20 Best Performances In MCU History (So Far)

The MCU has long had a problem with both romance and consistently bringing leading female characters to the screen (a trend which is thankfully starting to right itself), but even in the early days the franchise had its bright spots.

First appearing in Captain America: The First Avenger before moving onto her own short-lived TV show, Peggy Carter was portrayed by Hayley Atwell as both resilient and intimidating, using her extensive training and espionage experience to stand-up as a leader in a man's world.

This tough demeanor was beautifully counteracted throughout her occasional MCU appearances by a subtle vulnerability, best explored in her tragically short-lived relationship to Steve Rogers during the Second World War.

Uncompromising but easily effected by her actions, Agent Carter was a key figure in the history of the MCU's biggest storylines, whether it was the formation of SHIELD or the creation of Captain America, and throughout every hardship Atwell soared.