TheMarvel Universeis filled with complex, powerful heroes who regularly save the universe from all manner of enemies. While many have appeared on the silver screen already, there’s one untapped (and adorable) warrior perfectly suited for the limelight:Jeff the Land Shark. He’s an Avenger with plenty of powerful friends, and he’s a guaranteed hit with all audiences.

Jeff the Land Shark partnered with Deadpoolin 2021’sDeadpool#10 by Kelly Thompson, Gerardo Sandoval, Victor Nava, Chris Sotomayor, and Joe Sabino, but Wade Wilson is only one in a growing line of famous faces to claim the unforgettable little shark as a companion. Though he originally spent time cozied up with Gwenpool, Jeff captured the hearts of the entire West Coast Avengers team - including Kate Bishop, Kid Omega, and America Chavez.

Comic book cover: Deadpool sits wearing a red king robe and gold crown with Jeff the Land Shark by his feet.

Jeff is a hero in his own right and is primed and ready to join the MCU, either as a kid-friendly star or as a sidekick to one of Marvel’s existing heroes, like Hawkeye or Deadpool.

Jeff the Land Shark’s Versatile History Makes Him Ideal for the Big Screen

First Appearance:West Coast Avengers#7 by Kelly Thompson, Daniele Di Nicuolo, Tríona Farrell, and Joe Caramagna

Jeff the Land Shark got off to a rough start in life after being created by M.O.D.O.K. (alongside several other “land sharks”), but he was quickly rescued by Gwenpool and herfellow West Coast Avengers. After being adopted by the entire team and named an official member, Jeff went on to bounce between companions.Gwenpool, Deadpool, Kate Bishop, and Elsa Bloodstone have all spent time as Jeff’s caretakers, but he can handle himself. For a tiny shark who can’t speak, and only technically has shark-related abilities, he’s managed to steal the Eye of Agamotto, bond with a symbiote, and create pseudo-Pym particles.

A team-up between Jeff and Captain Marvel’s Flerken, Goose, could be exactly what the world is waiting for.

Comic book art: Jeff the Land Shark from Marvel Comics

Jeff’s varied comic history perfectly showcases his versatility. He’s at home with many different characters, but he can also carry his own story. Jeff has the intelligence to outwit Doctor Strange and enough cunning to partner up with and control a symbiote, as seen inhis recentVenom War: It’s Jefftie-inby Thompson and Gurihiru. That’s exactlythe kind of range needed for a universe as intricately connected as the MCU. While some of his comic-book friends already exist on-screen, he’s easy to adapt for even more characters. A team-up between Jeff and Captain Marvel’s Flerken, Goose, could be exactly what the world is waiting for.

Jeff the Land Shark Deserves to Be the MCU’s Next Animal Star

Currently Starring in the Infinity ComicIt’s Jeff!by Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru

If the success of MCU’sGuardians of the Galaxyproved anything, it’s that animal-basedcharacters like Rocket Raccooncan steal the hearts of moviegoers. Though Rocket’s tragic backstory and infinite snark differ from Jeff the Land Shark’s charms, there’s space for both approaches in the MCU. On the other side of the aisle, James Gunn’s upcomingSupermanfilm is set to feature Clark Kent’s beloved companion, Krypto, and many fans are excited to see the canine grace screens.Jeff is equally versatile and capable of fitting different target audiences and niches, whether he’s played for laughs or a character to tug at heartstrings.

King Shark and Jeff the Land Shark Are Best Buds in Charming Fan Art

In some fantastic new fan art, DC’s King Shark and Marvel Comics' Jeff the Land Shark join forces as best new buds in an adorable crossover.

In short, there’s plenty of room for animal heroes in superhero movies, and it’s the perfect time for Jeff to work his way onto the screen. This film genre has evolved beyond the typical idea of comic book heroes, while animation and visual effects have made practically anything possible. Plenty of other characters have paved the way for Jeff’s success and proven that fans fall in love with them just as surely as their more humanoid friends. The stage is set, audiences are ready, and it’s time to bringJeff the Land Sharkinto theMarvelCinematic Universe.

Comic book art: Jeff the Land Shark in goggles and Deadpool swimsuit

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