The Marvel Cinematic Universe has incorporated tons of characters into its interconnected narrative over the last 17 years, but only a select few have distinguished themselves as the franchise’s most important figures. Superheroes such as Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) have significantly influenced the MCU and comic book culture over the years. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) also lives among the MCU’s most prominent faces, laying claim to the most appearances of any character. Furthermore, Thanos (Josh Brolin) hugely factored into the Infinity Saga’s success as the antagonist of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and he remains a legendary movie villain.
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However, the aforementioned MCU characters don’t quite rank among the four most important characters in the franchise. The following personalities have generated the biggest impact both in the franchise’s narrative and in entertainment culture at large.
4) Steve Rogers
A leading figure of the MCU’s Infinity Saga, Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) still stands out as superhero icon. His debut solo film, 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, was only the MCU’s fifth installment, and it helped set the tone for the franchise’s success. After leaping forward in time from World War II to the present day, Steve led the Avengers in all of their battles, his physical might and strong moral compass guiding Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ endeavors.
The MCU’s original Captain America was directly involved in many memorable moments, such as the Battle of New York and the final fight against Thanos. Even though Steve is gone, his legacy can be felt through Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). It’s clear that Steve produced some of MCU fans’ favorite movie memories, and the franchise has greatly benefited from his presence.
3) Loki
A recurring villain, anti-hero, and pivotal character in the MCU since 2011’s Thor, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has grown more important over time. The God of Mischief begins as the troubled and malicious adopted brother of Thor, seeking to rule over Asgard and Earth. Despite his evil deeds, Loki holds a deep-seated love for his family and humanity. A fascinating, morally gray persona with an irresistible sense of humor, Loki has easily won the hearts of MCU fans.
Loki’s growth from the main villain of The Avengers to his sacrificial death in Avengers: Infinity War paved the way for his variant to substantially impact the Multiverse Saga. In the Loki series, the character’s alternate self became the God of Stories, granting him authority over all timelines. Loki’s new identity in the buildup to Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars finally proves that he was one of the MCU’s most important characters all along.
2) Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch
Wanda Maximoff’s (Elizabeth Olsen) evolution into the Scarlet Witch has been breathtaking to witness. From a misguided individual struggling to control her abilities to the most powerful being in the universe, Wanda’s arc is essential to the MCU’s overarching story. She fought alongside the Avengers against Ultron (James Spader) and Thanos and endured immense personal losses, setting her on a compelling path to discovering her purpose and securing her agency. Following her unveiling as the Scarlet Witch in WandaVision, Wanda’s villainous turn in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness placed her at the heart of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. It’s not clear what the MCU intends to do with the Scarlet Witch after her unconvincing death, but it’s probable she will once again take on a crucial role if and when she’s resurrected.
Outside of her otherworldly power and narrative significance, Wanda separates herself from the majority of MCU characters thanks to her intensely passionate fanbase. WandaVision and Multiverse of Madness garnered loads of attention because of Wanda’s presence, and Scarlet Witch fanatics have made it known they’re desperate to see the character’s story continue in the MCU. Accordingly, the franchise’s future success could depend on the Scarlet Witch’s involvement.
1) Iron Man
The MCU wouldn’t be the astronomically popular and lucrative franchise it is today without Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). As the star of the MCU’s first movie, Iron Man was charged with kickstarting the vast interconnected universe, and the character triumphed beyond most people’s expectations. Downey Jr.’s outstanding performance and the MCU’s commitment to the arrogant billionaire-turned superhero made Iron Man an icon that fans showed up in masses to see on the big screen.
A leading member of the Avengers who headlined three solo movies, Iron Man served as the MCU’s main source of heart, humor, and strength for 11 years before sacrificing his life in the final battle against Thanos. It’s difficult to understate Iron Man’s impact on the superhero genre, as his legacy defines the greatness of the Infinity Saga. Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday strongly points toward Iron Man’s importance in the MCU’s next big event, further evidencing his extraordinary value to the franchise.
Which MCU characters do you consider the most important? Let us know in the comments!
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