Here’s a sentence that I can’t quiet believe I’m saying – new Marvel show Wonder Man has name-dropped classic UK soap opera Coronation Street in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene.
#Corrie in THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE whoever thought we would see the day 😭#CoronationStreet pic.twitter.com/IYoVxQykK3January 28, 2026
It’s like watching Mickey Mouse walk into a season of Love Island – never in a million years should the two go together, but now that it’s happened, it’s hilarious.
Now the soap is technically canon in the MCU, you might be wondering what it is. On the airwaves since 1960, the show simply follows the daily lives of the street’s residents, set in Manchester, England.
You could watch YouTube clips until the cows come home (and there’s some corkers), but I’m going to give you an education like no other.
Without further ado, I present who I’d cast as the Coronation Street Avengers out of its 60 years worth of cast… and Kevin Feige, you can have this one on me.
Iron Man – Rita Tanner
Okay, so Rita (Barbara Knox) doesn’t have Tony Stark’s savior complex, but there’s some pretty complex stuff going on in that brain of hers. Without Rita, Coronation Street wouldn’t exist, and she’s the first in line with it comes to helping other people.
Over the years, her confidence has got her into some scrapes, but that doesn’t mean she’s free from deep-rooted insecurities. Rita is as sarcastic as they come, and has a sense of greater responsibility resting on her tiny shoulders. Remind you of anyone?
Thor – Ken Barlow
When you think of the Avengers, Thor is likely the first character to come to mind, and the same is true for Coronation Street and Ken Barlow (William Roache). He’s bowled over many a woman with his dashing good looks, and I genuinely think Ken will outlive any other resident on the street.
While I’ve got no idea how good Ken is with wielding a hammer, his natural charm and charisma make him the perfect match for Thor. The pair are also both deeply loyal and fierce when the time calls for it.
Loki – Peter Barlow
While Thor and Loki are brothers, I think the father-son duo of Ken and Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) are their spitting image. While Ken is the golden boy, Peter has a much darker side that is often wrestled to the sidelines.
Emotional turbulence is Loki’s forte, and alcoholic Peter has been on the brink far too many times. He’s an intelligent man though, and at his worst, and manipulate those around him to get what he wants.
Captain America – Tyrone Dobbs
Everyone needs a wholesome boy-next-door, and both Captain America and Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) are that for their respective franchises. There’s no bad blood here, only positive vibes and smiles.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t hardships to be dealt with, though. Often getting quiet when times are tough, Tyrone’s unshakeable moral compasses often means justice is served… even if it takes a really long time to get there.
Black Widow – Carla Connor
Carla Connor (Alison King) is a woman you don’t mess with on any day of the week, with an acidic tongue and attitude to match. However, she’s the first to defend those she cares about, and lets her guard down when she feels supported.
This blend of toughness is something we also see in the Black Widow, who is as intelligent as she is resourceful and cunning. She’s a fantastic ally but a terrifying opponent… just trade in superpowers for the local knicker factory.
Hulk – Bette Lynch
If Hulk and Bette Lynch (Julie Goodyear) went head-to-head in a fist fight, I’d put all my money on the former Rovers Return landlady. It only makes sense to match the green giant with the Coronation Street character who’s best known for their epic brawls, so look no further.
While Hulk retreats into elusive researcher Bruce Banner, Bette is operating at Hulk levels at any given time. Play by her rules or sling your hook, that’s all I’ll say.
Scarlet Witch – Gail Platt
Gail Platt (Helen Worth) is a Coronation Street legend, but if I had to compare her to any Avenger, it would be the Scarlett Witch. If you’ve watched Wandavision, you’ll know that underneath the red cloak is a woman who just wants to keep the love of her life and kids safe, but routinely fails to.
Gail sadly follows this same storyline, having been unlucky in love to the point of nearly being drowned in the local canal by one prospective partner. While she almost always comes to blows with sons Nick (Ben Price) and David (Jack P. Shepherd) and mother Audrey (Sue Nicholls), she just wants to keep them all under one roof, which is easier said than done.
Professor Charles Xavier – Norris Cole
Now here’s where I’ve played an absolute blinder. I know I’ve deviated from the original Avengers line-up, but it’s no secret that the X-Men are returning for Avengers: Doomsday. Professor X is the most legendary of the all, overseeing his team with little movement and sage wisdom.
Another man who knows everything there is to know is Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden), someone you’d never assume could be capable of unleashing huge power. Like Professor X, Norris works best in a team, but his reputation precedes itself. Some people are just born to lead.
Magneto – Roy Cropper
Professor X needs his right-hand man, and that’s Magneto – or in Coronation Street‘s case, Roy Cropper (David Neilson). Quiet and unassuming, Roy is a natural follower, but strikes up the courage to speak out when it’s needed.
Both men are fiercely dedicated to those around them, acting with honor at all times. They’ve got a lot to grapple with thanks to trauma in their pasts, but it makes them formidable minds in the present.
Bonus: Thanos – Tracey Barlow
Technically not an Avenger, but I had to include the fact that Tracey Barlow (Kate Ford) is a dead ringer for Thanos. Both love their bling, but in their retrospective worlds, they are the dark destroyer.
There’s clear narcissism and arrogance in both characters, even though Tracey is only metaphorically wiping out those around her. But each loves to win, and with victory comes cunning strategy.
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jasmine.valentine@futurenet.com (Jasmine Valentine)
