The Most Powerful Avenger in the MCU: Thor vs. Other Top Candidates
The question of who the most powerful Avenger is in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been a subject of much debate among fans. Several candidates stand out, and in this article, we will explore the arguments for and against Thor, Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch), Dr. Strange, and Captain Marvel as the strongest Avenger.
Thor: The Most Powerful Avenger?
Captain America: The Thunderstress (Thor)
Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, stands out as the most powerful Avenger in several ways. Despite facing formidable opponents like Hulk, Thanos, and Wanda Maximoff, his resilience is unmatched. With the inclusion of Stormbreaker and Mjolnir, Thor's prowess becomes even more pronounced. In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it is established that Thor is the strongest Avenger, as he was described to be capable of defeating Captain Marvel, who is also powerful.
Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch)
Scarlet Witch
While Wanda Maximoff (also known as the Scarlet Witch) is certainly not to be underestimated, she falls just short of superseding Thor. In the battle against Thanos, Wanda proved that she could take on an adversary wielding all six Infinity Stones. However, without these stones, she was overwhelmed. Additionally, despite her immense power, Wanda was defeated by Thanos in The snapshots of an Alternate Multiverse, and even Vision, who was a powerful entity, was defeated by Thanos. But it is crucial to note that Wanda is capable of killing Captain Marvel in single combat, which speaks to her immense power.
Dr. Stephen Strange (Dr. Strange)
Demon of Sorcery
Dr. Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, represents a different type of power in the MCU. His magic and interdimensional abilities place him in a league of his own. However, his power is unique and not directly comparable to physical might. While he can surpass Thor pure in magical power, in the realm of physical combat, Thor has a clear edge.
Captain Marvel: A Contender for Power
The Cosmic Girl
Captain Marvel, portrayed by Brie Larson, is another strong candidate. With her inherent power and the potential to become even more powerful, she is a formidable opponent. However, in base form, Captain Marvel is less comparable to Thor. Her abilities have been shown to surpass Thor's in certain situations, particularly during the Infinity War, when she was able to shatter Thanos in a single shot. But this was aided by the Infinity Stones, and without them, her power is clearly not as strong as Thor's.
Physical Strength of the Current Avengers
Through recent film evidence and actor statements, it has been confirmed that the current version of Thor (Legacy Thor) is the strongest of the current Avengers. In the movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the character's trainer stated, "I was fortunate enough to have a solid period at home to try a multitude of nutritional and training methods to build the strongest version of myself and the character yet." This indicates that Thor's physical strength has improved, even after his ordeal with Ragnarok.
Moreover, the Official MCU Instagram page has publicly stated that Legacy Thor is the strongest Avenger. In Thor: Ragnarok, Thor's training made him even stronger, surpassing his previous self when he was her rival. This has been reaffirmed by Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and other Marvel materials, establishing Thor as the current physical powerhouse of the MCU.
It is worth noting that despite all these factors, the de facto strongest Avenger in the MCU is still Legacy Thor, with his training and potential for growth in the future ensuring his status at the top.
Conclusion
The most powerful Avenger in the MCU is currently Legacy Thor (Thor: Ragnarok and beyond). While Wanda Maximoff and Dr. Strange bring immense power to the table, their abilities are unique and not directly comparable to Thor's physical prowess. Captain Marvel is a strong contender with extraordinary potential but is currently in a physical strength category that is not as high as Thor's. As the MCU continues to evolve, Thor's legacy and potential remain a significant factor in determining his strength among the Avenger team.