Marvel has introduced a plethora of characters over the years, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand with an array of extraordinary heroes, intriguing villains, and complex side characters that have captured the imaginations of millions. Here’s a look at 12 of the best new MCU characters that have made their debut:

1. Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) – The master of martial arts stormed into the MCU with his film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” bringing a fresh cultural perspective along with fantastic action sequences.

2. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) – Introduced in “Black Widow,” Yelena’s combination of humor, skill, and depth quickly made her a fan favorite. She’s poised to have a significant role in future MCU projects.

3. Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) – Appearing in the Disney+ series “Hawkeye,” Kate brings youth, enthusiasm, and an impressive archery prowess as she learns from Clint Barton while forging her own identity.

4. Sam Wilson as Captain America (Anthony Mackie) – While not a new character, Sam’s embrace of the mantle of Captain America in “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” was a pivotal moment, representing growth and change within the MCU.

5. Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) – As an alternate version of Loki introduced in the “Loki” series, Sylvie has captivated audiences with her tragic backstory and complex relationship with Loki.

6. Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) – A standout in “WandaVision,” Agatha is a powerful witch with mischievous charm and an addictive theme song that took social media by storm.

7. Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) – First seen as a child in “Captain Marvel,” Monica’s adult version portrayed in “WandaVision” showcases her as a hero in her own right with immense potential.

8. Mobius M. Mobius (Owen Wilson) – A standout character from “Loki,” Mobius’ quick wit and likeable nature make him an ideal counterpoint to Loki’s unpredictability.

9. Echo (Alaqua Cox) – Making her debut in “Hawkeye,” Echo is a deaf Native American character who commands attention with her combat skills and deep personal story.

10. Red Guardian (David Harbour) – Alexei Shostakov, aka Red Guardian, provided comic relief and heart in “Black Widow” as Russia’s super-soldier counterpart to Captain America.

11. Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) – Though her role is still unfolding, Valentina’s introduction hints at someone pulling strings behind the scenes and shaping a darker facet of the MCU.

12. Shuri as Black Panther (Letitia Wright) – While Letitia Wright’s Shuri has been part of the MCU since “Black Panther,” her expected assumption of her brother’s mantle marks an exciting evolution for the character.

These characters join an ever-growing ensemble cast that reflects ongoing storytelling innovation within Marvel Studios’ flagship cinematic universe, promising audiences more epic tales to come.