MCU Discloses Iron Man's Near Miss on Its Most Crucial Scene
Discover the untold story behind Iron Man's origins as MCU teases a pivotal scene that almost didn't make the cut, potentially altering the entire course of the superhero's journey
Article Overview
Iron Man's first suit-building scene almost didn't make it into the film, but concept art convinced the studio to include it.
The content not only displayed Tony's inventiveness and ingenuity but also foreshadowed his potential for developing cutting-edge technology later on.
Moreover, this sequence forged a connection between Tony and Ho Yinsen, revealing a more vulnerable aspect of Iron Man and adding a human touch to the character.
Marvel Studios nearly eliminated one of Iron Man's most significant scenes. As the first hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark appeared in numerous films and played a vital role in the overarching narrative until his character's demise in Avengers: Endgame. Throughout his more than a decade-long tenure in the MCU, Iron Man had several memorable moments, ranging from comedic to heart-wrenching. Despite his presence during crucial instances in the Infinity Saga, some of his finest scenes can still be traced back to his origin movie.
In 2008, Jon Favreau launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of Iron Man. While this film laid the groundwork for the franchise, its production was far from meticulously planned. The making of the movie is legendary, with Downey and Favreau writing the script while filming and improvising scenes that later became iconic moments in the MCU. Even after 15 years since its premiere, the first Iron Man remains one of the most significant projects in the universe. However, if Marvel Studios had stuck to its original plan, the film would have lost one of its most remarkable moments.
Iron Man Almost Didn't Show The First Suit Being Built
In the book Marvel Studios' The Infinity Saga - Iron Man: The Art of the Movie, it is revealed that the process of Tony building Mark I almost didn't make it onto the screen. There wasn't a concrete plan to include it in the film, which aligns with the simultaneous writing and filming approach taken. However, when Ryan Meinerding, Marvel Studios' Head of Visual Development, presented concept art showcasing Stark's resourceful construction methods with limited materials, Favreau and Kevin Feige were convinced to incorporate the building procedure into the movie. The excerpt from the book states:
"During the development of the Mark I armor, it was uncertain whether the construction process would be featured in the film. As a result, Meinerding created several illustrations (shown below, left) that hinted at Stark's innovative solutions using the materials available to him."
Why Iron Man Needed All Of Its Suit-Building Scenes
Iron Man takes a dramatic turn after its initial anguished start, delving into Tony's abduction by the Ten Rings. Regarded as one of the most somber moments in the MCU, Marvel Studios depicts the Avenger undergoing actual torture. Determined to escape, Tony embarks on the creation of the Mark I suit, showcasing his exceptional ingenuity. This captivating sequence not only entertains but also enlightens viewers on Tony's resourcefulness, making it more plausible for them to accept his subsequent achievements, such as building a nano-tech suit and unraveling the concept of time travel.
Moreover, this sequence serves as a foundation for the relationship between Tony and Ho Yinsen, portrayed by Shaun Toub. For the first time in the MCU, Iron Man exposes his vulnerable side, demonstrating that despite his wealth and knowledge, he relies on the support of others. Witnessing Tony develop a profound sense of gratitude towards Yinsen humanizes him. This encounter alters Tony's perspective, inspiring him to dedicate his efforts to rectifying past mistakes and serving a greater purpose.
The newest edition of Marvel Studios' The Infinity Saga - Iron Man: The Art of the Movie releases November 14, 2023.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I would like to express my opinions and feelings about the article.
First of all, I think it's really interesting to learn about the behind-the-scenes process of making a Marvel movie. I had no idea that the scene where Tony Stark builds the Mark I suit almost didn't make it into the film. I think it's a really important scene because it shows Tony's ingenuity and resourcefulness, and it also helps to establish his relationship with Ho Yinsen.
I also think it's cool to see how the concept art helped to convince the studio to include the scene. It's clear that the artists put a lot of thought into the design of the suit, and it really helped to bring Tony's vision to life.
Overall, I think this article is a really interesting look at the making of one of the most iconic scenes in the MCU. I'm glad that the studio decided to include it, and I think it's a scene that will continue to be remembered for years to come.
