From 2008sIron Manto the Multiverse Saga, the MCU has rewritten the rulebook on superhero storytelling.
What makes the MCU especially unpredictable is its long-form storytelling across films and Disney+ series.
His apparent death after shrinking into nothingness felt like the standard MCU bad guy exit.
Nothing in his firstAnt-Manremotely hinted that hed become a giant floating head with baby limbs in the Quantum Realm.
Even comic readers wouldnt have seen this coming, since MODOK is traditionally a separate character entirely.
His transformation wasbizarre, hilarious, and oddly tragic especially as he tried to redeem himself at the end.
After touching it, he appeared to be vaporized, presumably killed by the artifact he couldnt control.
No one expected him to return let alone inAvengers: Infinity Waras the ghostly guardian of the Soul Stone.
His reappearance was certainly shocking, especially since he was nowmore of a mystical figure than a warlord.
Red Skulls transformation from power-hungry villain to cosmic gatekeeper was completely unforeseen.
Not only did he lose his physical ambition, but he also gained an eerie, otherworldly wisdom.
Replacing his vengeance withsolemn duty made him unrecognizablefrom the Red Skull audiences once knew.
Custom image by Ana Nieves
However, he instead became one of the MCUs shortest-lived heroes.
The shock wasnt just that he died it washow early it happened and how final it seemed.
Fast-forward toLokiSeason 2, andhes literally holding the timelines together sacrificing everything to keep the multiverse from collapsing.
Lokis arc has been a masterclass in long-form character development.
Lokis shift from scheming villain to tragic cosmic protector is arguably the most stunning transformation in the entire MCU.
Few could have imaginedshe’d one day become a full-fledged hero.
ByGuardians of the Galaxy Vol.
Its a stark contrast to her violent, ruthless origins.
It waswidely presumed a reunion with Star-Lord would inevitably reignitetheir romance, mirroring the original timeline.
However,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.
Few wouldve pegged him as the one to lay down his life to save the universe.
Stark’s journeyfrom narcissist to selfless saviorwas gradual, filled with loss, mentorship, and reckoning.
From reckless to responsible, his decision to die, so others could live felt both earned and unexpected.
No one in 2008 would have guessed the MCUs most arrogant hero would become its ultimate martyr.
Tragically, Bosemans real-life passing in 2020 shocked fans and the industry alike.
Rather than recast the role,Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverchose to reflect that loss within the story.
TChallas off-screen death from illness was a somber, deeply emotional moment that honored the actor and the character.
The result was a solo series,Agatha All Along, which seemed enough like a surprise.
The climax ofAgatha All Alongsaw Agatha fight her villainous urges to keep Wiccan safe.
Yet over time,Peggys role expanded dramatically.
The MCU didnt just keep her memory alive they kept expanding it,eventually influencing the comics themselves.
