2) Phil Coulson – Many MCU Movies
When he was introduced in Iron Man, Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson was really just a cipher character used to represent S.H.I.E.L.D., the organization that would serve as a link between the different movies in the fledgling Marvel Cinematic Universe. Over his appearances across Phase One of the MCU, however – that’s Iron Man 2, Thor and The Avengers – Coulson’s loveable personality made him a fan-favourite.
His best scene-stealing role in the movies came, of course, in The Avengers, where he was tragically killed by Thor’s evil brother Loki. The entire formation of the Avengers hinges on this moment, as it’s his death that spurs the team into joining together to avenge him.
By now, however, you no doubt know that this was a bit of a canny bit of manipulation on Nick Fury’s part, as Coulson was subsequently resurrected in time to helm his own TV show, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He might not be in the films anymore but Coulson is still a big player in the MCU and remains a firm fan-favorite.