The Marvel Cinematic Universe has come a long way, since Iron Man (2008) paved the way for a shared and interconnected universe with a multitude of characters. With each new film, we witnessed the introduction of new characters. How have the original members of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes evolved so far?
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He is the founding figure of the MCU and has one of the most intricate character arcs ever in cinema. Initially a self-proclaimed ‘Genius, Billionaire, Playboy and Philanthropist’ , he was portrayed as quite an unlikeable character, arrogant with an inflated ego. It was only after he was kidnapped in Iron Man, that he became who he is now. The subsequent films delve into Tony’s psyche and place him in different roles such as that of a team player, leader, mentor, and most importantly, a sworn protector of the planet. His showdown with Thanos has left him in an emotionally-disturbed place.
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Captain America is one of the most upright characters in the franchise. In the The First Avenger, he had the will and determination but lacked the physical attributes. This is why he was selected for a secret programme, which enhanced his body, giving him superhuman abilities. After a series of unfortunate events, such as being cryogenically frozen and revived only by 2012, his character has evolved, by leading the original Avengers, training a new generation of heroes, becoming a vigilante and finally carrying out secret ops with his allies. He is currently grieving with the rest of the surviving members over the loss of his family and friends.
Thor Odinson
If Tony Stark is one of the most developed characters, then Thor is meant to be one of the most tragic characters ever. The end of his journey leads him to lose everything, His mother, father, friends, his hammer, an eye, his home, and more recently, his brother, Loki. Initially introduced as an arrogant and cocky being, he soon learns humility after spending time on Earth, and he eventually joins The Avengers. His major development only comes in Thor: Ragnarok where he suffers great loss but manages to remain surprisingly upbeat.
Bruce Banner/The Hulk
Portrayed as a timid and mild-mannered man, Bruce Banner wanted to have nothing to do with The Avengers, but he eventually warmed up to the idea while also bonding with the other members, especially Tony Stark and Natasha Romanov, during the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron . However, Hulk eventually chooses to flee to space due to the hate he received from the civilians, unbeknownst to Bruce Banner, and goes on to become the champion of the planet, Sakaar, in Thor: Ragnarok . Hulk loses a fight with Thanos in Infinity War, which leaves him in an unstable state that he refuses to resurface from.
Natasha Romanov/ Black Widow
Not much is known about this mysterious character, except that she was a Russian spy before Nick Fury decided to recruit her as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. From here, she goes on to becoming a founding member of The Avengers, and has a brief entanglement with Bruce Banner, until The Hulk escapes to space. Her true allegiance lies with Steve Rogers, beginning from Captain America: The Winter Soldier and going on till Infinity War where she is seen as a vigilante with Captain America and Falcon. Natasha initially sided with Tony during the events of Civil War but finally chooses to rely on her instincts and joins Steve’s team.
Clint Barton/Hawkeye
Although his first appearance was in Thor , he was only given significance during The Avengers where he spent almost the entire first and second acts of the film as Loki’s brainwashed tool, until he was brought back to his senses by Natasha. Ever since, he has been a vital member of The Avengers, and became intolerant to being brainwashed again as attempted by Wanda Maximoff in Age of Ultron . He chose to side with Captain America during the events of Civil War, but this had repercussions as he was placed under house arrest by the government.