When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are few groups of heroes as iconic as the Avengers. Over the years, we have seen a wide range of characters join the team, but there is a core group that fans affectionately refer to as the “Original Six.” These characters played a crucial role in the formation of the team and have been central to some of the MCU’s most significant moments. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who the original six Avengers are.
Iron Man: Played by Robert Downey Jr., Tony Stark was the first hero we met in the MCU back in 2008’s Iron Man. He would go on to become one of the most important characters in the franchise, serving as a mentor, leader, and sometimes antagonist for his fellow Avengers. Sadly, he met his end in Avengers: Endgame when he sacrificed himself to save the universe.
Captain America: Played by Chris Evans, Steve Rogers was a World War II-era super soldier who was frozen in time and thawed out in the present day. He quickly became a symbol of hope and righteousness for the Avengers, always willing to do what was right even if it meant going against authority. He retired from superheroics in Endgame, passing on his shield to Sam Wilson.
Thor: Played by Chris Hemsworth, Thor is the god of thunder from Norse mythology. He has had a tumultuous journey throughout the MCU, starting as an arrogant prince before learning humility and eventually becoming the protector of the nine realms. He remains a key member of the team today.
The Hulk: Played by Mark Ruffalo, Bruce Banner was exposed to gamma radiation, causing him to transform into a giant monster whenever he gets angry. While he initially struggled to control his powers, he learned to use them for good as part of the Avengers. He has also served as a comic relief character due to his struggles with anxiety and his tendency to smash things.
Black Widow: Played by Scarlett Johansson, Natasha Romanoff was a former Russian spy who defected to S.H.I.E.L.D. and later the Avengers. She is a skilled fighter and spy, often serving as the team’s “secret weapon” due to her abilities to infiltrate and gather information. She met her end in Endgame when she sacrificed herself to obtain the Soul Stone.
Hawkeye: Played by Jeremy Renner, Clint Barton is a master archer and former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. He initially appeared as an antagonist in Thor before joining the Avengers. While he doesn’t have any superpowers, he has proven himself to be a valuable member of the team due to his marksmanship and tactical skills.
In conclusion, these six heroes form the core of the Avengers in the MCU. They have faced countless challenges and saved the world multiple times, but their journey is far from over. As new heroes join the team and old ones retire, we can only wait and see what lies ahead for the Avengers.