Iron Man (MEFU)

Iron Man is the first film in the MEFU, also known as the Marvel Expanded Film Universe. It also serves as the first film in Phase One, and the first Iron Man film in the series. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle as Tony Stark/Iron Man and James “Rhodey” Rhodes/War Machine, respectively, while Jeff Bridges and Mickey Rourke portray the film’s villains, Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger and Ivan Vanko/Crimson Dynamo. The film serves as an introduction to the MEFU, introducing multiple key components, such as two leading Avengers and the organization S.H.I.E.L.D.

Plot[]

Act One[]

The film opens at a huge, prestigious event. Tons of people arrive, dressed in fancy dresses and suits, including Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle), and Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). As they all search for one man, Rhodey tells them that it's time. Pepper says that Tony better pull one of his last minute grand entrances. Obadiah says they can only hope. As everyone attending the event takes their seat, we see a small piece of paper telling us that this is an event honoring Tony Stark with an award. As Pepper sits at a front table, staring at the empty seat at the table where Tony should be sitting, Rhodey walks on stage.

He says hello to the audience, and tells them that tonight, they are here to honor his best friend, the amazing Tony Stark. He says that tonight they will be honoring all the work Tony has done throughout his life to reshape the world for the better. He is handed an award, and says that this award is only a small show of gratitude to Tony for all his amazing actions. He calls on Tony to accept the award. There is silence. Rhodey looks down at Pepper and Obadiah, who stare at him awkwardly. Obadiah stands up, and walks on stage. He accepts the award in Tony’s place, saying that he knows Tony would be honored, wherever he is. After he says this, we see Tony (Robert Downey Jr.) in a casino, with multiple beautiful women wrapped around him. As he goes to bet on something, he stares off and asks if he was supposed to do something that night, leading into the title.

We see Tony Stark walking through the casino, gambling, drinking, and talking to many beautiful women. As he walks towards the bar, he is stopped by Rhodey. Tony asks Rhodey what brings him to the casino. Rhodey says that he doesn't know if Tony remembers, but they sorta had a prior engagement, showing Tony the award given to him. Tony looks at the award, then back at Rhodey, saying he knew he was forgetting something. Rhodey says that this is a lot bigger than just “something”. This was a huge ceremony in Tony's honor, and he didn't even bother showing up. Tony apologizes, saying it just slipped his mind. Rhodey asks how something like this could just slip his mind. He asks himself why he's still friends with Tony. Tony smiles, responding that it's because he loves him. Rhodey smiles. Tony asks Rhodey if he forgives him. Rhodey laughs, and says that he does, but he doesn't know if Pepper and Obadiah will be as forgiving. Tony shakes his head, and says they'll get over it. Rhodey tells Tony to be on time for their flight the next day. Tony says he will be, but right now he has other plans. Rhodey follows Tony’s eyes to a beautiful girl sitting by herself at the bar. Rhodey pats Tony on the back, telling him to go get her. Tony high fives Rhodey, and approaches the girl, while Rhodey leaves the casino.

We cut to the next morning, where the same girl from the bar lays in a large bed in Tony Stark's mansion, implying the two hooked up. As the girl wakes up, she discovers Tony's personal A.I, called J.A.R.V.I.S. (Paul Bettany) Before she can look around any more, she is escorted out of the mansion by Pepper, who we discover is Tony's personal assistant. She goes downstairs, where Tony is getting ready to head to the airport. Tony asks if the girl handled it well. Pepper ignores the question, instead asking Tony if he is ready. Tony says he's always ready for anything. Pepper says that she's serious, as this deal to sell weapons to the Army could be one of, if not the biggest deal in the history of Stark Industries. Tony says he'll keep that in mind, grabbing his suitcase and waving goodbye to Pepper. He gets in his car, where Obadiah sits waiting.

Tony says hello to Obadiah, who stares at him angrily. Obadiah admits he still hasn't forgiven Tony for not showing up to the award ceremony. Tony says he forgot. Obadiah says he's sick of Tony just forgetting his responsibilities, and choosing to party instead. He says that for once, he wants Tony to take something seriously, like his father did when he ran Stark Industries. Tony tells Obadiah not to bring his father into this, as Howard was a no fun allowed man who only cared about work. Obadiah apologizes. Tony looks at Obadiah. He says he's sorry for missing the award ceremony, and asks how he can make it up to Obadiah. Obadiah tells Tony to secure this weapons deal, and all will be forgiven and forgotten. Tony nods. He says that Obadiah can essentially consider the deal already done. Obadiah smiles, and shakes Tony's hand. The car arrives at the airport, where Tony says goodbye to Obadiah and boards his private jet, where Rhodey is already seated, congratulating Tony on being on time for once. Tony says he promised he would be, taking a seat across from Rhodey.

As the private jet takes off, Rhodey asks Tony what his strategy for the meeting is. Tony says that he's having one of the weapons sent in for a full on demonstration. Rhodey smiles, saying the men will eat that up. Tony says that they don't need to worry about business right now, and instead have some fun. He calls the flight attendants over. He reveals to Rhodey that they aren't really flight attendants, but actually strippers. He takes two to his private room in the back of the jet, and tells Rhodes to have fun. Rhodey looks at the attractive women and says that sometimes, no matter all the annoying stuff, Tony comes through in the end.

We cut to Tony and Rhodey, as they get off the jet. The two look at each other, and high five, in celebration of their actions on the plane. They get into their car, which is taking them to the desert where Tony will show off his new weapon to the Army. Rhodey asks Tony if he's nervous. Tony says that you don't get as far as he has by getting nervous, you just do what you do and never look back. Rhodey says that is a dangerous way to live. Tony says that is the best way to live. The car comes to a stop, arriving at its location. Tony and Rhodey get out of the car, with a large group of soldiers waiting for Tony. Tony approaches the weapon. He says that this weapon, known as the Jericho missile, will be the future of the US Military, sending America into a new age of war. He fires the weapon off, causing a large blast behind him. The soldiers cheer. Tony smiles. Suddenly, a Stark Industries grenade is thrown down next to him. Tony prepares to jump, but the grenade explodes, sending shrapnel directly into Tony's chest. Tony's vision blurs as the Army fires at a large group of masked figures, which fire back at them. A masked figure grabs Tony, dragging him away. Tony's eyes close, sending him into a deep sleep. We see flashes of Tony on a medical table, and being filmed by a camera.

Suddenly, Tony jolts awake. He looks down at himself, and finds a blue circle in his chest. He asks himself what it is. Someone in the shadows mutters that it's an Arc Reactor. Tony looks at the man in the shadows. The man walks up to Tony, saying that his name is Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), a scientist. Another man walks up to Tony, revealing himself as Ho Yinsen (Shawn Toub), a doctor. Tony asks why they captured him. Ivan says that they were captured just like Tony. Yinsen says that Tony was captured by an organization known as the Ten Rings, a terrorist group who wants Tony's weapons. Suddenly, a large knock on the door is heard. Ivan says that must be them.

Multiple members of the Ten Rings walk into the room, led by a mysterious figure. Yinsen translates the man's words to Tony, revealing the man is named Raza (Faran Tahir), and that he is one of the leading members of the Ten Rings. He says that he wants Tony to build him a version of the Jericho missile that he can use. Tony agrees to build the missile. Raza smiles, and says that if Tony messes this up, he will be killed publicly and brutally. Tony nods. Raza and the others walk out as Tony turns to Yinsen and Ivan. Ivan asks if Tony is really gonna build these guys a missile. Tony says that there is no way. He says that the three of them are going to build their own weapon and get out of there as soon as possible. Tony asks if they'll help him. Ivan and Yinsen agree.

Back in New York, Obadiah sits behind a curtain, holding a photo of himself and Tony from Tony's induction as CEO of Stark Industries. As he looks at it, we cut to a similar shot of Obadiah sitting outside of a hospital room, clutching his head in his hands. A teenage Tony Stark walks out, saying that he wants to talk to him. Obadiah enters the room to find Howard Stark, clearly on his last leg. Obadiah walks up, asking when they are gonna get out of here and head back to the lab. Howard laughs, before becoming serious, saying that they both know he is not making it out of here. He tells Obadiah that Tony is bright, but he needs guidance, and to be controlled. He says that, when he dies, Obadiah will become CEO of Stark Industries, but upon Tony's 21st birthday, he will take the reins. He begs Obadiah to make sure Tony is ready. Obadiah promises that he will, as Howard thanks him, telling him to send Tony back in. As Obadiah walks out, he breaks a quick, sinister smile. As we cut back to present day, Obadiah drops the photo, muttering that he's sorry. He walks through the curtain into a press conference, as reporters flash their cameras at him and ask about Tony. Obadiah says that he wants to assure the people that they are doing everything in their power to find and save Tony, and he hopes to bring him home as soon as possible. He exits the stage, as he wears the same sinister smile as he wore the first time he stepped into the CEO role at Stark Industries.

As Ivan and Yinsen sit within the cave, working on blueprints with Tony, Tony asks them about their lives. Yinsen says that he was a doctor within his village, and that he has a wife and daughter waiting for him at home, excited to one day return home to the family he’s lost. He was pulled from his village by the Ten Rings due to them needing a medic after a failed incursion on a military group. Tony turns to Ivan, asking how he got here. Ivan says that his father was a scientist, the brightest mind he had ever seen. Ivan and his father traveled to the area after Ivan’s father Anton Vanko got into trouble within Russia due to his wanting to defect from the Soviet Union. The Ten Rings caught wind of a Soviet scientist within their area, and decided they wanted Anton to help them develop a weapon. Ivan says that he refused to let them take Anton, worried his older, frail father would not survive a day with the Ten Rings. Ivan convinced the Ten Rings to take him instead, and now, he simply hopes his father is okay. Tony looks at the two men, telling them he’s sorry that they have ended up here. He promises to get both of them home to their family, but that first, they will have to get to work. We cut through a montage that shows Tony, Ivan, and Yinsen building a large metal suit powered by the Arc Reactor, as the three of them bond, becoming close friends over the course of three weeks. Finally, we see Tony, Ivan, and Yinsen looking up at the large grey suit. Tony climbs into the suit. Ivan asks Tony how it feels to be the Iron Man. Tony says it feels good. He approaches the door of their prison. He asks Ivan and Yinsen if they're ready. The two nod, and Tony kicks the door open. Raza jumps up, and sends all the Ten Rings soldiers towards their prison.

The soldiers approach the prison room. Suddenly, two soldiers are thrown across the room by Tony, who then headbutts another. Ivan and Yinsen grab guns from the soldiers that have been taken down, and fire at the Ten Rings. As Tony, Ivan, and Yinsen battle the Ten Rings, Yinsen is shot. Tony and Ivan approach Yinsen. Yinsen tells them to survive as best they can, and not to waste their lives. They try to get Yinsen up, saying they promised to get him home to his family. Yinsen reveals that his family was murdered by the Ten Rings, and that it is time for him to join them back at home. As Yinsen passes away, Tony and Ivan continue ahead. Tony uses flamethrowers on his wrists to fire at Raza, scarring his face. Tony sends an emergency alert to Rhodey with the Ten Rings' technology. As they continue ahead, a soldier sneaks up on them and shoots Ivan in the shoulder. Tony takes the soldier down as Ivan falls to the ground. He begs Tony to help him. As Tony prepares to go back to Ivan, a blast occurs, separating the two of them. Tony screams that he’ll come back for Ivan, promising to rescue him before running out of the base. As Tony reaches the exit, he flies into the air, before crashing directly into the ground. As he crawls through the desert for over a day, a plane lands behind him. Rhodey climbs out, and pulls Tony into a hug.

Act Two[]

Rhodey helps Tony into his home, where Obadiah and Pepper stand waiting. Tony hugs the two of them. Obadiah says that it's about time he got back. Pepper asks Tony if he'd like to rest. Tony looks at her. He asks Pepper if she even knows him. He says that it's time for the welcome home party. We cut to a few hours later, with Tony's mansion full of people. Tony stands in the crowd, dancing with others. A man walks up to him, introducing himself as Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg). Tony asks why he should care. Coulson says that he would really enjoy talking to Tony about his escape from the Ten Rings sometime. Tony says he'll have to look at his schedule sometime, before walking away. Tony walks over to the edge of the room, leaning against the wall. Pepper walks up to him and asks why he's all the way over here. Tony says that the party is just a lot. Pepper asks what happened to him out there. Tony asks what she means. Pepper says that Tony has never considered a party "too much". She asks what happened to him out there. Tony says that he saw the consequences of his actions for the first time. Tony tells Pepper that he's not the same man that he was when he went out there. Pepper says she knows that, but he's still Tony Stark, putting her hand on his hand. Tony smiles. He says that it's time for a better Tony Stark. He stands up and walks out of the party, with Pepper, Obadiah, and Rhodey following him out.

Tony stands in front of the reporters. He says that he doesn't really have the time for a press conference at the moment, but he has something for everyone to know. Tony announces that Stark Industries will no longer be developing and manufacturing weapons. Obadiah grabs Tony and pulls him inside. Obadiah asks Tony what he thinks he's doing. Tony says he's doing what he thinks is right. Obadiah says that this could destroy Stark Industries. Tony says that if that's their karma for the lives they've destroyed, then so be it. Obadiah says it doesn't matter if they're destroying lives, as long as they're making money. Tony shakes his head, saying that Obadiah is wrong. Obadiah says that he's been trying to phase Tony out of the company for months, and now he knows that was a good decision. Tony furrows his brow. He yells for Obadiah to get out. He turns to the partygoers. He tells everyone to get out of his house. Everyone exits the mansion. Pepper and Rhodey try to talk to Tony, but he ignores them, walking downstairs.

Tony enters his basement. J.A.R.V.I.S, Tony's at home A.I, asks if Tony would like a bottle of wine. Tony says that he would enjoy living in a world where he wasn't a monster. J.A.R.V.I.S says that if Tony doesn't want to be a monster, he must decide who he wants to be. Tony stares at the ground. He says that J.A.R.V.I.S is up to something. We cut through a montage showing Tony staying up day and night, working on an updated version of the Iron Man suit used to escape the Ten Rings, sleeker and smaller with a grey color. Eventually, Tony stares at the finished product: the Mark II Iron Man suit. Tony climbs into the suit, revealing J.A.R.V.I.S has been installed into the suit. Tony says they should take this baby for a joyride. Tony, suited up as Iron Man, flies into the sky, whipping through New York. He unfortunately runs down the power of the suit too quickly, and crashes through his roof and into his mansion.

Back at the base of the Ten Rings, Raza watches the news, as the rescue of Tony Stark is announced to the world. He sighs, clenching his fists. As one of his men walks in, he screams for him to get out, throwing a rock at his head. He knocks around his room, destroying many objects. Taking a deep breath, Raza walks into another room, where Ivan sits, a chain around his neck. Raza approaches Ivan, patting him on the head. He says that he is giving Ivan an opportunity greater than anything he could ask for. He says that if Ivan simply recreates the armor he built alongside Tony Stark, he will be set free and allowed to return home. Ivan says that he doesn’t need them to set him free, as he will be rescued by the Iron Man. Raza makes the offer to Ivan again, but Ivan proceeds to spit on Raza. Raza, enraged, grabs a whip and uses it to beat Ivan viciously, leaving bloody lashes across his body. Raza kicks Ivan as he walks out, slamming the door. As Ivan begins to cry, he calls out to Tony, begging for rescue.

A few days later, Tony sits in his basement, looking at virtual blueprints for a Mark III Iron Man suit. Suddenly, Pepper runs downstairs. She tells J.A.R.V.I.S to turn on the news. The television turns on, showing leaked images of Stark Industries weapons being shipped out to foreign nations. Tony jumps to his feet and stomps out of his mansion. We cut to the Stark Industries headquarters, where Tony walks into Obadiah's office. Obadiah asks Tony what brings him to the office. Tony walks around Obadiah's desk and grabs him by his collar, lifting him out of his chair and slamming him into a wall. Tony asks how Obadiah could continue to sell these weapons. Obadiah says he's doing what's best for the company. Tony punches Obadiah in the face. He says that the best thing for the company would be to get Obadiah out of it as soon as possible. Tony stomps out. Obadiah grabs his phone. He calls someone and says that he's on his way there now.

Tony returns home. He stares at the blueprints of the Mark III Iron Man suit. He tells J.A.R.V.I.S to get to work. We cut through Tony working on a more powerful and easy to use armor, eventually completing the red and gold Iron Man Mark III armor. He flies out of his mansion. We cut to a foreign nation, where a group of terrorists is attacking a small town using Stark Industries weapons. Suddenly, Iron Man lands in the center of the town. He fires at the terrorists using his repulsive blasts and small missiles. A tank pulls up to Tony. Iron Man fires a missile at the tank, destroying it. The people of the town cheer for Iron Man. Tony flies into the sky, returning to New York.

The next day, news of the mysterious Iron Man is shown on television screens all over the country. Rhodey walks into Tony's mansion at the same time as Pepper. Rhodey asks Pepper if Tony asked her to meet him in the basement lab. Pepper says he did. Rhodey and Pepper walk downstairs to find Tony standing next to something covered by a tarp. Pepper asks what this is about. Tony asks Rhodey and Pepper if they've heard the news about the Iron Man. Pepper says it's all over the news. Rhodey says that the military is currently investigating him. Tony rips the tarp off the object, revealing the Mark III Iron Man suit. Pepper asks what this is. Tony tells Pepper and Rhodey that he is Iron Man. Pepper says that Tony is insane. Rhodey tells Tony to turn this suit into the military. Tony says that he can't. Pepper asks why. Tony says that being Iron Man is the reason he's alive. Rhodey says that he can't support Tony doing these things. Rhodey stomps out, followed by Pepper. Tony sits down, his face in his hands.

We cut to the base of the Ten Rings. A plane lands outside the base as Raza walks outside. A man gets out of the plane. It is revealed to be Obadiah. He is led into the base by Raza as the two sit in a meeting room. Raza asks Obadiah what brings him here. Obadiah says he paid Raza to kill Tony Stark, but all he did was give Tony a greater will to live than ever. Obadiah reveals that he knows Tony is Iron Man, as that armor is only manufactured by Stark Industries. Raza says that it's not his fault that Tony got away. Obadiah stands up. He says that Raza is a failure. He shoots Raza in the head. Obadiah walks out. He prepares to leave the Ten Rings base, when suddenly someone calls out to him. He walks up to a cell where the voice came from, revealing the voice to be Ivan. Obadiah asks what he wants. Ivan says that he helped Tony build his first Iron Man suit to escape the Ten Rings, but Tony left him here to die. Ivan says that he will help Obadiah build his own Iron Man suits, and together, they will kill Tony Stark. Obadiah smiles. He shoots the lock on Ivan's cell, letting him free. Obadiah and Ivan shake hands. As the two walk out, the base explodes, killing everyone inside. We cut back to New York, as Obadiah and Ivan walk into a Stark Industries lab. Obadiah says that Ivan has unlimited resources to work with. All that matters is that when this is done and over with, Tony Stark will be dead at their feet. Ivan says that Obadiah has nothing to worry about. He begins work on blueprints on two suits of armor.

Act Three[]

We cut to a week later, where we see a bank robbery occurring in New York. As a man prepares to shoot a hostage, suddenly he is blasted back by Iron Man, who crashes through the wall. He takes down all the bank robbers using repulsive blasts. Police officers run into the building. They tell Iron Man to stand down. Iron Man waves, before flying away. Iron Man lands in the mansion, the suit opening up to allow Tony out. Pepper stands waiting. Tony says that if Pepper is here to scold him again, she can just leave. Pepper says that's not why she's here. She walks over to Tony. She puts her hand on his. She says that if Tony doesn't stop this, he's gonna kill himself. Tony walks across the room. He says that when he was in that cave, his entire life flashed before his eyes. A life where all he did was hurt people for his own good. Tony says that he wants his legacy to be as a good man, not a war monger. Pepper walks over to Tony. She says that he has always been a good guy. Tony says that not everyone sees him the same way Pepper does. Pepper says that doesn't matter. Tony yells that it does. Tony says that he has to be better than what the people see him as. Pepper grabs Tony. She says that those people aren't the ones Tony should care about. Tony and Pepper kiss. Tony backs away and walks upstairs. Pepper sits down, with her face in her hands.

We cut to that night, where Obadiah walks into the Stark Industries lab to find Ivan putting the finishing touches on his project. Obadiah asks if it is ready. Ivan smiles, nodding. He presses a button and two suits, one huge suit and one smaller suit coming up. Ivan and Obadiah look at each other with wide grins. We cut back to Tony's mansion, where Tony sits in his living room. Pepper walks into the room, and asks Tony if they can talk. Tony stands up. He says that would probably be best. Suddenly, Tony is blasted across the room. Pepper looks to find Obadiah and Ivan landing inside Tony's mansion. Obadiah says that this is what happens when you become a true war monger. You become the Iron Monger. Ivan presses a button on his wrist, releasing two electric whips. He says that he is Crimson Dynamo. Tony says that is probably the stupidest name he's ever heard. Ivan says that he's sorry to hear that, but unfortunately Tony will be too dead to tell anyone. Ivan crashes his whip down at Tony, who dodges it. Tony runs downstairs, putting on his Iron Man suit. He flies in front of Obadiah and Ivan. He says that if they want him, they can come and get him. Ivan wraps his whip around Tony’s leg as he attempts to boost away, as Tony looks at Ivan, asking what happened to his idea of going home to his father. Ivan says that he will go home once he has destroyed the man who abandoned him. Tony blasts Ivan back as he gives his speech, giving him time to escape. Tony flies away, as Obadiah and Ivan follow him.

Pepper grabs her phone. She tells Rhodey to get over there now. Tony flies through the skies of New York, with Obadiah and Ivan trailing close behind. Ivan wraps a whip around Tony's leg, slowing him down. Obadiah catches up to Tony, and grabs hold of him. Tony turns off his flight systems, sending himself, Obadiah and Ivan crashing into a forest. Tony is about to get off the ground when, suddenly, Obadiah kicks Tony in the stomach, sending him crashing into a tree. Ivan wraps the whips around Tony's hands, pulling back to keep Tony pressed against the tree. Obadiah says that he's gonna make sure Tony's death is slow and painful, punching him directly in the face.

Rhodey runs into Tony's mansion. Rhodey asks what happened. Pepper says that Obadiah and some man came wearing armor like Tony and attacked him. Rhodey furrows his brow. He asks what they should do. Pepper says she doesn't know. Rhodey suddenly raises his head. He says he has an idea. He runs downstairs, Pepper following behind him. He stands in front of the Mark II armor. He says that this should be fun. We cut back to the forest, where Obadiah continues beating Tony. Suddenly, he is blasted back by something. Tony, Ivan, and Obadiah turn to see Rhodey, wearing the Mark II Iron Man armor.

Rhodey blasts Ivan, freeing Tony. Tony says it's nice to see Rhodey on the battlefield. Rhodey highfives Tony. Rhodey says he'll get the small guy and Tony can get the big one. Tony says that it makes sense, considering he's cooler and stronger. Rhodey says it's just because Tony's older suit is kinda garbage. Tony says that it is awesome. Obadiah tells them to shut up. He charges at Tony, tackling him to the ground. Ivan crashes his whips down at Rhodey, who dodges the electricity. He misses once, and crashes to the ground. Tony and Obadiah crash through trees and bushes, blasting at each other. Tony jumps up, punching Obadiah's mask as hard as he can, destroying it.

Ivan walks over to Rhodey. He goes to crash the whips down on him, but Rhodey catches the whips. Rhodey kicks Ivan back, keeping the whips. Rhodey crashes the whips into the power core of Ivan's suit, causing the suit to explode, killing Ivan. Obadiah tackles Tony down to the ground. He looks at Tony, saying that he always saw him as a son. However, he also knew he was a liability. He says that when Howard told him that Tony would take over Stark Industries, he was terrified that Tony would destroy everything he worked so hard to build. Luckily, he's taking his rightful control back. He says that this will be the end of Tony Stark, preparing to crush Tony's head. Tony tells J.A.R.V.I.S to divert all power to the Arc Reactor. Obadiah brings his fists down. Tony tells J.A.R.V.I.S to blast. The Arc Reactor sends a blast out that reaches the sky. Obadiah falls to the ground, a hole in his chest. Tony gets off the ground, his suit without power. Rhodey says that they did it, hugging.

We cut to the next day. Tony and Rhodey sit on the couch, resting from the battle. Pepper walks over. She says that they're lucky to be alive. Tony stands up. He says that he could've died out there, and he wants to make sure Pepper knows how much he cares about her just in case. Pepper smiles. Tony kisses her. Rhodey stands up. He says that right now, the only thing they should care about is making him a new suit. Tony says that the two of them can get to work on it as soon as possible. Tony tells Rhodey to look at the news. We see a military press conference on the news, as the military tells a lie attempting to cover up the blast in the sky from the previous night. Rhodey says that it looks like someone else is gonna take the credit for their fun time last night. Tony says that they can't have that. We cut to the press conference. As a military general calls the blast a weapon test, Tony and Rhodey, in the Mark III and Mark II Iron Man suits, land on the stage. Rhodey says that they were responsible for the blast in the woods last night. Suddenly, their helmets come back, showing their faces and revealing their identities. Tony yells that they are iron men as the screen cuts to black.

Mid-Credit Scene[]

We cut to a small building in a foreign nation. A man walks into a room in the base, showing a mysterious figure sitting in the shadows. The man says that Raza and all of his men are dead. The figure says that it doesn't matter. What matters now is their takeover and destruction. The man leans forward. He says that soon, the Ten Rings will kill the Iron Men and anyone else who stands in their way. He says that soon, the world shall belong to the Mandarin (Tony Leung).

Post-Credit Scene[]

Tony and Rhodey walk into Tony's mansion at night, talking. Coulson stands. He asks Tony and Rhodey if they've had a fun day. Rhodey asks who he is. Tony says that he recognizes him, asking why he's in his home. Coulson says that he brought a friend. A man walks out of the shadows, saying that his name is Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He says that he wants to talk to them about the Avengers Initiative.

Cast[]

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man - A billionaire playboy who, after being captured by a terrorist organization, rethinks his entire life, suiting up as the hero Iron Man to do good.
Don Cheadle as James "Rhodey" Rhodes/War Machine - A military Lt. Col. who also serves as Tony Stark’s best friend. Rhodey must suit up as a hero of his own in order to assist Tony in his mission.
Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts - Tony Stark’s personal assistant who has a special connection with the billionaire and serves as his moral compass through his journey.
Paul Bettany as J.A.R.V.I.S. (voice) - Tony Stark’s personal A.I. who serves as an important aspect of his Iron Man adventures.
Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger - A fellow leading member of Stark Industries who harbors a secret hate for Tony Stark and leads the mission of taking him down once and for all, becoming Iron Monger.
Mickey Rourke as Ivan Vanko/Crimson Dynamo - A man wronged by Tony in the past, Ivan uses his genius to take down Tony Stark if it’s the last thing he does.
Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson - A mysterious man who requires Tony’s assistance on a major mission.
Shawn Toub as Ho Yinsen - A fellow prisoner who helps Tony on his mission.
Faran Tahir as Raza - A leading member of the Ten Rings who leads the capture of Tony Stark.

Tony Leung appears as Iron Man's archnemesis The Mandarin in the film's mid-credit scene, while Samuel L. Jackson appears as S.H.I.E.L.D director Nick Fury in the film's post-credit scene. John Slattery appears as Howard Stark, Tony's father, on television screens and photographs throughout the movie. Stan Lee cameos in the film's opening at the casino, portraying a man Tony mistakes for Hugh Hefner.

Trivia[]

It marks the first appearances of the MEFU’s iterations of Tony Stark/Iron Man, James “Rhodey” Rhodes/War Machine, Pepper Potts, Phil Coulson, Nick Fury, and the Mandarin.
It marks the first (and last) appearances of the MEFU’s iterations of Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger, Ivan Vanko/Crimson Dynamo, Raza, and Ho Yinsen.
Although the film does share similarities with its original MCU counterpart, it deviates in multiple areas, primarily in its inclusion of Ivan Vanko, the main villain of the MCU’s second Iron Man film, as the secondary villain of this film, as well as featuring Rhodey suit up, which was saved for Iron Man 2 within the MCU.
There were discussions regarding having the Mandarin be the main villain, but these plans were scrapped, although he does still appear within the film as a cameo in its mid-credit scene.
Ivan’s role, initially a mere henchman to Obadiah, was dramatically enhanced to make him into the secondary villain and adding a friendship between him and Tony.
There are two major casting shifts, with Don Cheadle and Tony Leung being immediately cast as James Rhodes and The Mandarin, rather than recast or revealed later.