Top 10 New Characters Introduced in Marvel Phase 5

Marvel’s Phase 5, running from 2023 to 2025, has unleashed a wave of fresh characters that expand the MCU’s wild multiversal narrative. From cosmic heavyweights to street-level heroes, these newcomers bring bold energy and set the stage for epic future stories.

I’ve ranked the top 10 new characters introduced in Phase 5, counting down from the least to the most impactful. These picks, blending your choices with some standouts, shine for their unique powers, compelling arcs, and potential to redefine the MCU’s next steps.

10. Riri Williams

Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022) and ‘Ironheart’ (2025), is a teen genius who builds her own Iron Man-style suit. Her tech-savvy grit makes her a worthy successor to Tony Stark.

Riri’s debut showed her raw talent, and ‘Ironheart’ explores her Chicago roots, blending action with coming-of-age drama. Her inventive spirit and underdog vibe make her a fresh addition, though she’s still finding her footing in the MCU’s bigger picture.

9. Red Hulk

Red Hulk, aka Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025), is a gamma-powered brute with military clout. His transformation into a raging anti-hero shakes up the MCU’s political landscape.

Red Hulk’s raw strength and ties to the Hulk mythos bring a grounded, explosive edge. While his full role is still unfolding, his debut promises intense clashes and a complex dynamic with Sam Wilson’s Captain America, marking him as a bold Phase 5 addition.

8. Joaquin Torres

Joaquin Torres, played by Danny Ramirez in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021) and ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025), becomes the new Falcon, wielding high-tech wings and a heroic spirit. His military background fuels his rise as Sam Wilson’s ally.

Torres’s charm and loyalty shine, setting him up as a key player in the MCU’s street-level stories. His role in ‘Brave New World’ hints at bigger things, making him a fan-favorite underdog ready to soar in future projects.

7. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021), ‘Black Widow’ (2021), and ‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025), is a cunning manipulator pulling strings behind the MCU’s anti-hero teams. Her shady motives keep everyone guessing.

Val’s sharp wit and mysterious agenda make her a standout, especially as she builds the Thunderbolts. Her growing influence suggests she’ll be a major power player, adding a sly, unpredictable vibe to Phase 5’s narrative.

6. Wiccan

Wiccan, aka Billy Kaplan, played by Joe Locke in ‘Agatha All Along’ (2024), is Wanda Maximoff’s reborn son with reality-warping magic. His quest to find his brother Tommy on the Witches’ Road sets him up as a Young Avengers leader.

Wiccan’s emotional depth and powerful abilities build on ‘WandaVision’ (2021), making him a fan favorite. His introduction signals a new generation of heroes, with potential team-ups alongside Ms. Marvel, positioning him as a key figure in the MCU’s future.

5. Kang the Conqueror

Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, first appeared as his variant He Who Remains in ‘Loki’ Season 1 (2021), with the Conqueror himself debuting in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ (2023). He’s a time-traveling warlord bent on multiversal domination.

Kang’s menacing presence and infinite variants made him a thrilling threat, but his loss to Ant-Man felt underwhelming, hurting his ranking. Had his arc not stumbled, he’d top this list—his potential as a saga-defining villain remains massive.

4. Rio Vidal

Rio Vidal, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza in ‘Agatha All Along’ (2024), is revealed as Death, a mystical force tied to Agatha Harkness’s dark past. Her deadly powers and enigmatic charm shake up the MCU’s magical corner.

Plaza’s electric performance makes Rio a standout, blending wit with cosmic menace. Her role as Death hints at huge implications, potentially tying to Young Avengers or multiversal epics, cementing her as one of Phase 5’s most intriguing additions.

3. Agatha Harkness

Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn in ‘WandaVision’ (2021) and ‘Agatha All Along’ (2024), is a cunning witch with centuries of magical expertise. Her manipulative schemes and tragic backstory make her a complex anti-hero.

Hahn’s magnetic portrayal turned Agatha into a breakout star, with her own show diving deeper into her power-hungry past. Her ties to the Young Avengers and mystical MCU arcs position her as a pivotal figure in Phase 5’s evolving narrative.

2. Sentry

Sentry, aka Bob Reynolds, played by Lewis Pullman in ‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025), is a troubled hero with near-limitless strength and a dark alter ego, The Void. His mysterious role in the anti-hero team teases a game-changing presence.

Sentry’s Superman-level power and psychological complexity make him a massive addition to the MCU. His potential to unleash chaos in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ or beyond marks him as a top-tier debut, ready to reshape the franchise.

1. Cassandra Nova

Cassandra Nova, portrayed by Emma Corrin in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024), is Charles Xavier’s telepathic twin, a mutant villain obsessed with multiversal destruction. Her chilling schemes and raw power make her a terrifying force.

Corrin’s gripping performance and Nova’s X-Men ties elevate her to the top spot. Her survival in the film hints at a return as a multiversal threat in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, making her Phase 5’s most impactful and unforgettable new character.

Which Phase 5 character do you think steals the show, or is there a newcomer I missed? Drop your picks in the comments!