Marvel’s 4 Timeless Characters: The Only Ones to Appear in Every MCU Phase (Through Phase 5)

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For the past 17 years, spanning both big and small screens within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), only four characters stand out with a unique achievement. By July 2025, Marvel Studios had concluded all five Phases of their storytelling journey, producing 36 films and a dozen live-action series on Disney+ since kicking off Phase 1 in 2008. Despite numerous cast changes throughout this period, these characters have been consistently present since the beginning.

Four characters have been featured in live-action across all five phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by the end of Phase 5. Over a timespan from 2008’s Iron Man to 2025’s Ironheart, numerous well-known actors and actresses have left their mark on Marvel lore by portraying these characters in various films and series produced by Marvel Studios.

Marvel Studios featured a total of 12 characters in every phase (excluding live-action appearances) during their MCU’s Phase 4, with several original Avengers like Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Hulk among them. However, these familiar faces did not reappear in Phase 5.

Yet, when it comes to maintaining a consistent presence across various stages, it’s these four characters who can claim they’ve been present throughout the entire journey.

Every Character to Appear in All 5 Phases of the MCU

Happy Hogan

Beyond being recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having directed the initial two Iron Man films, Jon Favreau has also consistently appeared in Marvel Studio’s narrative since its inception through his character, Harold “Happy” Hogan.

In the initial phase, the audience met Happy (a character) in the year 2008’s “Iron Man”, where he functioned as Tony Stark’s butler and personal attendant. He reappeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2010’s “Iron Man 2”. During this time, his responsibilities expanded to include protecting Tony, in addition to working closely with him and driving him globally.

In the second phase, he made a single appearance, which took place in the 2013 film “Iron Man 3”. During this movie, his role expanded to become the head of security at Stark Industries, dedicating himself diligently to safeguard not only his superior but also his cherished friend.

Phase 3 was the phase where Tom Holland, also known as Happy, had the highest number of roles, appearing in a total of three movies. These films were Spider-Man: Homecoming from 2017, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home, both released in 2019.

In the Spider-Man movies, we saw him aiding the Avengers as they relocated from their tower in Manhattan to a new base in upstate New York, all while assisting Peter Parker on his heroic path. Meanwhile, Endgame provided him with a touching scene where he shared a heartfelt moment with Morgan Stark when she asked him for cheeseburgers.

In the fourth phase, Favreau once again took on the character of Happy Hogan in the 2021 release “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” During the movie, he aided Peter Parker in dealing with an identity crisis, but ultimately forgot about his existence altogether by the film’s conclusion.

Ultimately, during Phase 5, Favreau reappeared for a brief role in the 2024’s “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Here, he interacted with Wade Wilson at Stark Tower and turned down his application to become an Avenger. Notably, aside from his acting roles, Favreau also serves as executive producer on seven Marvel Cinematic Universe films and directed the initial two “Iron Man” movies.

James Rhodes (War Machine)

Originally brought to life on screen by Terrence Howard, Colonel James Rhodes, more famously recognized as War Machine, is a significant Iron Man character whose presence within the Marvel Cinematic Universe spans close to two decades.

Initially, Howard portrayed Rhodey in Phase 1’s “Iron Man,” serving as Stark Industries’ liaison and being Tony Stark’s closest friend. He collaborated with Stark and the US Air Force to locate Tony and later safeguard him. Later on in “Iron Man 2,” Cheadle took over the role, with Rhodey assuming control of the War Machine armor after an upgrade by Justin Hammer, which he used to assist Tony in defeating Hammer and Ivan Vanko.

During Phase 2, Rhodes took on a significant part in the 2013 film “Iron Man 3”. His character underwent a transformation, becoming the Iron Patriot, before teaming up with Tony Stark in their pursuit of the Mandarin and Aldrich Killian.

In 2015, Rhodey appeared in a supporting role in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Initially, he provided comic relief at Tony Stark’s party, and later assisted him in battling the Ultron robots and saving Sokovia. The movie concluded with his inclusion in Captain America’s revamped Avengers team.

In the third phase of operations, Rhodey officially became part of Tony Stark’s squad in the 2016 movie “Captain America: Civil War”. During this time, he battled alongside Tony before getting hit by Vision, which resulted in him losing mobility from his waist down due to paralysis.

Later on, he significantly contributed to the battle against Thanos in both “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019). Collaborating with the Avengers, he embarked on a mission to locate/preserve the Infinity Stones to save the cosmos. Additionally, he made an appearance in the end credits of “Captain Marvel” (2019), revealing Carol Danvers’ reappearance on Earth after Thanos eliminated half of the universe.

I found it refreshingly less demanding for Rhodey in Phase 4, as he merely made an entrance at the start of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier to discuss Captain America’s heritage with Sam Wilson. His sole appearance in Phase 5 was in Secret Invasion, which has stirred quite a bit of debate. In that series, it was shockingly unveiled that he had been a Skrull for close to a decade before the genuine Rhodey was freed from captivity in the final episode.

Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier)

Sebastian Stan has been a longstanding actor within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), portraying James Buchannan “Bucky” Barnes, also recognized as The Winter Soldier, since the very beginning of the MCU’s initial phases.

In 2011, Barnes made his debut in “Captain America: The First Avenger” playing the role of Steve Rogers’ closest friend. Together they fought with the U.S. Army and the Howling Commandos, but later fell off a train and appeared to perish. Then, in Phase 2 (around 2014), Bucky resurfaced as the antagonist in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” He was under Hydra’s control, compelled to battle Captain America and SHIELD. A brief appearance by him was also seen during Ant-Man’s end credits scene, showing him after Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson had taken him into custody.

During Phase 3, Bucky found himself exceptionally occupied since he appeared in four distinct films. He became the main focus in “Captain America: Civil War,” with Steve Rogers aiming to locate him and exonerate him once he was falsely accused of the bombing at the United Nations.

Subsequently, he joined forces with Cap prior to the revelation that he had murdered Tony Stark’s parents. Later, due to his actions, he was confined in a cryogenic sleep until the Hydra programming within him was removed. He made a brief appearance in the post-credits scene of the 2018 film Black Panther. Later, he participated in the climactic battles of both Infinity War and Endgame, and ultimately witnessed Steve transferring the Captain America shield to Sam Wilson.

In the 2021 series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier“, Phase 4 prominently showcased Bucky as he collaborated with Sam Wilson to combat the Flag Smashers. Simultaneously, he was on a journey to regain his former identity.

In Phase 5, he made an appearance in “Captain America: Brave New World” set for release in 2025, but his most significant role was in another production titled “Thunderbolts,” also from 2025. In this movie, following a brief stint in Congress, he played a pivotal part in assembling the main team to thwart Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and Sentry. Later on, he became a member of the New Avengers.

Bucky is among several actors who have been verified for appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s initial six stages. He is scheduled to resume his character in the 2026 film, “Avengers: Doomsday”.

Loki

Tom Hiddleston has gained widespread recognition by playing the role of Loki across all five phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far, making him a familiar face in many homes.

Making his first appearance in the 2011 film Thor alongside Chris Hemsworth during Phase 1, Loki discovered his Frost Giant lineage prior to trying to seize the throne of Asgard. Subsequently, he “died” by falling off the rainbow bridge. However, he resurfaced in the 2012 movie The Avengers, now endowed with enhanced abilities and a formidable scepter (containing the Mind Stone). He amassed an army and aimed to invade Earth, but was ultimately defeated by the Avengers.

2013’s film “Thor: The Dark World” was the sole instance of Hiddleston’s involvement in Phase 2, where he unwillingly joined forces with Thor to thwart the Dark Elves. Subsequently, he orchestrated a staged death and usurped the throne of Asgard.

In the third phase of production, he reappeared in the 2017 film “Thor: Ragnarok”, joining forces with Thor, encountering the Hulk along the way, and eventually teaming up to prevent Hela from taking control over Asgard. During the events of “Infinity War”, Loki met a tragic demise when Thanos extinguished his life, but a version of him from 2012 managed to escape an alternate reality in “Avengers: Endgame” with the Tesseract.

In the fourth phase, Loki took center stage in a solo series on Disney+. Here, his 2012 counterpart was apprehended and subsequently enlisted by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) to rectify inconsistencies threatening the sacred timeline.

Later on, he discovered the real story behind the TVA and joined forces with Sylvie, portrayed by Sophia di Martino, in search of He Who Remains. However, it was Sylvie who ended up slaying him, causing a ripple effect that disrupted the timeline.

In the second season of Loki’s self-titled series, scheduled for 2023, we’ll see the trickster god return. This season will incorporate a scene from the 2023 film, “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” that was previously used as a post-credits sequence. As Loki joins forces with the Time Variance Authority once more to prevent the Sacred Timeline from collapsing, he eventually transforms into the God of Stories. In this role, he becomes the guardian of all timelines, maintaining their integrity and discovering his own noble destiny.

Additionally, Sebastian Stan isn’t the only Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) actor who has been confirmed for roles across all six phases. Tom Hiddleston, known for his portrayal of Loki, was also announced to reprise his role in “Avengers: Doomsday” set for 2026.

To learn about every character that made an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) during Phases 1 through 4, please check out our comprehensive guide featuring 12 significant Marvel characters who were part of this achievement.

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2025-07-03 00:35