The Avengers Roster: A Pre "Endgame" Guide

Avengers: Endgame is around the corner, and it will undoubtedly be one of the highest grossing movies of all time. We saw half of the heroes turn into dust at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. That moment has been ingrained into fans' minds, a devastating instance in cinema history where the villain actually wins and the heroes are left in shambles. Still, we know that Disney and Marvel will find a way to bring back the fallen heroes. There is already a Black Panther sequel in the works, and Spider-Man: Far From Home is hitting theaters this Summer. Two heroes we saw perish, but their imminent return gives fans hopes for the future. They will be back... but how?

That is the million dollar question, isn't it? Before you dive into Endgame though, it's time to brush up on all the characters. The list of active (and dead) Avengers is long, but not to worry. We have the entire list right here for you.

From Iron-Man's first film all the way to Captain Marvel's latest adventure, we have included all the heroes that have fought to save the world, and the galaxy. We have even included the first time each character appeared on film (their first movie appearance, not counting mid-credit/end credit scenes). Dive into the full Avengers roster below, and remember... We are in the Endgame now. 

Actor: Chris Evans

First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger

The leader of the Avengers is also, technically, the first Avenger. Once a scrawny Brooklyn boy, Steve Rogers turned into the powerful hero he is today after being injected with the Super Soldier Serum. Cap fought in World War II against the Nazis, but was frozen when he crashed his ship into an arctic ocean in order to conceal the Tesseract. When he was awoken in modern time, Cap took his role as the leader of the team. Strong-willed and determined, Cap is the moral compass of the Avengers. 

Actor: Chris Hemsworth

First Appearance: Thor

The Godly Thor is one of the most powerful Avengers. Born to King Odin of Asgard, Thor is the rightful heir to the throne. As the God of Thunder, Thor can control lightning as well. He wields Mjolnir, a hammer that can only be lifted by those who are worthy and pure. Thor is the muscle behind the Avengers, using his Godly power to wipe out legions of enemies.

Actor: Robert Downey Jr.

First Appearance: Iron Man

The hero that started the Marvel wave. Iron-Man was the son of a wealthy technology tycoon, and began selling weapons of mass destruction. After being captured while on a trip in a war-torn region, Tony Stark was left with shrapnel trapped in his chest. Using his intelligence, he constructed a device that he placed in his chest to keep the shrapnel from killing him. After Stark escaped his captors, he became Iron-Man, a hero that fought to correct all the destruction he helped spread. Stark is the bankroll for the Avengers, and the team’s second in command.

Actors: Ed Norton/Mark Ruffalo

First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk

Hulk smashed his way through a solo film starring Ed Norton until the A-lister decided to jump ship. Due to creative differences, Norton and Marvel parted ways. Mark Ruffalo took the job and has been a fan favorite ever since. Hulk has been a force for years, but his recent defeat at the hands of Thanos left him hiding in Banner’s shadow.

Actor: Jeremy Renner

First Appearance: Thor

Much like Black Widow, Hawkeye has worked closely with SHIELD. He first appeared when Thor was deemed a threat, but has since made friends with the God of Thunder. Hawkeye is the archer of the team (every team of heroes needs one­), but he hasn’t always gotten the respect that he deserves. In the first Avengers film, Hawkeye was mind-controlled by Loki for the majority of the movie. Then, in Age of Ultron, they tried to expand his story by showing his family, but it felt forced. Hawkeye was a little more badass in Captain America: Civil War, but he was missing from Infinity War. Hopefully, the skilled archer will be the main component to Thanos’ defeat in Endgame.

Actress: Scarlett Johannsson

First Appearance: Iron-Man 2

This Russia spy defected to the American cause and has functioned as a spy for Nicky Fury and SHIELD for years. She first appeared as a flirtatious aide to Tony Stark before revealing herself as the Black Widow. While she does lack powers and armor on the level of most of her allies, her skills as a fighter and spy are unmatched. Brave, centered, and determined to win, Black Widow was essential to both Captain America and Iron-Man’s movie arcs. She will finally get her own film, which is rumored to explore her past, in the upcoming years.

Actor: Terrence Howard/Don Cheadle

First Appearance: Iron-Man

Terrence Howard originally played War Machine, before he earned his armor, in the first Iron Man film. Real name James Rhodes, the military commander is Tony Stark’s best friend. When it came time for Iron Man 2, Howard was booted and Don Cheadle hopped into the armor. War Machine is just that… a technologically advanced machine built to reign destruction down upon his enemies. Now if only he could keep Tony Stark out of trouble…

Actor: Anthony Mackie

First Appearance: Captain America: Winter Soldier

Much like War Machine is Iron-Man’s right-hand man, Falcon becomes Captain America’s most trusted friend. Of course, Bucky Barnes is Cap’s oldest and dearest friend, but we wouldn’t label him as trustworthy. Falcon is also a military man, much like several other Avengers (Captain America, War Machine, Captain Marvel, Okoye). He depends on his piloting skills to keep him dangerous in the air, and is equipped with a winged suit and a drone to help him defeat his enemies. Falcon’s most potent strength is his loyalty to Captain America, and his knowledge of aerial attack patterns.

Actor: Paul Bettany

First Appearance: Iron Man/Avengers: Age of Ultron

Jarvis was Iron-Man’s AI system that functioned as his secretary and advisor of sorts before he was almost destroyed by Ultron. His broken digital consciousness was then placed into a Vibranium body that was built by Ultron. The evil robot brokered a deal with the treacherous Ulysses Klaue, who stole the Vibranium from Wakanda. Once Jarvis was placed into the shell of a body, his forehead was fitted with the Mind Stone, and he came to life. He fought honorably beside the Avengers to defeat Ultron, but followed his creator Tony Stark into battle against Captain America in Civil War. He has an infamous relationship with Wanda, aka Scarlet Witch, in the comics, and the seeds of their bond have been portrayed on-screen.

Actress: Elizabeth Olsen

First Appearance: Avengers: Age of Ultron

This Sokovian beauty was bestowed with powers after the evil members of HYDRA experimented on her and her brother with the Mind Stone. Locked within Loki’s staff, the energy from the Mind Stone was harnessed and used to twist their DNA until they exhibited superpowers. In the comics, Scarlet Witch is the daughter of Magneto, but the MCU decided to take a different approach to her origin because of the complications of including the X-Men into their timeline. Scarlet Witch’s true potential is unknown, but she is powerful enough to destroy an Infinity Stone so you can imagine that she is pretty damn powerful. She can create energy blasts with her hands that can also be used in a manner much like telekinesis to move objects. After being a minion of Ultron, she turns to the side of good to protect her country and avenge her brother. 

Actor: Aaron Taylor Johnson

First Appearance: Avengers: Age of Ultron

As the brother of Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver plays the protective older sibling role. Just like his sister, Quicksilver was experimented on by HYDRA, granting him the power of super speed. Quicksilver’s existence was short lived since he was killed off in Age of Ultron, but who knows what can happen after Endgame. Many fans believe that a time-traveling plot will take place in the upcoming Avengers film, which means Quicksilver may be back to help the team defeat Thanos.

Actor: Chadwick Boseman

First Appearance: Captain America: Civil War

The richest and most powerful (in the traditional sense of power) Avenger is both a King and a hero. After Black Panther’s father is murdered by Baron Zemo, he hunts down Winter Soldier, who he believes is responsible for the killing. After learning the truth and capturing Zemo, Black Panther returned to Wakanda where he struggled to find the strength to be a good King. He is almost slain by Killmonger, but Black Panther survives and leads the final assault on Thanos during the Battle of Wakanda in Infinity War. Although the King was turned to ashes, a sequel film for Black Panther is in the works, so we know he will return in Endgame.

Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch

First Appearance: Doctor Strange

Stephen Strange was an arrogant surgeon until he was injured in a car accident that caused him to lose the precision he needed to cut into his patients. Damaged beyond normal repair, Strange heads to Asia to study the mystical arts in an attempt to regain full control of his hands. Instead, he becomes the Sorcerer Supreme, and took the pledge to protect this realm from danger. Using the Time Stone as a weapon, Strange manipulates the time stream to defeat Dormammu, but he is turned to dust when he forfeits the stone to Thanos. His mastery of magic makes him a formidable foe for his enemies.

Actor: Sebastian Stan

First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger

Poor Bucky Barnes. He began as Captain America’s closest friend during World War 2, but he was killed in battle. His body is recovered by HYDRA, and he is revived and brainwashed into becoming the assassin Winter Soldier. He is frozen for years and only awoken when it is time to be sent on a mission, so he’s just as old as Captain America. Equipped with a Vibranium arm (built by Shuri after Iron-Man destroys his original metal arm), Winter Soldier is a skilled military leader. His jumbled memories and reprogramming made him an enemy to the Avengers, and he is framed for the murder of Black Panther’s father which sets off the events of Civil War. Now a complete hero, Winter Soldier serves as an Avenger… or he did before being turned to dust by Thanos.

Actor: Tom Holland

First Appearance: Captain America: Civil War

Rebooted for the third time, Spidey was brought into the MCU in Captain America: Civil War. Iron-Man recruits him after keeping a close eye on the young hero's activities, and Spidey fights on Stark’s side against Captain America and his crew in Civil War. The high school student is bright and hilarious, but he lacks what it takes to be a great leader. He is mentored by Stark, and even follows his idol into space to fight Thanos in Infinity War. Unfortunately, the youngen’s ability to do whatever a spider can didn’t stop him from being turned to dust when Thanos snapped his fingers and killed half of all life in the universe.

Actor: Paul Rudd/ Michael Douglas

First Appearance: Ant-Man

Ant-Man is one of the original Avengers in the comics, but he wasn’t brought into the MCU until after Age of Ultron. Scott Lang is the second man to go by Ant-Man, and he is mentored by the original hero Hank Pym. Pym creates the Pym particles, a method of making objects shrink and grow. He also created a handy method of communicating with and controlling ants, thus earning him the name Ant-Man. Pym passes down his mantle to Lang after the latter helps him defeat a greedy businessman who attempts to steal the technology for his own evil motives. Lang is more of an “on-call” Avenger, but I believe he will have an integral role in defeating Thanos in Endgame.

Actress: Evangeline Lilly/Michelle Pfeiffer

First Appearance: Ant-Man

In the comics, Wasp is actually the hero that names the team “The Avengers.” Equipped with the same shrinking ability as Ant-Man, this deadly hero is much better trained at combat by her father Hank Pym. The original Wasp, Janet, was lost in the Quantum Realm decades before the first Ant-Man film takes place, and the original Ant-Man (Hank Pym) loses hope in the hero game. It isn’t until Scott Lang and Janet Van Dyne work together to save her that she is finally spared from the microscopic dimension. With two Ant-Men and two Wasps in the MCU, things may seem confusing, but everything makes sense when you watch the films hand the torch down from the older heroes to their younger replacements.

Actress: Danai Gurira

First Appearance: Black Panther

Yet another member of the military, Okoye is the General that leads Wakanda’s royal armed forces. She is expertly trained in combat, and is Black Panther’s right-hand woman. She fought valiantly to protect Wakanda from Killmonger, and also helped fight Thanos in Infinity War. It will be interesting to see her role in Endgame, as she will undoubtedly be serving under a new King since Black Panther is dead. Her weapon of choice is a Vibranium staff, but General Okoye can defeat her enemies with anything you place in her hands.

Actress: Letitia Wright

First Appearance: Black Panther

The younger sister of Black Panther has all the courage of the King and is one of the smartest members of the Avengers. She built most of Wakanda’s technological advances, including Black Panther’s new armor, Winter Soldier’s new arm, the transportation systems in Wakanda, and much more. She is the only member of the Avengers who was intelligent enough to find a way to remove the Mind Stone from Vision's head, impressing genius Bruce Banner in the process. Shuri uses two blasters she equips to her arms to battle her enemies. 

Actor: Idris Elba

First Appearance: Thor 

In the same way that Captain America trusts Falcon and Iron Man trusts War Machine, Thor has Heimdall watching his back. Literally. The demi-god can see everything that occurs across the universe, which is one of the most useful powers displayed in the MCU. Heimdall can also control the Bi-Front, a mystical bridge that transports people between plants, universes, and dimensions. He helps Thor defeat Loki on multiple occasions, and is also the first death in Infinity War after he successfully whisks Hulk back to Earth, saving him from certain death.

Actor: Chris Pratt

First Appearance: Guardians Of the Galaxy

The leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy is much like Han Solo… a crook turned good. Star-Lord is half human/half-celestial. His father, Ego the Living Planet, mated with his mother while traveling the universe, and then killed her in an attempt to quell his own feelings of love. Star-Lord had some mild powers before he killed his father, effectively cutting himself off from the power of the celestials. Star Lord’s main strength is his leadership skills, his piloting skills, and his bravery (that borders on stupidity).

Actress: Zoe Saldana

First Appearance: Guardians Of the Galaxy

Gamora is the adopted daughter of Thanos. She was kidnapped and raised by the Mad Titan after he killed half of her people in a maniacal method of population control. He raises her as a warrior, and she becomes one of the fiercest assassins in the galaxy before she turns coat on her father and fights to find the Infinity Stones before he does. She is a skilled fighter and an amazing tactician, but her family ties with Thanos and Nebula convolute her emotions and complicate her missions. She and Star-Lord have a romantic relationship.

Actor: Bradley Cooper

First Appearance: Guardians Of the Galaxy

Somehow a raccoon makes it to space. The animal android was once a normal raccoon until he was experimented on by space scientists. The wisecracking hero was a crook, much like Star-Lord, before he became a hero. His partner in crime is the plant-based creature Groot, and the two are inseparable. Rocket is skilled at building gadgets from almost anything, and his crafty abilities save him and the Guardians of the Galaxy on several occasions. Also a pilot and a warrior, Rocket is looking to avenge Groot, who was turned to dust after Thanos’ snap.

Actor: Vin Diesel

First Appearance: Guardians Of the Galaxy

I am Groot. This plant-based hero can only say those three words, although he did once say “We are Groot” when he sacrificed himself to save his team. Groot can stretch his root-like arms and legs like vines to capture and destroy his enemies, and he also has super strength. Much of this hero's past is a mystery, but he is still one of the most important members of the Guardians. He can be replanted as a root and regrown when he dies, but after being turned to dust, I doubt there is anything left of him to replant.

Actor: Dave Bautista

First Appearance: Guardians Of the Galaxy

Drax suffered at the hands of Thanos before he was ever on screen. His wife and family were destroyed by the Mad Titan, launching Drax into a lifelong battle for revenge. Drax’s people lack the ability to understand sarcasm and metaphors, so he hilariously mistakes simple terms and phrases for more literal meaning. Drax is a fearsome warrior and a fierce assassin. 

Actress: Karen Gillan

First Appearance: Guardians Of The Galaxy

The sister of Gamora has endured decades of torture at the hands of her adopted father Thanos.  Thanos would pit Nebula against Gamora, and punish Nebula by augmenting her vital organs every time she lost. Now half machine, half alien, Nebula is torn between her hatred for Thanos, her love for her sister, and her own will to survive. A talented and fiery warrior, Nebula went from being a villain to joining the Guardians and the Avengers in their quest to stop Thanos. They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Actress: Pom Klementieff

First Appearance: Guardians Of The Galaxy 2

Mantis spent years as the aide to Ego the Living Planet (Star Lord’s celestial father). The powerful being had trouble sleeping, and Mantis used her ability to manipulate brainwaves to ease him into slumber. She can also manipulate brain waves to help her read her victim's emotions. A powerful empath, Mantis uses her abilities to place Thanos into a sedated state during the Battle on Titan, until Star-Lord screws things up for everyone. She is relatively new to the hero game, but she is determined to be a helpful asset.

Actress: Gwenyth Paltrow

First Appearance: Iron-Man

While Pepper Potts only had superpowers for a brief moment in Iron-Man 3, we have seen photos of her rocking a purple Iron Man armor on set for Endgame. The fiancé of Tony Stark may play a role in rescuing him from space in her shiny new suit, but for the most part, Petter is a lover, a board member at Stark Industries, and a balance to Tony’s madness.

Actress: Tessa Thompson

First Appearance: Thor: Ragnarok

This Asgardian warrior fled from her home after the evil goddess Hela destroyed her army and shamed her. A formidable fighter and mystic creature, Valkyrie meets Thor and ends up joining him on his quest to save Asgard from Hela in Ragnarok. While she was missing from Infinity War, Valkyrie will be back to join the Avengers in battling Thanos for Endgame.

Actress: Brie Larson

First Appearance: Captain Marvel

Better late than never. Captain Marvel was abducted from Earth and brainwashed to work for the Kree until Nick Fury helped her regain her memory on Earth. She is the most powerful Avenger, with the ability to shoot photon blasts, fly, and travel at light speed. Yet another military mind, Captain Marvel is set to lead the Avengers after Endgame... which means another Captain may take the fall. 

Actor: Samuel L. Jackson

First Appearance: Iron-Man 2

Nicky Fury is the web that connects all the heroes. He formed the Avengers, and is the spiritual leader and guide. He was heavily involved in the beginning, but he's taken a more secluded role after the events of Captain America: Winter Soldier. Fury did one last move before he was turned to dust by Thanos... he contacted Captain Marvel. We're in the Endgame now.