Given that the source material is comic books, it makes sense that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been divvied up into chapters. Or, in official studio parlance, “phases”. Since the release of the initial Iron Man in 2008, in which a wise-cracking Mr Robert Downey Jr performed the near-impossible and made the superhero movie a credible motion-picture genre overnight, the 22 subsequent interlacing offerings have seen a swelling portfolio of vigilantes go through a number of larger story arcs.

The gap between 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home and the next title, this month’s Black Widow, is, thanks to Covid-19, already the largest pause in the franchise’s history. But it also marks the shift to a new era for Marvel’s blockbusters, with the older Avengers such as Iron Man, Captain America and Thor expected to step aside (here’s hoping the pension plan is solid), and for the next generation of crime fighters to take their place. Brace yourselves: we are about to enter, as Comic-Con cosplayers would have it, “Phase Four”.

Up to speed so far? Apologies if it all sounds stranger than Mr Benedict Cumberbatch playing a bearded American surgeon with the ability to access other astral planes. This far in, you’re either along for the ride or not. However, one thing that we can all agree on is that by hoovering up the bulk of the best acting and filmmaking talent that Hollywood has to offer, Marvel has also showcased some snappy dressers, too.

Here, then, are seven men who, out of the armour-plated exoskeleton or stretchy spandex, still look like a sartorial superhero. Plus, how to emulate their style – all it takes is a click of the fingers.

When isn’t Mr Paul Bettany impeccably dressed? So, when it comes to the Cannes Film Festival, where this photograph was taken, of course he is well turned out. Promoted from something like Tony Stark’s personal Siri in the Iron Man films, Bettany’s character Vision came into a physical form (a “synthezoid”, if we’re really going there) in the second Avengers film. Sure, the Mind Stone wedged in his forehead no doubt inspired real-life rapper Lil Uzi Vert to have a $24m diamond implanted on his brow. But for the average punter, we feel there’s far more to draw from Bettany in his civvies. Rather than vibranium, the materials the actor usually turns to for premieres are linens and silks, which, while being unable to absorb kinetic power, are far more comfortable in warmer climes, as are the pale tones his often favours. But the actor’s specialist skill is his deft way with accessories, here his trademark glasses and a louche pop of colour in the form of a pocket square.

The Avengers series has had to deal with loss, with half of the superhero squadron – and, in fact, the world population – dispatched by Thanos in Avengers: Civil War. But perhaps nothing could prepare us for the real-world hole left by the death of actor Mr Chadwick Boseman last summer. Arguably the critical highpoint of the franchise so far, 2018’s Black Panther brought nuance to the seemingly two-dimensional world of comics. And Boseman, too, provided serious heft in the role of T’Challa, king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. If Black Panther, T’Challa’s superhero alter ego, is best known for his slinky black number, the actor playing him was notable for the colourful sartorial risks taken on the red carpet, always pulled off with aplomb. Shown here at the 2019 NAACP Image Awards wearing a custom-made Versace jacket, the pattern of which pops against his brown silk shirt and satin trousers, this look is typical of Boseman – in that few could carry it off as well.

In a parallel world, which is entirely possible in the Marvel multiverse, N’Jadaka could be the hero of Black Panther rather than its villain. But nominative determinism suggests a character otherwise known as Erik Killmonger is unlikely to be a pussycat. The “Killmonger was right” refrain has capital, although we have questions when it comes to his methodology: turning Black Power into world domination. It is, however, hard to argue against the dress sense of the actor who brought him so vividly to life. Seen here at the Cannes, Jordan arrives with not just guns but a full arsenal on display. However, it’s his ownership of the polo shirt that gets our attention here, along with the glint of gold accessories in the form of a small chain and dress watch.

If Captain America didn’t present Mr Chris Evans with the sartorial opportunities of his role in Knives Out, he more than made up for it with his promotional duties. Photographed at the 2019 Oscars, Evans wore a beard as mighty as any knitwear. Dressed like Prince Charming in a blue velvet tuxedo jacket, in a softer shade than his Avenger counterpart, the actor was no less heroic. While not even nominated for an award himself, he won praise for helping Ms Regina King to the stage and raising a fist in support of Black Panther. The best Chris on Twitter also turns up for the big award ceremonies.

From his post-credits appearance in Iron Man, setting the template for future Marvel films, Mr Samuel L Jackson’s Nick Fury has been a constant presence throughout the series. Sharp dressing is also something that has run through Jackson’s career, from Do The Right Thing to Pulp Fiction. But in his leather trench and eye patch, Fury out-Shafts even PI John Shaft (Shafted?). In person, Jackson is himself something of a style icon, knowing when to deploy colour. This tonal number for the premier of Captain America: The Winter Soldier is case in point, with a baker boy cap that really is the best thing since sliced bread.

Mr Taika Waititi is a director who finds it hard to stay behind the camera. Admittedly, his part in Thor: Ragnarok was a motion-capture cameo as a Kronan rock man, but in his numerous promotional appearances, the New Zealander has been seen chomping through the scenery. Here at a screening of his aforementioned Norse god caper, Waititi wears a brilliant white jacket and striped Breton tee, as if to accentuate his own natural salt-and-pepper chic. His outfits are often as playful as his films, but his sartorial foundations are as solid as a rock.

In the MCU, Mr Benedict Cumberbatch plays Dr Steven Strange, a gifted (but doesn’t he know it) neurosurgeon with an off-putting goatee. Following a career-careering car crash, he starts dabbling with, er, not so much alternative medicines as alternative dimensions, becoming a “Master of the Mystic Arts”, it says here. (Earth, it turns out, is protected by a shield generated from three “sanctums” in New York, London and Hong Kong, which, coincidentally – and without wanting to elaborate too much – is exactly where MR PORTER is also based.) However, back on our astral plane, Cumberbatch cuts quite a dash in a classic suit. A reminder that, before breaking the laws of nature, it pays to get the basics down first.

The people featured in this story are not associated with and do not endorse MR PORTER or the products shown