Marvel Studios has made many characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) significantly more important than they were in Marvel Comics. Over the past 17 years, the studio has adapted dozens of complex and interesting characters from Marvel Comics into live-action films, but has also made significant changes when translating from page to screen.
Alexander Pierce, a senior official at SHIELD, was a major player in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, adding a layer of complexity to his character. In the comics, Pierce is not affiliated with HYDRA, but in the MCU, he headed a faction of the organization, making him a significant threat. This change elevated Pierce’s importance in the film.
Roger Harrington, a science teacher and coach at Midtown School of Science and Technology, was given more importance in the MCU. While his comic book counterpart was killed off in 2006, the MCU version has seen much more action. Martin Starr first appeared as Harrington in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk and returned in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, has become a crucial character in the MCU. While his comic book counterpart is a long-serving member of the Avengers and a mentor to young heroes, Marvel Studios made him the key to the survival of half the universe. Avengers: Endgame’s Time Heist would not have happened without Scott Lang’s return, which in turn means none of the Multiverse Saga would have unfolded.
These characters, among others, have seen significant changes in the MCU compared to their comic book counterparts. The MCU has given these characters new depth and importance, making them some of the most significant characters in the franchise. As the franchise continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how many more low-level characters from Marvel Comics will become even more important in the MCU.