MCU Characters Who We’ve Grown to Love Despite Their Oddities

The MCU is adored around the world because of its excellent storytelling, interconnected films, and vibrant cast. However, there are a number of MCU veterans

By Mabel Judith Andrady
April 28,2022
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The MCU is adored around the world because of its excellent storytelling, interconnected films, and vibrant cast. However, there are a number of MCU veterans who didn’t make a great first impression and seem doomed to be average supporting characters in the Marvel Universe. Since the MCU has become a phenomenon, many characters have been able to make up for their underwhelming start in the MCU.

These MCU alums, whether they’ve been around since the first phase or have only been introduced in the last few years, have managed to win over even the harshest detractors. Rather, it was more than just the storylines and events depicted by these characters in the fictional MCU. Several Marvel Studios actors have developed as performers over the years and gained a following through their charisma and talent. In any case, these previously unpopular characters have become some of the greatest in Marvel Comics history.

#10 Zendaya

Zendaya as MJ

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man made his solo debut in Spider-Man: Homecoming, which also introduced several new characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition to Peter Parker, Michelle Jones, a fellow student at the school, was introduced. In Spider-Man: Homecoming, MJ is introduced as a supporting character who grows into one of the best parts of the MCU.

MJ was addicted to negativity and seemed to enjoy the schadenfreude of others’ depression. After two Spider-Man films, MJ is now Peter’s love interest and an important ally to the web-slinger.

#9 Bucky Barnes

Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier

A pre-serum Steve Rogers and an arrogant soldier named Bucky Barnes were best friends in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, in which Sebastian Stan played the role of Bucky Barnes. The Star-Spangled Man saved Bucky and several other soldiers from an enemy base after Steve transformed into Captain America.

Bucky was believed to have been killed along with Steve during a mission, but he was rescued by HYDRA and transformed into The Winter Soldier thanks to the organization’s mind control techniques. With the help of his old friend, Bucky became a hero for the first time since his days as The Winter Soldier. It’s possible that Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Scamander, is the most underappreciated actor in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

#8 The Guardians of the Galaxy

guardians of the galaxy

Despite the fact that the Guardians of the Galaxy had first appeared in comic books, the group was dismissed as a ragtag bunch. After the release of James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, everyone’s perspective changed, and it won over audiences all over the world.

Action, comedy, music, and a stellar cast, including Chris Pratt as Star-Lord and Zoe Saldana as Gamora, were all present in the film. Groot and Rocket Raccoon, two beloved characters, were brought to life by the use of CGI in this film.

#7 Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan

Happy_Hogan

Director Jon Favreau was the executive producer of Iron Man and a cast member in the Marvel Cinematic Universe-making film. The forehead of Security, played by Favreau in Iron Man, was an employee and driver of Tony Stark’s. Happy may not have been considered unlikable, but his role at the beginning of the series was so small that fans were unsure what to make of him.

Happy’s role in each film has increased as Marvel Studios realized that Favreau had more to offer than just stellar directing. For some reason, Happy became an important part of Spider-life Man’s after Tony died in Endgame. Unfortunately, following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange’s spell caused Happy to forget that Peter Parker was Spider-Man himself.

#6 Odin

Odinson

Loki, Odin, and Asgard were all introduced to the MCU in 2011 with the release of Thor. As depicted at the beginning of the film, Odin was both a hero and a warrior, but he also had a temper and severely punished Thor for disobedience. For example, in Thor and the Avengers, he lied to Loki about his business dealings with the Frost Giants, which set off Loki’s psychosis.

In the wake of Thor’s heroics, Loki was brought back to Odin to face justice. Odin expresses his love for both of his sons before his untimely death in Thor: Ragnarok, despite their tumultuous relationship.

#5 Black Widow

Black Widow

When Natasha Romanoff first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as an undercover agent for Nick Fury and SHIELD, it was in Iron Man 2. Scarlett Johansson is the stunning and talented Black Widow, who began her career as Pepper Potts’ assistant before quickly proving herself to be much more.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Natasha Petrovna was a highly skilled superspy and a founding member of the Avengers team. Eventually, Nat became a letheder of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and sacrificed herself to save millions of lives in Avengers: Endgame.

#4 RDJ as Iron Man

Iron Man Tony stark

The MCU would not be what it is today if 2008’s Iron Man had not been a critical and commercial success thanks to Robert Downey Jr. ‘s outstanding performance. Even though he’d just recently gotten over his demons, Robert Downey Jr. was still trying to rebuild his brand. Finally, Downey Jr. proved the doubters wrong and portrayed Tony Stark to the best of his ability.

All MCU fans will always remember Tony Stark for his sacrifices in The Avengers and Endgame, even though he funded and equipped the entire Avengers team.

#3 M’Baku

Shuri And M'Baku

T’Challa returns to Wakanda to fight for the throne after the death of King T’Chaka in Captain America: Civil War. Lord M’Baku and his isolated Jabari Tribe show up to challenge T’Challa, who is supported by nearly every Wakandan Tribe. T’Challa tells M’Baku that the Jabari Tribe needs his leadership after a brutal fight.

After T’Challa is defeated by Killmonger, M’Baku and his Tribe rescue the Black Panther and aid in his recovery. T’Challa thanks M’Baku in Avengers: Infinity War for joining the battle against Thanos and his alien army.

#2 Loki

Loki in The Avengers 2012

Loki, the God of Mischief, betrays his brother Thor and Asgard after learning of Thor’s Frost Giant ancestry. In the end, he is defeated by Thor and plunges to his death from the Rainbow Bridge. Because of Loki’s arrival on Earth and the ensuing invasion of New York City, the Avengers are forced to unite for the very first time.

Loki is killed by Thanos in Infinity War after faking his death several times and regaining Thor’s trust. The popularity of Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal in the Harry Potter films led to the creation of a spinoff series for him on Disney+.

#1 Scott Lang

Scott Lang as Ant-man

Two versions of Ant-Man were included in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man film after it was approved for production. An older Hank Pym and a recently released criminal (Paul Rudd) were cast in the movie. Because of Rudd’s performance as Lang, Ant-Man was a huge hit.

In Civil War, Lang’s Ant-Man helps Captain America and returns in Endgame with the idea of using the Quantum Realm for time travel. As a low-level thief, Scott’s arc in the MCU made him a character that was easy to root for.

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