Two Marvel Actors Make History by Appearing in Every Phase of the MCU
Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) officially kicked off with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This new phase includes several exciting projects: The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), Avengers: Doomsday (2026), Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), and Eyes of Wakanda (2025).
Alongside these are several TV series such as Marvel Zombies, Wonder Man, Daredevil: Born Again season 2, Vision Quest, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man season 2, and an untitled Punisher special.
The phase is set to wrap up with Secret Wars in 2027, and the story will kick off with Doomsday, scheduled for release next year. Avengers: Doomsday promises to have a huge cast, and two actors confirmed for the film have made history by appearing in every single phase of the MCU so far. T
hese actors are Sebastian Stan, who plays Bucky Barnes, and Tom Hiddleston, known for his role as Loki.
Both Stan and Hiddleston began their MCU journeys in Phase 1. Sebastian Stan first appeared in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and Tom Hiddleston in Thor (2011). Since then, they have consistently appeared in MCU films and shows throughout all six phases.
For Sebastian Stan, his MCU journey includes Captain America: The Winter Soldier (phase 2), Captain America: Civil War (phase 3), Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (phase 4), Captain America: Brave New World (phase 5), Thunderbolts*, and soon Avengers: Doomsday (phase 6).
Tom Hiddleston’s path covers Thor: The Dark World (phase 2), The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok (phase 3), Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Loki seasons 1 and 2 (phase 4 & and phase 5), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), and also the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (phase 6).
Both actors have been part of the MCU for over a decade, a rare feat in a franchise that is constantly evolving. Their continued presence shows how important their characters are to the story.
However, there is a feeling among fans and commentators that Marvel has treated these two characters differently. Loki, portrayed by Hiddleston, has grown into a cosmic-level figure, known as the God of Stories, playing a key role in the larger multiverse narrative. Meanwhile, Bucky Barnes, played by Stan, has remained more grounded as a soldier and superhero. It seems it might be time for Bucky to receive the same level of attention and story depth as Loki.
As of now, Bucky is expected to lead Thunderbolts, a team often called the New Avengers, which both Marvel boss Kevin Feige and actor Anthony Mackie have confirmed. But beyond that, it’s unclear what the future holds for Bucky or Loki, especially with the MCU reboot on the horizon. Fans don’t yet know if either character will survive the upcoming changes.
Loki’s unique position as a cosmic storyteller means he will likely have a big role in the final chapters of the Multiverse Saga, but his fate remains uncertain too. Both characters have had huge impacts on the MCU so far, and many are eager to see what comes next.
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