BY SONIA NG
The recent release of WandaVision and The Falcon and the WInter Soldier has introduced many new characters to the MCU. Countless comic book characters can be seen making their MCU debut within these shows including Joaquin Torres, Agatha Harkness, White Vision and US Agent. With the upcoming release of Loki and the other Disney+ shows that Marvel has in development, there are bound to be even more characters that will be joining the MCU.
A few characters in particular have viewers excited for the future of the MCU. Introduced in WandaVision. Billy and Tommy Maximoff, played by Julian Hillard and Jett Klyne respectively, are the twin sons of Elizabeth Olsen’s character, Wanda Maximoff. In the comics, they are known as Wiccan and Speed respectively and they are members of the Young Avengers. Their introduction to the MCU has many viewers excited that the Young Avengers may finally take their spot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Via Marvel
Though nothing has been confirmed, there is sufficient evidence to speculate that the Young Avengers team could be assembling soon.
#1 The Team Members
The Young Avengers team consists of multiple team members, many of which have been confirmed to make their MCU debut in upcoming MCU projects.
Portrayed by Elijah Richerdson, Eli Bradely was introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Known as Patriot in the comics, Eli gained his Super Soldier abilities after receiving a blood transfusion from his grandfather, the first Black Captain America, Isaiah Bradely. Although we have only seen him very briefly so far, there is reason to speculate that we may be seeing more of him in the future given Patriots role as leader to the Young Avengers.
Via Insider
Another Young Avengers team member that will be making their MCU debut soon is Kate Bishop, also known as Hawkeye. She will be played by Hailee Steinfeld and she is set to make her first appearance in the MCU in the upcoming Disney+ series, Hawkeye. Though it is unclear what her origin story will be within the MCU, Kate’s comic book counterpart took on the mantle of Hawkeye upon Captain America’s request.
Via IMDB
Other team members that have been confirmed to have a role within the MCU include,Cassie Lang who will be played by Kathryn Newton in the upcoming Ant-man movie and America Chavez who will be played by Xochitl Gomez in the upcoming Dr Strange movie.
There are still a few Young Avengers team members who have not been cast or made an appearance in any MCU project thus far. Hulking, Iron Lad, Prodigy and Marvel Boy have yet to make their MCU debut and it is unsure when they will. However, the current number of team members who have been confirmed to have a role within the MCU is more than enough proof that the Young Avengers will be coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe sooner rather than later.
#2 Kang the Conqueror
The formation of the Young Avengers team within the comics begins when Iron Lad finds the Avengers fail-safe programme. Using this programme, Iron Lad sets out to recruit young relatives of the Avengers to form a brand new team. He assumes the role as the leader of the team until it is eventually revealed that Iron Lad is from the future and he is on the run from his future self, Kang the Conqueror.
Kang the Conqueror is set to make his MCU debut in the upcoming Ant-man movie and he will be played by Jonathan Majors. Kang’s love interest Ravonna Lexus Renslayer will also be making her MCU debut in the upcoming Loki Disney+ series. Portrayed by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ravonna serves as a judge at the Time Variance Authority, unlike her comic book counterpart who is a princess from the 40th century.
Via comicbook
The casting of these two characters adds more fuel to the fire and further supports the rumors that the Young Avengers will soon be joining the MCU.
#3 Avengers 5
Speaking with IGN, Kevin Fiege confirms that Avengers 5 will happen one day. Furthermore, there has been speculation that Avengers 5 is already in development at Marvel Studios after the Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s head writer, Malcolm Spellman, revealed in an interview that he was surprised at how few upcoming MCU projects have been announced.
Via insidethemagic
With the number of team members already cast in the various upcoming MCU projects, fans are speculating that the upcoming Avengers 5 movie will be a Young Avengers movie. This could potentially be true however, fans will just have to wait until Marvel makes an official announcement.
#4 Unannounced Upcoming Projects
After Spellman’s tease of unannounced upcoming MCU projects, many fans came to the conclusion that a Young Avengers movie was one of these unannounced projects. Currently, it has been revealed that Marvel has plans for projects up till the year 2025 and only projects up till 2023 have been announced.
Via polygon
With the time needed to introduce the team members of the Young Avengers into the MCU and allowing them time to find their place within the cinematic universe, it is entirely possible that the Young Avengers movie is one of the upcoming projects that will take place after the year 2023. Once again, fans will just have to wait and see.
From the castings of many members of the Young Avengers team to the unannounced Avengers 5 project, it seems like all clues point to a future Young Avengers film for the MCU. Though confirmation for this movie will most likely not come so soon, fans can still find the satisfaction in watching the individual members of the Young Avengers team make their own MCU debuts.
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