10 Best Side Characters In The MCU

It may be hard to remember now but throughout Phase One of the MCU films there was really a single glue that held the films together in the lead up to their meet-up in The Avengers, and that glue's name was Phil.

Appearing in the majority of the films from Phase One and well-and-truly setting up the inclusion of S.H.I.E.L.D. in this universe, Phil 'Agent' Coulson was a vital component of the universe. When it came time for The Avengers, Phil continued to be a vital member of the team, bonding with the members of the team and providing some of the biggest laughs of the film. He laid down his life in an attempt to stop Loki from escaping and even manages to blast that greaseball with a really, really big gun. So satisfying to watch.

Phil's death serves as the catalyst that unites all of The Avengers for the finale of the film and leads them to save the world, so in a way, Phil saved the entire planet. He would go on to be resurrected for the TV show, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and has had all kinds of crazy, whacky adventures since. He's funny, he's sincere, he's a total bada**, Phil Coulson is a genuine hero.