While The Eternals will gender swap three of its leads — Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Ajak (Salma Hayek), and Sprite (Lia McHugh)— the upcoming Phase 4 movie will not feature the only gender-swapped characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Aside from these three announcements, additional Marvel characters who are currently in talks to join the ever-expanding cinematic landscape may also be gender-swapped (when they finally make it to the party).

MCU Phase 4 | Kevin Winter/Getty Images

So, who will be gender-swapped? Will Invisible Woman of the Fantastic Four become Invisible Man? Will Johnny Storm become Joanna Storm? What does the MCU have in store, and how do Kevin Feige and Co, plan to change the source material’s depiction to suit its narrative plans and intentions.

‘Captain Marvel 2’ may introduce a female Nova

We Got This Covered (WGTC) recently reported that Captain Marvel 2 — likely to hit cinemas as part of Phase 5 — will feature a female version of Nova. The outlet, relying on a 4Chan leak (a site with mixed credibility that every so often is right on the mark), stated that the reimagined version of Nova will be Richard Rider’s (original Nova) daughter, Beth Rider.

Rumor has it that Nova (Beth Rider) and Carol Danvers will develop a romantic relationship in the upcoming installment, aligning with previous theories that argue Marvel Studios’ intentions to make Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel an LGBTQ+ heroine. So, while this rumor comes from 4Chan, and should be taken with a grain of salt, it seems narratively plausible given what we already know about the landscape.

As for Nova, the character boasts superhuman strength, flight, speed, and durability, as well as the ability to absorb energy directed at him/her, and release it as gravimetric pulses and beams. In short, Nova is not one to be reckoned with (unless you’re ready to take an energy blast).

An Emma Thompson-like actress may portray Galactus in the MCU

Rumor has it that casting for Galactus — the devourer of worlds — may come down to two vastly different, but equally strong options. While Liam Neeson has long-been considered the frontrunner for the part (given his impending disposition and deep, intimidating voice), Marvel Studios may decide to rely more heavily on the character’s other qualities, placing omniscience, and all-knowing superiority above fear as the primary attribute. If Marvel chooses this, they may also choose a woman, and go with an Emma Thompson type actress.

Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson would undoubtedly offer up disparate depictions; however, both would likely receive adulation, as the all-powerful Galactus. While Neeson would be more in line with the comic book depiction, Emma Thompson would represent Kevin Feige’s valiant efforts to pay homage, while avoiding mimicry and create experiences that feel new to comic book readers and pure film enthusiasts alike.

When it comes to the MCU, gender-swapping offers the potential to surprise fans via unseen illustration. AS of now, The Eternals casting is confirmed, but it will be some time until Nova and Galactus casting reach a conclusion.