Before 2008, superhero movies were often standalone experiences. We had iconic portrayals like Christopher Reeve’s Superman or Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, but these films largely existed in their own bubbles. They gave audiences thrilling stories and memorable heroes, yet they lacked something we didn’t even know we craved: a connected world. That changed the moment Marvel Studios rolled the dice on a then relatively unknown hero—Iron Man. With Robert Downey Jr. bringing Tony Stark to life, Marvel didn’t just create a blockbuster. They planted the seed for an idea that would transform pop culture forever: the cinematic universe.