Black Sabbath's Iron Man: The Iconic Song That Predicted Tony Stark's MCU Arc

Introduction

Iron Man features an iconic Black Sabbath song.

Tony Stark outing himself in Iron Man

An iconic Black Sabbath song is featured at the end of 2008's Iron Man, teasing Tony Stark's entire MCU arc only moments after his first live-action adventure. Marvel Studios Iron Man franchise was renowned for integrating classic rock songs of the 1970s and 80s into Tony Stark's storylines, with the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist being inspired by the heavy beats of the music throughout his career as the MCU's Iron Man. Featuring music from The Clash, Queen and AC/DC, among others, the songs of the Iron Man franchise gave insight into Tony Stark's personality, but one song in particular may have revealed the character's entire MCU arc without anybody noticing.

Black Sabbath in black and white photo

Tony Stark's love of rock and roll was highlighted throughout his career as Marvel Studios' Iron Man, most prominently in his solo adventures, but this passion was also felt in other MCU projects, too. The Avengers sees Iron Man and Captain America bring down Loki to the tune of AC/DC's 'Shoot to Thrill,' and Peter Parker listens to AC/DC's 'Back in Black' in Spider-Man: Far From Home, proving that Iron Man's legacy and love of rock music continues even after his death in Avengers: Endgame. However, one song from the Iron Man franchise's repertoire has a special significance to Tony Stark, and may have predicted the superhero's entire MCU future.

Tony Stark with metal hand in Iron Man

Black Sabbath's Iron Man Ending Song Predicted Tony Stark's Arc

After officially becoming Iron Man and defeating Obadiah Stane's Iron Monger in 2008's Iron Man, Tony Stark is encouraged to cover up his antics as the MCU's first on-screen superhero. In typical Stark fashion, however, the former weapons manufacturer instead declares to the world that it was him in the armor with his instantly famous line, 'I am Iron Man.' This moment is emphasized almost immediately as the end credits roll to the tune of Black Sabbath's hit 'Iron Man', which was released on the English rock band's 1970 album 'Paranoid.' Aside from fitting Tony Stark's rock and roll persona perfectly, 'Iron Man' also carries a deeper meaning for Stark.

Tony Stark's Iron Man aiming his repulsor in Iron Man 2

'Iron Man' Is About A Man Who Sees A Future Apocalypse & Tries To Warn The World

According to LouderSound, the lyrics to Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man' tell the story of a man who travels through time and witnesses an apocalyptic future. While trying to get home, the man encounters a rogue magnetic field that transforms him into a mute, steel creature. Despite trying to warn his loved ones of the impending apocalypse, the man is mocked for his new appearance and infliction, which leads to him becoming angry and bitter. This rage culminates in Iron Man causing the devastation he had tried to warn everyone about, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the would-be hero ultimately becomes the villain of his own story.

Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham had to convince Kevin Feige to pay extra for the rights to use Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man' in the MCU. Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler wrote the lyrics to 'Iron Man' in 1970, but claimed that the character in the song had no relation to the Marvel Comics superhero. Tony Stark debuted in Marvel Comics in 1963's Tales of Suspense #39, but Butler noted that he hadn't heard of the character prior to writing the song. Nevertheless, the Marvel Comics character and the hero-turned-villain in the song share many similarities, with both stories leaning heavily on science-fiction elements that were hugely popular at the time. For Iron Man in the MCU, however, Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man' may have predicted his much darker storylines.

Like Tony Stark, Black Sabbath's Iron Man Ends Up Causing More Harm

The character in Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man' ends up causing the destruction that he tried hard to avoid, which reflects Tony Stark's own journey in the MCU. After his experiences in The Avengers, Tony Stark's PTSD and his vision of the future in Avengers: Age of Ultron heightens his fears regarding the dangers that Earth faces. This leads to him inadvertently creating the artificial intelligence Ultron, and siding with the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, leading to the disbanding of the Avengers. This ultimately makes the Mad Titan Thanos' attack in Avengers: Infinity War easier, so Stark perhaps followed the same direction as Black Sabbath's own Iron Man.

Tony Stark with damaged Iron Man suit in Iron Man 3

Was Iron Man The Villain Of His Own MCU Story?

Tony Stark in space in Avengers Endgame

From the very beginning of his MCU career, Iron Man routinely created his own villains, and unwittingly put the world at risk on several occasions. Stane became the Iron Monger out of his jealousy towards Stark, Vanko's Whiplash seeked vengeance for his father, who'd been ousted by Howard Stark, and Stark's belittling of Aldrich Killian led to his actions in Iron Man 3. Stark also created Ultron, created the opportunity for Thanos' attack, sent Quentin Beck down a villainous path and fueled the Vulture's nefarious actions in Spider-Man: Homecoming. While Iron Man left the MCU as a powerful hero, some may argue that he was also the franchise's longest-running villain.

Hawkeye and Iron Man in Avengers Endgame