Ms. Marvel is focused on Kamala Khan, but another character featured in the Disney+ series could possibly become the MCU’s next Iron Man.
The following contains spoilers for Ms. Marvel Season 1, Episode 1, “Generation Why,” which premiered Wednesday, June 8, on Disney+.
Disney+’s Ms. Marvel quickly sent Iman Vellani’s character Kamala Khan off on a life-changing journey. The self-professed Captain Marvel fan found a unique bangle that imbued her with powers and gave her superhero ambitions. It’s been a fun ride so far, and critics have widely praised the series, which also earned high marks from Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.
The show has added more diversity to the Marvel Cinematic Universe while also showcasing the Generation Z experience. However, as much as the series is about Kamala, it’s also introduced another interesting teen character in her best friend Bruno, played by Matt Lintz. While it seems like he might just be a sidekick with a crush, Bruno has the potential to be the next Iron Man and start his own life-changing adventure.
Marvel Studios has spent the last few years looking at the next generation of key characters — especially the Avengers. Yelena Belova is more or less the new Black Widow. Kate Bishop is the next Hawkeye, with fans hoping she appears in Ms. Marvel. Sam Wilson has taken over as Captain America and Jane Foster is picking up Thor’s hammer. Bruno taking on the Iron Man mantle would feel organic because he’s been depicted in the Disney+ series just like he is in the comic books — as an absolute genius.
The shots of his room, the tools he’s working with, the A.I. lock on his bike and the items he’s building (like the proton gloves for Kamala to mimic Captain Marvel) all illustrate how high his IQ is. It’s similar to the work his comic counterpart did on Kamala’s bangles and suits. In the comics, Bruno tried to help Kamala be a better hero and protect her secret identity. If Kamala does become one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Bruno can continue his journey alongside her as a junior Iron Man.
While Ms. Marvel’s premiere had Bruno attending AvengersCon as Bruce Banner in a lab coat, Kamala’s imagination depicted him as a kid version of Tony Stark, so even she thinks he’s a fit. If he does build himself armor or other weapons along Tony’s level, it’s easy to see Stark Industries bringing him in from New Jersey for an internship. Happy Hogan could oversee him and spoiler magnet Tom Holland’s Peter Parker could become his mentor. This would bring Peter’s own relationship with Tony full circle as Peter could pass on Tony’s lessons regarding power and responsibility.
Another option is that comics Bruno studied in Wakanda and worked with Kwezi on vibranium technology. He could be part of that think tank, maybe even creating vibranium-infused suits. Bruno has a lot of potential within the MCU, and Lintz portrays the character with a lot of humility while maintaining great chemistry with Vellani. As Kamala becomes a bigger symbol for justice, Bruno could also unlock a larger, more inspirational destiny for himself.
New episodes of Ms. Marvel stream Wednesdays on Disney+.