NetEase Games' superhero shooter,Marvel Rivals, has become a smash hit since its release on December 6. In less than a week since its launch,Marvel Rivalshas already released its first major update. There’s plenty to be excited about with several other enticing features, such as Twitch Drops, a seasonal battle pass, and a stacked competitive ladder.
Interestingly, sinceMarvel Rivals' starting roster was revealed, many eyes have been drawn to previously lesser-known characters such as Luna Snow and Jeff the Land Shark. The latter, first introduced in the third-person shooter’s Closed Beta Test, stood out for his adorable demeanor and impressive utility. If the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) were to capitalize onMarvel Rivalsexplosive success, Jeff the Land Shark could become its version of Grogu, also colloquially called “Baby Yoda.”
The MCU and Marvel Rivals Share a Symbiotic Relationship
Jeff the Land Shark’s Addition to the MCU Seems All But Inevitable
It’s worth noting thatJeff the Land Shark appeared in video gamesprior toMarvel Rivals, withMarvel Snapbeing a significant point of interest. In Marvel Comics, the cuddly shark was created by MODOK and first seen in 2018’sWest Coast AvengersVol. 3. With strong ties to Gwenpool, who adopted him following the fight against the Masters of Evil West Coast, he’s played a part in the narrative of the following characters, though this list isn’t exhaustive:
Considering that MODOK has already appeared inAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, albeit as a reimagined version of the villain, there’s a potential path forward for Jeff. While it’s unclear if he could join the MCU in Phase 5, thesuccess ofDeadpool and Wolverine, combined with Gwenpool’s rising prominence, further strengthens the possibility of his debut. After all, even though he’s a newer character in the comics, he’s already managed to feature in several other stories, including stealing Captain America’s shield to use as a sled, swiping Miles Morales' mask, and eating the Infinity Gauntlet.
Jeff the Land Shark’s Cuteness Factor Could Make Him The Baby Yoda of the MCU
Described by Kate Bishop as “a giant, drooly, playful baby” inExtreme Venomverse(2023) #5, part of Jeff’s appeal comes from his playful personality, lack of human speech, and troublesome nature. Similar to Din Grogu, who was created for 2019’sStar WarsseriesThe Mandalorian, Jeff has the potential to steal the hearts of millions. In the six years since his creation, he’s already gotten his own comic run in 2021’sIt’s Jeff!, become a key Strategist character inMarvel Rivals, and become a meta card inMarvel SnapSeries Five. If Disney wanted to leverage Jeff the Land Shark fully, it might consider pushing him into the mainstream limelight.
“Similar to Din Grogu, Jeff has the potential to steal the hearts of millions.”
It seems all but assured that if Jeff were to make an appearance in the MCU as his typical adorable self, superhero shark plushies would start flying off the shelves. The popularity ofBaby Groot inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,Avengers: Infinity War, andAvengers: Endgamealready hints at such success, but Jeff might be the critical, permanent cuteness factor the movies need. As Jeff continues to make waves in other Marvel IPs, hopefully, he’ll catch the attention of Marvel Studios.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.Dynamic Hero SynergyCoordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!Creative Environment DestructionTear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch UpdatesThe Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
