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The Thing’s inevitable MCU debut could feature him facing off with a long-standing rival — and further expand the cosmic corner of the film universe.
The ever-growing Marvel Cinematic Universe constantly finds new ways to broaden its horizons. Thanks to the massive scope of the original Marvel Universe, there are always more and more characters and concepts to introduce. Some receive formal announcements, while others end up a welcome surprise.
While The Thing will obviously debut alongside the rest of the Fantastic Four, adapting his battle with the Champion, an Elder of the Universe, will help viewers quickly understand Ben Grimm. On top of that, it also opens up the door to other cosmic figures in the MCU.
The Champion of the Universe debuted in Marvel Two-In-One Annual #7 by Tom DeFalco and Ron Wilson as one of the Elders of the Universe. The elders are a collection of powerful cosmic Marvel figures, including the Grandmaster and the Collector. Like the two of them, the Champion’s drive to test himself against new races of the universe defines him. His preferred method of self-evaluation is hand-to-hand fighting. Thus, upon his arrival on Earth, he declares a giant fighting tournament, one that will result in the planet’s destruction if Earth’s champions can’t defeat him.
While almost every Marvel hero tried and failed to bring The Champion down, there was one who held his own: the Thing. Even when everything is down and the heroes have no hope, the Thing is “just too stupid and ugly to know when to quit.” Beaten nearly to death, the Thing still refuses to concede. Grimm’s refusal to acknowledge the odds impresses the Champion enough to spare Earth and cement his place as the Marvel Universe’s beating heart.
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With the MCU in transition and losing its original central figures — Captain America and Iron Man — the films could use a figure like The Thing. Yes, someone who can be an integral part of a team and family in the Fantastic Four. But also a character capable of striking out on his own and teaming up with other heroes. Marvel Two-in-One effectively paired the Thing with almost every other major hero in the universe, hinting at his sheer adaptability and potential as a character. That energy should translate nicely to Marvel Studios’ Phase 4.
Besides providing a quick insight into the quality of the Thing’s character, it would be an excellent way to bring other Elders of the Universe into the MCU. With The Eternals looking to the cosmos for possible sequels and the Guardians of the Galaxy still well-rooted in the stars, the need for cosmic characters will only grow. The Elders present a unique kind of opponents as well. They’re largely amoral figures more motivated by personal obsessions than any concept of good or evil. They certainly want to indulge in their interests, but they have no higher aspirations. A villain who seeks to neither rule nor destroy, but only cares about having their unique version of a good time would make for an interesting dynamic in the MCU.
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