The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has grown in scope and depth over the last ten years, and it continues to do so. The international box office took in more than $2 billion for Avengers & Infinity War. Every female character in a Marvel film is as tough as their male counterparts. We’ve selected a few of Marvel’s most impressive female characters for this list.
10. Natalie Portman as Jane Foster (Thor series)
Thor: The Dark World and Thor: The Avengers were the first two films in which Natalie appeared as Jane Foster. The god of thunder was brought to Earth by a brilliant scientist to start their short-lived romance. However, Portman has not appeared in a film since Thor 2 and is open to returning.
9. Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill (Avengers series)
Cobie Smulders is an excellent S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in her own right, as well as Nick Furry’s No. 2 henchwoman. If you haven’t seen her, she’ll be in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which is due out in 2018.
8. Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter (Agent Carter)
Hayley Atwell’s Peggy Carter hasn’t had much screen time since Captain America: The First Avenger, but Steve Rogers still feels for her character. Agent Carter, which ran for two seasons, also featured Atwell.
7. Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts (Iron Man series)
Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts is the MCU’s, first lady. When she first joined Stark Industries as an assistant, she quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to CEO. At the same time, she was forced to transform into a molten-hot regenerative human. Tony Stark should have taken care of that by now.
6. Zoe Saldana as Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy)
When Zoe Saldana joined the MCU, she had already established herself as a badass chick who could carry any film on her shoulders. As a result, she was at ease as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. Doctor Strange, even though he tossed her into the ocean during Avengers: Infinity War still has our faith that he can somehow bring her back to life.
5. Marisa Tomei as May Parker (Spider-Man: Homecoming)
Captain America: Civil War introduced Marisa Tomei to audiences as a much younger Aunt May. Tomei has had a long and varied career in film, with her breakout performance coming in the classic 1992 film My Cousin Vinny.
4. Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia (Black Panther)
Black Panther introduced Lupita Nyong’o to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and helped propel the film to box office success. When it comes to T’Challa, her Nakia character is fierce, smart, and very good at playing the hard to get. Avengers: Infinity War featured a cameo from her as well. Nyong’o recently starred in Us, a horror film directed by Jordan Peele.
3. Evangeline Lilly as the Wasp (Ant-Man)
Evangeline Lilly made her debut in 2015’s Ant-Man, but she was given a chance to shine in 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp. For a long time before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Lilly’s name was synonymous with the television series Lost.
2. Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch (Avengers series)
The final Phase 2 film, Avengers: Age of Ultron, introduced Elizabeth Olsen to the MCU. She began the films as a nemesis of the heroes but has since become an important member of the team. When she was made to remove Vision’s mind crystal, Olsen’s character gained even more nuance. Our favorite redhead will make an appearance in the upcoming Avengers movie.
1. Brie Larson as Captain Marvel(The Marvels)
When Captain Marvel debuted, Brie Larson became the first woman to have a solo movie in the MCU. The film has already grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, less than a month after its release. A number of female-driven MCU films are likely to follow in the near future.
