Characters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark (portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.)[3] is an Avenger and self-described genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist with electromechanical suits of armor of his own invention, where he is commonly known by his alter ego Iron Man. Stark is introduced as an egotistical industrialist, CEO of Stark Industries, and chief weapons manufacturer for the U.S. military, until he has a change of heart and redirects his technical knowledge into the creation of mechanized suits of armor which he uses to defend against those that would threaten peace around the world.[2] Stark then becomes an major formative member and benefactor of the Avengers. He dies at the end of Avengers: Endgame after using the Infinity Gauntlet to defeat Thanos.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in eleven films: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk (cameo), Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home (archival footage); as well as the Marvel One-Shot The Consultant. He will return in the upcoming film Black Widow[4] as well as the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Dr. Bruce Banner (initially portrayed by Edward Norton and subsequently by Mark Ruffalo)[5] is a formative member of the Avengers and a genius physicist who, because of exposure to gamma radiation, transforms into a green monster—known as the Hulk—when enraged or agitated.

Introduced in The Incredible Hulk, Banner subjected himself to a gamma radiation experiment designed to replicate the World War II-era "super-soldier" program performed on Steve Rogers; the experiment failed and the Hulk persona emerges whenever his heart rate goes above 200 bpm or if he senses mortal danger. The Hulk demonstrates almost superhuman strength and throughout most of the films, he acts largely on the instinct of self-preservation, attacking anything that he perceives as a threat. Over time, Banner demonstrated an increasing ability to control the transformation, calling the Hulk at will, but was generally not able to recall events during the time he was in that form. The Hulk, conversely, became increasingly aware of Banner and able to stall the transformation back – one time staying in Hulk form for two years, becoming able to speak with others and control his destructive rage. However, Banner has experienced numerous incidents wherein he is either unable to turn back into a normal human, or cannot undergo a Hulk transformation even when the situation requires it. Eventually, Banner was able to merge with the Hulk to become "Smart Hulk", combining Banner's mind and personality with the Hulk's body and strength.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in eight films: The Incredible Hulk, The Avengers, Iron Man 3 (post-credits cameo), Avengers: Age of Ultron, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel (mid-credits cameo), and Avengers: Endgame.[6][7] He will return in the upcoming Disney+ series She-Hulk as well as the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If?.

Thor Odinson (portrayed by Chris Hemsworth) is an Avenger, and one of the most powerful of the Asgardian race. He is also known as the "God of Thunder".[8]

Thor's character has borrowed a number of characteristics and story lines from across the more than fifty-year history of the character in Marvel Comics. Unlike his comic book version, however, the MCU version of Thor has no human "alter ego".[9] The Asgardians have advanced science that seems like magic to the people of Earth, such as Thor's hammer, Mjölnir, which can channel Thor's ability to wield lightning. After Mjölnir is destroyed in the events of Thor: Ragnarok, however, Thor himself helps forge Stormbreaker, an axe channeling the Bifrost, allowing him to effectively travel across the universe at will. This is another point of difference between the films and the comic books, where Stormbreaker is the property of Beta Ray Bill, and was forged under the command of Thor's father, Odin.[10]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in eight films: Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Doctor Strange (mid-credit cameo), Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame; as well as the episodes "Pilot" and "The Well" of the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. via archival footage. He will return in the upcoming films Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, as well as the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Steven Grant "Steve" Rogers (portrayed by Chris Evans)[11] is an Avenger and World War II-era U.S. Army soldier who, after being enhanced to the peak of human physiology by an experimental "super soldier" serum, became known as Captain America. During his service in the European Theatre of the war against Hydra, Rogers was frozen in suspended animation and woke up in the modern world, 70 years later, becoming a formative member and leader of the Avengers. At the end of Avengers: Endgame, he retires and passes his shield to Sam Wilson.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in eleven films: Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World (cameo), Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man (post-credit cameo), Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming (cameo), Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel (mid-credit cameo), and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Natasha Romanoff (portrayed by Scarlett Johansson),[12] also known by her alter ego Black Widow, is an Avenger and spy highly trained in hand-to-hand combat. She trained in the Red Room in Russia from childhood, until she joined the counter-terrorism agency S.H.I.E.L.D. Romanoff was recruited by Nick Fury to become one of the formative members of the Avengers. She later sacrifices herself on Vormir, in order for Hawkeye to retrieve the Soul Stone.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in nine films: Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Thor: Ragnarok (archival footage), Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel (mid-credit cameo), and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Black Widow.

Clinton "Clint" Barton (portrayed by Jeremy Renner),[13] also known by his alter egos Hawkeye and Ronin,[14] is a formative member of the Avengers and an expert marksman and hand-to-hand combatant, with his preferred weapon being a compound bow and a variety of trick arrows. He first appears in an uncredited cameo in Thor, as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who arms himself with a bow.[15][16][17]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Thor (cameo), The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ series Hawkeye, which will feature Barton passing the mantle of Hawkeye to Kate Bishop.[18][19][20]

Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury (portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson) is introduced as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and is responsible for the formation of the Avengers. Fury first appeared in the MCU in the film Iron Man in a post-credits scene cameo.[21][22] In 2018, Fury falls victim to the Blip, but is restored to life in 2023 and attends Tony Stark's funeral. He later goes on "vacation" on a Skrull spaceship while his role is assumed by Talos on Earth.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in eleven films: Iron Man (post-credit cameo), Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger (cameo), The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War (cameo), Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame (cameo) and Spider-Man: Far From Home; and two episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: "0-8-4" and "Beginning of the End". He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...? and the Disney+ live-action series Secret Invasion.

James "Rhodey" Rhodes (initially portrayed by Terrence Howard and subsequently by Don Cheadle) is an Avenger and lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force where he operates the War Machine armor and acts as the military's chief liaison to Stark Industries' weapons division.[23][24][25] Rhodes is a close confidant of Tony Stark's and from that relationship, he eventually becomes a major member of the Avengers. During the events of Iron Man 3, the War Machine armor is briefly renamed Iron Patriot.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in eight films: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel (mid-credit cameo), and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Armor Wars.

James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes (portrayed by Sebastian Stan), also known by his alter egos Winter Soldier and White Wolf, is Steve Rogers' childhood best friend and confidant.[26] During World War II, Barnes served as a sergeant in the United States Army and as a member of Rogers' squad of commandos, where he was supposedly killed in action. Captured by, and experimented on by Hydra scientists, Barnes was kept in suspended animation, reemerging in the modern world as an enhanced brainwashed assassin, known as the Winter Soldier.[27] He finds refuge in Wakanda and assists his friends in the battle of Wakanda against Thanos' army. He is the first to fall victim to the Blip. In 2023, he is restored to life and takes part in the final battle against Thanos. He later attends Tony Stark's funeral and witnesses Steve Rogers passing his shield to Sam Wilson.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in seven films: Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Ant-Man (post-credit cameo), Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther (post-credit cameo), Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier[28] and the animated series What If...?.

Anthonie Mackie portrays Sam Wilson

Samuel "Sam" Wilson (portrayed by Anthony Mackie)[29] is an Avenger and former U.S. Air Force pararescueman trained in aerial combat using a specially designed jet pack with articulated wings under the pseudonym Falcon.[30][31] He was a victim of the Blip in 2018 but is later restored in 2023. After the battle with a past version of Thanos, Captain America retires, and Sam receives Rogers' shield.[32]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in six films: Captain America: Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.[28]

Wanda Maximoff (portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen) is a member of the Avengers with hypnosis and telekinesis abilities obtained from the Mind Stone. Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the post-credits scene in the film Captain America: The Winter Soldier. She is the twin sister of Pietro Maximoff and has a romantic relationship with Vision. After she caused an accident in Lagos, a Civil War of Avengers is formed due to division of opinion of an Accord to get superheroes in check by the United Nations.[33][34][35] She falls victim to the Blip in 2018 but is restored to life in 2023 and joins the final battle against Thanos. She is present at Tony Stark's funeral and later reunites with Clint Barton.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (mid-credit cameo), Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame; as well as the Disney+ series WandaVision. She will return in the upcoming film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.[34]

Paul Bettany portrays Vision

Vision (portrayed by Paul Bettany) is an Avenger and AI android created by Ultron, Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. Vision was originally intended to be Ultron's final upgraded physical form; powered by the Mind Stone and created from a successful blend of vibranium and synthetic tissue developed by Helen Cho. After his prototype body was taken by the Avengers, Stark and Banner uploaded J.A.R.V.I.S. into the body to become the basis for his operational matrix. Ultimately, Vision's mind functions a complex construct of overlays based on input by Stark, Banner, J.A.R.V.I.S., Ultron, and the Mind Stone.

After his creation, he allies himself with the Avengers to defeat Ultron. He then becomes a member of the Avengers and develops a relationship with Wanda Maximoff. He is later killed by Thanos after taking the Mind Stone.[36]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Infinity War; as well as the Disney+ series WandaVision.[36]

Scott Lang (portrayed by Paul Rudd), also known as Ant-Man, is an Avenger and former petty criminal who acquired a suit from Hank Pym that allows him to shrink or grow in scale while also increasing in strength, as well as the ability to communicate with different species of ants. He is the second incarnation of Ant-Man in the MCU after Pym.

He first appears in Ant-Man. After serving his time from prison from swindling money, he tries to turn his life around with a new job for his daughter, Cassie. After unsuccessfully holding down a job at Baskin-Robbins, he commits to crime again only to manipulated by Hank Pym into stealing the Ant-Man suit. Pym reveals he was the original Ant-Man and how he wants Scott to break in and steal a suit from his original technological company that has been taken over by corrupt businessman Darren Cross. He and his daughter Hope van Dyne, Scott's love interest, train Scott to be the new Ant-Man for the role. The raid is successful and Cross is defeated. He joins Captain America's side during the Avengers' Civil War and transforms into Giant-Man during their clash with Iron Man's side. He returns in Ant-Man and the Wasp, under house arrest due to being on Captain America's side and returns to his heroics by helping Hank and Hope (now the Wasp) release her mom (Janet van Dyne) from the quantum realm. After rescuing her, Hank, Janet, and Hope try a test with Scott going through the quantum realm, only to have Scott stuck in the realm after Thanos' snap erases the existence of Hank, Hope, and Janet. After a rat activates the machine that sent him to the realm, he convinces the remaining Avengers to use time travel to help bring back the existence of the ones who were "snapped" away by Thanos, after only experiencing five hours in the quantum realm.[37] He helps the Avengers in their Time Heist and aids them in the final battle against Thanos. Afterwards, he attends Tony Stark's funeral and returns home watching fireworks with Hope and Cassie.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Avengers: Endgame, as well as in the WHIH Newsfront viral marketing campaign. He will return in the upcoming film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, as well as the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Evangeline Lilly portrays Hope van Dyne

Hope van Dyne (portrayed by Evangeline Lilly) is the daughter of Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, and the second incarnation of the Wasp, who wears a flying suit that allows her to shrink in scale while also increasing in strength. Hope is also the love interest of Scott Lang. She first appeared in Ant-Man and becomes the Wasp in Ant-Man and the Wasp.[38] She, alongside her parents, were victims of the Blip in 2018. In 2023, she is restored to life and joins the Avengers in the final battle against Thanos. She attends Tony Stark's funeral and goes home, spending time with Scott and Cassie Lang.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

T'Challa (portrayed by Chadwick Boseman) is the protector of Wakanda, known as the Black Panther, a highly skilled warrior who gains enhanced strength and agility by ingesting the vibranium-enriched heart-shaped herb. Following the death of his father, T'Challa ascends the throne and becomes the king of Wakanda. His suit is also made of vibranium. After the death of Boseman, Kevin Feige announced that the character would not be recast for the upcoming Black Panther sequel.[39]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If..? as Star-Lord.[40]

Peter Parker (portrayed initially by Max Favreau [retroactively] and subsequently by Tom Holland), also known by his alter ego Spider-Man, is an Avenger and high school teenager who received spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. He first appeared in Captain America: Civil War although his introduction was later retconned as a child who wore an Iron Man helmet mask in Iron Man 2. He is later depicted as a protégé of Tony Stark. In 2018, he falls victim to the Blip, but is restored to life in 2023 life and assists the Avengers in their battle against Thanos. He attends Tony Stark's funeral and returns to high school.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in six films: Iron Man 2 (cameo),[41] Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home. He will return in the untitled Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel.

Dr. Stephen Strange (portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch), known also by his academic title as Doctor Strange, is a powerful sorcerer and former neurosurgeon who, after a car accident that led to a journey of healing, discovered the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions and became a Master of the Mystic Arts and the guardian of the Sanctum Sanctorum. In 2018, Strange falls victim to the Blip on Titan. Five years later, he returns to life and brings Spider-Man, Drax, Mantis, and Star-Lord to New York to aid the Avengers in the final battle against Thanos. Afterwards, he and Wong attend Tony Stark's funeral.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok (cameo), Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the untitled Spiderman: Far From Home sequel, and the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.[42]

Carol Danvers (portrayed by Brie Larson), also known as Vers and Captain Marvel, is a former Air Force test pilot who acquired cosmic energy force powers from the Tesseract after an explosion that wiped out her memory. The Kree decided to keep her as their own as a weapon against the Skrulls. She eventually traced her true origins to Earth during the 1990s after crashing into a Blockbuster store and meeting Nick Fury for the first time.

After a hiatus away from Earth protecting the universe, she is summoned back by Nick Fury (as he is being 'snapped' away) after Thanos has attained all the Infinity Stones and achieved his goals. She rescues the stranded Tony Stark and Nebula from aimlessly drifting in the Benatar following their defeat by Thanos on his home planet Titan. She later joined in the final battle against Thanos during the events of Avengers: Endgame. She then attends Tony Stark's funeral and reunites with Fury.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Captain Marvel 2 as well as the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel and What If...?.

Chris Pratt portrays Peter Quill within the MCU

Peter Quill (portrayed by Chris Pratt)[43] is the half-human, half-alien leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy who was abducted from Missouri as a child in 1988 and raised by a group of alien mercenaries called the Ravagers, where he adopted the self-proclaimed outlaw identity known as Star-Lord.

Introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy, as a young boy in Missouri, Quill witnessed the death of his mother from terminal cancer and resultantly left the hospital grief-stricken, where he was immediately abducted aboard an extraterrestrial star-ship. Twenty-six years later, he is a member of the Ravagers, the mercenary gang led by Yondu who abducted him as a child. Due to the period of time when Quill was abducted in, he is depicted with a reverence to 1980s pop culture, particularly from a cassette mix tape his mother left him that he periodically listens to on his Walkman. [44]

The film sets up his relationship with the rest of the protagonists who later team up to save the universe as the Guardians of the Galaxy. He returns in the 2017 sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 where he is depicted as discovering his long lost father, Ego, whom he and the rest of the Guardians must defeat after learning his plan to eliminate all life.[45] He and the rest of the Guardians join with the Avengers to battle Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming films Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.[46][47]

Zoe Saldana portrays Gamora within the MCU

Gamora (portrayed by Zoe Saldana) is an assassin and member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, who was forcibly adopted by Thanos after he eliminated half of her planet's race, including her mother.

The character first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy. Thanos had raised her from a young child to be a cold, ruthless assassin. Gamora is portrayed as the favored daughter of Thanos and frequent rival to her sister Nebula in winning the affections of Thanos.

Gamora is expected to serve Thanos in his quest to locate all the Infinity Stones, with which he intends to destroy half the population of the universe. However, as she's a surviving victim of Thanos, Gamora betrays him and endeavors to conceal the stones from him instead.

During her pursuit of one of the stones, she encounters Quill who is already in possession of one. Ultimately they band together in hopes of preventing Thanos from achieving his goals of destroying the universe.

She appears as a member of the original Guardians of the Galaxy, eventually finding love with Peter Quill as seen in her first appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy and also in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2.[48]

Gamora was sacrificed by Thanos on planet Vormir in order for Thanos to retrieve the soul stone in Avengers: Infinity War. An alternate version of her from 2014 appears in Avengers: Endgame, where she assists the Avengers in defeating Thanos. [2]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel and portrayed [via motion capture] by Diesel, Krystian Godlewski, Sean Gunn, James Gunn, and Terry Notary) is the name of a tree-like humanoid and member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

The full grown adult Groot is first introduced as Rocket's partner appearing in the film Guardians of the Galaxy.[49] He has a limited vocabulary, using only his popular catchphrase "I am Groot", although he later managed to say the phrase "We are Groot" before sacrificing his life for the Guardians of the Galaxy in the battle with Ronan for an infinity stone.

Other Groot characteristics include the ability to grow his branches in height length and girth (assimilating arms and legs), vining branches, growing flowers and producing a form of luminescent seeds.

The mature Groot appears to be nearly indestructible, as seen when his limbs are chopped off and by his ability to thicken his branches into a protective mass that's impenetrable by bullets. He serves as a friend, shield and protector of Rocket and his fellow Guardian friends.

Following adult Groot's death[50] in the crashing of Ronan's spaceship, Rocket recovered and planted pieces of his branches in a flower pot which grew into his son, Baby Groot, whom Rocket raises and is later seen as teenage Groot.[51][52]

Baby Groot has a clear love of music, as he begins swaying while still a sprout in the pot and later dancing wildly. We assume he has a certain sense of humor as his dancing stops when he is being watched. He is fierce and seems not to recognize how small and possibly fragile he is, but also has difficulty following simple instructions from his friends (it's unknown whether that's a youth limitation or a language barrier).

Adolescent Groot mostly enjoys playing video games and exhibits much teenage angst and attitude when being told what to do. However, teen Groot is essential to the defeat of Thanos, since he provided the braches for the handle of Stormbreaker, the new weapon forged for Thor on Nidavellir. This act of self-sacrifice by growing and chopping off his arm to be the handle proved he was worthy to yield Thor's new weapon.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming films Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and will also star in a series of shorts titled I Am Groot on Disney+.

Diesel has also openly expressed interest in portraying Black Bolt for the proposed Inhumans film that was originally planned to be part of Phase 3 of the MCU before the latter was scrapped in favour of the 2017 television series which Diesel was not involved in.

Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) is an Avenger and member of the Guardians of the Galaxy who is a hot-tempered mercenary and master of weapons.[53] Rocket was based on movement from Sean Gunn and also real life behavior of an actual raccoon called Oreo.[54] He survives the Blip and following his new friendship with Thor, joins the Avengers.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming films Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Dave Bautista portrays Drax

Drax (portrayed by Dave Bautista), also known as Drax the Destroyer, is a warrior and member of the Guardians of the Galaxy who seeks vengeance for the loss of his family.

Originally he sought to avenge his family by killing Ronan, but after Ronan's death, his mission became defeating Thanos. Despite his rough exterior and tragic backstory, he commonly serves as comedic relief, and his lines within the franchise have often been used as internet memes.[55][56]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming films Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Karen Gillan portrays the character Nebula

Nebula (portrayed by Karen Gillan) is an Avenger, member of the Guardians of the Galaxy and former lieutenant of Thanos, who raised her as his daughter along with Gamora. Nebula was created by Roger Stern and John Buscema and first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy film as a secondary antagonist within the film but in later appearances she is portrayed as more sympathetic. She is an alien orphan outside of Earth raised by Thanos and is an orphan sister of Gamora. Being less favored by Thanos, she and Gamora are originally rivals of each other in combat but they later come to terms of their rivalry. Nebula later teams up with the Guardians of the Galaxy and then later the Avengers to defeat her foster father. Though the current version of her joins the Avengers, a past version allies with Thanos to stop the Avengers due to fear causing the present Nebula to have to kill her past counterpart.[57][2]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming films Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, as well as the Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Mantis (portrayed by Pom Klementieff) is a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy with empathic powers. The character is introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 as an alien ward of Ego with the power to control the emotions of people by touch. She is commonly depicted as having a naive yet innocent personality.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming films Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Loki Laufeyson (portrayed by Tom Hiddleston) is an Asgardian prince and warrior, known as the "God of Mischief", inspired by the Norse mythological deity of the same name.

Loki's character has borrowed a number of characteristics and story lines from across the more than fifty-year history of the character in Marvel Comics. As in the comics, Loki has generally been a villain in the MCU, variously attempting to conquer Asgard or Earth, and having allied himself with more powerful villains to achieve his aims. He has particular antagonism for his adoptive brother Thor, and is known to variously ally with and then betray Thor and others, and to regularly return from apparent death. Later on in his development in the films, he becomes less of a supervillain and more of an anti-hero.[58] Following his death at the hands of Thanos in 2018, an alternate version of him from 2012 appears in Avengers: Endgame.

The character of Loki "has been a fan favorite ever since his central role in 2012's The Avengers",[59] becoming "one of the MCU's most beloved characters".[60] Hiddleston has received a number of nominations and awards for his performance of the character.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in six films: Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. The alternate version of Loki will return in the upcoming Disney+ series Loki[28] and What If...?.

Josh Brolin was the second actor to portray Thanos along with the most recurring actor to portray him.

Thanos (portrayed initially by Damion Poitier and subsequently by Josh Brolin) is an intergalactic warlord from Titan with a personal quest of seeking all six Infinity Stones to destroy half of all life for the sake of balancing the universe's finite resources.

Thanos first appeared during the post-credits of The Avengers as Loki's mysterious benefactor being credited as Man #1.[61][62] For his subsequent appearances, he's portrayed by Josh Brolin via motion capture. He is portrayed as the main antagonist of the third and fourth Avengers films with the protagonists trying to stop him from collecting all six Infinity Stones to wipe out half of the universe's population. After Thanos succeeds in his goal, the remaining Avengers try to reverse the Blip through time travel via the quantum realm.[63]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: The Avengers (post-credit cameo), Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron (mid-credit cameo), Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Hayley Atwell portrays the character.

Margaret "Peggy" Carter (portrayed by Hayley Atwell) is a high-ranking officer and agent of the Strategic Scientific Reserve and one of the co-founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. This version is depicted as a brunette British agent rather than a blonde American. She is depicted as Steve Roger's romantic interest and later stars in her own short film and TV series. [64][65][66] She appears in a hallucination in Avengers: Age of Ultron and appears in the 1980s in Ant-Man. She dies off-screen in Captain America: Civil War, while an alternate version of her from the 1940s and the 1970s appears in Avengers: Endgame.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man (cameo), and Avengers: Endgame; one Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter; and two TV series: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter. She will also appear in the first episode of the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?, during which she receives the Super-Soldier Serum and becomes a super soldier, with Steve Rogers becoming an early version of Iron Man.

Clark Gregg speaking at the 2016 WonderCon, for Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.

Phillip J. "Phil" Coulson (portrayed by Clark Gregg) is an original character created for the MCU. Coulson was created by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway and first appeared in the MCU in film Iron Man.[67][68] Coulson was the first S.H.I.E.L.D. agent introduced in the MCU. Throughout the films, Coulson is generally depicted as a supporting character of the protagonists and used to represent S.H.I.E.L.D.'s presence. He played prominent roles in some of the shorts entitled Marvel One-Shots.[69] The character then became the headline character in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.[70]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers and Captain Marvel; two Marvel One-Shots: The Consultant and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor's Hammer; a TV series: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; and a web series: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot.

Natalie Portman portrays the character of Jane Foster

Dr. Jane Foster (portrayed by Natalie Portman) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name who was first created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby. She first appeared in Thor. She is depicted as an astrophysicist who (along with Darcy Lewis and Erik Selvig) first discover Thor in his banishment from Asgard to Earth.[71] She is depicted most commonly as the romantic interest of Thor in both Thor and Thor: The Dark World but in Thor: Ragnarok it is mentioned that they broke up. An alternate version of her from 2013 appears in Avengers: Endgame. She will reprise her role as The Mighty Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder.[72]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Thor, Thor: The Dark World, and Avengers: Endgame.[73] She will return in the upcoming film Thor: Love and Thunder and the Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Heimdall (portrayed by Idris Elba) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby which based him on the mythical Heimdallr in Norse Mythology. Heimdall is depicted as the sole protector of the Bifröst in Asgard and ally to Thor.[74] He is ultimately killed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War after sending Hulk to Earth via the Bifrost to warn the Avengers of Thanos' conquest.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Thor, Thor: The Dark World[75], Avengers: Age of Ultron,[76] Thor: Ragnarok, and Avengers: Infinity War.[77]

Maria Hill (portrayed by Cobie Smulders) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch. She is a recurring S.H.I.E.L.D. member and Nick Fury ally within the MCU. She fell victim to the Blip in 2018 but is restored to life in 2023 and is present at Tony Stark's funeral. In Spider-Man: Far From Home, the Skrull Soren disguises herself as Hill.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in six films: The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War (post-credit cameo), Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home.[78]

Harold "Happy" Hogan (portrayed by Jon Favreau) is Tony Stark's bodyguard and close friend, and head of security for Stark Industries. He also serves as mentor to Peter Parker after Tony's death and gets romantically attached to Peter's aunt, May Parker.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in six films: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home.[79]

J.A.R.V.I.S. (voiced by Paul Bettany) is an artificial intelligence matrix that runs Tony Stark's technology and Stark Mansion. He was an original character by Mike Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway based on the fictional butler, Edwin Jarvis, by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, who also appears in Agent Carter [80] and Avengers: Endgame. The character was first introduced in the film, Iron Man.[81] According to the novelization of the film, his acronym name stood for "Just A Really Very Intelligent System".[82] He reprises his role in The Avengers and Iron Man 3 as the voice within the suit to Tony. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, he is destroyed by Ultron, but his operational matrix is later uploaded into a new body, becoming Vision.[83]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Pietro Maximoff (portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Evan Peters) is an Avenger based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. He first appeared in the post-credits scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and then had a starring role in Avengers: Age of Ultron; in both films he was portrayed by Taylor-Johnson.[84][85] He later returns in the Disney+ series WandaVision, where he is portrayed by Peters (who previously portrayed a different incarnation of the character named Peter Maximoff in 20th Century Fox's X-Men film series) and is described as having been "recast" by Wanda in the WandaVision show-within-a-show.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson portrays Pietro in two films of the MCU.

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Pietro and his sister Wanda are volunteers of Hydra, both acquiring superhuman powers after volunteering to be experimented upon.[86] Harboring a lifelong hatred for American arms manufacturer Tony Stark, whose bombs killed their parents, they side with Ultron against the Avengers before later switching sides. In the final conflict with Ultron, Pietro dies a hero's death saving the lives of Hawkeye and a small child. Despite Taylor-Johnson signing a multi-picture deal,[87] Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has stated that there are no plans for Quicksilver to appear in future Marvel Studios films.[88]

The character's reception have been lukewarm with complaints that the character or the character's power was not developed enough potentially compared to the comic book version or the X-Men film series version.[89][90][91] According to Carrie Wittmer of Business Insider, the character wasn't "a fully fleshed-out character" and X-Men: Days of Future Past's incarnation of the character was used more cleverly.[92]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (mid-credit cameo) and Avengers: Age of Ultron, as well as the Disney+ series WandaVision.

Odin Borson (portrayed by Anthony Hopkins), also known as Odin Allfather, is the ruler of Asgard, biological father of Thor and Hela, adoptive father of Loki, and husband of Frigga. Based on Odin in Norse Mythology, he first appeared in Thor and reprises his role in two of its sequels.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Thor[93], Thor: The Dark World[94], and Thor: Ragnarok[95].

Okoye (portrayed by Danai Gurira) is a Wakandan warrior and the general of the Dora Milaje. She fights on T'Challa's side when Erik Killmonger plot to usurp the throne and fought alongside the Avengers to combat Thanos and his children.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Black Panther 2.

Virginia "Pepper" Potts (portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow) is the assistant, later romantic interest, and eventually wife, of Tony Stark. Created by Stan Lee, Robert Bernstein and Don Heck, she first appeared in the film Iron Man.[96][97][98] In Avengers: Endgame, she dons an Iron Man suit of her own during the Avengers' battle against Thanos.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in seven films: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Spider-Man: Homecoming (cameo), Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym (portrayed by Michael Douglas) is an entomologist and quantum physicist who created the Pym particle, a subatomic particle that changes the distance between atoms, allowing one to shrink and grow in relative size, while increasing strength. Hank Pym is the MCU's original Ant-Man; a role begun in 1963, during his tenure as a high-ranking scientist and operative at S.H.I.E.L.D.

As Ant-Man, Hank Pym operated as a classified agent performing field missions on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D., using a self-designed shrinking suit powered by Pym particles that also gave him the ability to communicate with different species of ants. During one of these missions, his wife Janet van Dyne, was lost within the quantum realm and presumed dead. Following the incident, Pym resigned from S.H.I.E.L.D. in 1989, after he suspected Howard Stark of attempting to replicate the Pym particle formula. After his resignation from S.H.I.E.L.D., Pym retired the Ant-Man suit and founded his own technology company in San Francisco. In Ant-Man, after Darren Cross' takeover of the company, Pym subsequently recruited Scott Lang to take on the mantle of Ant-Man, with the assistance of his estranged daughter Hope van Dyne. Together, they prevented Cross from selling the Yellowjacket technology to Hydra.

Following Lang's alliance with the Avengers in Captain America: Civil War, Pym inadvertently violates the Sokovia Accords and becomes a fugitive from the FBI along with Hope in Ant-Man and the Wasp. He successfully rescues Janet from the quantum realm. Pym becomes one of the trillions of casualties disintegrated as a result of Thanos' actions at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. In Avengers: Endgame, Pym's work on the quantum realm proves to be foundational to the Avengers' plan to successfully navigate through time; during which, Steve Rogers steals a necessary amount of Pym particles from a younger Pym in 1970. Later in the film, the older Pym is among those resurrected by Bruce Banner, and subsequently attends Tony Stark's funeral.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (portrayed by William Hurt) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, first introduced in The Incredible Hulk. He first appears as a United States General who was responsible for reviving the super-soldier project so he can create a weapon which resulted in the creation of the Hulk. Ross tries to track Banner down believing he is the property of the United States government. He later tries the super-soldier project on Emil Blonsky which later transformed him into a monster. He reprises his role in Captain America: Civil War as a Secretary of State of the United States. He proposes the Sokovia Accords that the Avengers will be supervised by the United Nations which divides the superheroes in political opinion.[99] He is a semi-recurring character usually being portrayed by antagonistic roles. Though those roles he believes are for the better good or patriotic.[100][101]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: The Incredible Hulk, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame; as well as the Marvel One-Shot The Consultant. Hurt will reprise the role in the upcoming 2021 film Black Widow.

Dr. Erik Selvig (portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård) is an original character first introduced in the film Thor. In Thor, astrophysicist Erik Selvig works with Jane Foster, the daughter of a former colleague of his, on her wormhole research. They become involved in an encounter between Thor and S.H.I.E.L.D., leading to his employment by the latter to study the Tesseract—he accepts the job due to influence by Loki.[102][103] In The Avengers, Loki uses the Tesseract to travel to Earth, and places Selvig under the control of the Mind Stone. Selvig is eventually freed of this control and able to help stop Loki's invasion of Earth, but is left traumatized by his experience. Selvig is able to help Thor again in Thor: The Dark World, and by Avengers: Age of Ultron appears to have recovered, working at Royal Holloway. Following the defeat of Ultron, Selvig begins working for the Avengers. In Avengers: Endgame, it is revealed that he was a victim of the Blip, but is restored to life in 2023.[104] In Spider-Man Far From Home, Selvig is shown to be starring in the documentary NOVA: Einstein Rosen Bridges with Dr. Erik Selvig.[105]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Shuri (portrayed by Letitia Wright) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr.. She first appeared in the film Black Panther, portrayed as T'Challa's courageous and brilliantly tech-savvy younger sister of Wakanda. She is responsible for the weapons and other tech that T'Challa uses to battle his opponents. She is responsible for deprogramming Bucky Barnes. In 2018, she meets the Avengers and is tasked to help Vision, but is unable to and falls victim to the Blip. Five years later, she gets restored to life and helps lead the Wakandan army alongside her restored brother to New York to aid the Avengers in the final battle against Thanos. Later, she attends Tony Stark's funeral and then returns home to Wakanda and reunites with her mother.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Black Panther 2.

Howard Stark (portrayed by John Slattery and Dominic Cooper) is the creator of Stark Industries, one of the founding members of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the father of Tony Stark. Howard Stark is a close friend of Peggy Carter and Steve Rogers. Stark was involved with Rogers' transformation into Captain America, as well as the creation of Rogers' trademark vibranium shield. He dies at the hands of a brainwashed Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) by orders of Hydra.[106]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Iron Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame; the TV series Agent Carter; and the Marvel One-Shot Agent Carter. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Valkyrie (portrayed by Tessa Thompson) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema.

The character is the last surviving of a group of Asgardian female warriors called the Valkyries. In Thor: Ragnarok, she allies herself with Thor and Bruce Banner to fight Hela. In Avengers: Endgame, it is revealed that she survived the Blip and later joins the Avengers in their final battle against Thanos.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Thor: Love and Thunder.

Janet van Dyne (portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer) is a scientist, the wife of Hank Pym, mother of Hope van Dyne, and the MCU's original Wasp. As the Wasp, van Dyne operated at S.H.I.E.L.D. alongside Pym on field missions where she wore a shrinking suit with similar powers as the Ant-Man one, with the added capability of wings for flight. During a mission in 1987, van Dyne turned off her suit regulator and became sub-atomic, disappearing into the quantum realm. Presumed dead, she was actually trapped within the quantum realm for nearly 30 years, until Pym rescued her in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Janet becomes one of the trillions of casualties disintegrated as a result of Thanos' actions at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. In Avengers: Endgame, she is among those resurrected by Bruce Banner, and subsequently attends Tony Stark's funeral with Pym, Hope, and Scott Lang.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Wong (portrayed by Benedict Wong) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The character is portrayed as an Asian sorcerer commonly affiliated with Doctor Strange as starting out as a teacher for him and also is a librarian within the Sanctum Sanctorum.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Doctor Strange, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Baron Helmut Zemo (portrayed by Daniel Brühl)[107] is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. First introduced in Captain America: Civil War, Zemo is a colonel from an elite Sokovian commando unit, and seeks to avenge his family's death during the Avengers' battle with Ultron. He uses the United Nations' Sokovia Accords to his advantage, and despite Steve Rogers learning about his plans, he manages to pit Iron Man and Captain America against each other by framing the Winter Soldier for a bombing in Vienna (which killed T'Chaka) and revealing that the Winter Soldier had killed Tony Stark's parents while under Hydra's control, effectively fracturing the Avengers. With his goal complete, Zemo attempts to commit suicide but is stopped by T'Challa and taken into custody by the authorities. Everett Ross supervises his incarceration where he mocks Zemo for failing in his efforts, but Zemo indicates otherwise. Zemo will reprise his role in the Disney+ miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.[108] In the series, Zemo will wear his traditional purple mask from the comics, which he was not depicted with in Civil War.[109]

Laufey (portrayed by Colm Feore) is based on Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby which based him on Laufey in Norse Mythology. He is the king of the Frost Giants and original antagonist to Odin and Thor. He is revealed as the biological father to Loki, but abandoned him as a child, due to his small size. Laufey has a strong hatred for Odin for his defeat in battle when trying to conquer Earth. Loki convinced Laufey to take over Asgard himself, but betrays and kills Laufey to prove himself worthy of Odin. The character first appeard in Thor.[110][100][101]

Frigga (portrayed by Rene Russo) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee, Robert Bernstein and Joe Sinnott which based her on Frigg of Norse Mythology. Frigga is Thor's biological mother and Loki's adopted mother first appearing in Thor.[111] She reprises her role in Thor: The Dark World where she is killed by a dark elf named Algrim.[112] An alternate version of her from 2013 appears in Avengers: Endgame, during which she comforts Thor's depression during his time traveling mission to retrieve the Reality Stone.[113][114]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Thor, Thor: The Dark World, and Avengers: Endgame.

Fandral (initially portrayed by Joshua Dallas and subsequently by Zachary Levi), also known as Fandral the Dashing, is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Fandral is a member of the Warriors Three. Depicted as a dashing warrior from Asgard.[115] He reprises his role in Thor: The Dark World and is killed off by Hela in Thor: Ragnarok.[116][117]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Thor, Thor: The Dark World, and Thor: Ragnarok.

Hogun (portrayed by Tadanobu Asano), also known as Hogun the Grim, is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Hogun is a member of the Warriors Three. Depicted as a grim warrior from Asgard. He reprises his role in Thor: The Dark World, in which he reveals that he is a Vanir from Vanaheim. He is killed off by Hela in Thor: Ragnarok.[118][117]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Thor, Thor: The Dark World, and Thor: Ragnarok.

Volstagg (portrayed by Ray Stevenson) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Volstagg is a member of the Warriors Three. Depicted as a warrior of Asgard who loves to eat. He reprises his role in Thor: The Dark World and is killed off by Hela in Thor: Ragnarok.[115][117]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Thor, Thor: The Dark World, and Thor: Ragnarok.

The Destroyer is an indestructible automation used by Odin to stop threats like the Frost Giants as depicted in Thor,[119] based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Loki later uses it to take on Thor on Earth before Thor regains his powers and kills the Destroyer.[120][100] Later, parts of it were reassembled by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents as a prototype gun which later appeared in The Avengers and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..[121]

Brock Rumlow (portrayed by Frank Grillo) was a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent secretly working for Hydra who later became a mercenary known as Crossbones. He is killed in 2016 by Wanda Maximoff. An alternate version of him from 2012 appeared in Avengers: Endgame.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.[122]

Johann Schmidt (portrayed initially by Hugo Weaving and subsequently by Ross Marquand), also known as the Red Skull, is the head of Hydra, the Nazi science division, during World War II, who first appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger. Schmidt planned global dominance under his rule by finding the Tesseract and using it as a weapon against the world, including to overthrow Adolf Hitler. He was revealed to have subjected himself to an early version of Erskine's super-soldier formula.[123] After being foiled by Rogers, Schmidt was transported to the planet Vormir by the Tesseract, where he is cursed in a purgatory state to serve as a guide to those seeking the Soul Stone,[124][125] including Thanos and Gamora. An alternate version of him from 2014 appears in Avengers: Endgame, where he meets Black Widow and Hawkeye during their quest for the Soul Stone.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Captain America: The First Avenger, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Arnim Zola (portrayed by Toby Jones) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Jack Kirby. He first appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger as a scientist working for Hydra and the Red Skull before getting captured and recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. Following his death, his mind was transferred into a computer system on Camp Lehigh, where he confronted Captain America and Black Widow before the camp was destroyed by missiles sent by Hydra.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier; as well as in the episode "Valediction" from the TV series Agent Carter. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Jacques Dernier (portrayed by Bruno Ricci) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name debuting in the series, Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos by Stan Lee. He appeared as one of the Howling Commandos in the film Captain America: The First Avenger being portrayed as French.[126]

Timothy "Dum Dum" Dugan (portrayed by Neal McDonough) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. A recurring member of the Howling Commandos within the MCU. He first appeared in the film Captain America: The First Avenger[126] and later returned in the One-Shot and TV series both titled Agent Carter.[127] He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

James Montgomery Falsworth (portrayed by JJ Feild) is based on the Marvel Comics character which became the first Union Jack created by Roy Thomas and Frank Robbins. He first appeared in the film Captain America: The First Avenger as a British member of the Howling Commandos.[126][128]

Gabriel "Gabe" Jone (portrayed by Derek Luke) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. He first appeared in the film Captain America: The First Avenger as an African-American member of the Howling Commandos.[129]

Jim Morita (portrayed by Kenneth Choi) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name debuting in the comic series, Nick Fury and the Howling Commandos, by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. He first appeared in the film Captain America: The First Avenger as an Asian-American member of the Howling Commandos.[130]

Ulysses Klaue (portrayed by Andy Serkis) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. He is a South-African black-market arms dealer, smuggler and gangster who specializes in the sales of stolen vibranium from Wakanda.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Avengers: Age of Ultron and Black Panther.

Ultron (portrayed by James Spader) is an artificial intelligence conceived and designed by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner as the head of a peacekeeping program, who subsequently takes the form of a sentient android overwhelmed with a god complex, determined to pacify the Earth by eradicating humanity.[131] He first appeared in the film Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Stark and Banner's research on the Mind Stone was the groundwork for Ultron's genesis, along with Stark's belief that Ultron would be the Avengers' permanent solution to maintain "peace in our time". Once born, Ultron, however, quickly surmises that humanity's continued survival throughout human history is a result of overcoming ongoing successions of crises, and thus, he determines to inflict an extinction-level event in Sokovia to ensure the people of Earth have the will to evolve.[131] Ultron, however, views the Avengers as a hindrance to humanity's evolution and vows to fulfil the Avengers' extinction. Ultron continuously updates his physical form with the acquisition of vibranium from Ulysses Klaue and possesses the ability to manifest himself within Stark's Iron Legion droids. He is ultimately destroyed by Vision.

Yondu Udonta (portrayed by Michael Rooker) is the adoptive father of Peter Quill and the leader of a Ravager clan.

Yondu had originally been contracted to kidnap young Peter Quill from Earth following the death of Peter's mother and return him to his birth father. However, Yondu decided Peter would better serve his own needs in thievery and therefore kept and raised him as part of his Ravager clan.

Despite their frequent arguments and conflicts over the years, Quill and Yondu form an emotional and familial bond. Eventually, Yondu sacrifices himself to save Quill from his potentially ill-fated end on his birth father's planet Ego.

Although Yondu was introduced and portrayed mainly as an antagonist to Peter Quill, he is eventually redeemed and revealed to be the sacrificial hero in the end.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

May Parker (portrayed by Marisa Tomei) is the aunt of Peter Parker and widow of Ben Parker. She first appeared in Captain America: Civil War and falls victim to the Blip in 2018. She is restored to life in 2023 and attends Tony Stark's funeral before beginning a romantic relationship with Happy Hogan.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Endgame (cameo) and Spider-Man: Far From Home. She will return in the untitled Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel.

Ned Leeds (portrayed by Jacob Batalon) is Peter Parker's best friend and first appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Ned is the first person other than Tony Stark to discover Peter's identity as Spider-Man. He fell victim to the Blip in 2018, but was restored to life in 2023.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in four films: Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. He will return in the untitled Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel.

Eugene "Flash" Thompson (portrayed by Tony Revolori) is a student at the Midtown School of Science and Technology. He is generally depicted as a school bully who often torments Peter Parker but admires Spider-Man, unaware that the two are the same people. In 2018, he is a victim of the Blip, but is resurrected five years later by the Hulk.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home. He will return in the untitled Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel.

Michelle (portrayed by Zendaya), nicknamed MJ, is the main love interest of Peter Parker. A student at Midtown School of Science and Technology, she initially enjoys mocking all of her fellow students there, including Peter Parker. She is portrayed as hyper observant and suspicious of Peter's secret identity from the start. Despite keeping her distance socially, MJ is eventually given the opportunity to take over from the departing Liz Toomes as captain of the Academic Decathlon Team, and begins to open up more with her fellow teammates, which include Ned Leeds and Parker. MJ, like Parker, is a victim of the Blip, but along with all other victims, is resurrected in the Blip five years later. Her affections are sought out by Parker and Brad Davis during Midtown Tech's trip to Europe. When she deduces Parker's identity as Spider-Man, MJ helps discover Mysterio's fraudulence, by exposing him as the one who staged the Elemental crisis. Shortly after their trip to Europe, MJ and Parker begin dating. After their first date, MJ is horrified when J. Jonah Jameson releases a doctored video of Mysterio and Spider-Man, claiming that Spider-Man is responsible for the casualties of the Battle of London while exposing Parker as Spider-Man.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home, and will return in the untitled sequel.

Elizabeth "Betty" Brant (portrayed by Angourie Rice) is a student at Midtown School of Science and Technology. This version of the character, in terms of appearance, bears a similarity to Gwen Stacy, having long blonde hair and often wearing a black headband. She is Liz Allan's best friend, and host of the school's news report. In 2018, she is a victim of the Blip, but is later resurrected by the Hulk five years later. She enters a relationship with Ned Leeds in Europe, though they break up but maintain their friendship.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Roger Harrington (portrayed by Martin Starr) is a science teacher at the Midtown School of Science and Technology.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. He will return in the untitled Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel.

Quentin Beck (portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal), dubbed "Mysterio" by Peter Parker's classmates, is a former Stark Industries scientist who developed holographic technology that Tony Stark showcases in Captain America: Civil War and dubbed B.A.R.F. (Binary Augmented Retro-Framing). Angered at Stark for "stealing" his invention, Beck is fired for his unstable nature. Swearing revenge and joining forces with other like-minded ex-Stark Industries employees, they take advantage of the power vacuum left in the wake of Stark's death during Avengers: Endgame, and manufacture the Elementals using drones equipped with holographic technology, and fabricate a backstory for the illusions; claiming the entities and Beck himself are from another universe. To build up his reputation and legitimize himself as an "Avengers-level" hero, Beck joins forces with an unknowing Talos / Nick Fury and Spider-Man to "defeat" the Elementals around the world while bonding with the latter to gain his trust and acquire the E.D.I.T.H. glasses. However, when he learns Spider-Man broke off a holographic projector from one of the drones, he reluctantly makes the decision to kill anyone who could potentially reveal his secret, including Spider-Man. Using a fight in London between his holographic persona and an Elemental Fusion monster as a distraction, he attempts to act on this plan, but is foiled when the Spider-Man destroys his drones and retrieves E.D.I.T.H. from him. During the fight, Beck is accidentally shot and presumably killed by one of the drones. Unbeknownst to Spider-Man, however, one of Beck's associates downloads the drones' data and doctors the footage to demonize him, reveal his identity, and "posthumously" make Beck look like a hero before sending said footage to J. Jonah Jameson to show the world. He first appeared in the film Spider-Man: Far from Home.

J. Jonah Jameson (portrayed by J. K. Simmons) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same. He first appeared in the film in Spider-Man: Far From Home as the host of TheDailyBugle.net, a sensationalist fake news-style website. In the film, Jameson ultimately reveals Peter Parker's Spider-Man identity to the world and accuses him of murdering Quentin Beck.

Talos (portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn) is a Skrull based on the Marvel Comics character of the same. In 2024, he assumes Nick Fury's role on Earth during his vacation and space and assists Spider-Man in Europe.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ series Secret Invasion.

Soren (portrayed by Sharon Blynn) is a Skrull and the wife of Talos. She is an original character. The couple also have an unnamed daughter, portrayed by Harriet L. Ophuls and Auden L. Ophuls.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Adrian Toomes (portrayed by Michael Keaton), also known as the Vulture, is the former owner of Bestman Salvage. He chooses to become a criminal after the creation of the Department of Damage Control, a joint venture between the federal government and Tony Stark, following the Battle of New York, and Toomes' company is run out of business. With his associates, Phineas Mason, Herman Schultz, Jackson Brice, and Randy Vale, he begins an illegal arms-dealing business that reverse-engineers and weaponizes Chitauri technology that they have scavenged and salvaged, and sells it on the streets. This version of the character is the father of Liz Allan. Toomes' flight suit is equipped with turbine-powered wings, claw-like wingtips, and boot-mounted talons. After deducing Spider-Man's secret identity, he threatens him with retaliation unless he stops interfering. However, Spider-Man thwarts Toomes' attempt to hijack a plane carrying Avengers weaponry and saves his life when his suit malfunctions before Happy Hogan and the FBI find and arrest Toomes. As a result, his family moves away. Later, an imprisoned Toomes is approached by Mac Gargan, who wants to confirm whether he knows Spider-Man's identity, which Toomes falsely denies. He first appeared in the film Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Hela Odinsdottir (portrayed by Cate Blanchett) is the Goddess of Death and the eldest daughter of Odin, King of Asgard. She first appeared in the film Thor: Ragnarok.

As Thor's older sibling, she has the rightful claim of succession to the throne as Queen of Asgard. Like Thor, her powers are drawn from Asgard and made strongest while she's there. As Odin's executioner, she helped conquer realms that allowed Asgard to grow and prosper. However, being Goddess of Death, her growing destructive ambition led Odin to cast her out of Asgard, which, consequently weakened her powers, and allowed Asgard to enjoy times of peace within the Nine Realms. Hela's banishment was rescinded upon the death of Odin, at which time she returns to claim her rightful place as queen. Her return is significant as the beginning of Ragnarok, the prophecized destruction of Asgard.

N'Jadaka (portrayed by Michael B. Jordan), also known as Erik "Killmonger" Stevens, is a former U.S. Navy SEAL and the son of N'Jobu. He first appeared in the film Black Panther and will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Korg (voiced and motion-captured by Taika Waititi) is a Kronan warrior who was forced to participate in the Contest of Champions on Sakaar. He later led a rebellion against the Grandmaster and escaped the planet with the help of Thor and traveled to Earth, where he resided in Tønsberg, Norway, now named New Asgard.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...? and the upcoming film Thor: Love and Thunder.[132]

Herman Schultz, also known as Shocker, is a former salvage worker and professional criminal. He is portrayed by Bokeem Woodbine. [133][134]

The Shocker alias is initially used by Jackson Brice (portrayed by Logan Marshall-Green),[135] who wielded a modified version of Crossbones' vibro-blast emitting gauntlet, until he is accidentally killed by Toomes. Following this, Schultz assumes the Shocker mantle and gauntlet before tracking down a weapon retrieved by Spider-Man and assisting in a weapons deal aboard the Staten Island Ferry. The deal is ambushed by the FBI and Spider-Man, though Schultz and Toomes manage to escape. When the crew pulls their final heist on a cargo plane transporting weapons from the Avengers Tower, Schultz is tasked with stopping Spider-Man from intervening. The former initially overpowers the web-slinger until he is distracted by Ned Leeds, allowing Spider-Man to web Schultz onto a bus. In a deleted scene, students find Schultz still webbed and take photos with him before he is eventually turned over to the authorities. He first appears in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Phineas Mason (portrayed by Michael Chernus)[136] is a weapons maker and part of a salvage company alongside Adrian Toomes, Herman Schultz and Jackson Brice. When the salvaging company goes out of business due to Damage Control, Mason helps Toomes steal leftover technology from the Avengers' battles and build advanced weapons out of the technology, such as Toomes' flight suit and modified versions of Crossbones' vibro-blast emitting gauntlets. While his assistants were defeated by Spider-Man and arrested by the authorities, Mason's fate is left unknown.

MacDonald "Mac" Gargan (portrayed by Michael Mando) is a professional criminal and one of Adrian Toomes' potential buyers. In the wake of an encounter with Spider-Man, Gargan is arrested by the FBI and vows revenge, seeking out new allies to help him kill Spider-Man. He approaches Toomes in prison, wanting Spider-Man's identity. Toomes denies that he knows it, however. He first appears in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Aaron Davis (portrayed by Donald Glover)[137][138][139][140] is a low-level criminal with a sense of morality. He attempts to buy high-tech firearms from Herman Schultz and Jackson Brice, only to be interrupted by Spider-Man. The hero later confronts Aaron, webs his hand to his car, and questions him regarding Adrian Toomes' plans. Aaron gives information about a sale with his former acquaintance Mac Gargan, and admits to wanting to keep the weapons off the streets to protect his nephew. Spider-Man leaves, leaving Aaron trapped to his car. In a deleted post-credits scene, Aaron tries to use his keys to get the webbing off, without success. He calls his nephew to say that "he's not gonna make it".[141] He first appears in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

The Ancient One (portrayed by Tilda Swinton) is the former Sorcerer Supreme and mentor of Doctor Strange. An alternate version of her from 2012 appears in Avengers: Endgame.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Doctor Strange and Avengers: Endgame.

M'Baku (portrayed by Winston Duke) is the leader of the renegade Jabari Tribe, who shun Wakanda's technological society and have a religious reverence for gorillas, such as decorating their armor with white gorilla pelts and worshiping the gorilla god Hanuman as a part of a complex Indo-African religion rather than the Panther god Bast.[142][143] M'Baku challenges T'Challa for control of Wakanda. When he is defeated in combat, the latter convinces him to yield. M'Baku returns the favor by looking after T'Challa's grievously wounded body following his fight with Erik Killmonger and agreeing to look after Ramonda. He initially declines T'Challa's request to help fight Killmonger, but ultimately reconsiders and leads the Jabari into battle against him. Following Killmonger's death, M'Baku is granted a place on Wakanda's national council.[144] He and the Jabari join the Wakandan army and the Avengers in battling Thanos' Outriders. He survives both the battle and the Blip, though many of his soldiers and T'Challa do not, much to his horror.[145] After Bruce Banner restores everyone back to life, he joins the Wakandan army, the Avengers, and their allies to confront Thanos and his army.[146]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming film Black Panther 2.

Yon-Rogg (portrayed by Jude Law)[147][148][149] is the leader of Starforce, and leads the war against the Skrulls. While hunting down former Kree scientist Mar-Vell, who is hiding on Earth as Dr. Wendy Lawson, he encounters Carol Danvers who destroys an energy core that imbues her with powers. Yon-Rogg takes her back to Hala, gives Carol a blood transfusion with his blood to save her life, and has her memories altered to think that she is a Kree named Vers. He mentors and trains her to be the best, but during an operation she is separated from the rest of the Starforce and lands on Earth. Yon-Rogg goes after her, only to discover that Danvers has switched sides after a Skrull named Talos helped her recover her memories. Starforce captures Danvers, Talos and a group of Skrull refugees, but Danvers manages to break free of Yon-Rogg and the Supreme Intelligence's hold over her by unlocking her full potential to drive back and defeat several members of the Starforce. Yon-Rogg requests assistance from Ronan the Accuser, but his assault on Earth is thwarted by Danvers. In their final confrontation, Danvers defeats Yon-Rogg. Afterwards, she sends him back to Hala to deliver her message to the Supreme Intelligence. He first appears in Captain Marvel.

The Supreme Intelligence is an artificial intelligence, and the ruler of the Kree.[150][151] The Supreme Intelligence takes the physical form of the individual most respected by whomever is speaking to it. To Carol Danvers, it takes the form of Dr. Wendy Lawson, though Danvers is initially unaware of who Lawson is due to amnesia.[152] Danvers speaks to the Supreme Intelligence shortly before a mission to extract an undercover Kree operative, where it recommends to keep her emotions in check. A deleted scene had the Supreme Intelligence assuming the form of Yon-Rogg when scolding Yon-Rogg for what happened to Mar-Vell. When Yon-Rogg states of dealing with Danvers, the Supreme Intelligence informs Yon-Rogg to bring Danvers in alive so that it can deal with the problem.[153] After Carol's memories are recovered, Danvers fights the Supreme Intelligence's control and shorts out the implant that limits her abilities. Upon defeating Yon-Rogg, Danvers sends Yon-Rogg back to Hala to carry a warning to the Supreme Intelligence. It first appears in Captain Marvel.

Ronan the Accuser (portrayed by Lee Pace) is a Kree fanatic whose family was killed in the Kree-Nova War.

Ronan was originally hired by Thanos to acquire an infinity stone, with the assistance of Nebula, daughter of Thanos. However, Ronan's quest for vengeance and power causes him to break allegiance with Thanos and he decides to use the stone himself to serve his own agenda. Ultimately that decision leads him to a battle with the Guardians of the Galaxy ending in his own death.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel.

Korath (portrayed by Djimon Hounsou) was a member of the Starforce during the Kree-Skrull before becoming Ronan's enforcer, during which he turned against Thanos and fought the Guardians of the Galaxy.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Bill Foster (portrayed by Laurence Fishburne) is a physicist, and the former Giant-Man. [154][155][156] He was Hank Pym's assistant on "Project Goliath" and is Ava Starr's surrogate father after Elihas Starr's death. In the present, Bill teaches quantum physics at UC Berkeley when he encounters his former employer, Scott Lang, and Hope van Dyne. When Ava restrains Pym, Scott and Hope, Bill states that he has been working to cure Ava by obtaining quantum energy from the quantum realm. As Pym knows that Bill's plan will affect Janet van Dyne's rescue, Hope and Hank manage their escape. When Scott Lang goes into the quantum realm, Hank talks Bill down and states that he will find a way to help stabilize Ava as Hank's ants see Bill out. After Janet is rescued from the quantum realm and gives some of her energy to stabilize Ava, Bill takes Ava away as Hank still vows to find a way to help stabilize Ava for good.

Ava Starr (portrayed by Hannah John-Kamen) is a supervillian with invisibility and intangibility powers, and a reimagining of the character of the same name.[157][158][159] In her childhood, Ava was caught in an accident in her father Elihas’ laboratory. The ensuing explosion killed both of her parents while Ava gained the ability to become intangible as her body was left in a constant state of "molecular disequilibrium". She was recruited by scientist Bill Foster into S.H.I.E.L.D., where she was trained and given a containment suit to better control her powers. Ava agreed to work for the organization as an assassin and spy under the codename Ghost in exchange for S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s help in finding a way to stabilize her condition. However, she discovered that S.H.I.E.L.D. had no intention of helping her and subsequently went rogue to find a way to cure herself with Foster's help. The two later plan to harness the energy that Janet van Dyne’s body absorbed from the quantum realm, putting Ghost in direct conflict with Hank Pym, Hope van Dyne, and Scott Lang. At the end of the film, Janet willingly uses some of her energy to partially stabilize Ava's condition and she departs with Foster as Janet's group vow to collect more energy for her. She first appears in Ant-Man and the Wasp.

James E. "Jimmy" Woo (portrayed by Randall Park) is an FBI agent. He first appeared in the film Ant-Man and the Wasp, where he acts as Scott Lang's parole officer, and returns in the Disney+ series WandaVision, where he works alongside S.W.O.R.D to investigate Westview.

Cassandra "Cassie" Lang (portrayed by Abby Ryder Fortson, Emma Fuhrmann, and Kathryn Newton) is the daughter of Scott Lang.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Avengers: Endgame. She will return in the upcoming film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Darren Cross (portrayed by Corey Stoll), also known as the Yellowjacket, is Hank Pym's protégé who took over Pym Technologies and developed the Yellowjacket suit. He first appeared in the WHIH Newsfront viral marketing campaign prior to the film Ant-Man.

Luis (portrayed by Michael Peña) is a close friend and ally of Scott Lang.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Ant-Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp. He will return in the upcoming film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Ego (portrayed by Kurt Russell) is a Celestial, and Peter Quill's father.[160] After finding his son, he explains that he came into existence millions of years ago and learned to use his cosmic powers to manipulate matter and form an entire planet around himself as well as utilize many resources and a human body to interact with other sentient beings. After becoming bored of immortality and disappointed with a universe full of inferior life, Ego decided to remake all worlds in the universe into extensions of himself, a plan that required planted seedlings and the power of another Celestial to activate them. To achieve this, Ego mates with various species until a suitable offspring would be conceived to help put his plan into action. While Quill was the only one capable of helping him, the former rebelled against Ego after learning the latter had killed his mother. In the end, Quill and the Guardians of the Galaxy destroy Ego and foil his plan.

The Grandmaster (portrayed by Jeff Goldblum) is the ruler of Sakaar, where he hosts a series of games called the Contest of Champions. He is the brother of the Collector. He first appeared in the film Thor: Ragnarok and will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Taneleer Tivan (portrayed by Benicio del Toro), also known as the Collector, is the renowned keeper of the largest collection of interstellar fauna, relics and species in the galaxy, operating from the Knowhere port installation. Through his dealings with Asgardians and the Guardians of the Galaxy, he was in possession of one of the Infinity Stones and was nearly able to obtain the Power Stone in Guardians of the Galaxy. He is the brother of the Grandmaster. Thanos obtained the Reality Stone from Tivan.

As of 2021, Taneleer Tivan has appeared in three films: Thor: The Dark World, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avengers: Infinity War. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Skurge (portrayed by Karl Urban) served as Loki's chosen successor to Heimdall as gatekeeper of the bifrost. He is later promoted to the position of executioner upon Hela's return to Asgard. He first appeared in the film Thor: Ragnarok.

Skurge is portrayed in a mostly comedic, subservient if not absent-minded fashion. Upon realizing the fate of Asgard, he changes allegiance and ultimately sacrifices himself while assisting Thor in evacuating the people of Asgard during the battle against Hela during Ragnarok.

Malekith the Accursed (portrayed by Christopher Eccleston) is the king of the Dark Elves.[161] Malekith led his people in a war against the Asgardians, using an ancient weapon known as the Aether, but they were thought to have been destroyed thousands of years ago during a final battle against the Asgardian King Bor. Malekith had survived however, having gone into hiding. In the present, he returned amidst a Convergence and sought to retake the Aether to use its power to transform the universe by plunging it back into eternal darkness. Before his attempt could succeed however, Malekith was defeated by Thor, resulting in his death. He first appears in Thor: The Dark World.

Kaecilius (portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen) is a sorcerer and Master of the Mystic Arts.[162][163] Motivated by the loss of his family to become a Master of the Mystic Arts, Kaecilius became disillusioned with what he considered the Ancient One's hypocrisy and it influenced his choice to serve Dormammu by using the same life-extending ritual his former master used to channel the Dark Dimension's energy. Believing in Dormammu's promise of eternal life, Kaecilius and his Zealot followers proceed to destroy the Sanctums so Earth can be consumed by the Dark Dimension. Doctor Strange manages to convince Dormammu to renounce his attack on Earth while having the entity honor his promise to Kaecilius. Dormammu agrees to the terms and drags Kaecilius and his surviving followers into the Dark Dimension.[164][165][166] He first appears in Doctor Strange.

Alexander Pierce (portrayed by Robert Redford) is the secretary of the World Security Council and the secret director of Hydra operating within S.H.I.E.L.D. He dies by the end of the 2014 film. An alternate version of him from 2012 appears in Avengers: Endgame.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Endgame.

Sharon Carter (portrayed by Emily VanCamp), also known as Agent 13, is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, she appears as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. initially tasked with protecting Steve Rogers by going undercover as a nurse who lives next door, with the alias of "Kate".[167][168] While she is working undercover, there is an attraction between Steve and Sharon. After the dissolution of S.H.I.E.L.D., she enlists in the C.I.A. as a secret agent.

In Captain America: Civil War, she aids Rogers by providing C.I.A. intelligence. It is later revealed that Peggy Carter was her great-aunt, much to Steve's surprise. After she aids Steve's faction of Avengers by giving them the Winter Soldier's location, she shares a kiss with Steve before going into hiding.

Carter was featured in an early draft of Avengers: Infinity War that would have continued the romantic relationship between Steve and Sharon.[169] While Sharon does not appear in Avengers: Endgame, it is revealed in the beginning of the film that she was among those killed by Thanos.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War.[170] She will return in the upcoming Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.[171]

T'Chaka (portrayed by John Kani) is the King of Wakanda. During a meeting ratifying the Sokovian Accords at the Vienna International Center, T'Chaka is killed by an explosion. The Winter Soldier was originally believed to be behind the attack, but it was later discovered that he was framed by Helmut Zemo.[172] Years ago, T'Chaka learned his brother N'Jobu was plotting acts of open insurrection with plans to have Wakanda take a more aggressive foreign policy to fight the social injustice he witnessed in his assigned country. T'Chaka confronted N'Jobu. When N'Jobu attacked, he was killed by T'Chaka in defense of Zuri (who was acting as a spy the whole time). Distressed at this act and concerned about maintaining Wakanda's security above all else, T'Chaka chose to promptly return to his nation and left Erik Killmonger abandoned as a child orphan. T'Challa would learn of this act and the resulting cover-up by his late father. While visiting the ancestor lands, T'Challa learned of T'Chaka's actions and tells him and the previous Black Panthers before him that he will lead Wakanda in a manner differently to them for the purpose of correcting T'Chaka's past mistakes.[173]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther.

Jackson Norriss (portrayed by Scoot McNairy)[174] is a member of the Ten Rings terrorist organization who goes undercover as a reporter to break Trevor Slattery out of Seagate Prison and punish him for impersonating the Mandarin during the events of the film Iron Man 3. He first appears in the One-Shot All Hail the King.

Wenwu (portrayed by Tony Leung Chiu-wai), also known as the Mandarin, is an extremely powerful, legendary, and nearly mythical terrorist leader and anarchist who is the founder and the supreme leader of the Ten Rings, a terrorist organisation.

Several variations of the Mandarin concept appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe:

• The Mandarin is referenced via the terrorist group The Ten Rings in the Iron Man, Iron Man 2, and Ant-Man.
• Sir Ben Kingsley portrays Trevor Slattery, an actor masquerading as the Mandarin in Iron Man 3, as the idealized image of Aldrich Killian to mask his illegal genetic activities with Extremis and Advanced Idea Mechanics.
• Ben Kingsley reprises his role in the Marvel One-Shot short film All Hail the King, in which Slattery is imprisoned in Seagate Prison following the events of Iron Man 3. He is interviewed by undercover Ten Rings agent Jackson Norriss, who reveals that Killian based the Mandarin on a powerful historical figure of the same name before kidnapping Slattery on the Ten Rings' leader's behalf to punish the actor for abusing the Mandarin's name.

The real Mandarin will appear in the upcoming film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, portrayed by Tony Leung Chiu-wai.[175][176]

Nakia (portrayed by Lupita Nyong'o)[177] is a former Dora Milaje, a member of the War Dogs, and T'Challa's lover. Having often been sent on missions around the world, witnessing the hardships experienced by many people, she grows in the belief that Wakanda should actively help them. Nakia returns to Wakanda upon hearing that T'Challa's father, T'Chaka, was killed. She stays after T'Challa is crowned king and asks that she accompany him to one of their missions, leading into the major events of the film. After Killmonger seizes the throne and orders the heart-shaped herbs which grant the power of the Black Panther to be burned, Nakia steals one. Although Ramonda urges Nakia to consume it in order to challenge Killmonger, Nakia plans to offer it to M'Baku so that he can challenge Killmonger with his army. M'Baku reveals that his people have recovered T'Challa, so Nakia gives the herb to him, healing him and restoring his powers as the Black Panther. Nakia then assists in the insurrection against Killmonger, dressing as a Dora Milaje soldier at Shuri's insistence. At the end of the film, Nakia agrees to resume her relationship with T'Challa and accepts a position running a Wakandan outreach center in California at the location of N'Jobu and Killmonger's former apartment.

She first appeared in the film Black Panther, and will return in the upcoming film Black Panther 2.

Ramonda (portrayed by Angela Bassett) is the Queen Mother of Wakanda, wife of T'Chaka, and mother of T'Challa and Shuri. She stands by her son's side when he became King of Wakanda, but is soon forced into exile when Erik Killmonger defeated T'Challa in ritual combat and took over the throne.[178] Boseman noted that Ramonda "is one of the advisors that [T'Challa] would look to... for some of the answers of what his father might want or might do. She may not be exactly right all the time, but she definitely has insights."[179] She survives the Blip and is seen reuniting with her children after they return to Wakanda from New York.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame.[180] She will return in the upcoming film Black Panther 2.

Zuri (portrayed by Forest Whitaker and Denzel Whitaker) is a former member of the War Dogs and a Wakandan shaman, and the trusted loyal adviser to his King. Having maintained T'Chaka's secrets over his handling of the death of N'Jobu in the past, Zuri continued supporting the King of Wakanda as T'Challa took over the throne in the wake of the death of T'Chaka. As a young man, Zuri posed as an American named James to tail N'Jobu, T'Chaka's brother and a traitor, and witnesses his death at T'Chaka's hands. Twenty-five years later, Zuri appoints T'Chaka's son T'Challa as the new king, and oversees T'Challa's fight with M'Baku on challenge day by administering the liquid that removes the abilities the heart-shaped herb grants. When M'Baku is defeated, Zuri performs a ritual that involves the abilities' return. Zuri is the one to tell T'Challa the truth about Erik Killmonger's parentage. Killmonger later kills Zuri when he attempts to protect T'Challa, blaming him for doing nothing to protect N'Jobu. He first appeared in the fim Black Panther.

Prince N'Jobu (portrayed by Sterling K. Brown) was the younger brother of T'Chaka, the King of Wakanda and an agent of the War Dogs. Having betrayed his own people and aided Ulysses Klaue with getting vibranium out of Wakanda with the intention of allowing oppressed people to possess its power, N'Jobu was confronted and killed by T'Chaka. His only son Prince N'Jadaka saw the whole thing and planned to avenge his death and finish his work by becoming King. He first appeared in the film Black Panther.

Ebony Maw (voiced and portrayed [via motion capture] by Tom Vaughan-Lawlor) is an adoptive son of Thanos. Gifted with powers of telekinesis, Maw is deeply loyal to Thanos and gave warnings of his power across the galaxy while assisting in the search for the Infinity Stones. This version acts as Thanos' herald, perversely evangelizing to the inhabitants of worlds that Thanos attacks that they are actually being saved and the ones who are dead or dying should "rejoice" in their deaths bringing balance to the universe. He and Cull Obsidian are assigned to retrieve the Infinity Stones on Earth, where they battle the Avengers and Maw kidnaps Doctor Strange to take the Time Stone from him. While returning to Thanos however, Tony Stark and Peter Parker sneak aboard his ship and use explosive decompression to send Maw into the vacuum of space, killing him. A past version of him travels through time with Thanos' forces to stop the Avengers from foiling his master's plans, only to be disintegrated along with them when Stark activates the Infinity Stones.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Corvus Glaive (voiced and portrayed [via motion capture] by Michael James Shaw) is Thanos' adoptive son. He joined his father in his quest for the six Infinity Stones, initially attacked the Statesman with his siblings and helped to kill the Asgardians aboard and retrieve the Space Stone. While attempting to retrieve the Mind Stone from Vision with Proxima Midnight, they are met in battle and defeated by Steve Rogers, Black Widow, and Falcon. During a second attempt, Midnight leads the Outriders in attacking the Avengers on the ground to distract from Glaive infiltrating Shuri's lab to attack her, which leads Vision to come to her defense and tackle Glaive out of the lab. Rogers intervenes in the fight, but Glaive incapacitates the former before Vision kills the latter.

An alternate version of Glaive travels through time with Thanos' army to stop the Avengers, only to be killed by Okoye.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Proxima Midnight (voiced and faced by Carrie Coon, and portrayed [via motion capture] by Monique Ganderton) is Thanos' adoptive daughter. She joined her father in his quest for the six Infinity Stones, initially attacked the Statesman with her brothers, helping to kill the Asgardians aboard in order to retrieve the Space Stone. While attempting to claim the Mind Stone, she and Corvus Glaive attack Wanda Maximoff and Vision, but are repelled by Steve Rogers, Falcon and Black Widow. During a second attempt at the Infinity Stone, Proxima fights Black Widow and Okoye, but is ultimately killed by Maximoff. A past version of Midnight travels through time with Thanos' forces to stop the Avengers from foiling his plans. However, they are all disintegrated when Tony Stark uses the Infinity Gauntlet.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Cull Obsidian (voiced and portrayed [via motion capture] by Terry Notary) is loosely based on Black Dwarf created by Jonathan Hickman and an adopted son of Thanos. In this incarnation, he equips a chain hammer and an arm blade. The character in this incarnation also has a cybernetic arm after his arm was cut after the sling ring closes. He was killed by Bruce Banner when he uses Hulkbuster's left arm, where it has a built-in thruster to fly Obsidian away and burns him; and by Scott Lang, when grown into his gigantic form, crushes him, and Obsidian was disintegrated along with Thanos and his army (where Nebula transported them from 2014 to 2023) by Tony Stark at the cost of his life.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Emil Blonsky (portrayed by Tim Roth), also known as the Abomination, is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name by Stan Lee and Gil Kane. He was depicted as a Russian born member of the British Royal Marines on loan to Thunderbolt Ross to capture the Hulk. After learning about the Super-Soldier program he offered to be a part of it. After taking it, he started craving it and used the scientist Samuel Sterns to get more which resulted him becoming a bloodthirsty monster.[100][101] He appeared in the film The Incredible Hulk and the Marvel One-Shot The Consultant, and will return in the upcoming Disney+ series She-Hulk.

Matthew Ellis (portrayed by William Sadler) is the President of the United States. His surname is a reference to comic author Warren Ellis. The President is first seen in Iron Man 3[181] where he wanted the Iron Patriot armor as an "American hero" symbol which is later hijacked and used by Eric Savin to kidnap Ellis from Air Force One and to be propped up in the Iron Patriot suit next to Roxxon's abandoned oil tanker for Aldrich Killian's broadcast execution with secret assistance from Vice President Rodriguez. However, the President is eventually rescued by Tony Stark and James Rhodes. Ellis is also alluded in Captain America: The Winter Soldier[182] on an exhibit involving Bucky Barnes and later as one of the targets marked by Alexander Pierce's Helicarriers but is saved by Steve Rogers.[182] Ellis later returns in the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and is again seen in the viral marketing videos WHIH Newsfront for an interview.[183]

Vice President Rodriguez (portrayed by Miguel Ferrer[184]) is the Vice President of the United States. He was in cahoots with Aldrich Killian to dispose of President Ellis so that Rodriguez can become the next President and Killian would treat his unnamed daughter (portrayed by Jenna Ortega). After Ellis is saved and Killian is killed, Vice-President Rodriguez and Trevor Slattery are arrested.

Dr. Abraham Erskine (portrayed by Stanley Tucci) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. The character is first depicted in Captain America: The First Avenger where he is responsible for the origin of Steve Rogers as Captain America and Johann Schmidt as the Red Skull. Before being assassinated in the hands of Heinz Kruger, Erskine motivated Rogers to always remain as a good man in his heart.[185]

Christine Everhart (portrayed by Leslie Bibb) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Everhart was created by John Jackson Miller and Jorge Lucas who depicted her as working in the Daily Bugle within the comic book.[186] She plays more a prominent role in the MCU first as a news reporter for Vanity Fair in Iron Man and Iron Man 2 and later as a rews broadcaster for WHiH World News.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Iron Man and Iron Man 2; as well as the viral marketing campaign WHIH Newsfront.[187]

Justin Hammer (portrayed by Sam Rockwell) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Hammer is a business rival of Stark of manufacturing weapons. After noticing Vanko's use of weapons, he jailbreaks Vanko and uses Vanko for making weapons, including turning James Rhodes' armor into War Machine. Ivan is revealed to have betrayed him, and he is sent to jail where he is depicted to have a homosexual relationship with an inmate in the Marvel One-Shot All Hail the King.[188][100][101] He first appeared in the film Iron Man 2 and later returned in the Marvel One-Shot: All Hail The King.

Dr. Darcy Lewis (portrayed by Kat Dennings) is an original character in the MCU, often serving as comic relief.[189] She is a political science major at Culver University and volunteer research assistant to astrophysicist Jane Foster for college credit.[190][191] She eventually earns a doctorate in astrophysics and is later called in by S.W.O.R.D. to help investigate Westview.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Thor and Thor: The Dark World; as well as the Disney+ series WandaVision.[192]

Dr. List (portrayed by Henry Goodman) is a Hydra scientist who conducts experimentation on Loki's scepter and the Maximoff twins.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (mid-credits cameo) and Avengers: Age of Ultron; as well as the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..

Gideon Malick (portrayed by Powers Boothe) is an original character playing a small role as one of the members of the World Security Council in The Avengers. He later reprises his role in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as a more recurring cast member and revealed as a secret member of Hydra within the series.[193]

Kraglin Obfonteri (portrayed by Sean Gunn) is based on a Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee, Ernie Hart, and Don Heck. He is a Xandarian and the first mate of Yondu Udonta's faction of the Ravagers. In 2014, Taserface leads a mutiny against Yondu, ultimately resulting in all of their deaths, however, Kraglin remains loyal to Yondu and helps rescue the Guardians from Ego. After Yondu's death, Kraglin acquires his cybernetic fin. In 2023, he led the Ravagers to help the Avengers combat Thanos and his army.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming films Thor: Love and Thunder, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, as well as the Disney+ animated series What If...?.

The Other (portrayed by Alexis Denisof) is an original character from the MCU and is the grim leader of an alien race called the Chitauri. He is a servant of Thanos and uses telepathic powers in The Avengers. He was later killed by Ronan the Accuser.[194][195]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Dr. Christine Palmer (portrayed by Rachel McAdams) is a professional associate and close friend of Stephen Strange. She first appeared in the film Doctor Strange, and will return in the upcoming film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Chester Phillips (portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones) is a United States Colonel during World War II who is involved with the Strategic Scientific Reserve in the making a super soldier program. He is depicted as being skeptical of the choice of Steve Rogers as the super-soldier but later has a change of heart and becomes more accepting of Steve.[196] Phillips is referenced as being one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. founders, along with Peggy Carter and Howard Stark.[197] He first appeared in the film Captain America: The First Avenger.

Heinz Kruger (portrayed by Richard Armitage) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. The character is Red Skull's top assassin who is responsible for the death of Abraham Erskine.[127] He first appeared in the film Captain America: The First Avenger.

Raza (portrayed by Faran Tahir) is the first revealed major antagonist in the film Iron Man, created by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. He was an original character for the film outside of his character referencing the organization that alludes to the Mandarin.[198] A terrorist and self described leader of the Ten Rings portrayed by Faran Tahir who used Stark Industries as their weapons for personal gain. He was responsible for the origin of Tony as Iron Man as he is the one who abducted him for his self-proclaimed personal gain of taking over the world citing Genghis Khan as influence. He was revealed to be working for Obadiah Stane who later subdues him.[100][199][101]

Elizabeth "Betty" Ross (portrayed by Liv Tyler) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. She was the first romantic interest of Bruce Banner as portrayed in The Incredible Hulk while also being the daughter of General Ross.[200][201]

Lady Sif (portrayed by Jaimie Alexander) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby which based her on Sif of Norse Mythology. She is the leading female warrior of Asgard and Thor's childhood friend and trusted ally.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Thor and Thor: The Dark World[202]; as well as two episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: "Yes Men" and "Who You Really Are".[203][204] She will return in the upcoming film Thor: Love and Thunder.

Jasper Sitwell (portrayed by Maximiliano Hernández) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Jasper first appeared as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent under Phil Coulson in Thor. He is later revealed to be a Hydra sleeper agent and is killed by a brainwashed Bucky Barnes by command of Hydra.[205][100][101] An alternate version of him from 2012 appears in Avengers: Endgame.[125]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Thor, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Avengers: Endgame; the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.[206]; and the Marvel One-Shots: The Consultant and Item 47.[207]

Obadiah Stane (portrayed by Jeff Bridges) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name by Dennis O'Neil and Luke McDonnell, Obadiah was the final villain in Iron Man. He was Tony's mentor after the passing away of Tony's dad, Howard. The character secretly sought control of Stark Industries. It was later revealed that he hired terrorists to assassinate Tony and after the failure to do so sought control of the arc reactor to create his own super powered exoskeleton suit which he succeeded after stealing Tony's tech. The character was killed in confrontation by Tony in the final climax of the film.[100][101]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Iron Man and Spider-Man: Far From Home (archival footage).

Senator Stern (portrayed by Garry Shandling) is an original character in the MCU inspired by Howard Stern according to the director, Jon Favreau.[208]

First seen in Iron Man 2, he is depicted as a United States Senator who wanted Tony's armor to be handed to the US government. He harbored a strong dislike for Tony even after handing Tony and Rhodes the Medal of Honor. He was later revealed to be affiliated with Hydra.[209]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Iron Man 2 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Dr. Samuel Sterns (portrayed by Tim Blake Nelson) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Depicted in The Incredible Hulk as a gifted biologist who tried to cure Bruce Banner under the alias Mr. Blue. After replicating Banner's blood, he then is forced to use it on Emil Blonsky. After Blonsky is transformed as a monster. Stern's lab is destroyed and part of the Hulk's blood drops on Stern's head and his Skull mutates as he grins maniacally. Outside of the film series he is referenced in a prequel comic of The Avengers, revealed to be insane and imprisoned by S.H.I.E.L.D.[210]

Baron Wolfgang von Strucker (portrayed by Thomas Kretschmann, Joey Defore as a teenager in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Strucker is high-ranking Hydra leader that specializes in human experimentation. Strucker supervised the successful experimentation on the Maximoff twins, where they acquired powers from the Mind Stone within Loki's scepter. Captured by the Avengers in Sokovia and taken under the custody of NATO, Strucker is later killed by Ultron in his cell to serve as a message to the Avengers.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (mid-credits cameo) and Avengers: Age of Ultron.[211] He also appears as a teenager in an episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Ho Yinsen (portrayed by Shaun Toub) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name first created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Don Heck. The character is central to the origin of Tony as the superhero Iron Man. He is an engineer who helped save Tony's life by creating an electromagnet heart and then helped Tony build armor to escape from the terrorists. He then sacrifices his life in order to let Tony escape, with his last words being to not waste his life away.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Iron Man and Iron Man 3.[212][213]

Anton Vanko (portrayed by Yevgeni Lazarev as an old man, Costa Ronin as a young man) is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Vanko was created by Stan Lee and Don Heck and first appearing in Iron Man 2. He is depicted as a Soviet scientist and partner of Howard Stark who both help create the first arc reactor. He betrays Howard by selling their designs on the black market. When Stark found out, Vanko was deported and became a drunk who leaves behind a legacy of his son exacting revenge on the Stark family after his death. Outside of being in Iron Man 2, he guest stars in Agent Carter.[214]

Ivan Vanko (portrayed by Mickey Rourke), also known as Whiplash, is based on the Marvel Comics characters Whiplash and Crimson Dynamo. The son of Anton Vanko. He avenges his father by learning what he knew of his father of the original model of the arc reactor. He uses it to create electric whips to kill Tony. After his failure to do so, he attracts business rival, Justin Hammer, for the creation of a new suit for Hammer. Although Vanko later betrays him using drones to kill Tony and then attempts to kill him with a new exoskeleton suit. He is defeated and died in battle with the combined forced of Iron Man and War Machine followed by his exoskeleton suit self-destructing.[215][100][101] He first appeared in the film Iron Man 2.

Aldrich Killian (portrayed by Guy Pearce) is the co-developer of the Extremis virus. In the MCU, he is also depicted as the founder of Advanced Idea Mechanics. Starting out as a sickly individual snubbed by Tony Stark in the past, he swore revenge. Years later, Killian participated in Maya Hansen's development of Extremis to cure himself, founded a terrorist movement with a group of Extremis-enhanced soldiers under his command, and posed as the Mandarin to ruin Iron Man, only to be killed by the Extremis-enhanced Pepper Potts. He first appeared in the film Iron Man 3.

Maya Hansen (portrayed by Rebecca Hall) is a scientist and a developer of the Extremis virus. She is upset when Tony Stark leaves her after their night together and forgoes aiding her research. She is later revealed to be working with Aldrich Killian to improve on Extremis and use the Mandarin to cover up the deaths of their test subjects. To convince Tony to help perfect the virus, Maya tricks Pepper while in hiding and tells Killian where to find them, resulting in Pepper being taken captive. Later, however, she has a change of heart when confronted by Tony and, realizing the extent of Killian's agenda, tries to back out of Killian's plan by holding a vial of potent Extremis to her neck and threatening to kill them all in the resulting explosion unless he frees Tony and Pepper. Instead, Killian decides she is no longer necessary to his plans and shoots her himself. As she is dying from her gunshot wound, Maya sends her files on Extremis to Tony, in order to help him stop Killian. She first appeared in the film Iron Man 3.

Trevor Slattery (portrayed by Ben Kingsley) is a washed-up, drug-addicted British actor hired by Aldrich Killian to portray the Mandarin, starring in propaganda videos that are broadcast to the world as a cover for AIM's explosive Extremis experiments. Slattery lives oblivious to the true meaning of his actions, surrounded by wealth and drugs provided by AIM, until he is discovered by Tony Stark. Slattery is arrested following Stark's defeat of Killian. In prison, he lives luxuriously, with his own personal "butler" and adoring fans among the other inmates, until he is broken out by Jackson Norriss, a Ten Rings terrorist posing as a documentary filmmaker, in order for the Mandarin to punish him for impersonating him. He first appeared in the film Iron Man 3 and later appeared in the one-shot All Hail the King.

Dr. Helen Cho (portrayed by Claudia Kim) is a world-renowned Korean geneticist and the leader of the U-GIN Research Group. She is called upon to assist the Avengers with her research and technology in the war against HYDRA, treating Clint Barton's injuries. Later, she is approached and brainwashed by Ultron to created a new body for him using vibranium and synthetic tissue, this body becoming Vision. She first appeared in the film Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Eitri (portrayed by Peter Dinklage) is the King of the Dwarves, an ancient race of skilled forgers and blacksmiths who hail from the realm of Nidavellir. Atypically to his traditional diminutive form, the MCU's version of Eitri is depicted at a giant's size (although he still refers to his race as Dwarves).

Thor comes to him on Nidavellir asking for a new weapon after Mjolnir was destroyed by Hela. Eitri reveals that Thanos forced the Dwarves to make a device that would help him harness the power of the Infinity Stones — the Infinity Gauntlet — in exchange for sparing the Dwarves. Once they did so, Thanos went back on his word and proceeded to slaughter the entire race, leaving Eitri the only survivor. To ensure he could never pose a threat to his ambitions, however, Thanos destroyed Eitri's hands by smelting them in metal, leaving him unable to forge anything ever again. Thor, Groot, and Rocket all pitch in to help Eitri create the new weapon, Stormbreaker. He first appeared in Avengers: Infinity War.

Howard the Duck (voiced by Seth Green) is an anthropomorphic duck who used to be one of the Collector's specimens. He later joined the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Masters of the Mystic Arts in their fight against Thanos.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in three films: Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Rhomann Dey (portrayed by John C. Reilly) is a member of the Nova Corps and contact to Star-Lord and the Guardians of the Galaxy. He was promoted to the rank of Denarian due to his actions during the Battle of Xandar. He first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy.

Irani Rael (portrayed by Glenn Close), also known as Nova Prime, is the leader of Nova Corps. She leads the Corps to victory with the help of the Guardians of the Galaxy when Ronan the Accuser attempts to destroy her home planet of Xandar with the Power Stone. She first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy.

Everett K. Ross (portrayed by Martin Freeman) is a CIA operative who was tasked with regulating the Avengers and later tracking down Ulysses Klaue.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther. He will return in the upcoming film Black Panther 2.

Karl Mordo (portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a sorcerer and a former member of the Masters of the Mystic Arts. A close ally to the Ancient One, he assisted in recruiting and training their future sorcerers. In this role, he trains Strange, using the Staff of the Living Tribunal as his weapon. He also helps Strange fight against Kaecilius. The Ancient One notes that Mordo's strength must be balanced by Strange since Mordo is unable to recognize the need for moral flexibility and compromise. At the end of the film, disillusioned with the teachings of the Ancient One after learning that the latter's immortality has been the result of her drawing on the energy of the Dark Dimension and Strange further breaking nature's laws, he decides to leave his fellow sorcerers. He comes to believe that all magic perverts and disrupts the natural order, thus causing him to set out to stop others from using it. In a post-credits scene, Mordo visits fellow magician Pangborn and steals the energy that he uses to walk, stating that the world has "too many sorcerers".

As of 2021, the character has appeared in one film: Doctor Strange. He will return in the upcoming film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Jonathan Pangborn (portrayed by Benjamin Bratt) is a former Master of the Mystic Arts who was trained by the Ancient One but later chose to leave Kamar-Taj as he only wanted to heal his paralysis. He later lost his powers and his ability to walk after Karl Mordo drained him of his magic during the post-credits as Mordo claims that there are too many sorcerers. He first appeared in the film Doctor Strange.

Surtur (motion-captured by Taika Waititi, voiced by Clancy Brown) is a Fire Demon, lord of Muspelheim, and a significant figure in the prophecy of Ragnarök as the one who would initiate the fall of Asgard. He imprisons Thor in his lair in Muspelheim and reveals that Odin is not on Asgard, where Surtur plans to unite his crown with the Eternal Flame so that he can cause Ragnarök and destroy Asgard, though Thor manages to defeat Surtur and escape with his crown. During his battle with Hela however, Thor realizes causing Ragnarök is the only way he can defeat her, so he tasks Loki with resurrecting Surtur with the Eternal Flame, allowing Surtur to succeed in his plans and kill Hela while Thor, Loki, and the Asgardians escape. He first appeared in the film Thor: Ragnarok.

Captain Maria "Photon" Rambeau (portrayed by Lashana Lynch) is a former United States Air Force pilot and a single mother of Monica Rambeau. She becomes best friends with Carol Danvers, who was presumed dead for six years, after a plane accident. Maria was reunited with Danvers during the Kree-Skrull War and helped her to remember her early life. Later, she helps found S.W.O.R.D. and becomes its Director until she dies of cancer in 2020. She first appeared in the film Captain Marvel.

Captain Monica Rambeau (portrayed initially by Akira Akbar and subsequently by Teyonah Parris) is the daughter of Maria Rambeau who befriended Carol Danvers, a friend of her mother's. She eventually grows up to become an agent of S.W.O.R.D., which was founded by her mother, but is among those who vanish during the Blip in 2018. She is resurrected five years later, only to learn that her mother had died of cancer two years after she disappeared.

While investigating a missing persons case, Monica is accidentally sucked into Wanda's Westview anomaly, and remains there until she is forced out by Wanda. Back outside at a S.W.O.R.D. facility, Monica continues to assist the organization with its Westview investigation.

She first appeared in the film Captain Marvel and returns in the Disney+ series WandaVision, in which she adopts the alias Geraldine until she is forced out of the sitcom reality by Wanda.[216] She will return in the upcoming film Captain Marvel 2.

Mar-Vell (portrayed by Annette Bening) is a reimagining of the Marvel Comics character of the same name. A Kree scientist who rejected her species' war with the Skrulls, Mar-Vell fled to Earth in the 1980s and adopted the alias of Dr. Wendy Lawson, a physicist at Project Pegasus. Using the Tesseract, she sought to develop an experimental engine that would have allowed the Skrulls to settle beyond the reach of the Kree Empire. She is killed by Yon-Rogg, though she is able to instruct Carol Danvers to destroy the engine before Yon-Rogg is able to seize the device.

Dormammu (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch and an unidentified British actor) is a primordial inter-dimensional entity and ruler of the Dark Dimension. He wields apocalyptic levels of supernatural power. Dormammu seeks to absorb all other universes into his Dark Dimension and turn the victims into Mindless Ones. The Zealots misinterpret this eternal existence as a benevolent longevity, and Dormammu gives them some of his power. Doctor Strange uses the Time Stone to trap himself and Dormammu in an endless loop, where he offers a bargain and dies when the entity refuses. Desperate to escape this loop, Dormammu accepts the bargain to end it in exchange for taking his Zealots from the Earth and never returning to it. This version of Dormammu appears as a massive face made of rippling mystical energy, with his full form never seen. He first appeared in the film Doctor Strange.

F.R.I.D.A.Y. (voiced by Kerry Condon) is Tony Stark's replacement A.I. after Ultron scatters J.A.R.V.I.S.' "consciousness" and it is uploaded into Vision. Stark's other A.I. programs are J.O.C.A.S.T.A., T.A.D.A.S.H.I., Karen, and E.D.I.T.H..

As of 2021, the character has appeared in five films: Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Harley Keener (portrayed by Ty Simpkins) is a child from Tennessee who assists Tony Stark following the destruction of his mansion and the ongoing attacks by the "Mandarin". In 2023, he attends Tony Stark's funeral.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Iron Man 3 and Avengers: Endgame.

James "Jim" Paxton (portrayed by Bobby Cannavale) is a police officer in the San Francisco Police Department, the husband of Maggie Lang (Scott Lang's ex-wife), and the stepfather of Cassie Lang.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Ant-Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Dave (portrayed by Tip Harris) is a friend of Scott Lang and Luis who works as Lang's getaway driver during heists. He enjoys playing poker, and watching football. He later teases Hank Pym about the heist they pulled in his house before he became one of his employees.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Kurt (portrayed by David Dastmalchian) is a friend and roommate of Scott Lang and Luis who works as the team's hacker during heists. He, Luis and Dave are together known as the "Three Wombats".

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Miek is a Sakaaran insectoid warrior. This version of the character is a larva-like creature as opposed to a humanoid roach, and initially uses an exoskeleton equipped with blades in combat. Having been freed from the Grandmaster's prison, Miek fights alongside Thor and Korg and joins the Asgardian people in their journey to Earth after the destruction of Asgard. With Korg, he survives Thanos' attack on the Asgardian lifeboat and lives on Earth in New Asgard, in Norway. Miek later appears at the battle at the Avengers compound against Thanos and his army.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame. He will return in the upcoming film Thor: Love and Thunder.

Minn-Erva (portrayed by Gemma Chan) is a Kree tactical sniper and a member of Yon-Rogg's Starforce team along with Carol Danvers (who at that time is known simply as Vers) whom she has strong animosity towards. Minn-Erva accompanies Starforce and some Kree soldiers to Earth where it was discovered that Mar-Vell had hid some Skrull refugees. During the final battle, she pilots a fighter and attempts to catch up with and shoot down a ship being flown by Maria Rambeau and housing several refugee Skrulls. Maria outmaneuvers Minn-Erva and shoots her down, killing her. She first appeared in the film Captain Marvel.

Att-Lass (portrayed by Algenis Perez Soto) is a Kree member of Starforce, and their stealth and raid specialist. He uses twin pistols as weapons. Att-Lass accompanies Yon-Rogg, Starforce, and some Kree soldiers to Earth to find Carol Danvers where it was discovered that the late Mar-Vell had hidden some Skrull refugees. He seems reluctant to bring Carol Danvers in once she has discovered her history. After Carol Danvers shorts out the implant that limited her abilities, Att-Lass joins Starforce and the Kree soldiers in fighting her, but is subdued. He first appeared in the film Captain Marvel.

Bron-Char (portrayed by Rune Temte) is a Kree Empire operative and a member of Starforce. In addition to being an expert at hand-to-hand combat, he jokes about finding Korath attractive. After Carol Danvers fights the Supreme Intelligence's control and burns out the implant that limits her abilities, she fights Starforce and subdues Bron-Char. He first appeared in the film Captain Marvel.

W'Kabi (portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya) is the chief of Wakanda's Border Tribe as well as T'Challa's best friend, and Okoye's lover. As he is responsible for the borders of Wakanda, W'Kabi and his guards have trained armored white rhinoceroses as shock cavalry. W'Kabi loses faith in T'Challa when he fails to capture Klaue (who had killed his parents decades earlier while stealing vibranium), and supports Erik Killmonger when he subsequently usurps the throne. During the final battle, Okoye confronts W'Kabi when he tries to trample M'Baku with an armored white rhinoceros, saying she values Wakanda more than their love. Not wanting to die by Okoye's hands or take her life, W'Kabi surrenders and the rest of the Border Tribe does the same. He first appeared in the film Black Panther.

Agnes (portrayed by Kathryn Hahn) is a resident of Westview and the "nosy neighbor" of Wanda and Vision in their sitcom suburban reality.[217] She first appeared in the Disney+ series WandaVision.

Tyler Hayward (portrayed by Josh Stamberg) is the acting director of S.W.O.R.D., having taken over from Maria Rambeau following her death.[218] He first appeared in the Disney+ series WandaVision.

Stakar Ogord (portrayed by Sylvester Stallone) is a legendary Ravager captain and the leader of the Stakar Ravager Clan. Ogord saved Yondu Udonta from a life of slavery to the Kree and welcomed him to the Ravagers, but was later forced to exile him for engaging in child trafficking, thus violating the Ravager code. He and Martinex T'Naga later run into Yondu on the planet Contraxia, where they remind him why he is in exile by mentioning how he broke the Ravagers' Code by trafficking children, a reference to the children of Ego, who had hired Yondu to deliver them to him, including Peter Quill. Stakar does not know that Yondu, having discovered the fate of the other children he had delivered to Ego, refused to deliver Peter Quill, and decided to keep him and raise him as his own son, and train as a Ravager thief. After Yondu ultimately sacrifices himself to save Quill and his comrades, Stakar is among the Ravagers that honors him at his funeral. In a mid-credits scene, Stakar and Martinex reunite with their old teammates Charlie-27, Aleta Ogord, Mainframe, and Krugarr. He first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Martinex (portrayed by Michael Rosenbaum) is a member of Stakar Ogord's team of Ravagers. He visits Yondu on Contraxia along with Stakar to remind him that he is in exile for breaking the Ravagers' code. After Yondu sacrifices himself to save Peter Quill, Martinex and Stakar are moved by his sacrifice, and he and the other Ravagers attend his funeral. The two of them decide to bring the rest of the team back together to honor him as seen in the mid-credits scene. He first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Charlie-27 (portrayed by Ving Rhames) is the captain of a Ravager Clan, distinguished by their mustard yellow garbs. He first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Aleta Ogord (portrayed by Michelle Yeoh) is a Ravager captain, and the wife of Stakar Ogord, as well as a member of his team. She first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Krugarr is a Lem, a race of extremely long-lived worm-like creatures. He is a sorcerer and a captain of his own faction of the Ravagers. He was also one of the members of Stakar Ogord's faction in the past. He first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Mainframe (voiced by Miley Cyrus) is an artificial intelligence and Ravager captain as well as a member of Stakar Ogord's Team. It first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 speaking through a disembodied robot head.

Taserface (portrayed by Chris Sullivan) is a Ravager mercenary and a lieutenant in the Yondu Ravager Clan. He is depicted as being proud of his name as he believes it strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. However, Rocket and the rest of the Ravagers scoff at the ridiculousness of his name. Following Yondu Udonta's exile by Stakar Ogord, Taserface leads a mutiny against Udonta, feeling that he is "going soft", and kills anyone still loyal him. After Kraglin aids Yondu, Rocket, and Groot in escaping from their prison cells, Yondu kills the remaining Ravagers and destroys the main engine, causing the Ravager ship to explode. While the heroes eject from the main ship in a smaller escape ship, Taserface contacts the Sovereign to give them Yondu's coordinates before dying in the explosion. He first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and will return in the upcoming Disney+ animated series What If...?.

Ayesha (portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki) is the high priestess of the golden-skinned Sovereign race. She hires the Guardians of the Galaxy to protect Anulax Batteries from the Abilisk, but after Rocket steals several of the batteries with the intention to later sell them, she becomes enraged and sends her fleet of Omnicrafts to kill them. In a mid-credit scene, she is seen observing the gestation of a new member of the Sovereign race, and names it Adam. She first appeared in the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Sonny Burch (portrayed by Walton Goggins) is a black-market technology dealer with ties in the FBI. Burch was contacted by Hank Pym and Hope van Dyne for details for the Quantum Tunnel. However, he learned about his customers and decided to obtain their Mobile Laboratory full of valuable quantum technology. He attempts to buy Hank Pym's quantum technology, but gets turned down by Hope van Dyne. Sonny's men subsequently battle the Wasp and Ant-Man. He later manages to get information out of Scott Lang's friends (Luis, Kurt and Dave) via his "truth serum" concoction. Burch and his men fight Ant-Man and the Wasp (who are also fighting Ava Starr) in a three-way battle for the miniaturized technology. Sonny attempts to escape via boat, but is stopped by Giant-Man. Burch and his men catch up to Luis, but are tasered by Kurt and Dave. Luis injects Burch and his men with his own "truth serum" out of revenge, forcing confessions to various crimes to federal agents led by Jimmy Woo; Sonny even confesses to his restaurant's health code violations. He first appeared in the film Ant-Man and the Wasp.

William Ginter Riva (portrayed by Peter Billingsley) is a former Stark Industries employee who was ordered by Obadiah Stane to replicate Tony Stark's arc reactor. Years later, he joins Quentin Beck's crew to wreak havoc across Europe, helping him masquerade as a superhero named Mysterio, and controlling his drones. Following Mysterio's defeat, he leaks the identity of Spider-Man to J. Jonah Jameson, and uploads a copy of Mysterio's software onto a flash drive.[219]

As of 2021, the character has appeared in two films: Iron Man and Spider-Man: Far From Home.

The Watcher Informant (portrayed by Stan Lee) is a being who travels the universe and reports on his adventures to the Watchers, and has frequently visited Earth on various occasions, sometimes interacting with the Avengers. He has also occasionally visited other planets such as Xandar and Sakaar.

His role was confirmed in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 where he recaps his experiences on Earth to three Watchers. By the post-credits, the Watchers get bored and leave as the Informant states that they are his ride off the planet.

As of 2021, the character has appeared in twenty-two films: Iron Man (as a man that Tony Stark mistook for Hugh Hefner), The Incredible Hulk (as a man injesting soda with Bruce Banner's blood in it), Iron Man 2 (as a man that Tony Stark mistook for Larry King), Thor (as a man who tries to use his pickup truck to lift Mjolnir), Captain America: The First Avenger (as a World War II general), The Avengers (as a man being interviewed about the Avengers saving Manhattan), Iron Man 3 (as a beauty pageant judge), Thor: The Dark World (as a mental ward patient), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (as a Smithsonian Institute security guard), Guardians of the Galaxy (as an elderly gentleman on Xandar), Avengers: Age of Ultron (as a World War II veteran attending the Avengers' victory party over Baron Strucker), Ant-Man (as a bartender who talks to Luis), Captain America: Civil War (as a FedEx delivery man), Doctor Strange (as a bus passenger), Spider-Man: Homecoming (as a man named Gary), Thor: Ragnarok (as a barber on Sakaar), Black Panther (as a casino patron), Avengers: Infinity War (as a school bus driver), Ant-Man and the Wasp (as a pedestrian whose car was shrunk by Wasp), Captain Marvel (as a subway passenger), and Avengers: Endgame (as a man in the 1970s driving his car, along with his wife); ten TV series: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (as a train passenger), Agent Carter (as a shoeshiner client), Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders, The Punisher (all six as a photo of Irwin Forbush), Runaways (as a limousine driver), and Cloak & Dagger (as a painting); and a web series: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot (as a picture).

The Avengers are the central team of protagonist superheroes of "The Infinity Saga" within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Created by Nick Fury and led primarily by Steve Rogers, the team is a United States-based organization composed mainly of enhanced individuals committed to the world's protection from threats. The Avengers operate in New York State; beginning at Avengers Tower in Midtown Manhattan, and subsequently, from a compound north of New York City.

Being foreshadowed as early as in the 2008 film, Iron Man, where the "Avengers Initiative" was referenced by Nick Fury in a post-credit scene.[220] The team first appeared in The Avengers; consisting of Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Thor, Bruce Banner, Natasha Romanoff, and Clint Barton.[221][222][223] The lineup that was depicted by Joss Whedon is primarily based on the Ultimates of Ultimate Marvel, with the exception of two classic founders, Giant-Man and the Wasp. According to Whedon the theme behind the lineup is : "There's a thunder god, there's a green 'id' giant rage monster, there's Captain America from the 40s, there's Tony Stark who definitely doesn't get along with anybody. Ultimately these people don't belong together and the whole movie is about finding yourself from community. And finding that you not only belong together but you need each other, very much.[224] According to film critic Peter Travers, "Whedon is exploring richer ground" with the theme. "He sees the Avengers as the ultimate dysfunctional family. Their powers have estranged them from the normal world. As a result, they're lonely, cranky, emotional fuck-ups, which the actors have a ball playing."[225]

The lineup of the first film was reprised in Avengers: Age of Ultron, along with new additions and allies including James Rhodes, Vision, Wanda Maximoff, and Pietro Maximoff. [226][227][228][84] At the end of Age of Ultron, a new roster of Avengers is established, consisting of Rogers, Romanoff, Rhodes, Wanda Maximoff, Vision, and Sam Wilson, with Stark remaining as the group's benefactor.[229]

The new Avengers roster appears in Captain America: Civil War, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and released on May 6, 2016.[230] In Civil War, the team is fractured into two opposing factions: one led by Rogers and the other by Stark. Rogers' group consists of himself, Barton, Wilson, Maximoff, Scott Lang, and Bucky Barnes, and Stark's group consists of himself, Rhodes, Romanoff, Peter Parker, T'Challa, and Vision. The Avengers, broken up in the fallout of the events of Civil War, appear again in Avengers: Infinity War. In this film, the Avengers join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy, Stephen Strange, Wong, and the army of Wakanda to stop Thanos as he attempts to acquire the Infinity Stones. Thor and Banner are also reunited with the Avengers. Their campaign fails as Thanos destroys Vision and acquires all six Stones, ultimately killing half the universe, including several of the Avengers, Guardians, and their allies, leaving only Stark, Rogers, Thor, Banner, Romanoff, Barton, Rhodes, Nebula, and Rocket. In Avengers: Endgame, following the five-year jump since the events of Infinity War, Carol Danvers, Nebula, and Rocket join the Avengers after they discover that Thanos has destroyed the Infinity Stones to prevent anyone undoing his victory. After five years, Lang is revealed to have survived Thanos' culling while being trapped in the quantum realm at the end of Ant-Man and the Wasp, and joins the team with a proposition that they retrieve the Infinity Stones from the past in order to restore the damage made by Thanos, using Lang's experience with the quantum realm to devise a means of travelling in time. The restored Avengers, Guardians, and allies appear in the final battle against Thanos, including Strange, Wong, Parker, Maximoff, Wilson, Barnes, Hope van Dyne, Quill, Gamora, Drax, Groot, Mantis, T'Challa, Shuri, M'Baku, Potts, Okoye, Valkyrie, Korg, Miek, and Kraglin. Stark and Romanoff are killed during the events of Endgame, while Thor joins the Guardians, and an elderly Rogers passes his shield and mantle to Wilson, making him his successor after he decides to return to the 1940s to live the rest of his life with Peggy Carter.

The Children of Thanos are an elite team comprised of powerful individuals who used their abilities to serve their adoptive father Thanos. As Thanos' vicious generals, they assisted him in his mission to find and harness the power of the Infinity Stones. Thanos adopted six known children: Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, the brothers Corvus Glaive and Cull Obsidian, the Zehoberei Gamora, and the Luphomoid Nebula, and trained them in the ways of combat, turning each of them into a deadly warrior. The Children of Thanos first appear in Avengers: Infinity War, although Gamora and Nebula first appear in Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galxy Vol. 2, with Gamora defecting in the former, and Nebula in the latter.[231] Assisting Thanos in finding the Infinity Stones, they are sent to Earth to retrieve the Time and Mind Stones. Maw and Obsidian attempt to remove the former from Doctor Strange's Eye of Agamotto while Glaive and Midnight attempt to steal the latter from Vision. Over the course of the film, they are each killed by members of the Avengers: Maw by Tony Stark, Obsidian by Bruce Banner, Midnight by Wanda Maximoff, and Glaive by Vision. The Children of Thanos return in Avengers: Endgame. A past version of the group travel through time with Thanos' forces to confront the Avengers. During the battle, Obsidian is crushed by Giant-Man and Glaive is killed by Okoye while Midnight and Maw are disintegrated alongside Thanos' forces when Stark uses the Infinity Stones.[232]

The Dora Milaje is an elite organization of female bodyguards and Wakanda's special forces. The current general is Okoye. Florence Kasumba portrays Ayo, a member of the Dora Milaje, in Captain America: Civil War, as a guard of T'Chaka.[233] They next appear in Black Panther. Florence Kasumba reprises her role,[234] Danai Gurira portrays Okoye,[235][236] and Sydelle Noel portrays Xoliswa[237] while the unnamed Dora Milaje are portrayed by Marija Abney, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, Maria Hippolyte, Marie Mouroum, Jénel Stevens, Zola Williams, Christine Hollingsworth, and Shaunette Renée Wilson.[238] They partake in the battle against Thanos in Wakanda as well as the battle at the Avengers Compound. [239]

The Guardians of the Galaxy are a band of outlaws, who joined together to protect the galaxy from threats. The group's founding members are Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot. They first appear in Guardians of the Galaxy and return in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. In the latter movie, the team's membership is expanded with the addition of Mantis while temporararily aided by Yondu Udonta and Nebula in their fight against Ego the Living Planet. Kraglin also assists the team in the final confrontation.[240] They next appear in Avengers: Infinity War, in which they aid Thor and the Avengers in confronting Thanos in his attempt to collect all of the Infinity Stones. Thanos succeeds in collecting all of Stones, murdering Gamora in the process, and disintegrates half of all life in the universe, with Star-Lord, Drax, Mantis, and Groot among his victims, with only Rocket and Nebula spared. In Avengers: Endgame, after Thanos has destroyed the Stones and is executed by Thor, Rocket and Nebula help the Avengers travel back in time to retrieve the Infinity Stones from the past. They are successful, but the Thanos of 2014 becomes aware of the presence of this other Nebula, and has her captured, sending 2014 Nebula to the present in the former's place. 2014 Nebula summons Thanos to the present, where he destroys Avengers headquarters in order to acquire the Stones to kill the entire universe. Nebula successfully convinces 2014 Gamora to join her in opposing Thanos, and kills her 2014 counterpart, though 2014 Gamora has no emotional connection to Quill. The combined forces of the Avengers, the Guardians and all of their allies succeed in repelling his forces, and killing Thanos once and for all. Afterwards, Thor joins the Guardians, quipping that they are now the "Asgardians of the Galaxy", and jokingly argues with Star-Lord over command of the team. The Guardians of the Galaxy are scheduled to make an appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder.[241] A third film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, is in development, as well a television movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, and a series of short films focussing on Groot: I Am Groot.[242]

The Howling Commandos are an elite combat unit that had been led by Captain America during World War II. At the end of the war and Captain America's apparent demise, their unit continued to be active and was led by Dum Dum Dugan. They are first introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger. They were made up of men freed from a Hydra prisoner camp by Rogers. Their number includes Bucky Barnes, Dum Dum Dugan, Gabe Jones, Montgomery Falsworth, Jim Morita, and Jacques Dernier. In Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the team uses old Howling Commandos' equipment provided by Agent Antoine Triplett who is the grandson of one of the Howling Commandos. Commandos Dugan and Morita also return in a flashback, led by Peggy Carter. They also appear in Agent Carter. Along with Dum Dum Dugan, the other members that appear include Happy Sam Sawyer (Leonard Roberts), Junior Juniper (James Austin Kerr) and Pinky Pinkerton (Richard Short).

Hydra is the former science research division of Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party and a covert terrorist organization responsible for infiltrating S.H.I.E.L.D. during the modern day. Hydra was created by Hitler to pursue methods of creating advanced weaponry to win World War II. Initially led by Johann Schmidt, Hydra acquired the Tesseract and conducted research on it to harness the energy it released to power weapons. Hydra's allegiance to its Nazi superiors grew to be only superficial; as Schmidt intended to harness the potential of the Tesseract to overthrow Hitler and eventually the world, believing that mankind could not be trusted with its own freedom. However, during the war, Hydra learned, particularly due to Steve Rogers' attacks on their operations, that humanity will always fight for its freedom. After Schmidt's disappearance and Rogers' successful efforts to botch Schmidt's plans to attack cities around the world, Hydra was defeated and fell. Following World War II, S.H.I.E.L.D. was founded by former members of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, and employed Operation Paperclip, recruiting former Hydra scientists with strategic value. As part of the process, Arnim Zola was recruited and then subsequently began to reform Hydra secretly from within S.H.I.E.L.D. Operating discreetly within S.H.I.E.L.D., Hydra staged political coups, wars (including the Cold War), and assassinations (including those of Howard and Maria Stark, intending to destabilize world governments and drive humanity to surrender its freedom in exchange for security. Hydra's operations were later exposed by Rogers once S.H.I.E.L.D. fell, and their remnants were pursued and defeated by the Avengers.

The Masters of the Mystic Arts are an order dedicated to protecting the world from mystical threats. They originated in the time of Agamotto, and through the centuries developed into their current form. Notable members include the Ancient One, Doctor Strange, Wong, Jonathan Pangborn, Kaecilius, and Karl Mordo.

The Nova Corps is the intergalactic military and police force of the Nova Empire. They are led by the Nova Prime, Irani Rael.[243] In Guardians of the Galaxy, the Nova Corps arrest the Guardians on Xandar after they cause a public disturbance and send them to the Kyln, a secure prison. The Guardians help stop Ronan the Accuser's attack on Xandar, and the Corps expunge each of the Guardians' criminal records in gratitude. An Infinity Stone is placed in the Corps' care for safekeeping. In Avengers: Infinity War it is mentioned that they were defeated and possibly half their number alongside the local populace being wiped out by Thanos when he invaded and decimated Xandar in search of the Power Stone, prior to him invading the Statesman in search of the Space Stone. Notable members include Nova Prime Irani Rael, Corpsman Rhomann Dey and Denarian Garthan Saal. [244][245]

The film version of the Nova Corps acts as a traditional police force, with no mention of the Nova Force. When asked about a Nova solo movie, James Gunn said "I think there is always a chance of a Nova movie."[246]

The Ravagers are an interstellar crime syndicate comprising thieves, smugglers, criminals, bandits, mercenaries, bounty hunters and spaace pirates. There are nearly one hundred factions of Ravagers around the galaxy each led by an independent captain. Their moral code states that Ravagers do not steal from other Ravagers or deal in children. Several factions of Ravagers take part in the Battle of Xandar and the final battle against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame.

The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division, better known by its acronym S.H.I.E.L.D., is a major recurring government organization within the MCU. Founded after World War II by Peggy Carter, Howard Stark, and Chester Phillips, as a successor to the Strategic Science Reserve, S.H.I.E.L.D. is first referenced in Iron Man by Agent Phil Coulson. It is depicted in all the films in Phase One and would appear recurrently in Phase Two and Phase Three as well. The organization is led by Nick Fury who led an initiative, an idea to band incredible heroes all together when needed, which lead to the formation of the Avengers. They would be featured in television by ABC with the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..[247] The organization appears in all but one of the Marvel One-Shots and appear in Marvel Cinematic Universe tie-in comics recurrently as well.[248]

The Starforce is an elite military task-force comprised of skilled Kree warriors led by Yon-Rogg in the service of the Kree Empire. The Starforce appears in the Captain Marvel. Vers, Korath, Minn-Erva, Att-Lass, and Bron-Char make up the team and are led by Yon-Rogg. The group is first seen going to the planet Torfa to rescue a Kree scout named Soh-Larr. This leads to a Skrull ambush led by Talos which results in Vers getting captured. When Vers escapes to Earth and makes contact with Yon-Rogg, Starforce heads to Earth. Following a parley with Talos and the discovery of the Skrull refugees that Mar-Vell hid, Starforce arrives and takes the Skrulls, Nick Fury, Maria Rambeau, and Goose prisoner, while Vers, in her regained identity of Carol Danvers, is placed in a transmission with the Supreme Intelligence. After breaking free and overheating the implant that limited her abilities, Carol Danvers fights Starforce and the Kree soldiers with them to rescue Nick Fury, Maria Rambeau, and the Skrulls which results in most of the antagonizing Kree either being killed or incapacitated.

The Sentient Weapon Observation and Response Division, better known by its acronym S.W.O.R.D., is an intelligence organization. It first appears in the post-credit scene of Spider-Man: Far From Home, in which Nick Fury and a group of Skrulls operate out of a space station reminiscent of S.W.O.R.D. base, the Peak VII, although Marvel Studios has yet to confirm if it is related or not.[249] It then appears in the Disney+ series WandaVision. S.W.O.R.D. was originally intended to appear in Thor, in a deleted post-credits scene wherein Erik Selvig tells Jane Foster and Darcy to "cross reference ... with the S.W.O.R.D. database". However, due to complications with 20th Century Fox, which owned the film rights to S.W.O.R.D. members Lockheed and Abigail Brand at the time, the scene was cut.[250] The creative team behind the TV show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. intended to incorporate S.W.O.R.D., but were refused permission by Marvel Studios.[251]

S.W.O.R.D. appears in WandaVision, making their debut at the end of the third episode "Now in Color", in which they surround Monica Rambeau, a S.W.O.R.D. agent, after she was thrown out of the sitcom reality by Wanda. S.W.O.R.D. plays a major role in the next episode, "We Interrupt This Program", in which it is revealed that Monica's mother Maria founded S.W.O.R.D..

The Ten Rings is an original team from the MCU that is depicted as a major terrorist organization that plans to destroy world peace. The team was originally an Easter Egg reference to Iron Man's archenemy Mandarin that was first revealed in name by Raza in Iron Man.[198] The team was referenced once again in the Marvel One-Shot All Hail the King where Jackson Norriss reveals to Trevor Slattery that he is a member of the group and the organization is controlled by the Mandarin himself. A member of the organization appeared in Ant-Man. The Ten Rings will be a main focus in the upcoming film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.[252]

The Warriors Three are an elite team of Asgardian warriors, made up of Hogun, Fandral, and Volstagg. They first appear in Thor as companions of Thor, Loki, and Sif. The Warriors Three return in Thor: The Dark World and in Thor: Ragnarok, in the latter of which they are killed by Hela amidst her takeover of Asgard.

The Asgardians, or the Æsir, are the inhabitants of Asgard on which the gods of Norse mythology are based. They are a race of extraterrestrials similar in appearance to humans, possessing a highly advanced form of technology resembling magic and sorcery, which their entire civilization is built on. They are mainly wiped out by Thanos.

Celestials are an ancient race of entities that possess vast matter and energy manipulation abilities. They were present long before the dawn of the galactic communities and even the Asgardians. Their origin and nature is shrouded in mystery. Whatever is known about them is known only by a few, such as Taneleer Tivan / The Collector, who reveals that the Celestials utilized the Infinity Stones as a means of power against lesser life forms. The severed head of a deceased Celestial was converted into Knowhere. It appears in Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Infinity War. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Ego the Living Planet, Star-Lord's biological father, is a Celestial who controls a humanoid avatar to travel the universe. His planetary form is a living extension of his Celestial consciousness. Over the course of many years, he planted thousands of alien-seedlings to expand his existence across all life sustaining planets. However, Ego needed another Celestial's assistance to activate them, so he fathered children with various alien races and had Yondu Udonta retrieve them so he could gauge their Celestial powers. Quill is the only child who gained his father's Celestial abilities, though he loses them after killing Ego and foiling his plans. Eson the Searcher is one of the previous owners of the Power Stone. He used its power to level the surface of an entire planet. The Celestials will appear in the upcoming film, Eternals.

The Chitauri are a powerful, reptilian warrior race, a hybrid between organic beings and machines. They have a caste-like society, with each caste (nearly a different species in itself) fulfilling a different role in Chitauri society. They are in league with Thanos through his vizier, a hooded being called "the Other". They are presented as a race of grey-skinned, six-fingered reptilian humanoids that have a bio-mechanical physiology and superhuman attributes. Their technology ranges from hovercraft-like skimmers and Necrocraft, to living airborne troop carriers called Leviathans, all neurally linked with a mothership. They first appear in The Avengers, where the Other, acting on behalf of Thanos, lends the Chitauri to Loki for the invasion of Earth. While they eventually overwhelm the Avengers, Iron Man destroys the mothership with a hijacked nuclear missile with the invading forces dropping dead instantly from the mental feedback. They next appear in Guardians of the Galaxy. The Other briefly appears where he contacts Ronan the Accuser and Nebula about Gamora's betrayal, and calls them to the Sanctuary on behalf of Thanos. Once the two of them appear, Ronan argues his case to Thanos while The Other scolds him for his failure, and is then promptly killed by Ronan. A Chitauri soldier is also seen as a prisoner in the Collector's museum. Chitauri technology appears in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It is being studied and used by a Hydra faction led by Baron Strucker – many of his troops wear suits and use weapons made of Chitauri armor, and Strucker's hidden lab houses the remains of a Leviathan. Furthermore, as first hinted in the psychological trauma shown in Iron Man 3 and augmented by Scarlet Witch's powers giving him a nightmarish vision, Tony Stark has been fearful that the Chitauri may eventually return to Earth, which leads to his rash actions in creating Ultron. Chitauri technology appears in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Alongside the technology of the Dark Elves and Stark Industries, the Chitauri technology is used by Adrian Toomes and his cohorts, who steal it from Damage Control and modify it into weapons to sell on the black market, and to forge technology such as Vulture's flight suit and Shocker's gauntlets. The Chitauri next appear in Avengers: Infinity War. They appear as Thanos' enforcers in his mission to obtain the Infinity Stones. It is also revealed in a flashback that the Chitauri took part in the invasion of Gamora's home planet when she was a child, resulting in her being taken in by Thanos. They also appear in Avengers: Endgame. They are shown in a flashback that took place during the Battle of New York (The Avengers) where some of them were shot down by the Ancient One. In the present, the Chitauri and their Leviathans are among the members of Thanos' army that the Nebula of the past brings to the present. While some Chitauri and Leviathans are slain, the rest are taken out by Iron Man using the Infinity Gauntlet where he reduces Thanos and his army to dust.

Dwarves are an ancient race of skilled forgers and blacksmiths who hail from the realm of Nidavellir. They are ruled by King Eitri. They are close allies of the Asgardians, and after being asked by Odin, forged Mjølnir. They appear in Avengers: Infinity War, when Thor, Rocket, and Groot arrive on Nidavellir. They find Eitri who informs them that Thanos killed the rest of the Dwarves after they forged the Infinity Gauntlet.

Elves are two separate races - Dark Elves (from Svartalfheim) and the Light Elves (of Alfheim). The Dark Elves, led by Malekith, first appear in Thor: The Dark World. The Dark Elves, as with their enemies the Asgardians, are depicted as ancient astronauts. It is stated that they existed in the primordial darkness that predated the universe. Their goal is to destroy the current universe and return existence back to that state. They were believed extinct, but unbeknownst to the Asgardians, Malekith and a number of warriors escaped and went into stasis in deep space until another attempt would be possible. For the film, David J. Peterson created a language for the Dark Elves called Shiväisith. In Guardians of the Galaxy, an imprisoned Dark Elf appears as an exhibit in Taneleer Tivan's museum. In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Dark Elf technology that was salvaged from the Battle of Greenwich was used by Tinkerer alongside the technologies from the Chitauri and Stark Industries.

Flerkens are alien creatures resembling Earth cats in appearance and behavior. They have tentacles that come out of their mouths and can swallow up large objects and store them in bubbles in their bellies. They can also lay hundreds of eggs at a time to produce offspring. Goose, Captain Marvel's pet, demonstrates this ability in Captain Marvel, swallowing the Tesseract.

The Frost Giants are the race of large humanoid beings that inhabit the frozen, barren realm known of Jotunheim. They are ruled by Laufey, king of the Frost Giants, who is also Loki's true biological father. Small and weak for a Frost Giant, Loki was abandoned by his father in a temple, and left to die. In 965 A.D., not long after the war between the Giants and the Asgardians, Loki was found by King Odin and raised as his son.

The Kree are a militaristic race of mostly blue-skinned humanoids from the planet Hala. One of the most technically advanced races in the galaxy, the Kree are skilled in genetic engineering and are responsible for the creation of the Inhumans on Earth.

First featured in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., they make their cinematic debut in Guardians of the Galaxy.[253] Ronan the Accuser and Korath the Pursuer are the only notable Kree individuals that appear in the film.[254][255] The Kree Empire is stated to have just signed a peace treaty with the Nova Corps of Xandar, thereby ending a centuries-long war between the two races. This treaty prompts the radical Ronan to embark on a renegade campaign of genocide against all Xandarians. To the Nova Corps' frustration, the Kree Ambassador (portrayed by Tomas Arana) tells Irani Rael that the Kree Empire refuses to stop Ronan's killing spree and that his plot is not their concern as they have done enough with the peace treaty. The Kree briefly appear in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, where their planet Hala is nearly destroyed by Ego.[256] They next appear in Captain Marvel.[257][258] Pace and Hounsou reprise their roles as Ronan and Korath, and are joined by Yon-Rogg, Minn-Erva, Att-Lass, and Bron-Char, who are members of the Kree military team Starforce. Mar-Vell and the Supreme Intelligence also appear in the film. Yon-Rogg came to Earth when the Kree discovered that Mar-Vell was working on a light-speed engine experiment as well as harboring some Skrulls. When Mar-Vell died in a crash with Carol Danvers and Yon-Rogg arrived, Carol shot the engine and got exposed to its energies. After a blood transfusion from Yon-Rogg, Carol's memories were altered and worked under him and the Supreme Intelligence. Carol then arrived back on Earth following an encounter with the Skrulls led by Talos. When it came to a parley with Talos, Carol learned what the Kree did to the Skrulls and their homeworld. After getting the dampener removed from her head, Carol uses her powers to fight the Kree forces which resulted in most of them either being killed or incapacitated. Yon-Rogg was sent back to Hala to relay Carol's message to the Supreme Intelligence.

Sakaarans, also known as Sakaarians, are a sentient insectoid race native to the planet Sakaar. They first appear in Guardians of the Galaxy, working for Ronan the Accuser as soldiers. A maskless member of the race is portrayed by James Gunn. A separate type, larva-like creatures, appears in Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame, in the form of Miek.

The Skrulls are a race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters hailing from the planet Skrullos. They first appear in the film Captain Marvel.[259] Talos (portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn) is the main featured Skrull.[260] A faction of Skrulls led by Talos are victims of a genocidal war waged by the Kree, having come to Earth to seek the aid of renegade Kree scientist Mar-Vell in devising a light-speed engine that could take the Skrulls to safety. After Kree warrior "Vers" learns of her true identity as Carol Danvers, she helps defend Talos and the other Skrull refugees from a Kree attack before they leave Earth to find a new planet to settle on. In Spider-Man: Far From Home, Talos and his wife Soren pose as Nick Fury and Maria Hill on Earth while the real Fury works with a group of Skrulls in space.[261] The Skrulls will be featured heavily in the Disney+ show Secret Invasion.[262]