Content Warning: this article contains mentions/discussions of suicide and violence
The Iron Man trilogy featured a range of different characters, from genius Tony Stark to villains and allies like Obadiah Stane and Nick Fury. These characters had an impact in the MCU, even beyond the Iron Man trilogy. Outside of the MCU, however, these actors have contributed to memorable films and TV shows, sometimes as characters completely opposite from the ones they portrayed in the MCU, showing how wide a range the talents of these actors could reach.
Gwyneth Paltrow was unforgettable as Viola in Shakespeare in Love, and Don Cheadle played an important and significant role in Hotel Rwanda. If audiences love these actors, they'll love watching them in projects they took on outside of the MCU.
Jeff Bridges - R.I.P.D.
Jeff Bridges played villain Obadiah Stane in the first Iron Man film, who attempts to kill Tony Stark several times. In 2013, he played a good guy in the form of Roy, a former U.S. Marshal turned recruit for the R.I.P.D. following his death.
He is partnered with Ryan Reynolds' character and the two have a complicated partnership that eventually turns into a strong friendship. They set out to defeat the bad guys before they can reverse the direction of the souls, in which they would return to Earth instead of continuing to the afterlife.
Stéphanie Szostak - A Million Little Things
In Iron Man 3, Szostak portrayed an assassin who was influenced by Extremis. However, she has now taken on a very different role by playing Delilah Dixon in A Million Little Things.
In this show, Delilah is seen trying to come to terms with a personal tragedy after it was revealed that her husband had died by suicide. As she and a group of their friends try to navigate through their grief together, it is also revealed that Delilah is keeping a secret that is about to be uncovered. It is quite an emotional show.
Terrence Howard - Crash
Terrence Howard played Tony Stark's best friend, Rhodey, in the first Iron Man film. However, this isn't the only role that he was known for. Not only did Howard co-star in the Emmy nominated Empire but he also starred in the Oscar award-winning film, Crash.
The film follows several people, who find themselves subjected to prejudice and racial discrimination due to the increasing social tensions and class divisions in Los Angeles. Howard's character is no exception to this as he and his wife are racially profiled and discriminated against by two police officers as they are driving home. The film has an ensemble cast, including Don Cheadle, who would later replace Howard as Rhodey in the MCU.
Shaun Toub - Snowpiercer
Shaun Toub had a brief but memorable role as Yinsen, the man that Tony Stark is held captive in Afghanistan. Yinsen saves Stark's life and helps him escape their captors, but makes the ultimate sacrifice to do so, bidding an emotional farewell to Tony before he passes away.
Toub plays Terence on Snowpiercer, a brutal criminal that is clever and pretty much leads the Black Market aboard the train. He's a former janitor that no one wants to mess with.
Scarlett Johansson - We Bought A Zoo
Scarlett Johansson played Black Widow in the MCU, a dedicated and loyal member of The Avengers that made the ultimate sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame. Black Widow was an empowering female hero and it was clear that she cared for her friends.
Johansson played Kelly Foster, the lead zookeeper at Rosemoor Animal Park, which had just become the home for Benjamin (Matt Damon) and his two children in We Bought a Zoo. Kelly was Benjamin's love interest and she helped him get the zoo ready for a grand opening, which proved successful.
Samuel L. Jackson - Pulp Fiction
Samuel L. Jackson plays Nick Fury in the MCU, but that's not the only hardcore role he's ever taken on. Fans of Quentin Tarantino certainly recognize Jackson for his role in Pulp Fiction as Jules Winnfield.
Jules works for a gangster, but he begins to rethink his life as a criminal when he's spared certain death and believes it was a miracle that he and his partner, Vincent, survived. It certainly was a miracle, considering how different it could have turned out. As it was, both Jules and Vincent ended up getting out of a mass unscathed.
Jon Favreau - Friends
Jon Favreau was certainly busy, directing the first two Iron Man films and portraying Happy Hogan in several MCU films, who was Tony Stark's bodyguard, chauffeur, and friend.
Apart from playing Happy, Jon Favreau had a recurring guest role as Pete Becker on Friends back in the day. Although Monica wasn't interested in Pete initially, they did end up dating for a while after the two struck up a brief friendship. However, they broke up once Pete decided to pursue his dreams of cage fighting.
Don Cheadle - Hotel Rwanda
Don Cheadle took over the role of Rhodey in the second Iron Man film and has portrayed the character in MCU films ever since.
When not playing the best friend of Tony Stark, Cheadle can be found playing Paul in Hotel Rwanda. Hotel Rwanda is based on the Rwandan genocide that occurred in 1994.
Paul is a hotel manager, who protects both his family and many Tutsi refugees by providing shelter from the increasing violence and the civil war. Cheadle ended up attaining an Oscar nomination for 'Best Leading Actor' for his performance.
Gwyneth Paltrow - Shakespeare In Love
Gwyneth Paltrow plays Pepper Potts, Tony Stark's assistant and love interest in the MCU. Pepper was witty, smart, and cared for Tony deeply. However, Paltrow is, in fact, one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. Winning an Oscar for this role, Paltrow played Viola in Shakespeare in Love, a woman that disguises herself as a man to audition for Shakespeare's play and eventually begins an affair with the famous playwright.
She and Shakespeare fall passionately in love, but unfortunately cannot be together due to Viola's duty to marry Lord Wessex. They say their goodbyes, but Shakespeare vows to always remember her.
Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes Franchise
When he's not playing the "genius, playboy, billionaire, philanthropist" Tony Stark in the MCU, Robert Downey Jr. can be found playing another interesting character, that being the titular character in the Sherlock Holmes franchise.
Downey Jr. delivers a fun performance as the eccentric and intelligent detective that annoys his partner Dr. John Watson, and is consistently outwitted by his adversary/love interest, Irene Adler. Nonetheless, Downey Jr. portrays Holmes and his many quirks to perfection, and can be seen again soon in the upcoming third installment in the franchise.