The Marvel Cinematic Universe Plot Threads That Fizzled Out

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become known for its knack for introducing intriguing plot threads, only to revisit them later in exciting sequels or spinoffs. It’s like a storytelling game of tag, where you throw out new concepts, and then—surprise!—they become plot points you can’t get away from. But, let’s be real; not every attempt to pass the storytelling baton has been a resounding success. Some ideas simply fizzled out faster than a flat soda. Sure, there’s a laundry list of plot threads that have yet to go anywhere (I’m looking at you, Pip the Troll), but today, we’re diving into the more subtle disappointments that were at least picked up at some point, even if they ended up not making much sense. Buckle up as we journey through the MCU’s less-than-sparkling moments!

Tony Stark and General Ross: A Confusing Meet-up

Remember that epic moment where Tony Stark had a chinwag with General Ross at the end of The Incredible Hulk? It was a big deal back then, hinting at a connected universe. But looking back, you might be scratching your head—why on earth was Stark seeking out Ross? Although Hulk eventually joined the Avengers, he was recruited more for his smarts than his smashing abilities. And let’s not forget about the little short called The Consultant that tried to retcon this meet-up into a sabotage mission. It’s a bit of a letdown, like discovering your birthday cake is just a pile of spinach.

Thanos’ Forgotten Sidekick

Ah, The Other—the weird alien dude who shadowed Loki in the first Avengers movie. He was supposed to be menacing, but then he was unceremoniously dispatched by Ronan the Accuser like a bad napkin in Guardians of the Galaxy. He hardly even got a chance to shine before being tossed aside. By the time we reached Avengers: Endgame, it was as if the writers had forgotten he existed at all—like your old buddy who keeps texting you during a Netflix binge.

Karl Mordo: The Unfinished Business

After his drastic heel turn in Doctor Strange, we all thought Karl Mordo would make a huge impact. But years later, Mother Time has left him stranded in the cosmic void. Even as a variant pops up in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the main version of Mordo is just a flicker of a memory. Strange kinda brushes him off, treating him like a minor annoyance rather than a serious threat. It’s like forgetting to invite your best friend to dinner—awkward and unresolved!

Asgardians of the Galaxy: A Missed Connection

When Thor teamed up with the Guardians of the Galaxy, fans were buzzing with excitement. Sadly, the chemistry didn’t stick around for long. In Thor: Love and Thunder, director Taika Waititi made a point of sidelining the Guardians, flipping the narrative to suggest everyone was sick of Thor. It was a classic case of too much drama and not enough fun, like a party without snacks. Can we just get Thor and the Guardians back together already?

Venom: The Ultimate Missed Opportunity

Remember that post-credits scene in Venom: Let There Be Carnage? Venom was ready to swing into the MCU for a Spidey showdown, but when he finally crossed over in No Way Home, he ended up as just a punchline. Talk about anticlimactic! He popped in, made a joke, and vanished back to his universe like a magician’s assistant. The only lasting piece he left behind was an unresolved plot point—great for mystery, terrible for storytelling.

The Sokovia Accords: A Distant Memory

The Sokovia Accords were supposed to shake up the superhero landscape, but they wound up getting swept under the rug like a bad rug burn. After some initial drama, they were brushed aside after Avengers: Endgame, barely getting a mention in WandaVision and totally ignored in She-Hulk. It’s like having an important meeting that you sleep through; not cool, right?

All Out of Kang: Where Did He Go?

After Thanos, everyone was waiting for Kang the Conqueror to rise up and take the mantle as the next big baddie. But then, scandal hit hard, and plans changed faster than you can say “multiverse.” The grand plans for Kang just faded away, leaving fans wondering what in the world happened. It’s the storytelling equivalent of getting your most hyped video game, only to realize the game is a glitchy mess.

The Anti-Skrull Agenda: A Fumble of Epic Proportions

The end of Secret Invasion was dark and dramatic, laying the groundwork for an intriguing new status quo—but then it just got ignored! The follow-up film The Marvels didn’t even seem to care about the chaos that unfolded. It turned into a bizarre miscommunication, leaving the audience scratching their heads in confusion. Talk about a dramatic letdown!

Monica’s Disdain for Captain Marvel

In WandaVision, Monica Rambeau didn’t hold back her feelings about Captain Marvel, creating a deliciously tense dynamic for The Marvels. But when the movie came out? It was like they brushed past the conflict like it was an annoying fly at a summer picnic—way too fast! Something that could have added depth just got glossed over, making the final product feel a bit flat.

Return of the Leader: Wait, Who?

Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns, aka “Mr. Blue,” vanished from our memories for years—only to pop up in Captain America: Brave New World. Sadly, his long-awaited return didn’t make as much of an impact as we hoped. It’s like a punchline that falls flat—everyone waited, and yet, we got served a cold dish on a hot plate.

Taskmaster: A Missed Opportunity

Finally, let’s chat about Taskmaster from Black Widow. Despite a solid origin story, she was severely underused and became more of a plot device than a dynamic character. Talk about a wasted chance! Instead of becoming a major player, she got shooed off into the shadows, like a ghost at a party that no one notices.