AceShowbiz - The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is about to resolve one of its most enduring post-credits mysteries with the arrival of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This development opens the door for fans to remain hopeful that several other characters, who have been sidelined for years, might also return in future projects.

For many years, Marvel’s post-credits scenes served as direct teasers for the next films in development, generating excitement and anticipation. However, in more recent times, these scenes have often introduced characters and storylines that linger unresolved for long periods, leaving fans eager but uncertain about their eventual payoffs.

One of the most notable post-credits scenes that remained unresolved for years was from 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. It featured Michael Mando’s Mac Gargan meeting the Vulture in prison, hinting at the introduction of Scorpion as a future villain in Spider-Man’s saga. Following the releases of Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home, many believed Scorpion might never return. That belief shifted when it was confirmed that Mando will reprise his role as Scorpion in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, signaling Marvel’s intent to revisit and expand upon earlier hints.

This hopeful return has reignited discussions about seven other MCU characters who have been left in limbo since their post-credits introductions or major story developments. Here is a closer look at these characters and the potential for their comebacks:

7) Sharon Carter

Sharon Carter has been a significant presence in the MCU, appearing in titles such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The latter featured a surprising post-credits scene revealing that Sharon had become the secretive and powerful criminal known as the Power Broker. Despite expectations, she did not appear in Captain America: Brave New World. However, her story remains unresolved, and there is still a possibility that she could return in upcoming projects, especially those focusing on Captain America or Wolverine.

6) Clea

Of all the characters awaiting a return, Clea is arguably the most likely to reappear. Played by Charlize Theron, Clea debuted in the post-credits scene of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. She invited Doctor Strange on a new journey into the Dark Dimension, but neither Clea nor Strange has been seen since. Fans anticipate that both could return together, perhaps in a third Doctor Strange film or an event like Avengers: Secret Wars.

5) Jake Lockley

Jake Lockley, one of the multiple personalities of Moon Knight, was revealed in the Disney+ series’ post-credits scene, but never appeared during the main episodes. He is shown to be still connected with Khonshu, the Egyptian god linked to Moon Knight’s powers. While it’s unclear if Moon Knight will receive a second season, exploring this darker personality would be an intriguing development should the show continue.

4) Blade

Blade is one of Marvel’s most iconic characters, and Mahershala Ali’s casting as the vampire hunter received widespread acclaim. Yet, so far, Ali’s Blade has only been mentioned off-screen in a post-credits scene of Eternals, with no on-screen appearance. Although a Blade movie has faced production delays, the character’s legacy makes it unlikely Marvel will abandon plans to bring him fully into the MCU.

3) Dane Whitman

Dane Whitman, portrayed by Kit Harington, was teased in Eternals’ post-credits scene, where Blade encourages him to take up the Ebony Blade and assume his role as the Black Knight. Despite this tease, Dane has yet to appear in any MCU film or series, leaving fans waiting for the character’s official debut and development.

2) Eros

Another character introduced in the mid-credits scene of Eternals was Eros, also known as Starfox, played by Harry Styles. Eros is the brother of Thanos and appears alongside his companion, Pip the Troll, to assist the remaining Eternals in locating their missing allies. While a sequel to Eternals seems improbable, the character could still appear in future MCU projects.

1) Hercules

The least likely to return among these characters is Hercules, the son of Zeus, played by Brett Goldstein. He was introduced in the post-credits scene of Thor: Love & Thunder, where Zeus sends him on a mission involving Thor. Despite his importance in Marvel lore, the MCU has seemingly distanced itself from the storyline of Love & Thunder. If a fifth Thor film is made, it is expected to take a new direction, potentially leaving Hercules to appear in a different MCU context instead.

As Spider-Man: Brand New Day sets the precedent for revisiting long-dormant storylines, fans have renewed hope that these seven characters may also be given the spotlight they deserve. Each character carries unique narrative potential, and their future appearances could deepen the MCU’s expansive universe in exciting ways.

Which of these characters are you most eager to see return? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the ComicBook Forum!