Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Complete Timeline to Phase 1

Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Complete Timeline to Phase 1: ‘Iron Man,’ ‘Thor,’ ‘The Avengers’ & More

November 4, 2026, 11:00 am

Special Issue

The ultimate superhero team-up looms on the horizon with Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday, and as we gear up for the theatrical event, we’re taking a look back at the phases that came before the current Multiverse Saga, which is in Phase Six.

Below, we’re taking a closer look at the Infinity Saga that started it all with Phase One. Scroll down for a walk down memory lane with Earth’s mightiest heroes.

Iron Man (2008)

Genius billionaire playboy philanthropist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) becomes Iron Man after captivity in Afghanistan. His first mission—stopping former business partner Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) in his own supersuit—proved the world was in good hands. Add in Tony’s love interest/assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), his best friend, Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Terrence Howard), plus S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) teasing the Avengers in a post-credits scene? The MCU had its first winner. —Meredith Jacobs

The Incredible Hulk(2008)

The green goliath was the second hero to debut in Marvel’s new universe, with Edward Norton taking on Bruce Banner/Hulk after Marvel acquired the rights to the character from Universal Pictures. Military general Thaddeus Ross (William Hurt) convinces Bruce to help him re-create a supersoldier serum, which backfires when Bruce is exposed to too much gamma radiation, leading to his transformation. It was the first and last time Norton would appear in the MCU: When the Hulk resurfaced in The Avengers, he was portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. —Andrea Towers

Iron Man2(2010)

The second film in what would become the Iron Man trilogy brings in Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow and sees Don Cheadle take over as Rhodey, who becomes War Machine, to fight against weapons manufacturer Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) and Ivan Vanko/Whiplash (Mickey Rourke). Meanwhile, Tony finds out that his supersuit is also responsible for his deteriorating health, leading him to work overtime to find a cure. When he does, it’s thanks to his father’s (John Slattery) technology—and he celebrates by finally kissing Pepper. —MJ

Thor(2011)

Director Kenneth Branagh was the first to introduce gods into the MCU, though they’re framed here as godlike aliens who work with science and magic. The mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) reignites a war with the Frost Giants just before taking his spot as ruler of Asgard. He’s banished to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), which delights his adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Thor quickly makes friends with a trio of scientists: astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), her mentor Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård), and assistant Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings). —Emily Aslanian

Captain America: The First Avenger(2011)

In 1942, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is too small to join the Army alongside his best friend, James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes (Sebastian Stan)—until scientist Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) gives him the serum that turns him into Captain America. He helps rescue Bucky and a group known as the Howling Commandos, who have been captured by Johann Schmidt/Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), head of the sinister organization known as Hydra. But it comes at a cost. He loses his chance with Strategic Scientific Reserve officer Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) when he sacrifices himself…only to wake up 70 years later on ice. —MJ

The Avengers, X-Men & More Marvel Team-Ups Explained

The Avengers(2012)

After multiple standalone films, the Avengers finally assemble in this team-up that sees Loki steal an alien artifact called the Tesseract, putting into motion an evil plan for global domination (all masterminded by big bad Thanos). To save New York and the world, Nick Fury has one solution: assemble Earth’s mightiest heroes! Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), and the Hulk come together “to fight the battles that we never could,” and the reception, both at the box office and with fans, continues the MCU’s successful run. —KelliBoyle

TV Guide Magazine’s Avengers: Doomsday Special Issue is available for order online now at<a href="https://avengers.tvbooks.com” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>Avengers.TVBooks.com, and for purchase on newsstands nationwide.

Captain America: The First AvengerIron ManIron Man 2The Avengers (2012)The Incredible Hulk (2008)Thor