Premiering sometime in 2023, MCU's Secret Invasion is in the middle of reshoots and will continue Samuel L. Jackson’s tenure in the long-running superhero franchise - but this time, headlining the series. Jackson appeared way back in 2008’s Iron Man that kickstarted the intertwining series, and his portrayal as Nick Fury was prominent in forming The Avengers.
Though it is hard to beat Jackson's tenure in the MCU, other actors have shared a similar status in remaining in the Marvel world for so long. These range from mainstays like Chris Hemsworth to iconic actors like Robert Downey Jr., who bowed out after an extended run. There was a time when staying in a film series for more than a decade seemed impossible, but actors associated with the MCU have proven otherwise.
Hayley Atwell (11 Years)
Fans have recently been treated to the best that Captain Carter has to offer in the MCU, with Hayley Atwell entering a new phase in her time with the series. Atwell first debuted in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, playing Steve Rogers’ love interest, Peggy Carter.
Peggy reappeared in the following two installments, as well as starring in her own TV series, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Tom Hiddleston (11 Years)
Loki is largely seen as Avengers movies as well.
Hiddleston’s time in the MCU seemed to be up after Thanos killed Loki in Avengers: Infinity War, only for the character's variant to escape and star in his own Disney+ series. With Loki’s second season underway, Hiddleston's tenure in the MCU is guaranteed to last a while longer.
Scarlett Johansson (11 Years)
Many of Iron Man 2, Johansson ended up appearing in a number of heroes’ solo movies along with the Avengers series.
Johansson signed off with 2021's Black Widow, which gave the actress her own movie 11 years after she first debuted. Black Widow served as Natasha Romanoff’s last outing, as it filled in the gaps in her story to end with Natasha’s sister carrying on her legacy.
Chris Hemsworth (11 Years)
Chris Hemsworth is generally lauded for making Thor one of the MCU’s best characters and the only actor to have led four solo movies. Hemsworth debuted in 2011’s Thor, going on to headline multiple films alongside the Avengers cast as well as his own.
Hemsworth’s run is set to continue since Thor: Love and Thunder ended with the stinger that Hercules is on the hunt for the protagonist. With two more Avengers films also confirmed for the near future, it’s more than likely that Hemsworth will reprise his role as Thor until then.
Robert Downey Jr. (11 Years)
Robert Downey Jr. is responsible for launching the MCU into popularity, having appeared in the franchise’s very first film in 2008. Downey Jr. was the face of the series for over a decade until g off with 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, which saw Tony Stark meet his demise.
Downey Jr. appeared in three solo films before turning into a recurring character, who frequently showed up in other heroes’ movies. Tony Stark’s clash against Thanos proved to be his last, as the character sacrificed himself to save the universe. Downey Jr. has since walked away from the MCU, although future appearances can never be ruled out.
Don Cheadle (12 Years)
Don Cheadle may have only ed the MCU due to Terrence Howard’s departure, but the actor has stuck around longer than most others. He first appeared as James Rhodes in 2010’s Iron Man 2 and continued the role ever since as Rhodey became War Machine and eventually ed the Avengers.
Rhodey showed up in Armor Wars. Since the shows are going to appear in the ensuing years, Cheadle should be a lock-in for a longer stay in the MCU.
Clark Gregg (13 Years)
Clark Gregg became a fan favorite as Agent Phil Coulson, who was a vital character in MCU’s Phase One. Coulson tied all the original films together, appearing in Iron Man, Thor, and The Avengers to aid the heroes. Coulson may have “died” in the film continuity, but he was revived for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which he headlined for seven years.
Gregg also appeared in Captain Marvel, as the film was Coulson’s chronologically first appearance. Gregg’s live-action time in the MCU stretched from Iron Man in 2008 to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s ending in 2020 before the actor reappeared in animation with 2021’s What If…? He might just turn up again in the future, but there are no confirmed returns yet.
Jon Favreau (13 Years)
Jon Favreau deserves praise for launching the MCU as the director for Iron Man, where he also co-starred as Tony Stark’s bodyguard, Happy Hogan. Favreau ceased his role as a director after the second film but reprised the role of Hogan in subsequent MCU movies.
Happy kept appearing after Tony’s death, becoming a prominent fixture in the Spider-Man movies. Favreau voiced Happy in 2021’s What if…? before another outing in Spider-Man: No Way Home. However, the loss of Happy’s memories of Peter Parker leaves the possibility that Favreau might be done with the MCU. While it isn’t definite that he's finished with the series, Favreau’s potential appearances haven’t been announced.
Paul Bettany (14 Years)
Paul Bettany is one of the unsung flagbearers for the MCU, seeing as he’s been there right from the start but doesn’t get mentioned as much. Bettany voiced J.A.R.V.I.S. starting from 2008’s Iron Man before Avengers: Age of Ultron brought him into live-action when J.A.R.V.I.S. evolved into Vision.
Bettany’s time seemed to have come to an end with Vision’s death in Avengers: Infinity War, only to reprise the role in 2021’s WandaVision as a result of Scarlet Witch’s magical spell. Vision returned in full during the series, ensuring that Bettany will be seen in the MCU once more.
Samuel L. Jackson (14 Years)
Samuel L. Jackson appeared as Nick Fury in the stinger of 2008’s Iron Man, setting up the formation of the Avengers. Although Fury’s role as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. ended quite early on, the character has popped up numerous times over the years in a number of different films and shows.
Fury will now be seen as the main protagonist in Secret Invasion, with more appearances in What If…? and The Marvels. Jackson has been with the MCU in a major capacity right from the get-go and is in a prime position to be the actor to continue the longest.
