MCU: 10 Actors Who Redefined Their Characters

Gather 'round, children, and I'll tell you a story. Once upon a time, in the long long time ago, nobody cared about, or even know, who Iron Man was. They didn't know his alter ego of Tony Stark, and even amongst the comic-reading Marvel diehards, Iron Man was a second-tier hero at best.

Also, there was a time when Robert Downey Jr. was seen as a washed-up has-been. While he had his success in the '80s and '90s as a dramatic actor, his personal and legal demons derailed his career. Nobody thought he would absolutely change the paradigm of film for the next decade when he took on the role of Iron Man in 2008, but here we are.

With his acerbic wit and too-cool-for-school attitude, Downey gives much needed life to Stark's character, turning cool and snarky into the MCU's bread and butter. In addition, RDJ's been able to take comic Stark's weird, pseudo-fascist tendencies and make them relatable and sympathetic, rehabbing Tony's image in the comics as a result.

In a way, Stark and Downey were meant for each other: both had long histories, but had lost their way. But now, as Infinity War approaches, both are on top of the mountain.

Which actors do you think redefined their characters? Let us know down in the comments.