The MCU Will Never Escape Iron Man (But It's Okay)
Even though Iron Man is no longer a part of the MCU, it's not a bad thing at all that this universe can't get rid of him and his legacy - here's why.
Even though the Marvel Cinematic Universe has moved on from the events of the Infinity Saga and Avengers: Endgame, it's continually proving that it can never fully escape Iron Man - and that's not a bad thing at all. The MCU kicked off with the first Iron Man movie in 2008, and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) went on to lead the first three phases of the MCU and join Captain America as the original Avengers one of the leaders.
Iron Man has had a difficult personal journey throughout the Infinity Saga as he struggled with his traumatic past and ego, and finally, he sacrificed himself to save the universe as a hero in Avengers: Endgame And die. The MCU worked hard to get rid of Iron Man and his legacy in the first part of Phase 4, and while it no longer depends on him, it's clear that the universe will never escape Iron Man, but that's not a bad thing anymore.
Iron Man Still Defines The MCU Even After His Death
Iron Man not only led the Infinity Saga, but defined the MCU, and thus was key to making it happen it is ... now. The success of his first film prompted Marvel to replicate its formula in subsequent films, as well as a tone that mixes comedic and light-hearted moments with darker and more serious moments that add depth to characters and keep viewers engaged. Resonate with them. As much as the MCU tries to change that formula with movies like The Eternals, it always ends up going back to the formula that Iron Man established and worked so well, so even though Stark himself is gone, he continues to define the MCU because he Shattering expectations and proving that his tone and style are exactly what this connected world needs to succeed and stay afloat.
Iron Man is also the first MCU movie to have an end credits scene that teases the future of the character (and this universe), introducing Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and his proposal for the Avengers initiative . It was the start of an MCU tradition that, despite losing its power and popularity recently due to the end credits scene contributing nothing to the story or the future of the MCU, continues to captivate audiences and keep them stuck until the final credits It's over. Iron Man also made the whole "Internet of Everything" concept a reality, with Feige (from Vanity Fair) tweaking the Hulk to feel more like Iron Man and bringing in Robert Downey Jr. to make that connection. Man of Steel changed the superhero genre both in and out of his own world, setting an example for other connected universes, and within the MCU it made the first connection and established the formula for what happened to the rest of the movies, and the MCU has changed since Iron Man After his death, the universe is still defined by him, what he does, what he builds, whether as a character or a movie.
The MCU's Future Cannot Escape Iron Man's Legacy
The MCU no longer relies on Iron Man's actions to move the universe forward, but it also cannot escape Tony Stark's legacy. Iron Man's legacy extends beyond Earth, and by the time he died in Avengers: Endgame, he'd already touched too much of the MCU to be left behind once he's gone. Iron Man is responsible for the emergence of various villains, his technology continues to be used (check out his best friend Roddy, who continues as Gears of War), and He helped Spider-Man become the hero he is now (although Peter Parker is now self-made, he certainly hasn't forgotten what he learned from his mentor), he saved the universe, and that alone is enough that the MCU will never be able to get rid of his heritage.
Although his closest friends and colleagues, as well as the original Avengers, are no longer active in the MCU, as are Pepper Potts and Morgan Stark, Iron Man's legacy continues through Roddy, Spider-Man, Harpy, and more. Hogan was continued, along with the newly introduced Riri Williams, who is now his official replacement in the MCU. Even if there's no direct connection to him, there's still a lot that is connected to Iron Man in some way, thanks to everything he's done in the MCU and how he's shaped the universe in so many ways.
Why It's OK The MCU Won't Escape Iron Man
As the hero who started it all and the hero who made the post-MCU endgame possible because of his sacrifice, it makes sense, and it actually doesn't matter that this universe didn't escape Iron Man. The MCU has now reached a point where it doesn't have to use Iron Man to move other stories forward (still happened to Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Far From Home), but what he did doesn't have to be forgotten or ignored either. The upcoming film, Armored Wars, will largely feature Iron Man's legacy, which will see Stark's greatest nightmare unfold, with Roddy spearheading it, and will continue to feel many of the blips and Iron Man's sudden outbursts. Consequences, discussed throughout the MCU. Iron Man shaped and saved the MCU, and while he should no longer be the flashpoint of conflict, the MCU won't escape his legacy, which is exactly what it should be.
Iron Man's Enduring MCU Legacy Is Why RDJ Never Needs To Return
Since the concept of variants is now such a big part of the MCU, especially throughout the Multiverse Saga, there has been much speculation as to how Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr. will return, but this is unnecessary. RDJ doesn't need to reprise his role as Iron Man, as his and the character's legacy lives on in the MCU and is sure to stay for a long, long time, and having them back would tarnish Iron Man's enduring legacy. Iron Man's time in the MCU has come to a happy end, and it was his sacrifice that allowed the universe to survive That alone should be strong enough to keep Robert Downey Jr. from returning as the Multiverse Saga moves forward. Iron Man isn't just the genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist of the MCU, but what the MCU is now, and continues to evolve with his help.
