When we think about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the first thing that crosses our minds is the superheroes. When we think about Captain America, we picture Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers swinging his shield at his enemy. When we think of Black Panther; Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa comes to mind. It’s almost impossible for us to imagine them any other way unlike how we remember them right now. However, our beloved Marvel Superheroes were almost given a completely different look than the ones we know and have seen in the MCU
According to Ryan Meinerding, the Marvel Studios’ head of Visual Development, Marvel Studios has many unused concept art designs for various superheroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including but not limited to Captain America and the Guardians of the Galaxy’s Gamora.
Marvel Studios have tried on several Superheroes’ designs before the final version. They keep improving upon them. Meinerding’s work on Iron Man in 2008, have been highly regarded by both the Studio and the Fans. As the head of the Visual Department, Meinerding works on several different and sometimes whacky projects that never release but are to be completed nonetheless.
It is his job to make them looks as relatable as possible, staying true to the comic book and non-comic book fans of the MCU while trying to forge a path unique for themselves.
Here are the superhero concept arts that never made it to the big screen.
Captain America
The flagship superhero of the MCU was given a darker, less childish and an edgier look. This version of Captain America in designed around World War 2.
Vision
Meinerding wanted to make Vision look as synthetic as possible. The gold and grey colour was suitable for that purpose. However, Vision’s red and green look in the MCU is a sort of trademark for the Superhero Android.
Gamora
Meinerding’s original design on Gamora made her look purple instead of green. She even had weird designs on her face. Her green skin and smooth face is how we like our Gamora to be.
Mantis
Mantis was initially drawn to look more alien than she already does. She had an insect-themed costume, and the facial protrusions on her face were supposed to give her an exotic look but ended up looking extremely unflattering.
Black Panther
Black Panther’s helmet and black suit were almost changed at the very last minute to look like the picture shown above. Glad that never happened although the suit does look good.
Hulk
The Hulk had a beard and even longer hair according to Meinerding’s original designs. The designs never took place, and Hulk’s look stayed the same.
Spider-Man
Meinerding tried giving him a new, more classic look in Civil War and was based heavily from Mark Bagley’s Spiderman designs from the comics. This too never came to light and Spiderman was given an even more classic look than the original in Homecoming.
