Four billion sure sounds like an awful lot, but it is nothing compared to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's overall ticket sales. Claiming the fourth spot of the biggest worldwide box office hits is the 2018 film Avengers: Infinity Wars earning two billion US dollars, followed by The Avengers in the sixth spot raking in 1.5 billion US dollars of its own. Five other movies were also able to bag billions of US dollars: Iron Man 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther, and Captain Marvel.

Trying to piece together all of the MCU films can be tricky, considering that their timelines differ from their publishing dates. Iron Man may have been the first to appear on the big screen but the first superhero to come to life is Captain America, hence him being the first Avenger. But did you know that three of the movies actually happened in the same week? Iron Man 2, The Incredible Hulk, and Thor all took place in the same time-frame within the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

Ever wonder how Captain America actor Chris Evans got ripped for the film? Surely not with the help of the "Project: Rebirth". For five to six days a week, Chris had to hit the gym and work out his entire body. Focusing on different muscle group each day, his workout regimen mainly focused on weights and compound lifts.

Meanwhile, the other Chris, Pratt had to lose a total of 60 pounds in no more than six months! That meant no beer, no fried or junk foods, and a huge trim down on carbs. His diet mainly consisted of chicken, broccoli, and brown rice.

And for the latest addition to the Avenger squad, Brie Larson, she had to transform as quickly as possible. Nine months of intensive training—including pushing a jeep—and strict diet, gave birth to Captain Marvel.

Superhero movies has never been a favourite of the Academy, nor the Golden Globes for that matter. Though a couple have been nominated for visual and sound effects, receiving a nod for acting or directing was unheard of. One exception had been Heath Ledger's posthumous Oscar. But this year, records were broken when Black Panther was nominated for Best Picture in both Golden Globes and Oscars!

The film may not have won in the Best Picture category but it sure did make headlines for taking home not only one, but three Oscars: Ruth Carter for Best Costume Design, Hannah Beachle for Best Production Design, and Ludwig Göransson for Best Original Score.

Black Panther smashed records around the world. Not only is it the highest grossing solo superhero film but, more importantly, it was the first ever major superhero movie to feature a black protagonist (Chadwick Boseman), to have a majority black cast and a black writer and director! It was a game-changer in Hollywood, and around the world in terms of representation for the black community on screen. It was one of few times that black children and adults around the world watched someone that looked like them in a mainstream blockbuster Hollywood role of the hero, and to view many black characters (many of whom were women), acting as innovators, experts, and opinion leaders.  

Although an era is ending, be sure to watch out for a new string of superheroes in the coming years. After all, the future of superhero films does sound promising and we can't wait for more. 

All photos from IMDB