Five potential reasons Captain Marvel has been absent from the MCU

Marvel Studios ANT-MAN AND THE WASP..Ant-Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) in the Quantum Realm..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2018

3. The Quantum Realm

Yes, the Quantum realm is also an alternate dimension, but it’s far more specific and crucial than just some alternate universe, and with its importance in recent Marvel movies, it’s another viable option for Carol’s whereabouts. Captain Marvel’s powers, combined with S.H.I.E.L.D.’s tenacity, might just have gotten her sucked into the Quantum Realm.

In truth, there is some utility to this theory. Carol living in the Quantum Realm could account both for her immeasurable-sounding powers and her introduction back into the larger story of the universe. After all, Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, was last seen lost in this realm after the rest of his team were snapped away by Thanos. If he found Carol there, they could help each other escape, a feat that is likely hard for one to manage by themselves, and he could give her a quick introduction to the rest of the Avengers, who are in very sore need of assistance and support. This would work as an excellent bridge and, if what Jackson has to say about Captain Marvel’s capabilities above is true, account for the possible time-traveling stunt Scott seems to pull in the recent Avengers 4 trailer.

Characters who’ve come out of the Quantum Realm have been imbued with all kinds of incredible powers, and it seems like the surface of the dimension has only been barely scratched. Possibly, it will be explored more in Captain Marvel and then lead the audience, Scott, and Carol right into Avengers 4.