Summary
Marvel Studios' upcomingArmor Warsis set to continue Iron Man’s story in theMCU, but could also do a better job at telling one of Tony Stark’s storylines from the MCU’s past. Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark became the face of the MCU following his debut in 2008’sIron Man, with Iron Man becoming one of the most consistent and significant MCU heroes. Over eleven years, Iron Man became a foundingmember of the original Avengers, a mentor to younger heroes, and the savior of the entire universe, but despite his death, his MCU journey isn’t over just yet.
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige confirmed the development of a War Machine-focused Disney+ series for the MCU at Disney’s 2020 Investor Day. Don Cheadle is expected to reprise his role of James “Rhodey” Rhodes, a.k.a. War Machine, in theMCU’s upcomingArmor Wars, which may be inspired by the 1987 Marvel Comics storyline of the same name.Updates onArmor Warshave been scarce since the project was confirmed to be reworked into a feature film in September 2022, thoughArmor Warsmay have the perfect opportunity to remakeIron Man’s worst MCU storyline.
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Armor Wars Is Basically Iron Man 2 Again
2010’sIron Man 2, which markedDon Cheadle’s debut as the MCU’s Rhodey, taking over from Terrence Howard, borrowed elements of Marvel Comics’Armor Warsstoryline.Iron Man 2is regarded as the weak link in Tony Stark’s solo trilogy, so it’s possible that Marvel Studios’Armor Warsmovie could rehash the same plot, but finally do it justice.Iron Man 2focused heavily on others trying to recreate or steal Stark technology, including Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit itself, which forms the basis of Marvel Comics’Armor Wars, as Stark travels the world trying to recover his stolen tech.
As pointed out byReddituser justbadthings,many aspects ofIron Man 2and Marvel Comics’Armor Warsare the same. Instead of Iron Man showing off for Force, he shows off at the Stark Expo, while Spymaster steals the Iron Man suit designs in Marvel Comics' storyline, Rhodey takes the suit inIron Man 2, and Tony Stark even battles Ivan Vanko, the son of Anton Vanko, who was the armored villain Crimson Dynamo in Marvel Comics’Armor Wars. If thelive-actionArmor Warsfollows the same trajectory, the upcoming movie could become a remake ofIron Man 2.
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Armor Wars Can Finally Bring An End To The MCU’s Stark Tech Obsession
The storyline of others wantingTony Stark’s Iron Mantechnology has been used and reused again and again in the MCU’s history, ever since the hero debuted in 2008. Rhodey wanted the suit for the United States military, and got his wish inIron Man 2, whilemany villains, including Ivan Vanko’s Whiplash and Justin Hammer, tried to recreate the technology. InIron Man 3, Aldrich Killian and his Extremis-empowered soldiers stole the Iron Patriot armor, while Ultron even used Stark technology to create his own army inAvengers: Age of Ultron. This storyline deserves to finally be wrapped up.
Marvel Studios’Armor Warspresents the perfect opportunity for this long-running theme to finally come to an end, allowing Rhodey’s War Machine to embark on new adventures, instead of the same ones that Stark faced as Iron Man. There’s only so many ways the same story can be told, butthe prospect ofArmor Warsbringing a more comic-accurate adaptation into the MCU, despite Tony Stark’s demise, could be the best way to end it once-and-for-all. Rhodey’s return after his tumultuous Phase 4 and 5 journey is much-anticipated, though it’s still unclear exactlywhenArmor Warswill release.
Armor Wars
Cast
Initially conceived as a Disney+ series, Armor Wars is an MCU movie centered on Rhodey Rhodes' mission to honor Tony Stark’s legacy and keep his Iron Man technology from wreaking havoc when they fall into the wrong hands. Starring Don Cheadle as War Machine, Marvel Studios' Armor Wars adapts the eponymous comic book storyline to the big screen in the Multiverse Saga.
