Iron Man (2008) review: How does it impact Infinity War?

Credit: Paramount Pictures/Marvel Studios; from Iron Man (2008)

How will the events of this movie play into Infinity War?

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first official movie, Iron Man, of course, has plenty of hints of upcoming films Marvel had in the works. That’s rather remarkable considering no one knew how successful Iron Man would actually be at the box office at the time.

Among these include discussion about Tony’s father, Howard Stark, who becomes a pivotal character in future films, including Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). This is also the first appearance of Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. And of course, there’s the end-credits stinger featuring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and his “Avengers Initiative.”

Moreover, nearly everything which transpired in the Marvel Cinematic Universe came about as a direct result of Tony’s actions in this movie. His becoming and later outing himself as Iron Man is what prompts Fury into creating the Avengers. This, in turn, will attract the attention of Thanos, prompting his own quest to gather the Infinity Stones.

Then there is J.A.R.V.I.S. (voiced by Paul Bettany), Tony’s sarcastic A.I. assistant who will, one day, become the android Avenger known as The Vision, and bearer of the Mind Gem Infinity Stone. Looking back on this film, it’s rather astonishing once you realize just how much character growth and development J.A.R.V.I.S. has undergone. We’re also reminded that, although he’s a disembodied computer voice, J.A.R.V.I.S. is also Tony’s friend. This will make it all the more heart-wrenching once Vision dies during Avengers: Infinity War.  And yes, I think there’s a very strong chance he will.

One scene, in my re-watching, struck me as even more hilarious in hindsight. During their design of the Mark III, Tony and J.A.R.V.I.S. discuss how to solve the problem of the suit functionality qt high altitudes. “Perhaps,” J.A.R.V.I.S. says, “if you intend to visit other planets, we should improve the exosystems.” Who would’ve guessed ten years later that Tony Stark will, indeed, visit another planet?

Next: Top 10 Highest Grossing Super Hero Movies of All Time

Next time, Bam Smack Pow will look at the other film which helped kick off the Marvel Cinematic Universe the same year as Iron Man — The Incredible Hulk.