Within the expansive realms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the DC Extended Universe (DCU), and other superhero franchises, audiences encounter a variety of heroes with remarkable age. The phenomenal success of MCU films has elevated the comic book genre to new heights, subsequently increasing the demand for an array of diverse characters. The blend of fantastical elements and extraordinary narratives often allows for heroes whose lifespans surpass those of ordinary humans.
Across numerous cinematic timelines filled with deities and mystical beings, it is evident that many superheroes are significantly ancient. Their superhuman traits often come with extraordinary longevity, resulting in select characters enjoying lifespans well beyond common human understanding. Consequently, we present a compilation of the ten oldest superhero movie characters, assessed based on their ages.
10 Captain America (Steve Rogers) – 106 Years Old
First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
As one of the inaugural heroes featured in the MCU, Captain America made his debut during the tumultuous backdrop of 1942. Steve Rogers, the central figure who became the iconic super soldier, has also served as a pivotal leader within the franchise. His journey included years of being frozen in ice, which remarkably stunted his aging process, allowing him to maintain his youthfulness.
Born on July 4, 1918, Steve Rogers celebrates a canonical age of 106 during the events of Avengers: Endgame. Despite his advanced years and the effects of the super soldier serum, he exhibits the vitality of a much younger man. Rogers officially retired from his role as Captain America, notable for being over a century old at the time.
9 Bucky Barnes – 107 Years Old
First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Bucky Barnes, the oldest friend of Steve Rogers, also features prominently among the MCU’s elder heroes. His introduction parallels that of Rogers, yet Bucky’s journey has been fraught with trauma, particularly due to his brainwashing into becoming the infamous Winter Soldier by Hydra.
With a birthdate of March 10, 1917, Barnes claims the title of being 107 years old during Avengers: Endgame. His character continues to embody an active role within the MCU, not only demonstrating the longevity of his superhero existence but also securing his status as one of the genre’s oldest active heroes.
8 The Ancient One – 500-700+ Years Old
First Appearance: Doctor Strange (2016)
Though not a central hero, the Ancient One plays a significant role within the MCU, serving as the mystical mentor to Doctor Strange. Introduced in 2016’s Doctor Strange, her legacy extends even after her character’s demise, with appearances in timelines like Avengers: Endgame.
While her exact age is unspecified, speculation suggests she has existed for 500 to 700 years, cementing her as one of the MCU’s most ancient non-villainous characters.
7 Wonder Woman – Between 900 & 5000 Years Old
First Appearance: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
As an iconic figure in DCEU, Wonder Woman quickly rose to prominence, first appearing in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, her origins are explored in greater depth in her standalone film, set against the backdrop of World War I. This context already places her as one of the hobby’s oldest heroes.
Leading up to Wonder Woman 1984, Gal Gadot estimated her character’s age to be around 5000 years, while director Patty Jenkins suggested it could be closer to 900 years. Regardless of the estimates, it’s clear Wonder Woman ranks among the oldest superheroes within cinematic history.
6 Thor – Approximately 1500 Years Old
First Appearance: Thor (2011)
Introducing one of the earliest Avengers, Thor’s character arc stretches across four solo films, firmly establishing him as an essential element of the MCU. First appearing in Thor (2011), he is recognized not only for his combat skills but also for his extraordinary age.
In a notable moment from Avengers: Infinity War, Thor reveals to the Guardians of the Galaxy that he is approximately 1500 years old. Though some sources might argue his age attributes lean toward the thousand-year range, he remains a prominent figure within the superhero genre for his longevity.
5 Hawkman – 3100 Years Old
First Appearance: Black Adam (2022)
Part of the DCEU cast introduced in Black Adam, Hawkman is revered as one of the oldest figures in the superhero realm, possessing an ability that renders him essentially immortal. His power set includes the ability to be reincarnated after death, carrying memories of his past lives into each new form.
In comic lore, Hawkman originated as Prince Khufu Kha-Tarr during the time of Ramesses II in Ancient Egypt, leading to an age estimate of around 3100 years old. While the DCEU has not delved detail-wise into his backstory, the implications align closely with comic origins, showcasing Hawkman’s ancient status.
4 Black Adam – 4650 Years Old
First Appearance: Black Adam (2022)
Despite its mixed reception, 2022’s Black Adam introduced audiences to an ancient antihero whose journey began in 2600 BC. Portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, Black Adam gains immense abilities after being chosen as a champion, with his superhuman longevity ranking him amongst the oldest heroes in the DCEU.
Given his adult-age establishment in the narrative, Black Adam’s age is approximated to be around 4650 years, contributing to his position as one of the genre’s hallmark ancient figures.
3 Valkyrie – 5000+ Years Old
First Appearance: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Emerging from 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok, Valkyrie adds to the pantheon of ancient characters in the MCU with her roots buried deep in Asgardian lore. After the demise of her fellow Valkyries at the hands of Hela, she becomes a crucial figure in the franchise, appearing in notable narrative arcs across multiple films.
With her backstory intertwined with the ancient conflict involving Hela, it is established that Valkyrie is at least 5000 years old, emphasizing her stature within the MCU.
2 Odin – 5000+ Years Old
First Appearance: Thor (2011)
Odin, introduced as a prominent figure in the MCU’s saga beginning with Thor in 2011, is depicted as the All-Father, playing an essential mentoring role. Although the specifics of his backstory aren’t laid out, it’s evident that he possessed considerable age prior to his demise in Thor: Ragnarok.
Through his actions, such as imprisoning Hela for 5000 years, it can be inferred that Odin is at least of that age, although the implications of his past suggest a far greater age, further solidifying his place among the MCU’s elder heroes.
1 The Eternals – Approximately 7000 Years Old
First Appearance: Eternals (2021)
Even if Eternals (2021) did not garner the highest acclaim, it successfully introduced a race of ancient beings into the MCU. The film follows the Eternals’ arrival on Earth in 5000 BC, revealing their mission to combat the Deviants.
It is disclosed that they were created by Arishem as guardians to oversee and respond to critical cosmic events, marking them as slightly over 7000 years old in the MCU timeline. This detail secures their position as the oldest superheroes across both the MCU and DCU, along with other cinematic adaptations.
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