NetEase Games superhero shooter, Marvel Rivalshas become a hit since its release on December 6. In less than a week from the launch Marvel Rivals has already released its first major update. With several other enticing features such as Twitch Drops, a Seasonal Battle Pass, and a stacked competitive ladder, there's plenty to look forward to.
Interestingly, from Marvel Rivals' the starting line-up was revealed, many eyes were drawn to previously lesser-known characters such as Luna Snow and Jeff the Land Shark. First introduced in the closed beta test of the third-person shooter, he stood out for his adorable demeanor and impressive utility. If the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) capitalized Marvel Rivals an explosive success, Jeff the Land Shark could become his version of Grog, also colloquially called “Baby Yoda”.

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The MCU and Marvel Rivals share a symbiotic relationship
The addition of Jeff the Land Shark to the MCU seems almost inevitable
It's worth noting that Jeff the Land Shark has appeared in video games before Marvel Rivalswith Marvel Snap be a significant point of interest. In Marvel Comics, the stuffed shark was created by MODOK and was first seen in 2018 West Coast Avengers St. 3. With strong ties to Gwenpool, who adopted him after fighting the Masters of Evil West Coast, he played a role in the narratives of the following characters, although this list is not exhaustive:
- America Chavez
- Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers)
- Deadpool (Wade Wilson)
- Elsa Bloodstone
- Fuse (Johnny Watts)
- Gwenpool (Gwendolyn Poole)
- Hawkeye (Kate Bishop)
- MODOK
- Power Pack
Since MODOK has already appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumaniaeven though this is a reworked version of the villain, there is a potential way forward for Jeff. While it's unclear if he could join the MCU in Phase 5, success Deadpool and Wolverinecombined 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 appear in several other stories, including stealing Captain America's shield to use as a sled, stepping on Miles Morales' mask, and eating the Infinity Gauntlet.
Jeff the Land Shark's cuteness factor could have made him the little Yoda of the MCU
Kate Bishop described him as a “giant, drooling, playful child” in Extreme Venomverse (2023) #5, part of Jeff's appeal comes from his playful personality, lack of human speech, and problematic nature. Similar to Din Grogu, which was created for 2019 Star Wars series The MandalorianJeff has the potential to steal the hearts of millions. In 2021, six years after his creation, he already got his own comic book It's Jeff!become a key strategist in Marvel Rivalsand become a meta card v Marvel Snap Row five. If Disney wanted to make the most of Jeff the Shrew, they might consider bringing him into the mainstream spotlight.
“Like Din Grogu, Jeff has the potential to steal the hearts of millions.”
It seems almost certain that if Jeff showed up in the MCU as his typical adorable self, superhero shark plushies would start flying off the shelves. Baby Groot's popularity in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity Warand Avengers: Endgame already hints at such success, but Jeff could be the critical, enduring cuteness factor the movies need. As Jeff continues to make waves in other Marvel IPs, hopefully he will catch the eye of Marvel Studios.