Riri Williams aka Ironheart made her stunning debut in the MCU in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. While the character is already looking to stand out on her own, she also looks to carry on the legacy of Tony Stark aka Iron Man.
However, looking back on Tony’s past in the MCU, he might not be the hero worth looking up to after all. Some key quotes highlight a darker and more destructive side of Tony that fans might have missed. From his reckless ambition to the way he treats other heroes, Iron Man has proven he might be closer to a villain than a hero.
“We’re Mad Scientists.”
Tony Stark – Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
There is a shocking amount of villains in the MCU that Tony is directly responsible for creating. This is very literally true in the case of Ultron as he attempts to build an A.I. system to protect the world but creates a robot that is set on destroying it.
But even after making such a huge blunder, Tony is eager to do it again in his attempt to create Vision. While he happens to be right in this case, his justification that he is a “mad scientist” suggests he feels that the damage he causes is a fair price to pay for his creations.
“I Will Be Reinstating Prima Nocta.”
Tony Stark – Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
Fans have pointed to plenty of cringeworthy aspects of Avengers: Age of Ultron and a lot of it has to do with Tony’s humor. While he has always been blunt and controversial with the things he says, one joke was particularly creepy.
When Tony suggests he will become ruler of Asgard if he can lift Thor’s hammer, Tony jokes that he will be reinstating “prima nocta.” Anyone familiar with this custom in history will surely wonder why a supposed hero in the MCU would make such a comment.
“I’ll See You Up On The Roof In Five Minutes.”
Tony Stark – Iron Man 3 (2013)
Another villain that Tony helped create was Aldrich Killian, the man in charge of A.I.M. and responsible for the fake Mandarin. Instead of Tony creating him out of his own hubris or ambition, it was his cruelty that turn Killian.
After Killian harmlessly approaches Tony about getting involved with his company, Tony asks to meet him on the roof with no intention of going. It is an unnecessarily mean-spirited act that shows Tony’s lack of consideration for others.
“I Don’t Care He Killed My Mom.”
Tony Stark – Captain America: Civil War (2016)
There have been several MCU villains with a vendetta against the heroes and Tony becomes one such villain in Captain America: Civil War. Upon finding out that Bucky killed his parents while brainwashed, Tony seeks revenge.
While his anger and grief are understandable, Tony seems to admit he is acting on rage more than logic. Tony seems to understand that what he is doing is senseless but is still willing to kill Bucky.
“Let’s Kick His Ass.”
Tony Stark – Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Given the friendship between Steve and Bucky, it is not surprising that Steve sticks up for his friend. But while Steve is fighting Tony in order to stop him, Tony seems ready to do some real damage.
After taking a beating, Tony has his A.I. analyze Steve’s fighting style and then tells it to “Kick his ass.” Despite admitting that they were friends a moment ago, Tony is merciless in wanting to hurt Steve.
“Give Me A Phat Beat To Beat My Buddies Ass To.”
Tony Stark – Iron Man 2 (2010)
As it turns out, Steve Rogers isn’t the only friend that Tony is willing to beat up. The fight between Tony and Rhodey in Iron Man 2 is even more unnecessary. And once again, Rhodey is simply fighting Tony because he is out of control.
Using his Iron Man suit in reckless and dangerous ways, Rhodey rationally implores Tony to stop, but when he makes a final threat, Tony seems gleeful at the idea of beating up his friend. His arrogance and ego take him to some dangerous places where he is willing to hurt someone that he cares about.
“I’m Starting To Want You To Make Me.”
Tony Stark – The Avengers (2012)
Given the big personalities among the Avengers, it is no surprise that the team members clash when they initially meet. But while Tony begins as simply at odds with Steve Rogers, that grows to him becoming genuinely hostile to the war hero.
Steve becomes increasingly annoyed with Tony’s recklessness in The Avengers, particularly pushing Banner to Hulk out simply for the fun of it. But when Steve tells Tony off, he becomes a petulant child who immediately challenges Steve to a fight.
“You Don’t Deserve It.”
Tony Stark – Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Though Tony is the one who seems more ruthless in their fight, Steve is the one who emerges victorious. In a display of his more heroic side, Steve simply disables Tony’s suit and begins to leave with Bucky.
But the defeat doesn’t help Tony see the error of his ways as he shouts after Steve that he doesn’t deserve to carry the shield Howard Stark made. For Tony to criticize Steve as a hero shows just how wrong he is at this moment and it is only amplified when Steve willingly lets the shield go, allowing Tony that one victory.
“I Prefer The Weapon You Only Have To Fire Once.”
Tony Stark – Iron Man (2008)
Tony’s past as a weapon manufacturer certainly hints that he might be an MCU character that fans shouldn’t idolize. Not only did he willingly profit off of war and destruction, but he also seemed to boast about it. During a weapon demonstration in Iron Man, Tony admits he prefers the weapon that only needs to be fired once.
Rather than simply strive for a world where he could build something else, Tony wants to make something that is so devastating to an enemy that they are no longer able to fight against it. The pride with which he delivers these remarks makes it especially disturbing.
“I Got Nothing For You, Cap.”
Tony Stark – Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Given their falling out, Steve and Tony are not together when they face Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. They only reunite in Avengers: Endgame following their respective defeats. But at this moment in which everyone still alive in the universe has lost, Tony decides to take his anger out on Steve.
As Steve asks for help in tracking down Thanos, Tony shuts him down, making a universal crisis about his issues with Steve. It is a shockingly immature moment for the hero at a time when such behavior is damaging.
