10 Most Forgettable MCU Characters, Ranked
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought countless heroes and villains to life, creating iconic figures that dominate pop culture. From Iron Man to Thanos, these characters leave lasting impressions with their epic battles and deep stories.
Yet, not every character gets the spotlight. Some slip through the cracks, barely registering with audiences despite their potential. In this list, I have ranked the ten most forgettable MCU characters, from minor players to those who deserved better.
10. W’Kabi
W’Kabi, portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya in ‘Black Panther’, is a Wakandan warrior and Okoye’s husband. His role as a loyal friend turns sour when he sides with Killmonger, betraying his nation.
Despite Kaluuya’s strong performance, W’Kabi fades into the background. His betrayal lacks depth, and he’s barely mentioned in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. A talented actor like Kaluuya deserved a more memorable arc.
9. Betty Ross
Liv Tyler’s Betty Ross in ‘The Incredible Hulk’ is Bruce Banner’s love interest and a scientist caught in his chaotic world. She tries to help him control his Hulk transformations, but their chemistry feels flat.
The film’s early place in the MCU and its disconnect from later projects make Betty forgettable. Tyler’s return in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ might give her a chance to shine, but for now, she’s a distant memory.
8. Dr. Helen Cho
Claudia Kim plays Dr. Helen Cho in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, a brilliant geneticist who creates the regeneration cradle. Her tech helps birth Vision, a key MCU figure.
Cho’s role is purely functional, with no personal depth or follow-up in later films. She’s a missed opportunity for a recurring scientist character, overshadowed by the bigger Avengers narrative.
7. Talos
Ben Mendelsohn’s Talos in ‘Captain Marvel’ starts as an intriguing Skrull leader with a twist—he’s not the villain fans expect. His shapeshifting and moral complexity hint at potential.
Later appearances in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ and ‘Secret Invasion’ dilute his impact. Talos becomes a generic ally, losing the spark that made him stand out initially.
6. Ghost
Hannah John-Kamen’s Ava Starr, aka Ghost, is the antagonist in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’. Her phasing powers and tragic backstory as a victim of S.H.I.E.L.D. experiments are compelling on paper.
Poor writing and a bland costume make her forgettable. Her arc resolves too easily, and while she’s set to return in ‘Thunderbolts*’, her first outing left little mark.
5. Harley Keener
Ty Simpkins plays Harley Keener, the kid who helps Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man 3’. Their bond is sweet, and Harley’s resourcefulness stands out in a small-town setting.
His brief cameo at Tony’s funeral in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ feels like an afterthought. Without a clear role beyond that, Harley remains a charming but forgettable footnote.
4. The Leader
Samuel Sterns, portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson in ‘The Incredible Hulk’, is a scientist whose exposure to gamma radiation hints at his transformation into the Leader, a classic Marvel villain.
The film’s lack of follow-up and the MCU’s shift away from solo Hulk stories leave him stranded. His return in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ could redeem him, but he’s long been overlooked.
3. Baron von Strucker
Baron von Strucker, played by Thomas Kretschmann, appears in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ as a HYDRA leader experimenting with Loki’s scepter. His monocle and sinister vibe are straight from the comics.
He’s defeated quickly, with no real impact on the story. His brief cameo in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ doesn’t help, making him a forgettable villain in a crowded universe.
2. Malekith
Christopher Eccleston’s Malekith leads the Dark Elves in ‘Thor: The Dark World’, aiming to plunge the universe into darkness. His menacing look promises a formidable foe.
Weak writing and a generic motive make him bland. Eccleston’s talent is wasted, and the film’s poor reception buries Malekith as one of the MCU’s least memorable villains.
1. Crossbones
Brock Rumlow, aka Crossbones, played by Frank Grillo, is a HYDRA operative in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and ‘Captain America: Civil War’. His brutal fighting style is a highlight in intense action scenes.
His role as a minor antagonist and quick defeat in ‘Civil War’ leave him underdeveloped. Despite comic book potential, Crossbones never gets the chance to leave a lasting impression.
Which MCU character do you think deserved more screen time, or did I miss someone truly forgettable? Drop your thoughts in the comments!