5 most irreplaceable characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

1. Iron Man

Much like how Daredevil was to the Marvel Netflix universe, Iron Man was the forefather to the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU has been around for exactly ten years now, and that is all thanks to the incredible success that was Iron Man.

Of course, this success would never have been achieved if it weren’t for the amazing method acting that Robert Downey Jr. brought to the table. Downey immediately sold people with his take on Iron Man because of his charm, wit and intensity that he brought to the role. But it wasn’t just his role in Iron Man that solidified his place in the MCU. In the last ten years, Downey has reinvented himself with the character.

Going from a cocky narcissist to a legitimate conflicted hero, the character development that Downey has brought has been incredible. Not only that, but it has solidified Iron Man as one of the core members of the MCU.

Because of this, it makes no logical sense to replace Downey as Iron Man. With his contract set to expire soon, it seems inevitable that Downey will somehow be written out of action. But in no way should his character be replaced. Because by doing so, it will erase all that Downey has worked for the past ten years. It would not be something the fans would want, and it is something that not even those in the MCU want. Recently, Captain America himself Chris Evans made it clear it shouldn’t be done, even calling Downey “irreplaceable.” And if Captain America makes it clear, then who are we to argue?

Next: Daredevil: 5 MCU characters we’d love to see in a crossover

For ten years now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has created countless memorable moments for fans to cherish. This of course is highly credited to the amazing character work brought by amazing irreplaceable actors. If any of them were to be replaced at all down the road, the MCU would never feel the same again.