As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand its horizons, fans are finally getting a chance to witness a unique wave of characters (both new and returning) through the multiversal, genre-blending flick Deadpool & Wolverine. And after the organic success of Deadpool & Wolverine, it’s pretty clear that audiences are extremely interested in stories surrounding these dark horse characters.

But with so many standout characters in the mix, which ones feel like they’re worthy of bigger returns?

Laura/X-23

Laura, also known as X-23 (portrayed by the brilliant Dafne Keen), is a character who has garnered immense popularity since her debut in Logan due to her fierce nature and rich backstory. As a clone of Wolverine who’s seen some of the darkest outcomes possible, she also carries the heavy legacy of Logan while still establishing her own identity. And in Deadpool & Wolverine, we witness how the balance of both has turned her into a compelling, next-gen hero used to get Wolverine back on track.

While the end of Deadpool & Wolverine offered her the most optimistic outcome possible — having Laura at the center of another Marvel story is almost too good to pass up. Plus, there’s the fact that Laura's combat experience effectively guarantees a solid action story. And if we aren’t getting a new Wolverine anytime soon, why not utilize one who’s just waiting to display her full potential?

Colossus

Colossus, the beloved metal-skinned mutant who has charmed audiences across three Deadpool films, is another character ripe for further exploration within the MCU. With elements of humor and unwavering camaraderie, Colossus has the potential to serve as a bridge between the Deadpool universe and the more traditional depiction of the X-Men that’s confirmed to be coming to the MCU.

The character's contrasting traits—a gentle giant with a heart of gold juxtaposed against a backdrop of action and chaos—offer a necessary narrative device. Also, considering that the comic lineups have been known to have members from other worlds or timelines, Colossus could easily provide comedic relief while dishing out wisdom on what the X-Men looked like in his world.

If Robert Downey Jr. can play Doctor Doom and Iron Man, I don’t see a reason that Colossus can’t cross over into the sacred timeline.

Cassandra Nova

Even though she was clearly designed to play a finite role in the overarching Marvel lore, the addition of Cassandra Nova poses an intriguing addition to the MCU. Portrayed with finesse by Emma Corrin, Cassandra embodies a nuanced foe whose zany motivations often extend beyond mere malice. However, while the character may exhibit traits of a surface-level villain at times, Corrin’s versatile portrayal brings an added depth that invites exploration of Cassandra’s relationship with Charles Xavier in some capacity.

If pursued, the briefly teased interconnected histories of Cassandra and Xavier would provide an opportunity for engaging storylines that delve into themes of family, betrayal, and power dynamics. Moreover, as the MCU increasingly grapples with the concept of multiverses and alternate realities, Cassandra Nova’s knowledge of this multiversal existence could prove essential, especially in aligning stories from the Fox universe with the MCU's rich roster.