The Marvel Cinematic Universe grew a little more in 2025 with some terrific new characters. The franchise had another busy year filled with movies and shows that featured some returning characters, such as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. However, a lot of new characters also stepped into the spotlight and made an impression.
Not all of the new characters worked, and some may never be seen in the MCU again, but there were a few that have become great additions to the larger shared universe. From the new heroes who can lead the superhero adventures of the future to the villains who proved to be worthy adversaries, these new MCU characters made memorable debuts this year.
Mephisto
Mephisto is a Marvel villain fans have been waiting to see appear for some time, but Ironheart was an unexpected place for him to finally show up in. In the Marvel Comics, he is the Marvel universe's version of the devil, often shown to be manipulating characters into selling their souls to him for their deepest desires.
While such a fantastical character seems out of place being thrown into one of the MCU Disney Plus shows (or at least one that isn't supernatural like WandaVision or Agatha All Along), Sacha Baron Cohen's performance nails the mix of charm and menace that makes the character work. Hopefully, he will get the chance to shine in a bigger role and a bigger project before too long.
Silver Surfer
One of the great tragic heroes of the Marvel universe arrived in The Fantastic Four: First Steps with the Silver Surfer. The Shalla-Bal take on the character kept the storyline of the sacrificial hero who volunteered to become the herald for Galactus in exchange for her planet being spared.
Julia Garner does a great job at balancing the emotionless aspects of the character with a sense of vulnerability that adds so much. The villain is also one of the most visually compelling characters the MCU has created in some time. Surfer even gets the movie's standout action sequence with the stunning wormhole chase scene.
Galactus
Galactus is one of the most imposing villains in Marvel history, so a lot was riding on his introduction in the MCU. The Fantastic Four: First Steps did not disappoint as it delivered a version of the "Devourer of Worlds" that was as epic, terrifying, and compelling as we could want. From the moment he appears on screen, it is clear that the movie nailed the character.
Ralph Ineson's voice is perfect for the role, feeling otherworldly and commanding. The character is also given a surprising amount of depth, becoming a tortured soul looking for release. It was a character that made the big screen experience worth it, especially in IMAX.
Sentry
Much to everyone's surprise, Thunderbolts* overcame its underdog reputation to become the best MCU movie of 2025. It made its ragtag group of anti-heroes so endearing and fun that they instantly became the best team in the MCU right now. However, while most of the Thunderbolts members were returning MCU characters, Bob, a.k.a. Sentry, was a new addition who stole the show.
Bob initially seems like a comic relief character, as an awkward outcast who is not particularly keen to fight. However, he is soon revealed to be the powerful superhero known as Sentry, who also has a dark, tormented side known as The Void. He is a complex creation for Marvel, with him feeling fun, heartbreaking, terrifying, and kind-hearted all at the same time. And Lewis Pullman was thrilling to watch in the role.
The Fantastic Four
It might be a bit of a cheat, but Marvel's First Family deserves to be counted as one unit that made their long-awaited MCU debut in 2025. Despite the popularity of the characters, many fans felt they never got the right live-action movie they deserved. The Fantastic Four: First Steps finally delivered a thrilling, fun, and touching story that did justice to these iconic heroes.
Reed Richards is made to be a complicated and flawed leader, Sue Storm cements herself as the heart of the team, Ben Grimm is the kind yet powerful monster, and Johnny Storm makes for a charismatic hot-head. With a perfect cast to bring the characters to life, The Fantastic Four are poised to be leaders in the next phase of the MCU.