As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enters its sixth phase, only three actors have had the rare distinction of appearing in every single phase since the franchise began: Chris Hemsworth, Sebastian Stan, and Tom Hiddleston. Their continued presence not only highlights the longevity and evolution of their characters, but also the depth they’ve brought to the MCU across more than a decade of storytelling.
Chris Hemsworth – The Thunder God Who Grew With Us
Chris Hemsworth burst onto the scene in 2011 with Thor, bringing Shakespearean grandeur and unexpected comedic timing to the God of Thunder. While early appearances leaned into Norse mythology and heavy drama, Hemsworth’s true magic was unlocked when Marvel embraced his natural charisma and comic sensibility in Thor: Ragnarok (2017). His transformation from a rigid warrior to a more layered, humorous, and deeply emotional character allowed fans to connect with Thor in entirely new ways.
Across the Avengers films, Thor: The Dark World, Infinity War, Endgame, and Thor: Love and Thunder, Hemsworth’s portrayal has consistently evolved. He showed vulnerability, loss, resilience, and leadership, ultimately becoming one of the emotional anchors of the franchise. His appearance in Phase 5’s Thor: Love and Thunder continues to build his arc, and fans are eager to see where his story heads in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Sebastian Stan – From Sidekick to Super Soldier
Sebastian Stan debuted as Bucky Barnes in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), but it was his transformation into the Winter Soldier that cemented his place in MCU history. Through The Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War, and Endgame, Bucky’s story has been one of trauma, redemption, and rebuilding identity.
In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which ties into Phases 4 and 5, Stan got his most extended spotlight, portraying a more grounded, emotionally complex Bucky trying to find peace in a post-blip world. His dynamic with Sam Wilson (now Captain America) was central to re-defining what legacy means in a post-Steve Rogers MCU.
Stan’s appearances across all six phases showcase not just action sequences and enhanced combat, but the internal conflict of a man haunted by his past and striving to be better. With Yelena Belova assembling a new team in Thunderbolts, it seems almost inevitable Bucky will continue to play a key role—and we’re hoping he returns for Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Tom Hiddleston – The Trickster With a Thousand Layers
Arguably one of the MCU’s most beloved characters, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki started as a villain in Thor and The Avengers, but over the years, he’s become so much more. Hiddleston’s performance has taken Loki from a power-hungry antagonist to a fan-favorite anti-hero—and now, a multiversal centerpiece.
With the release of Loki (seasons 1 and 2), Hiddleston delivered what is arguably the most important and emotional arc of Phase 4 and 5. The God of Mischief becomes the God of Stories, making one of the ultimate sacrifices to stabilize the multiverse. His journey, from sibling rivalry and betrayal to redemption and cosmic responsibility, is perhaps the most profound in the entire MCU.
Despite his fate in Loki Season 2, fans are holding onto hope. With multiversal chaos at the heart of Secret Wars, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Loki doesn’t return—especially considering his newfound role in the grand cosmic design.
With each of these actors continuing to captivate fans across multiple phases, it’s clear why Hemsworth, Stan, and Hiddleston have become the enduring faces of Marvel. Their characters are more than just superheroes—they represent legacy, transformation, and emotional continuity in a cinematic universe that constantly evolves.
The MCU continues…
As Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars approach, fans are hoping these three legends will once again share the screen, bringing together threads of the past and future to help define the next chapter of the MCU.
