These six MCU heroes aren’t dads, but they may as well be!
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is filled with great (and not-so-great) dads everywhere: Scott Lang, Tony Stark, Clint Barton, Drax, T’Chaka, Odin, even Thanos. They all have children of their own, and we’re sure they get their fair share of love when Father’s Day comes around.
But what about the folks in the MCU who aren’t dads, but still have that vibe to them? Maybe it’s by making dad jokes, or by showing that they’re always there for the people who look up to them the most. And heck, by most of the MCU’s best characters being heroes anyway, they all possess their own level of dad-ness at heart.
So with the movies in mind (not even thinking about the vast world of the comics and dad-ly storylines there), these are the five dad-liest non-dads in the MCU.
6 MCU heroes who are really dads at heart
Bruce Banner
Lots of dads get stereotyped into being distant or cold or aloof, but nothing beats a sensitive dad who listens to their kids. Bruce Banner is about as sensitive and caring as it gets when it comes to MCU guys. When he’s Smart Hulk, you can look forward to gigantic breakfasts in the morning. But if he’s regular Bruce Banner, just try not to upset him, like by forgetting to take the trash out after he asked you two times.
T’Challa
Devoted, devoted, devoted. That’s T’Challa, the Black Panther, in a nutshell. This hero learned a lot from his own dad in leading the country, and now he knows to lead from his heart, not just his head. It takes an understanding guy like T’Challa to be a good dad, so he’ll graciously accept when you go through your emo/scene phase.
Nick Fury
There are tons of people out there who have that dad who’s totally intimidating on the outside, but actually kind of nice when you meet them. That’s Nick Fury, and you better believe he won’t go easy on you. You have to get the best grades and play the best sports. But at the end of the day, like with Captain Marvel, you’ll see he’s really a caring guy and will protect you from alien cats that like to scratch.
Peter Quill
Let’s be real, Peter Quill has lots of dad-vibe energy. Just look at the music he walks around blasting all the time. “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Hooked On a Feeling,” “O-o-h Child”? And what the heck is that old movie Footloose he keeps talking about? Alright dad, we get it. The ’80s were awesome. Now can you please put the Walkman down?
Happy
How can we forget about Happy? The guy who’s basically been looking after Peter Parker and keeping actual man-child (and somehow a real dad) Tony Stark in line. Gender roles are outdated these days, but Happy is definitely Mr. Mom. Did you eat lunch? Ready for soccer practice by 3? Doctor’s appointment scheduled? As a dad, Happy will keep track of it all and gladly make sure you aren’t slacking in any areas.
James Rhodes
Speaking of guys who have to look after Tony Stark, James Rhodey was pretty much the next in line when it came to making sure his head was still on his shoulders. But with a military man as disciplined as Rhodey is, he’s without a doubt the type of dad that would treat you like a fellow soldier. Wakeup is at oh-six-hundred, bed must be neatly made, hair must be tidily combed… and if you impress him, tacos will be ready for dinner tonight at eighteen-hundred hours. (Just make sure you have your 24-hour time converter available so you aren’t late.)
Am I missing someone from this list? Oh, Steve Rogers! Have we ever proved that he didn’t go back in time to have a family with Peggy? Is there a Captain America Jr. out there for real? Someone needs to investigate because he’s the most dad character of them all. No swearing? Stands by his morals? He didn’t need a super-soldier serum to be born a dad.
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