The writers and directors behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are known for reshaping and updating Marvel’s heroic characters for film. Comic books might have started things, but the live versions now concentrate on aspects other than action and special effects. Many Marvel movies have given several characters more significant emotional development, strong personal features, and meaningful relationships. This change made it easier for fans to identify with these heroes and villains.
Characters with minor roles in comics are now major ones in the MCU because of their excellent writing, powerful performances, and adept collaboration. Some characters were changed to fit in with modern values so they may play more active roles and be seen as stronger individuals. Some were given the chance to think, which allowed viewers to see both their strengths and weaknesses.
Whether they examined pain, included humor, or focused more on relationships, the films frequently highlighted particular characters more than their comics did. When comparing these seven heroes to their comic book equivalents, the movies improved them.
Disclaimer: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Here is the list of the 7 Marvel characters that are way better in movies than in comic books:
7. The Scarlet Witch

Scarlet Witch's abilities and personality have frequently evolved and changed as a result of the various authors and illustrators. Even though she is proven to have powers that can truly affect reality, her comics frequently portray her as untrustworthy, which resulted in the near-extinction of the mutant population during "House of M."
On the other hand, the MCU gives a deeper and more emotionally moving portrayal of Wanda. An important moment is in Avengers: Infinity War, where Wanda has to destroy the Mind Stone in Vision’s head, killing him, and also keeps Thanos away while he has control over five Infinity Stones. It exposes her incredible strength, as well as her emotional and sensitive nature.
Additionally, the Disney+ series WandaVision delves deeper into Wanda's trauma and grief by revealing that she escapes her melancholy by reading sitcom-style stories. Her character is enhanced, and her story becomes more relatable when one looks inside her head.
6. Hela

According to Marvel comics, Hela is Loki’s daughter and controls Hel and Niflheim. Despite her strength, she lacks a close personal connection to the story's primary characters.
Hela is depicted in Thor: Ragnarok as the first child of Odin, and as a result, she is older than her siblings, Thor and Loki. The way she relates to the key characters is what gives her story and theirs importance. When Surtur releases her, Hela quickly encounters Thor and Loki, rips Mjolnir out of Thor’s hands, and makes a startling entrance. This also reveals that Thor can be beaten and that Black Widow has strong abilities.
Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Hela creates a memorable adversary in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her role in exposing Asgard's sinister past and upending Thor's conception of heroism gives the story depth and elevates her character above the simpler villainy found in the comics.
5. Nebula

Nebula is frequently portrayed in the comic books as a vicious space pirate who aspires to dominate the universe and even briefly wields the Infinity Gauntlet. Her persona is typically superficial, primarily serving as a villain who rarely changes.
The MCU portrays Nebula as a sad anti-hero rather than a villain, owing to her interactions with Thanos. At first, Nebula is very upset with the Guardians and eventually joins them as a key member. A touching scene in Avengers: Endgame shows Nebula meeting and overcoming her previous self. This demonstrates that Lyn is giving up her old life and starting something new.
Fans appreciate and respect Nebula for her powerful yet sympathetic portrayal in the movies. Gamora steps up as a leader and feels accepted by her team in the final film of the trilogy.
4. Loki

Loki is typically depicted as a cunning and evil figure who frequently opposes both Thor and the Avengers in Marvel comics. Loki occasionally joins his superhero friends, but is usually presented as a jealousy-driven villain determined to rule the world.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) portrays Loki as someone who struggles with figuring out his own identity, meaning, and chances at redemption. Loki’s character grows a lot in the episode “For All Time.Always” from the series Loki. A major turning point in the multiverse happens after Loki experiences the results of his actions and quickly encounters Kang the Conqueror.
Many Marvel movie fans admire Tom Hiddleston’s Loki because of his witty lines, interesting character, and emotional depth. His personality is shaped more by his increasing bond with Thor, which is marked by competition and powerful family ties. The audience appreciates how Loki has gone beyond the typical impression people had in the comics.
3. Thor

In Marvel Comics, Thor is portrayed as a polite and solemn god who frequently uses archaic words. Sometimes his character is too powerful and less relatable or funny. Thor changes a lot in the MCU, especially in the movie Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Through his script, Taika Waititi has made Thor funnier, giving Chris Hemsworth a chance to be funny. Thor’s experiences change the most when he comes to the planet Sakaar and takes part in a dangerous battle like a gladiator. Thor is delighted when he finds out his opponent is the Hulk, so he shouts,
"He's a friend from work!"
This sequence is amusing and helps the spectator better relate to Thor. The plot combines exciting action with plenty of humor, making us adore Thor even more than we did in the comic books. The loss of identity and loved ones is a theme in Thor's later films, which gives him more depth.
2. Erik Killmonger

Erik Killmonger hails from Wakanda, as the comics show, but he had to leave after his father let down the Wakandans. He tries to take the throne away from T'Challa, as part of his plan for revenge. Despite his strong nature, it is easy to see why he does the things that he does. The authors of the 2018 movie Black Panther gave Killmonger a more poignant and significant backstory.
After his father passed away in Oakland, California, he encountered discrimination and hopes to free the marginalized in the world. An important scene is the one where Erik from the past speaks to T'Challa in the ancestral plane and explains how much Wakanda’s policy of isolation bothers him. His last words
"Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships, 'cause they knew death was better than bondage,"
highlight his deep link to historical injustice. Michael B. Jordan plays Killmonger in a way that makes him trustworthy and fair, giving challenges to the hero's beliefs. The detailed way Killmonger is designed in the film sets him apart from his comic book roots, and he became one of the MCU’s best villains.
1. Wong

In the Marvel comics, Wong, Doctor Strange's ally, is typically portrayed as a traditional servant. His persona lacks depth and autonomy, being viewed as a teapot propping up backstage. Many believe this depiction only repeats racial stereotypes and does not show much character progress.
Wong is made into a powerful wizard and a trusted leader in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Benedict Wong plays the Sorcerer Supreme, who guards and tends to magic users. The Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness sequence, when Wong confronts the Scarlet Witch, is a pivotal moment that demonstrates his development. Despite being captured and facing extreme danger, he remains resilient and never quits.
The series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law allows Wong to share his likes, dislikes, and personality with audiences. Nick’s chats with Madisynn, especially about TV and drinks, show a new side of him and make him seem more likable. The MCU's dedication to complex and varied characters is demonstrated by the fact that Wong is now more than just a supporting character.
Ultimately, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was able to revise characters whose comic book origins once restricted them. Since these characters were brought to life on screen, they became more realistic, likable, and interesting to watch. The MCU showed how moving away from old stereotypes and crafting more detailed stories and strong performances could make audiences see these heroes and villains in new ways.
During the movies, some characters who typically faded into the background of the comics, such as Nebula and Loki, garnered a lot of followers. Characters such as Killmonger and Wong had their motivations and roles expanded and made stronger. Episodes of humor, loss, and intense emotions contributed to the complexity of even well-known heroes like Thor and Wanda. They made the universe more varied and rich in feelings.
Marvel brought out the best in these characters through careful casting, compelling writing, and visual storytelling. Marvel production house demonstrated that films may occasionally truly outperform their original works. The MCU changed, not simply entertained.
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