Marvel

The 2003 Hulk, by Ang Lee isn't part of the MCU (Marvel cinematic universe) however it's failure but financial success allowed Marvel Studios to create Iron Man.   In the Early 2000's the marvel properties were scattered.  Universal had Namor, Hulk and the alantians, Fox had the X-men, fantastic four, silver surfer, Punisher, deadpool, Hell's kitchen, Iron Fist, Dare Devil and King Pin.  Sony had also just bought Spiderman, Green Goblin, Venom etc... This left Marvel with only a handful of the premium characters.  However after the failure of Hulk (03), Dare Devil (00), Punisher (04 and 08), Fantastic Four (06 and 08) and Elektra (06) many of these properties lost face and value.  As a result Marvel regained Hulk, Hell's Kitchen, Punisher, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, King Pin, Dare Devil and possibly Namor.  Soon after Hulk returned Marvel hired Kevin Fiege to create Iron Man, the incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America.  They based part of there plans of the brief but positive reception of 2004's animated Avenger's movie.   Although D.C, Sony and Fox were all well established in the Nolan Trilogy, X-Universe and Remy Spiderverse (respectively), Fiege successfully crate the most dominant universe t date.   the return of many of the aforementioned characters soon followed.   In fact rumors involving Namor's return to marvel are still circulating.