider mantle as heroes, but only one has assumed the role of the Cosmic Ghost Rider. This unique character was conceived by Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw in 2018. In a significant departure from the norm, Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, became the vessel for the Spirit of Vengeance. Driven by a relentless desire for justice against Thanos and the havoc he had wrought, Castle joined forces with the Dark Guardians of the Galaxy, a newly-formed team dedicated to thwarting Thanos’ ambitions. Castle’s exceptional strategic abilities and supernatural powers made him a valuable asset to the team.
Currently, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) does not have an official portrayal of The Punisher. However, with Frank Castle’s anticipated return in Daredevil: Born Again, it is likely that this will change. The supernatural aspect of the MCU is also expanding, with characters like Werewolf By Night, presenting an opportunity for the unexpected debut of a Ghost Rider on screen through Castle’s involvement. While it may seem unlikely for the Cosmic Ghost Rider to appear in the next lineup of the Guardians, there are narrative elements taking shape that could pave the way for such a development in the future.
Gladiator
Gladiator, a prominent member of the Shi’ar Empire and the leader of its Imperial Guard, has made appearances in various iterations of the Guardians of the Galaxy, including the Dark Guardians and the replacement Annihilators. Created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum in 1977, Gladiator possesses an unwavering determination and is wholly consumed by his purpose. This single-mindedness can sometimes make him an unpredictable presence, as he becomes laser-focused on his mission. Nevertheless, this intergalactic hero has proven his worth on numerous occasions, despite his unyielding loyalty to the Shi’ar Empire.
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has yet to introduce the Shi’ar Empire, given the establishment of other cosmic factions like the Kree and Skrulls, it is only a matter of time before the group comes into play. When that happens, it is highly likely that Gladiator will find a place among their ranks. Considering the current Guardians of the Galaxy have established a connection with the now-destroyed Nova Corps, Gladiator could potentially join the team as an envoy, forging a bond with this new major power.
Beta Ray Bill
Beta Ray Bill, introduced by Walt Simonson in 1983, has earned the esteemed status of an honorary member among the Asgardians and a worthy wielder of a hammer akin to Mjolnir. Despite being initially judged as a monstrous being, Beta Ray Bill is undeniably one of the mightiest heroes in the Marvel universe. His valor and might made him an invaluable ally for the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Cosmo, the telepathic dog, recognized his exceptional strength, speed, and thunderous abilities, making him one of the first choices for the team’s new lineup.
The anticipation for Beta Ray Bill’s arrival in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is high, as fans eagerly await his debut. There are numerous compelling Easter eggs that support the theory of his imminent appearance. Given the uncertain future of Thor’s franchise, the logical step would be to introduce this space-faring warrior through the Guardians. Beta Ray Bill’s unique blend of absurdity and his keen sense of humor would seamlessly integrate him into the team, without any questions asked. Furthermore, his perspective, ironically grounded despite the alien setting, would provide an intriguing contrast to the cosmic scene.
Starfox
Eros, an Eternal and the brother of Thanos, has found himself at odds with the Guardians of the Galaxy. However, despite his arrogance, this romantic character has become a valued member of the team. Created by Jim Starlin in 1973, Eros, also known as Starfox, joined the Dark Guardians with the aim of restoring order to the galaxy by tracking down Gamora and preventing Thanos’ return. While his intentions may have been noble, it placed him in direct conflict with the main team, testing his strength against the classic lineup. His recent rise as a prominent member of the Eternals has solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the universe’s power struggles.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Starfox made a brief cameo appearance in Eternals. His fate remains unknown, but as a newer addition to the Guardians, Eros could serve as the charismatic yet egotistical spokesperson for the group. While he may be scrappy in battle, Starfox’s charm could introduce a fresh dynamic to a team that heavily relies on Star-Lord’s persuasive abilities. Thus, Eros could become a pivotal figure around whom a different iteration of the Guardians could be built.
With numerous possibilities for the MCU to explore, including the potential inclusion of heroes like Quasar, Nova, Lylla, and Adam Warlock, there are plenty of options to form a distinct Guardians lineup. Whether Marvel intends to pursue this direction remains to be seen, but these existing comic book characters offer a wealth of unique stories waiting to be told.
Personally, I’m waiting for Hercules