Iron Man is a 2008 American superhero film that marks the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Directed by Jon Favreau, the film is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and features Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and master engineer. The film also stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, and others. It premiered in Sydney on April 14, 2008, and was released in the United States on May 2, 2008.
The plot follows Tony Stark, who is captured by terrorists in Afghanistan after demonstrating his company’s latest missile, the Jericho. While imprisoned, he is gravely wounded and has shrapnel lodged near his heart. With the help of fellow captive Yinsen, Stark builds a makeshift suit of armor to escape captivity. Upon returning home, he decides to cease weapon manufacturing at Stark Industries after witnessing the destruction his products cause. This decision puts him at odds with his business partner Obadiah Stane, who has his own agenda.
Stark's journey from arms dealer to superhero is central to the film's narrative. He develops a more advanced suit of armor powered by a miniaturized arc reactor that he creates to keep himself alive. As he embraces his new identity as Iron Man, he confronts both external threats and internal conflicts regarding his past actions and responsibilities.
The film received critical acclaim for its engaging story, impressive visual effects, and especially for Downey's charismatic performance as Stark. It grossed over $585 million worldwide and was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. The American Film Institute recognized it as one of the ten best films of 2008. In 2022, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry due to its cultural significance.
Overall, Iron Man not only set the stage for future MCU films but also redefined superhero cinema with its blend of action, humor, and character-driven storytelling. It remains a pivotal entry in both Marvel's cinematic legacy and the superhero genre as a whole.