Who is the smartest character in the MCU? It’s complicated

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, characters are capable of incredible feats. Some can fly, others can survive being in outer space, and several have done things that defy the laws of our natural world. Activity of this kind naturally leads to fans wondering who the franchise’s smartest character is, and, as expected in an expansive property, there are a ton of possibilities in every place.

To begin with, creatives for the franchise like the Russo brothers have previously confirmed Shuri of Black Panther fame is the smartest person canonically in the series as of 2018. They make the information known in a Wired video published at the time, and, while this holds, if you want to pick apart the question, you can also put Tony Stark and Iron Man at the top of the list for one specific reason, the character who is by-and-large ordinary flesh and blood and can be killed manages to bend the fabric of reality in an evening.

Through his brief work, Stark is able to crack time travel while the concept remains a pie-in-the-sky fantasy, scientists in our reality say will never be like it is in TV and movies. You will not see Thor doing anything similar (apologies to everyone’s favorite Himbo) and no one else has been as astonishing yet, not even Shuri with all of her talents over in Wakanda.

Now, while fans are justifiably critics of much in the Marvel movie world-circling back to what was once a character of no consequence in the comics, Stark’s legacy does connect to one of the other potential smartest of all options. For those who do not remember Iron Man 2 (and yeah, justifiable), there is a scene early in the story where Tony is testifying before the U.S. Senate.

In the footage here, he shows the gathered audience other countries cannot replicate his armor in spite of having entire societies of millions of people and scores of resources at their disposal. However, if you have seen Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and, SPOILERS if you have not, the film’s MacGuffin does. Riri Williams is able to beat North Korea, Iran, and a billion-dollar company despite only being a college student. Pretty impressive and a sign of incredible intellect if ever one did ever exist. As well, those behind her coming into the franchise have said she is potentially as smart as Shuri, so, we have a challenge up ahead.

Of course, there are plenty of non-Iron Man and Shuri-related options available. Peter Parker’s Spider-Man created a web fluid strong enough to hold up vehicles, Hank Pym made particles that have allowed him and others to shrink down to microscopic levels and, in time a new contender is likely to emerge. Especially if you consider all of the Wolverine character’s available skills. Though, these could also be diluted and, if you are judging the question by who would be most in sync with Shuri, others who should be considered include Bruce Banner and, eventually, Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic when the Fantastic Four movie comes.