You probably went to see Avengers: Endgame today because it’s National Superhero Day. Wait- what- you have no idea what I’m talking about? Then the 60-Second Superhero series is for you! Start here with episode one, Meet Iron Man, and let’s learn a little bit about the Marvel comic superheros. Affiliate links are included in this post.
D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA)
KEVIN FEIGE (PRESIDENT OF MARVEL STUDIOS)
Crazy to think that just about 11 years ago, most of us had no idea who Iron Man was. I’m talking about the large population of people who had never opened a comic book.
Guilty!
Iron Man wasn’t even the most famous comic book series out there, so I’ll give Tony Stark his due: you’ve come a long way, Baby!
If you, like me, are trying to get a little more acquainted with the characters of the MCU since Avengers: Endgame just came out, this post is for you. And so are the ones I have planned to come over the next couple of weeks!
Table of Contents
60-Second Superhero | Meet Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man was introduced in the comics in 1963, but we’re not going to talk comics. This is about Iron Man in the MCU- where Tony Stark first appeared on screen in 2008.
What are his powers? He has none- oh wait, other than being a Genius, Billionaire, Playboy, Philanthropist.
Okay, and he can actually fight- I mean, dude is built.
But his suit- that’s another story. That sucker rocks. These powers include super strength, the ability to fly, durability, and a number of weapons. The primary weapons used by Iron Man are rays that are shot from the palms of his gauntlets.
He built the suit when he was kidnapped, suffered damage to his heart, and needed a way to escape. That’s how the Iron Man suit was born- he needed a way to save himself.
This character was loosely based on Howard Hughes, and in fact, Tony Stark’s father is Howard Stark.
Tony’s Dad, Howard, appears in Iron Man 2 and in Avengers: Endgame.
Since he’s an MIT graduate, he’s obviously wicked smart.
And friends with Captain America- well, when Bucky isn’t around… if you need to find out what that’s all about, make sure you catch up on all the Marvel Movies in Order.
Tony is also engaged to Pepper Potts, who is first seen as his right-hand woman at Stark Industries in the 2008 movie.
About Iron Man the Movie
When this movie was made, the script wasn’t even complete. That meant there was a lot of ad-libbing going on. This played perfectly for actors Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr, but was a lot harder for Jeff Bridges!
So, yes, much of the movie was improvised.
Why was Iron Man the first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie?
Merchandising, merchandising, merchandising!
Kids liked his toys more than the ones featuring Captain America or Hulk.
Marvel was looking to cash in on this franchise outside of the box office and the clear kid-focus group winner was the guy in the red suit!
Which actors were up for the role of Iron Man?
This kinda blew my mind. While I’m not a lover of the character, I cannot imagine anyone but Robert Downey, Jr. in the role.
RDJ is the oldest Avenger, did you know? But age doesn’t matter when you still kick this much booty!
Possible Iron Men:
- Tom Cruise
- Nick Cage
- Colin Farrell
- Patrick Dempsey
- Sam Rockwell (who was in Iron Man 2)
IDK, I can’t see Patrick Dempsey in the Iron Man suit, can you?
Fun Facts About Iron Man
The end credit scene with Nick Fury was purposely put at the end- so the hardcore fans could focus on what it *might* mean. Marvel didn’t expect it to blow up like it did and become a huge THING.
By the way, if you are watching any of the Marvel movies, be sure to sit through to the very end of all the credits! The end scenes are amazing and build out what will happen next.
Peter Billingsley, also known as Ralphie from A Christmas Story, had a hand in the first Iron Man movie. He decided to take a chance as an investor and producer- probably because he?s good friends with the director, Jon Favreau.
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Patty Holliday is a parent movie reviewer, writer, and podcaster living in the Washington, DC area. Her goal is to bridge the gap between casual fandom and picky critic with parent movie and television reviews. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.