The
Marvel Cinematic Universe (
MCU) is an American
media franchise and
shared fictional universe that is centered on a
series of
superhero films, independently produced by
Marvel Studios and based on characters that appear in publications by
Marvel Comics. The franchise has expanded to include comic books, short films, and television series. The shared universe, much like the original
Marvel Universe in comic books, was established by
crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.
Clark Gregg has appeared the most in the franchise, portraying
Phil Coulson, a character original to the MCU.