Clark Gregg, who began his MCU arc in the first Iron Man, revealed to Cinema Blend that he was originally supposed to appear in two scenes. Agent Phil Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. was, in fact, just an unnamed agent in the script. Gregg's chemistry with Downey and Gwyneth Paltrow impressed director Jon Favreau, who expanded the role. Of course, Coulson would go on to play a pivotal role in the Marvel Universe, appearing in Iron Man 2, Thor, The Avengers, and Captain Marvel, as well as directing the television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.