Marvel's Runaways aired for three seasons on Hulu. Unfortunately, the show was canceled, and that means fans might never see the characters again. However, this is Marvel, a world where almost anything is possible. So could it be possible that the Runaways will return in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Or perhaps the show will continue on Disney Plus? The characters certainly had potential and might be interesting to see in the next phase of the MCU. A Disney Plus continuation might be a long shot. Yet it would be nice to see more of the Runaways.
For those who haven't seen the show, Marvel's Runaways are made up of Alex Wilder (Rhenzy Feliz), Nico Minoru (Lyrica Okano), Karolina Dean (Virginia Gardner), Gert Yorkes (Ariela Barer), Chase Stein (Gregg Sulkin), and Molly Hernandez (Allegra Acosta). In the first season, these teenagers find out that their parents are sacrificing children for some mysterious reason. During the first episode, the teens catch their parents in the act, and from then on, things are never the same. Throughout the show, the Runaways deal with not only their creepy parents but also aliens and witches. It turns out that their parents are really working for an alien known to them as Jonah. He needs the sacrifices to stay alive. It also turns out he's not the only alien around, as his family comes into the story as well.
The third season also has the main characters going against Morgan le Fay. In season 3, the Runaways also meet future versions of themselves, and everything ends somewhat well. At least, so it seems. Marvel's Runaways, through its short-lived run, dealt with a lot, and it could be a good idea for the MCU to bring the Runaways back. So will they appear in future movies or Disney Plus shows? It's hard to know for sure, but it is possible to speculate based on what is known about the MCU's future. Marvel Studios is set to diversify their stories, and adding the Runaways would only add to that diversity.
Marvel's Runaways featured a diverse group of teens fighting for what's right. As did the show that Marvel's Runaways had a crossover with during season 3, Cloak and Dagger. And since more diversity in the movies tends to draw bigger audiences, adding Marvel's Runaways to the MCU would seem obvious. In addition, more younger heroes would be interesting and might draw in younger audiences.
The Runaways are exceptionally diverse, young, and fresh, making them even more intriguing. However, Marvel has a lot on its plate at the moment. Not only the movies but the Disney Plus shows as well; it might be a lot to ask to throw even more characters in the mix. Yet the Runaways had such potential; it would be a shame to leave them behind. Of course, fans can always watch and rewatch the show. Yet, the characters deserve to have their stories continue.
Especially with the cliffhanger ending, there are so many ways that these character's stories could go. At the end of the story, the Runaways are all united yet again. Things seem to be going well for them finally, though there is the aforementioned cliffhanger. Any continuation of their story would have to pick up where the show left off, showing what happens to Alex, Nico, Karolina, Gert, Chase, and Molly after the ending.
A continuation could include the Runaways using their abilities against whatever villains the MCU has planned for phase 4. Marvel could play to its strengths with realistic stories of the older and wiser Runaways dealing with their powers and their relationships. Integrating Marvel's Runaways into the MCU would be great for fans of the show and MCU fans alike. The Runaways would only add to the stories Marvel wants to tell, especially given their diversity and charisma.
The actors who portray the Runaways would have to be willing to come back, of course. Yet, it's hard to imagine they wouldn't be. The characters deserve to continue in some form, and fans who were left shocked by the show's cancellation would likely take the Runaways whatever way they could get them.
Of course, not all MCU fans will want to see the Runaways. Some might feel the Marvel movies and shows are crowded as it is. Yet fans of the show and the Runaways comics would likely love to see them on screen again. Marvel's Runaways, therefore, might live on in some way. Perhaps their friends Cloak and Dagger will too. It probably wouldn't hurt Marvel to get some newer, younger faces in their stories. And the Runaways have the bonus of already having been on screen and coming with an already existing fan base.