The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) features a diverse range of characters, from iconic superheroes like Spider-Man and Thor to obscure characters like Ursa Major and original creations like Phil Coulson and Darcy Lewis. These characters stand out from their comic book counterparts, with hundreds introduced in various movies and shows, and more are expected to emerge in the MCU’s extensive timeline.
Comic accuracy is not a straightforward concept due to the diverse interpretations of characters and stories in source material. For example, Hawkeye and Captain America in the Ultimate Universe are more brutal and cynical than in Marvel’s Earth-616 universe. However, several MCU figures are especially unique in live-action.
Here are 6 MCU characters that are the least comic-accurate.
1. Ned Leeds
Ned Leeds with Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Image Credit: Marvel Studios
Spider-Man: Homecoming introduced Ned Leeds as Peter Parker’s best friend and confidant, who learns of his identity as Spider-Man. In the comics, Leeds is a Daily Bugle reporter who falls in love with Peter’s ex-girlfriend Betty Brant. In the original MCU, Leeds is brainwashed by the villain Hobgoblin, who convinces him that Spider-Man is a supervillain.
2. Mantis
Mantis in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Image Credit: Marvel Studios
Mantis is a major character of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She is an empathic insectoid individual who is the biological daughter of Ego the Living Planet and the paternal half-sister of Peter Quill.
The Guardians of the Galaxy including Mantis, have varying appearances and behaviors in the comics. Mantis, a Human-Kree mutate, is a mythical god-like figure, unlike her comic book counterpart’s innocent, childlike creation. Despite lacking martial arts skills and astral projection powers, Mantis maintains her empathic abilities, enabling her to read and manipulate others’ thoughts and feelings.
3. Wong
Wong in Doctor Strange. Image Credit: Marvel Studios
Wong is the current Sorcerer Supreme of the Masters of the Mystic Arts. When their former librarian was murdered by Kaecilius and the Zealots, Wong then became the highly protective keeper of all the ancient books when he met Stephen Strange, and assisted him in his studies.
Doctor Strange establishes a clear relationship between Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange and Benedict Wong’s Wong, with Wong, an experienced sorcerer, understanding the responsibility of wielding magic and becoming Sorcerer Supreme before Strange, and Wong, an assistant to Strange, often intimidates and berates him for his bold decisions.
4. Mandarin
Mandarine/ Xu Wenwu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Image Credit: Marvel Studios
Mandarin is one of the main antagonists of the Marvel Universe, serving as the main antagonist of the Iron Man franchise and media, and a major antagonist in the Avengers franchise.
Mandarin in the MCU has undergone significant changes, including his appearance in Iron Man 3 and his true self as Xu Wenwu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This transformation is significantly different from his original Marvel Comics counterpart, who was a stereotypical villain with a grudge against Iron Man. Each Ten Ring he wore had unique abilities.
5. Janet van Dyne
Scott Lang as Janet van Dyne in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Image Credit: Marvel Studios
Janet van Dyne is the wife of Hank Pym and the mother of Hope van Dyne. She operated under the codename Wasp in S.H.I.E.L.D. until she sacrificed herself to disarm a Soviet ICBM bound for the United States in 1987, saving millions of lives but also becoming lost to the Quantum Realm.
The MCU has significantly changed Janet van Dyne, who disappears early in her superhero career. She is later retrieved by Hank Pym’s family before Thanos’ Snap eliminates her. In the comics, the Wasp is a founding member and occasional leader of the Avengers, who sacrifices her life to end the Skrulls’ invasion of Earth. After returning, she becomes a renowned superhero spokesperson and continues to save the world.
6. Yondu Udonta
Yondu Udonta in Guardians of the Galaxy. Image Credit: Marvel Studios
Yondu Udonta, the Centaurian leader of the exiled Ravagers faction and adoptive father of Peter Quill, led the hunt for his former ally. After Quill betrayed the Ravagers and stole the Orb, Udonta aided him in the battle against Ronan the Accuser, who threatened to use the Power Stone to destroy Xandar. Despite losing the stone, Udonta chose not to seek revenge, leading to mistrust within his clan.
Guardians of the Galaxy introduces Michael Rooker’s Yondu as the leader of a Ravager clan. Yondu cares about his bounties but has a soft spot for Peter Quill. The original Yondu was a pure-hearted warrior from Earth-691’s 31st Century who became a founding member of Vance Astro’s Guardians of the Galaxy after surviving the death of his people.
