19 iconic characters from TV shows/movies that deserve their own prequel spin-off

Netflix
Netflix's The Umbrella Academy S4 Premiere Event - Source: Getty

Sometimes, while watching a show or a movie, along with the lead a particular side character also grabs our attention. Their overlook outlook and persona become extremely intriguing and sometimes even overshadow some of the main characters and a spin-off about them becomes a requirement. So in this list, we are going to talk about 19 iconic characters from TV shows/movies that deserve their own prequel spin-off.

1) Beth Dutton (Yellowstone)

Paramount's "Yellowstone" Season 5 Part 2 Premiere - Source: Getty
Paramount's "Yellowstone" Season 5 Part 2 Premiere - Source: Getty

Beth Dutton is a multifaceted character in Yellowstone. On one hand, she is fiercely loyal to her family, intelligent, and a force in the business world but on the other hand, she carries deep emotional scars and struggles with her vulnerability. Her strong personality and her way of being unapologetic herself make her a memorable character in the show. In the show, her storyline including her past has drawn the viewers and makes her deserving of a spin-off which will explore her character further.

2) Hagrid (Harry Potter)

Comic Relief Archive 1990's - Source: Getty
Comic Relief Archive 1990's - Source: Getty

This beloved character from the Harry Potter series has immense potential for a prequel spinoff. Hagrid has a big heart and a great sense of humor. Hagrid’s childhood featuring his experience as a student at Hogwarts and later becoming the professor of the same school would have been a delight to watch according to the viewers.

3) Joker (The Dark Knight)

The Cinema Society and Cole Haan Present a Screening of Think Film's "Candy" - Source: Getty
The Cinema Society and Cole Haan Present a Screening of Think Film's "Candy" - Source: Getty

Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Joker in the movie The Dark Knight has been iconic and compelling. Joker’s overall mystery delving into his past which is shrouded in fabricated stories would have become a great plotline for a prequel spinoff. The prequel could have been a fascinating and insightful exploration of a complex character according to the viewers.

4) Gus Fring (Breaking Bad)

15th Governors Awards - Source: Getty
15th Governors Awards - Source: Getty

Gus’ backstory which is mostly unexplored in the show Breaking Bad delving into his origins and his time in Chile could be a great plot for a prequel spin-off. Gus building his drug empire and his relationship with Max deserves more exploration according to the viewers. He is not just a simple villain but works with a strict code.

5) Thanos

Audi Arrives At The World Premiere Of "Avengers: Endgame" - Source: Getty
Audi Arrives At The World Premiere Of "Avengers: Endgame" - Source: Getty

We know Thanos for his extreme measures which are rooted in a complex understanding of the universe. However, his origin and upbringing have not been explored properly. Thanos is not simply evil, an exploration of his moral dilemmas and perspective would be a great plotline for a prequel spin-off in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

6) Salvatore Ramano (Mad Men)

"Mad Men" Season 3 Premiere On The Big Screen In Times Square - Source: Getty

Salvatore Ramano, the talented art director at Sterling Cooper had a distinct eye for design. Sal’s internal struggles and conflict between his true self and the persona that he created resonate with the viewers. His story was impactful and a prequel exploring his upbringing especially the challenging time during the 1950s and early 1960s could add nuance to his storyline.

7) Jess (Gilmore Girls)

2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Red Carpet - Source: Getty
2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Red Carpet - Source: Getty

Jess Mariano arrives in Stars Hollow with a troubled past and a reputation. With his past shrouded in mystery his story about his upbringing focussing on his absent father and his relationship with his mother. Could have been a great storyline for a prequel spin-off. Jess’s character development throughout the show has resonated with the viewers and a spinoff could be insightful exploring his journey of self-discovery and his struggles.

8) Kenneth (30 Rock)

"You're Cordially Invited" New York Screening - Source: Getty
"You're Cordially Invited" New York Screening - Source: Getty

The eternally optimistic and enthusiastic character of 30 Rock has become a lovable one. Though his interactions are often cynical, he provides much-needed humor in the show. The show has not explored his time at Kentucky Mountain Bible College, which could be a great plotline for a prequel spin-off. Though he is often portrayed as naive, Kenneth possesses a deep moral compass and loyalty to his friends.

9) Alfie Solomons (Peaky Blinders)

"Venom: The Last Dance" UK Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty
"Venom: The Last Dance" UK Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Alfie Solomons is the unpredictable and charismatic Jewish gangster from the show Peaky Blinders who is known for his complexity. He is driven by pragmatism along with a twisted sense of humor which resonates with the viewers. Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Alfie amassed an immense number of fans and a prequel spin-off featuring Alfie is well deserved according to the fans.

10) Christina Yang (Grey’s Anatomy)

Los Angeles Special Screening Of Prime Video's "Invincible" Season 3 - Source: Getty
Los Angeles Special Screening Of Prime Video's "Invincible" Season 3 - Source: Getty

The brilliant, ambitious, and fiercely independent surgeon in the show Grey’s Anatomy is a compelling character in the show. Her complex personality and drive to become a successful doctor resonate with the viewers. A prequel spin-off with her where a deeper exploration of her relationship with her mother and her passion for medical school would be a great watch.

11) Quinn Fabray (Glee)

Chanel: Photocall - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 - Source: Getty
Chanel: Photocall - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 - Source: Getty

Quinn’s contradictory nature and complex character make her a fan favorite. Her desire for popularity and control and her life as a popular cheerleader conforming to the challenges of maintaining her social standing could be explored in a spin-off. Her journey of self-discovery and search for belonging can offer a different tone.

12) Rowena MacLeod (Supernatural)

Dead Boy Detectives Reception | Netflix - Source: Getty
Dead Boy Detectives Reception | Netflix - Source: Getty

This centuries-old witch who is known for her sharp wit and a penchant for self-preservation has been a character that the viewers loved. Her journey through immortality and exploration through different centuries such as Renaissance Europe or Victorian England could be a great plot line for a pin-off. Her skills and vast knowledge which she inculcated through centuries along with her moral ambiguity have made her a memorable character in the show.

13) Sylvie (Loki)

UK Premiere of Searchlight Pictures' "A Real Pain" during the 68th BFI London Film Festival at Royal Festival Hall, London - Source: Getty
UK Premiere of Searchlight Pictures' "A Real Pain" during the 68th BFI London Film Festival at Royal Festival Hall, London - Source: Getty

Sylvie’s complex motivations, mysterious past, and connection with the multiverse are a huge source that can be explored through a spin-off. Exploring her training as an Asgardian and her experiences with the Time Variance Authority which has not been delved into in the series could be a great plotline for a spin-off. She is intrinsically linked with the multiverse and is a survivor fighting got her own agency.

14) Edna Mode (The Incredibles)

Edna Mode | Image Via: Pixar Animation Studios
Edna Mode | Image Via: Pixar Animation Studios

The fashionable superhero costume designer, Edna Mode, has been a fan favorite since her portrayal in the first The Incredibles movie. She is not only a talented designer but her wit and quirky nature make her a beloved character. Edna’s rise to the top and becoming the legendary designer can be explored in a prequel spin-off. Her potential and initial journey would be a delight to watch.

15) Severus Snape (Harry Potter)

Alan Rickman Photo Call - Febiofest Prague International Film Festival - Source: Getty
Alan Rickman Photo Call - Febiofest Prague International Film Festival - Source: Getty

Severus Snape is one of the most complicated and debated characters in the Harry Potter series. An exploration of his youth as a student of Hogwarts belonging to the Slytherin House, his relationship with Lily Potter, his complicated relationship with James Potter, and his journey of becoming a part of the Death Eaters could be a great plot line for a sequel spin-off movie. Though the books have deeply delved into the complications and multifacetedness of his character, the movies barely gave his character justice.

16) Carl Grimes(The Walking Dead)

The Paley Center Presents
The Paley Center Presents "A Million Little Things" Screening And Conversation - Source: Getty

Carl Grimes evolved immensely throughout the show. From a naive child to a hardened survivor Carl’s journey is compelling. Carl learns to survive by honing his skills to become a capable survivor resonates with the viewers. A fresh outlook from a child Carl’s perspective about the outbreak and the psychological impact it had on a child could be delved into through a spin-off.

17) Five (Umbrella Academy)

"The Umbrella Academy" Premiere - Source: Getty

Five is the time-traveling cynical member of the Umbrella Academy who is addicted to coffee. His mysterious past featuring his time in the post-apocalyptic future and showing how he survived could be a great plotline for a prequel spin-off. The development of his powers is relatively unknown, which a prequel could explore along with his training and the development of his personality over time.

18) April Kepner (Grey’s Anatomy)

The American Heart Association's Red Dress Collection Concert 2025 - Source: Getty
The American Heart Association's Red Dress Collection Concert 2025 - Source: Getty

April Kepner from the show, Grey’s Anatomy has elicited strong reactions from the viewers. Her complex character and upbringing featuring a religious household where her beliefs and her worldview were shaped could be a great plot line for a prequel spin-off. Her journey from a small town to becoming a trauma surgeon will resonate with the viewers.

19) Agent May (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D)

The Casting Society Presents the 39th Annual Artios Awards - Source: Getty
The Casting Society Presents the 39th Annual Artios Awards - Source: Getty

Agent May or Melinda May is a fan-favorite character in the show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. She is known for her excellent combat skills and stoic demeanor. However, a prequel spin-off featuring her mysterious history including her training in Bahrain and the events that shaped her into how she is today would be a great plotline according to the viewers.

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Edited by Zainab Shaikh
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