Imagine the pitch for the MCU 13 yrs or so ago

Marvel Studios: We want to attempt the most ambitious endeavor in cinematic history
Disney: We're listening.
MS: an entire universe of interconnected films. First era stretches 11 yrs. 22 movies.
D: ok. What actor anchors it?

MS: Robert Downey Jr
D: Robert Downey Jr?
MS: Yes
D: The dude who cant stay out of jail or rehab and most recently starred in The Shaggy Dog
MS: Yes
D: And this is who you think can anchor the highest grossing franchise of all time
MS: Yes

And here we are $20B later and counting