Iron Man
Summary
Iron Man is a 2008 American science fiction superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It is the first installment to be released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, an industrialist and master engineer who builds a powered exoskeleton and becomes the technologically advanced superhero Iron Man. Gwyneth Paltrow plays his personal assistant Pepper Potts, Terrence Howard plays military liaison James Rhodes, and Jeff Bridges plays Stark Industries executive Obadiah Stane. The film was in development since 1990 at Universal Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and New Line Cinema, before Marvel Studios reacquired the rights in 2006. Marvel put the project in production as its first self-financed film, with Paramount Pictures as its distributor. Favreau signed on as director, aiming for a naturalistic feel, and he chose to shoot the film primarily in California, rejecting the East Coast setting of the comics to differentiate the film from numerous superhero films set in New York City-esque environments. During filming, the actors were free to create their own dialogue because pre-production was focused on the story and action. Rubber and metal versions of the armors, created by Stan Winston's company, were mixed with computer-generated imagery to create the title character. Hasbro and Sega sold merchandise, and product placement deals were made with Audi, Burger King, LG and 7-Eleven. Reviews were very positive, particularly praising Downey's performance. The American Film Institute selected the film as one of the ten best of the year. Downey, Favreau, and Paltrow returned in the sequel Iron Man 2, released on May 7, 2010. Iron Man shares the same universe with other films that have been independently produced by Marvel Studios, Downey made a cameo appearance as Stark in The Incredible Hulk and starred as the character again in the 2012 crossover film The Avengers. Downey will reprise the role for a third time in another sequel, Iron Man 3, which is set for release on May 3, 2013.
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Iron Man Star Terrence Howard Felt Betrayed by Robert Downey Jr. When Being Recast: 'I Need the Help I Gave You'
Terrence Howard says he reached out to Iron Man lead Robert Downey Jr. when Marvel backed out on his deal, but to no avail.
Iron Man Literally Holds the Key to Ultron's Return (And How It Could Impact Avengers: Secret Wars)
The last time MCU fans saw Ultron in live-action was in a 2015 Avengers film. That may all change very soon – and we can thank Iron Man.
Iron Man Never Got to Fight His Joker in the MCU
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Robert Downey Jr. Would ‘Happily’ Return to the MCU: 'It’s Too Integral a Part of My DNA'
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We’ll Probably Never See Iron Man’s Most Powerful Armor in the MCU
Of all the missed opportunities to come from the MCU, the Godkiller may be the most disheartening.
Iron Man Star Terrence Howard Hit with Nearly $1 Million Fine in Tax Evasion Verdict
Ex-MCU actor Terrence Howard faces steep price in tax evasion case.
Robert Downey Jr. Says His Opinion on Being Iron Man Changed: 'It Wore Off'
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Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man Will Not Be Returning to MCU, According to Kevin Feige: 'We would never want to magically undo it.'
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Gwyneth Paltrow Says Robert Downey Jr. Could Get Her Back Into Acting
Gwyneth Paltrow says that Robert Downey Jr., the Iron Man to her Pepper Potts, could possibly convince her to get back into acting.
Robert Downey Jr. Reportedly Agrees to Iron Man Return in the MCU
Could Iron Man return to the MCU? According to a new report, Robert Downey Jr. Has already signed on for a comeback.
Marvel Has Discussed Bringing Back Original Avengers Cast Including Iron Man & Black Widow
Marvel has reportedly had talks about bringing back the original Avengers roster, which would include Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man.
Why Tom Cruise Didn’t Play Iron Man Finally Revealed in MCU Book
The new book from the MCU explains why Tom Cruise didn't get the chance to play Iron Man.
Robert Downey Jr. is Batman and Ben Affleck Becomes Iron Man in Marvel/DC Crossover Art
Ben Affleck and Robert Downey Jr. switch comic book roles in new AI fan art.
Timothy Olyphant Reflects on Losing Iron Man Role to Robert Downey Jr.
Justified star Timothy Olyphant has opened up about auditioning for Tony Stark in the MCU.
10 Actors Who Made Late-Career Comebacks
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Marvel Unveils a Commemorative Funko Pop Tribute to Robert Downey Jr.’s Iconic Iron Man
Marvel pays homage to Robert Downey Jr.’s legendary Iron Man with a new Funko Pop figure.
Robert Downey Jr. As Iron Man ‘One of the Greatest Casting Decisions’ in Movie History, Christopher Nolan Declares
Christopher Nolan heaps praise on the decision to center the MCU around Robert Downey Jr. and cast him as Iron Man.