MCU's Second Android Superhero Teased (To Replace Vision?)
A second android superhero (and possible replacement for Vision) was just teased in WandaVision : Machine Man. WandaVision episode 4 offered details about what SWORD is up to in Phase 4, and they point to the introduction of Machine Man, a classic Marvel superhero created by the legendary comic book writer and artist, Jack Kirby.
Machine Man is one of several major android heroes in Marvel Comics, with their biggest arguably being the synthezoid, Vision. But thus far, Paul Bettany’s Vision is the only one that exists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After Avengers: Infinity War, it seemed that his time had come to an end, but WandaVision brought him back into the fold, via Scarlet Witch’s reality warping powers. Even so, Vision may not stick around after the series ends, and another character could replace him in the near future.
WandaVision may have already revealed how this can happen. Following a great deal of setup sprinkled into Spider-Man: Far From Home and three episodes of WandaVision, the MCU has officially unveiled SWORD, a peacekeeping organization tasked with protecting the Earth from various threats, some of which being extraterrestrial in origin. SWORD, who could be integral to the MCU’s future, could shepherd the arrival of multiple MCU heroes – and not just Teyonah Parris’ Spectrum aka Monica Rambeau. Machine Man could be around the corner as well.
Machine Man aka X-51 is a robot created by scientists employed by the United States government. Despite being a robot, X-51 somehow developed a consciousness, meaning he was capable of independent thought and reason; he could even express emotions. Machine Man ended up being hunted by the government, but the weapons he came equipped with made him a hard target. As for what his powers are, X-51 possesses extendable limbs, and various types of cybernetic devices and scanners build into his body parts. For instance, Machine Man has eyes that can protrude from his head like a telescope. He can also fly and fire bullets from his fingertips.
Originally, he was created for a comic set in the world of 2001: A Space Odyssey, but Kirby ended up moving him into the Marvel Universe, which allowed him to interact and fight with established characters like the Hulk and Spider-Man. During the 1980s, he fell in love with Jocasta, a robot built by Ultron. Ultron used Machine Man’s affection for her to manipulate him into betraying his allies, the Avengers. Eventually, X-51 and the Avengers got past what happened, and the character was made a reserve member of the team. For short length of time, he starred in his own comic book titles, but was mostly used as a guest star in other heroes’ comics. In the 2000s, he was reimagined as a wise-cracking robot, which allowed him to provide comedy relief in the comics in which he appeared. In 2008, Machine Man notably served as the main protagonist in the third Marvel Zombies miniseries.
In WandaVision episode 4, Monica Rambeau can be seen discussing SWORD's mission with Tyler Hayward (Josh Samberg). Hayward says SWORD has “shifted away from manned missions and refocused on robotics, nanotech, AI. Sentient weapons, like it says on the door”. What’s interesting about this line is, Hayward named three elements that would be central to the origin story of the MCU’s Machine Man. It has been said in the past that X-51’s robot body is built with nanotechnology, which makes sense. If it was incorporated into an MCU adaptation of the character, nanotechnology could be used to explain the extendable limbs and how he’s able to have so many advanced devices and weapons hidden in his body. Plus, X-51 would certainly fit the description of a “sentient weapon”.
Monica pointed out that “creation” isn’t part of SWORD’s prerogative, but as Hayward has explained, much has changed since she disappeared. Originally, SWORD was set up to just “observe” these sentient weapons, but now the possibility of them creating their own is on the table. Given the areas that SWORD is currently exploring in Phase 4, it does look like Machine Man is among the “sentient weapons” that SWORD could introduce to the MCU. If so, he could become a powerful weapon for them in the future.
Some may wonder if Vision’s presence in the MCU would keep Marvel from pursuing a second android hero in Phase 4. While the two do have a lot of differences, they share several similarities too. The robot and the snythezoid both stand out for their ability to think and feel. While that may be a good reason for Marvel to avoid Machine Man for the time being, it’s possible that Marvel is planning on making him Vision’s replacement. After all, it’s important to keep in mind that Vision’s resurrection may not have been a permanent one. Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) created a reality where he’s alive again to cope with her pain, and once her fake world is taken down, Vision may disappear for good.
If Marvel does decide bring in a new android Avenger, it could be that this character’s introduction will occur at the end of WandaVision, possibly as a tease of what’s to come. He could then be made a major player in future MCU installments. The two best options for that would be Secret Invasion and Captain Marvel 2. Disney+’s Secret Invasion show ties in to Spider-Man: Far From Home’s SWORD tease, and Captain Marvel 2 will include Monica Rambeau. With SWORD all but confirmed for both projects, Machine Man could appear in either of them as one of their assets.
Being a robot, X-51 would be invaluable to Nick Fury’s mission in Secret Invasion, as he’d be one person the Skrulls may not be able to replace and impersonate. Also, it’s possible that the scanning technology in Machine Man’s body would enable him to easily identify Skrull imposters. Alternatively, X-51 could join Captain Marvel 2 as the movie’s fourth superhero (the other three being Carol Danvers, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau). SWORD could send him to help the female heroes contend with whatever force is threatening the Earth. Depending on how his story unfolds in either Secret Invasion or Captain Marvel 2, he could be established as another capable hero that the Earth can rely on in times of need. If that’s the direction Marvel takes, he’d be a potential roster addition for Avengers 5.
More: Why WandaVision's Episodes Were Different When Watched By SWORD
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