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List of characters in the Iron Man film series

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Jan 25, 2010, 2:53:57 AM1/25/10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_characters_in_the_Iron_Man_film_series

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==Tony Stark/Iron Man==
In 2008, a film adaptation titled ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'' was
released starring [[Robert Downey Jr.]] as [[Iron Man|Tony Stark]].
Downey will reprise the role in ''[[Iron Man 2]]'', which has been set
for a 2010 release and will be directed by Jon Favreau.<ref>{{cite
news |first=Steve |last=Gorman |title=Marvel plans "Iron Man" sequel |
url=http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSN0529401020080505?
sp=true |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=2008-05-05 |
accessdate=2008-06-21}}</ref> Downey Jr. has now also signed up for a
second sequel and an adaptation of ''The Avengers''.{{Citation needed|
date=October 2008}} The character of Tony Stark, again played by
Robert Downey Jr., also appears at the end of the 2008 film ''[[The
Incredible Hulk (film)|The Incredible Hulk]]''.

A billionaire [[industrialist]], genius inventor, and consummate
playboy, he is [[CEO]] of [[Stark Industries]], a chief weapons
manufacturer for the U.S. military. The son of a [[Manhattan Project]]
engineer, [[Howard Stark]], he is an engineering [[child prodigy|
prodigy]], having built a circuit board at four years old and an
engine at six, as well as graduating from [[MIT]] ''[[Latin honors|
summa cum laude]]'' at the age of 17. He takes charge of Stark
Industries at the age of 21 from Stane, who had been in control of the
company since Howard's death. Favreau had planned to cast a newcomer
in the role,<ref>{{cite news|last=Stax |title=The Unknown Iron Man |
publisher=[[IGN]] |date=2006-05-24 |url=http://uk.movies.ign.com/
articles/709/709941p1.html |accessdate=2006-12-06}}</ref> but
ultimately chose Downey (a fan of the comic)<ref name="bond">{{cite
news|last=Bowles |first=Scott |title=First look: Downey forges a bond
with ''Iron Man'' role |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=2007-04-26 |
url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-04-26-iron-man_N.htm?
csp=34 |accessdate=2007-12-13}}</ref> because he felt the actor's past
made him an appropriate choice for the part. "The best and worst
moments of Robert's life have been in the public eye," the director
explained. "He had to find an inner balance to overcome obstacles that
went far beyond his career. That's Tony Stark. Robert brings a depth
that goes beyond a comic book character who is having trouble in high
school, or can't get the girl."<ref name="bond"/> Favreau also felt
Downey could make Stark a "likable asshole", but also depict an
authentic emotional journey once he won over the audience.<ref
name="fire">{{cite news|last=Allsletter |first=Rob |title=Iron Man's
Jon Favreau |publisher=Comics Continuum |date=2008-03-03 |url=http://
www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0803/03/jonfavreau.htm |
accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref> Downey had an office next to Favreau
during pre-production, which allowed him greater involvement in the
screenwriting process.<ref name="mask">{{cite news|last=Ambrose |
first=Tom |title=The Man In The Iron Mask |page=69 |publisher=[[Empire
(magazine)|Empire]] |date=2007-07-26}}</ref> He brought a deeper sense
of humor to the film not present in previous drafts of the script.<ref
name="fly">{{cite news|last=Hewitt |first=Chris |title=Super Fly Guy |
publisher=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=April 2008 |pages=66–72}}
</ref> He explained, "What I usually hate about these [superhero]
movies [is] when suddenly the guy that you were digging turns into
[[Dudley Do-Right]], and then you're supposed to buy into all his
'Let's go do some good!' That [[Eliot Ness]]-in-a-cape-type thing.
What was really important to me was to not have him change so much
that he's unrecognizable. When someone used to be a schmuck and
they're not anymore, hopefully they still have a sense of humor."<ref>
{{cite news|last=Carroll |first=Larry |title=''Iron Man'' Star Robert
Downey Jr. Talks About ''Incredible Hulk'' Cameo, Controversial
''Tropic Thunder'' Pics |publisher=[[MTV]] |date=2008-03-18 |
url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1583534/story.jhtml |
accessdate=2008-03-18}}</ref> To prepare, Downey spent five days a
week [[weight training]] and practiced [[martial arts]] to get into
shape,<ref name="bond"/> which benefitted him because "it's hard not
to have a personality meltdown [...] after about several hours in that
suit. I'm calling up every [[therapy|therapeutic]] moment I can think
of to just get through the day."<ref name="pump">{{cite news|
last=Shapiro |first=Marc |title=Pumping Iron |publisher=[[Starlog]] |
date=April 2008 |pages=47–50}}</ref>

===Iron Man's armor===
Three types of [[Iron Man's armor|Iron Man armor]] appear in the 2008
[[Iron Man (film)|''Iron Man'' film]]. As in the comics, the first
armor which Stark builds while in captivity is crude and bulky. It had
the ability to amplify Stark's strength tremendously and was armed
with flamethrowers and a missile launcher and had a limited rocket
jump capacity to allow Stark to exit the immediate hostile area and
escape. The rockets failed shortly after the start, however; the suit
shattered upon landing and Stark was forced to abandon it to attempt
to reach friendly territory. Later, Stark's enemies found the
abandoned armor and it served as the base design for the [[Iron
Monger]].

Upon returning home, Stark developed a sleeker, polished silver (bare
metal) Mark II prototype version with improved flight capability, but
it was prone to icing when attempting to test high altitudes. The
testing led to the streamlined and armed Mark III red/gold armor. The
gold Mark III armor was built with a gold-titanium alloy (a fictional
composite used in the Seraphim series of Stark Industries' satellites)
to resolve the freezing problem. In the film, it appears that this
material not only prevents the armor's systems from freezing at high
altitudes, but is also extremely durable while maintaining the weight
ratio of the Mark II. It was able to withstand small arms fire, an
explosion from a tank shell (the shell exploded in close proximity to
Stark, resulting in a fall from several thousand feet up), followed by
hits by 20mm Vulcan shells and a high speed collision with a [[F-22
Raptor]] with only minimal cosmetic damage.

All three of the armor suits are powered by a miniature arc reactor, a
fictional clean energy source, which is also used to power the
[[electromagnet]] that protects Stark's heart from the [[Shrapnel
shell|shrapnel]] embedded in his chest. The final armor included anti-
tank missiles that launch from the suit's forearms, steering and
retrothrust jets in the palms which could double as repulsors (early
in the film, Stark mentions that the Jericho missiles utilize his
company's repulsor technology), small anti-personnel guns in the
shoulders which could be individually targeted for a simultaneous
attack, flare launchers on the hips, and a uni-beam projector in the
center of his chest. Furthermore, Mark II and III operate with remote
assistance from Stark's artificial intelligence [[Edwin Jarvis|
JARVIS]] (voiced by [[Paul Bettany]]), who manages the armor's systems
at Stark's command, and they also have a holographic Heads Up Display
[HUD]. These armors also have variable control surfaces for active
flight control, which are controlled by JARVIS to automatically
stabilize the suit in flight. All three suits are able to protect
their occupant from the effects of extreme [[g-force]]s.

The first prototype is based on the original gray suit from Iron Man's
first appearance, while the Mark III armor's look is inspired by the
modern Extremis armor.

A production photo of ''[[Iron Man 2]]'' shows that Stark has
recovered the Mark I as one of the displays within his workshop along
with Mark II, the remains of Mark III and other prototypes.<ref>http://
www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0905/01/ironman2.jpg</ref>
In the Marvel Comics Booth at Comic-Con 2009, there was a display of
the armors from the first film, and as a bonus, the very first look at
the Mark IV armor from ''[[Iron Man 2]]''. It is said to be lighter,
more form-fitting, and more aero-dynamic than the previous armor.
Recent photos have also shown the Mark VI armor, which features a
triangular chest piece similar to the one on the extremis armor of the
comics.

==Supporting characters==
===Nick Fury===
A [[post-credits scene]] in the movie ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron
Man]]'' (2008) depicts [[Nick Fury]] in Tony Stark's home where he
tries to recruit Iron Man for the Avengers. Fury was played by
[[Samuel L. Jackson]]. Jackson's appearance and screen persona were
based on the [[Ultimate Marvel]] version of [[Ultimate Nick Fury|the
character]].<ref>[http://www.samuelljackson.com/index.php?
option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=44 Samuel L. Jackson's
Official Site - August 2005 Interview]</
ref> Jackson will reprise his role in the upcoming sequel, ''[[Iron
Man 2]]''.Samuel L. Jackson is also signed onto to reprise the role in
nine more Marvel movies, including ''[[Iron Man 2]]''.<ref>http://
www.marvelousnews.com/index.php?catid=23&itemid=12023</ref>

===Happy Hogan===
[[Happy Hogan|Hogan]] appears in the live-action [[Iron Man (film)|
Iron Man]] film played by [[Jon Favreau]], who also directed the film.
Although he appears briefly in a few scenes, he is shown to be Stark's
bodyguard, friend and chauffeur, much like the comics' version. While
his relationship with Pepper Potts is not touched upon in the film, he
is seen briefly talking with her at a party. In the novelization of
the film by [[Peter David]], there is a scene that was not included in
the film where Happy speaks with [[War Machine|James Rhodes]] during
Tony's disappearance, and he notes his concern about Pepper's
emotional state.

Favreau confirmed that he will be reprising the role of Hogan in
''[[Iron Man 2]]''. While promoting the first film, [[Robert Downey
Jr.]] hinted at the possibility of Pepper falling in love with Happy.
{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}

===(Edwin) Jarvis===
[[Edwin Jarvis|Jarvis]] appears as an [[Artificial intelligence|A.I.]]
in the [[2008 in film|2008]] film ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'',
running the internal systems of Tony Stark's home and being uploaded
into his armor to help him. He can converse with Stark with
considerable sophistication and is sarcastic concerning his creator's
recklessness. He is voiced by [[Paul Bettany]], who admits he had
little idea of what the role was even as he recorded it, simply doing
it as a favor for his friend, director [[Jon Favreau]].<ref>Huver,
Scott. [http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7224 "Paul
Bettany on Voicing Iron Man's Jarvis"], SuperHeroHype.com (May 16,
2008).] Accessed Dec. 4, 2008.</ref> In [[Peter David]]'s novelization
of the film, Jarvis is revealed as an acronym for "Just A Really Very
Intelligent System."<ref>David, Peter. ''Iron Man''. Del Ray (2008).</
ref> Bettany will return to voice Jarvis in ''[[Iron Man 2]]''.<ref>
[http://www.getthebigpicture.net/blog/2009/1/12/paul-bettany-will-take-
orders-from-iron-man-again.html Paul Bettany Will Take Orders from
Iron Man Again]</ref> Following the film, Jarvis also became an A.I.
in the comics, operating the suit of armor piloted by Pepper Potts.
<ref>The Invincible Iron Man #13</ref>

===Pepper Potts===
[[Gwyneth Paltrow]] portrays the [[Pepper Potts|character]] in the
2008 ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'' [[feature film]]. She serves a
central role in the film as Stark's personal secretary, who is
impressed by her employer's improved attitude and moral stance upon
returning from his imprisonment in [[Afghanistan]].

Paltrow is to reprise the role in ''[[Iron Man 2]].'' In the film,
Potts will be promoted as Stark Industries' CEO.<ref>[http://
popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/07/this-weeks-cover-iron-man-2.html This
week's cover: 'Iron Man 2' with exclusive photos! | PopWatch Blog |
EW.com]</ref>

===Jim Rhodes/War Machine===
[[Terrence Howard]] portrays [[War Machine|James Rhodes]] in the
[[Iron Man (film)|2008 ''Iron Man'' film]].<ref>[http://
forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=87090 Newsarama]</ref> In the
film, Rhodes is a [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]]
[[Lieutenant Colonel]], who serves as the military's chief liaison to
Stark Industries. He is also Tony Stark's most trusted ally and best
friend. Rhodes is depicted in the film wearing a "[[MIT class ring|
Brass Rat]]", the MIT school ring, indicating that in the film, he and
Stark were graduates of the same college,<ref>[http://
www.ironmanmovie.com/ Official movie site]</ref> and on his other hand
he wears an Air Force Academy ring, suggesting that he received his
masters degree from MIT after earning a "grad school slot" for high
academic achievement while at USAFA. Though the War Machine armor
makes no appearance in the film, two nods to Rhodes being War Machine
were made. During a scene when Rhodes looks at the Iron Man Mark II
armor, he says "Next time, baby!" hinting Rhodes' future as War
Machine. The second nod to War Machine is made when animation of War
Machine's shoulder cannon appears during the film's end credits.
Director [[Jon Favreau]] told [[Ain't It Cool News]] that War Machine
would appear in the sequels and Howard was cast with this in mind.<ref>
[http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33521/ Ain't It Cool News: Quint and
Terrence Howard chat about James Rhodes, Marvel and IRON MAN!!!]</
ref>

[[Don Cheadle]] portrays James Rhodes in the 2010 sequel ''[[Iron Man
2]]''. After a contract dispute involving Terrence Howard, the part of
Rhodes was recast and Cheadle was selected for the role.<ref name=thr>
{{cite web|work=THR|author=Borys Kit|url=http://
www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3ibc7ed676383467c2ef5b0b84b924a87b|title=Don
Cheadle joins 'Iron Man 2'|date=2008-10-14|accessdate=2008-10-17}}</
ref> The War Machine armor will be featured in the sequel and the
armor itself was revealed in footage shown at the 2009 [[San Diego
Comic-Con International|San Diego Comic-Con]]. Rhodes, as played by
Cheadle, is seen wearing the armor near the end of the film's first
trailer.

===Natalia Romanova/Black Widow===
In March 2009, [[Scarlett Johansson]] signed on to play [[Black Widow|
Black Widow]] in the film ''[[Iron Man 2]]''.<ref name="Nikki Finke">
{{cite news|author=Nikki Finke|title=Another Iron Man 2 Deal|
work=Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily|date=2009-03-11|url=http://
www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/another-iron-man-2-exclusive-scarlett-johannson-will-replace-emily-blunt-in-iron-man-2/|accessdate=2009-03-12}}</ref>
On July 16, 2009 the first look at Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow
was released by Entertainment Weekly.<ref>[http://i293.photobucket.com/
albums/mm48/DXN_MOVIES/blackwidow---johansson.jpg Scarlett Johansson
as Black Widow]</ref>

===Howard Stark===
[[Howard Stark]] is shown during a brief slideshow presentation in the
beginning of the ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'' film portrayed by
[[Gerard Sanders]]. He died, along with his wife, in a car accident
many years before the events of the film depicted. Like in the comics,
Howard is mentioned to have helped with the Manhattan Project. Also,
the film version of Howard Stark was friends with [[Obadiah Stane]].
When the film rights to Iron Man belonged to [[New Line Cinema]],
early scripts had Iron Man pitted against Howard, who would become
[[War Machine]].

Howard Stark will appear in ''[[Iron Man 2]]'' played by [[John
Slattery]].

===(Ho) Yinsin===
In the 2008 film ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'', '''[[Ho Yinsen|
Yinsen]]''' (his [[first name]] is never given in the film) is
portrayed by actor [[Shaun Toub]]. In the film, he is a doctor and
engineer from a small fictional village in [[Afghanistan]] called
Gulmira and is captured by the local branch of an international
[[terrorist]] group called "[[Mandarin (comics)#Film|The Ten Rings]]"
sometime before the film. Yinsen meets Tony Stark when he too is
kidnapped by the group. Yinsen constructs a makeshift electromagnet,
powered by a car battery, which he implants into Stark's chest as a
way to prevent shrapnel, lodged into Tony's chest during his
kidnapping, from entering his [[heart]] and killing him. Under
captivity, Stark and Yinsen are ordered by the terrorists to build a
missile similar to the kind Stark was demonstrating to the US military
or they will be killed. However, both men know that they will be
murdered either way and plan an escape instead.

Yinsen assists Stark in secretly creating his prototype Iron Man armor
as a means of escape and also helps Stark to build a prototype power
source for the electromagnet that is more powerful and compact. While
working together the two men bond. Yinsen notes that he and Tony
actually met briefly at a conference in [[Bern]], though he
understands that Stark doesn't remember as he was drunk at the time.
When Tony asks about Yinsen's family, Yinsen merely notes, "I will see
them when I leave this place." Yinsen also points out the damage
wreaked upon the region by the terrorists, using Stark's own weapons,
and asks if this is what he wishes "the legacy of the great Tony
Stark" to be.

When the armor is finally completed, Yinsen helps Tony into the suit
and preps it for activation. However, when the terrorists get wind of
their plan, Yinsen realizes that they need more time for the suit's
software to fully load. In order to buy Stark extra time, Yinsen grabs
an [[assault rifle]] and chases the terrorists away from their
workshop but quickly finds himself surrounded and out-gunned. When the
suit is fully powered up, Stark easily fights his way through the
cave, but finds a mortally wounded Yinsen lying near the entrance.
With his dying breath Yinsen explains to Stark that his family had
already died and that he is now going to meet them. When Tony thanks
him for saving his life, Yinsen tells Stark "Don't waste your life."
He dies immediately after, and an enraged Stark destroys the terrorist
camp and their stockpile of Stark Industries weapons before escaping.

Like the comics, Stark's experience in captivity along with Yinsen's
sacrifice force him to reevaluate his moral stance. Later in the film,
when Stark sees a news report detailing the Ten Rings's raid of
Gulmira, Yinsen's village, Stark dons the completed version of his
Iron Man armor for the first time and drives them out.

==Villains==
{{main|List of Iron Man enemies}}

===Justin Hammer===
[[Sam Rockwell]] will play [[Justin Hammer]] in ''[[Iron Man
2]]''<ref>http://www.cinematical.com/2009/01/16/sam-rockwell-confirms-
himself-for-iron-man-2/</ref>, set to open in theaters in
2010.<ref>http://www.superherohype.com/news/ironmannews.php?id=7689</
ref> Given Rockwell's age, the creators decided to make Justin Hammer
a more direct competitor/rival of Tony Stark, thus the character was
re-written to match Tony in age.

===Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger===
[[Jeff Bridges]] plays [[Iron Monger|Obadiah Stane]] in the 2008 film
''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]''. At first he works for Tony Stark
always trying to make more money. When Tony comes back after being
captured he shuts down his weapon company which makes Obadiah very
concerned about his future there. Obadiah tells Tony "we're iron
mongers" which is the only time the name is referred to. Later on he
steals the plans for the Iron Man armor to create the Iron Monger
armor. He and Iron Man have a battle which leads to Obadiah's apparent
death.

[[Pepper Potts]] will replace Stane as CEO of Stark Industries in
''[[Iron Man 2]].''<ref>[http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/07/this-
weeks-cover-iron-man-2.html This week's cover: 'Iron Man 2' with
exclusive photos! | PopWatch Blog | EW.com]</ref>

===Mandarin (The Ten Rings)===
The [[Mandarin (comics)|Mandarin]] is referenced in the 2008 live
action Iron Man movie via the name of the terrorist group "The Ten
Rings." Director [[Jon Favreau]] revealed that their version of the
Mandarin in the live action Iron Man movie series "allows us to
incorporate the whole pantheon of villains".<ref>{{cite news|
title=Live chat with Jon Favreau today at 11am Pacific Time|work=[[Los
Angeles Times]]|date=2008-10-01|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/
herocomplex/2008/10/live-chat-with.html|accessdate=2008-10-03}}</ref>

Jon Favreau said it was his intent to create a film trilogy for Iron
Man,<ref>{{cite news |author=Eric Vespe |title=Quint visits the IRON
MAN production offices! Art! Favreau speaks about sequels (?!?),
casting and more!!! |work=[[Ain't It Cool News]] |date=2007-02-09 |
url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/31525 |accessdate=2009-03-30}}</
ref> with Obadiah Stane ([[Jeff Bridges]]) becoming [[Iron Monger]]
during the sequels. However, Stane became the main villain in ''Iron
Man'' after a meeting between Favreau and various comic book writers,
including [[Mark Millar]]. Millar argued the [[Mandarin (comics)|
Mandarin]], whom Favreau originally intended to be the main villain,
was too fantastical.<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Rich Johnston]] |
title=Lying in the Gutters Volume 2 Column 156 |publisher=[[Comic Book
Resources]] |date=2008-05-06 |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?
page=article&id=16292 |accessdate=2009-03-30}}</ref> Favreau
concurred, deciding "I look at Mandarin more like how in ''[[Star
Wars]]'' you had the [[Palpatine|Emperor]], but [[Darth Vader]] is the
guy you want to see fight. Then you work your way to the time when
lightning bolts are shooting out of the fingers and all that stuff
could happen. But you can't have what happened in ''[[Star Wars
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi|Return of the Jedi]]'' happen in
''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope|A New Hope]]''. You just can't do
it."<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Rob Worley]] |title=Iron Man: Favreau
on films, fans, and Fin Fang Foom |work=Mania |date=2007-09-08 |
url=http://www.mania.com/iron-man-favreau-film-fans-fin-fang-
foom_article_90337.html |accessdate=2009-03-30}}</ref>

===Ivan Vanko/Whiplash===
[[Mickey Rourke]] will play [[Blacklash|Whiplash]] in the upcoming
[[feature film]] ''[[Iron Man 2]]''. This version incorporates
elements of the Iron Man foe, the [[Crimson Dynamo]].<ref>{{cite news|
author=Michael Fleming, Marc Graser|title=Mickey Rourke set for 'Iron
Man 2'|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=2009-03-11|url=http://
www.variety.com/article/VR1118001114.html|accessdate=2009-03-11}}</ref>
His alter ego will be named Ivan Vanko, who in the film will be the
son of Anton Vanko, the original Dynamo in the comics.

==Organizations==
===S.H.I.E.L.D.===
In the 2008 ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'' film, the
''[[S.H.I.E.L.D.|Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and
Logistics Division]]'' is introduced as a U.S. government agency.
Agent Phil Coulson repeatedly attempts to talk to [[Iron Man|Tony
Stark]] about Stark's escape from [[Afghanistan]]. Later on, [[Pepper
Potts]] informs Agent Coulson of [[Iron Monger|Obadiah Stane]]'s
armor. Coulson and several other agents attempt to arrest Stane, but
are defeated. Coulson later comes up with a cover story for Stark, one
which Stark refuses to use. After the credits, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director
[[Nick Fury]] ([[Samuel L. Jackson]]) appears, informing Stark of the
Avenger Initiative. Throughout the film, it became a running gag that
when Coulson tries to talk to either Pepper or Stark, he always says
the agency's full name. However, at the end, when Pepper goes to say
the full name, Coulson interrupts her saying they should be just
called ''"S.H.I.E.L.D."'' for short.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Iron Man films|Characters]]
[[Category:Lists of Marvel Comics film characters|Iron Man]]
[[Category:Iron Man lists|Characters in the film series]]

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