A source tells That Park Place that Marvel may ditch the Young Avengers as a standalone effort… and instead, they’re cramming them into the most important MCU movie since Ironman.
The following article is based on information received from multiple sources but is based on a forthcoming project that is not yet released and can change in development. Please read this appropriately as rumor and speculation.
The Young Avengers, introduced in Marvel Comics in 2005, are a team of adolescent superheroes who emerged following the “Avengers Disassembled” storyline. In the MCU, we’re hearing that they are likely to be called “The Champions”. I believe this first came from Jeff Sneider, but apologies if someone else scooped that without credit. Created by writer Allan Heinberg and artist Jim Cheung, the team debuted in Young Avengers #1, featuring characters such as Iron Lad, Patriot, Hulkling, Wiccan, and Hawkeye (Kate Bishop). Each member possesses unique abilities and connections to established Marvel heroes, contributing to the team’s dynamic.
In the comics, the Young Avengers have been involved in significant events like “Civil War” and “The Children’s Crusade,” showcasing their growth and impact within the Marvel Universe.
Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios‘ HAWKEYE. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been gradually introducing characters associated with the youth team. Kate Bishop, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld, was introduced in the Hawkeye series, while Cassie Lang, played by Kathryn Newton, appeared in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. Additionally, Billy Maximoff (Wiccan), portrayed by Joe Locke, was featured in the series Agatha All Along.
Despite these introductions, plans for a standalone Young Avengers project have evolved and may have resulted in almost everything being scrapped. Initially considered for a Disney+ series or a standalone film, recent developments indicate that such plans have been jettisoned. Instead, it appears that these characters will team up with Chris Pratt in the upcoming film Avengers: Secret Wars. This shift suggests a strategic integration of the Young Avengers into the broader MCU narrative, allowing for their development alongside established characters. However, it also seems to recognize that without the power of the Russo Brothers, Feige may have lost faith that these characters can carry their own story. Attaching them to Chris Pratt and Starlord may be even more of an attempt to keep them relevant by association.
Avengers: Secret Wars logo
The decision to incorporate the these characters into Avengers: Secret Wars may stem from a desire to streamline the MCU’s expansive storyline and provide a cohesive introduction for these characters. By aligning them with seasoned heroes, the Young Avengers can be introduced to audiences in a context that emphasizes their significance within the larger Marvel Universe.
As the MCU continues to expand, the inclusion of the Young Avengers in Avengers: Secret Wars presents an opportunity to explore new dynamics and relationships among characters. This approach allows for the development of the Young Avengers within a familiar framework, potentially setting the stage for future projects that focus on their adventures and contributions to the MCU.
Of course, these aren’t the only characters we’re getting wind of being shoehorned into an Avengers back-to-back bursting at the seams with Z-Tier roster fillers. If anyone can save the MCU, it’s the Russo Brothers, but wow do they have their work cut out for them.
