The movies stand on their own in terms of making, or breaking a character. It'll be down to how much budget they want to throw at it, as opposed to a devout inbuilt audience of fans.
The movies are looking to be pitched at the different levels of the movie market, with Ant-man 2 directed squarely at the kids, and Rudd did his part perfectly in that respect. There's more long term impact in these movies, than any other's, getting the audience at the ground floor. The marvel movies are setting the standard for entertainment value at the moment.
It will take a very good writer/director team to take SS to a great cinematic presentation. Though every good hero needs a good enemy.... Galactus!!!!!